MESSAGE FROM YOUR AMTA-MA CHAPTER PRESIDENT

“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun.” ~ Mary Poppins

Hello Members and friends! I am honored and excited to be addressing you as the new President of the AMTA-Massachusetts Chapter. I would like to start off by thanking our immediate past president, Nichole Cross, for her dedicated service as President these past four (4) organizational years. Her leadership and commitment to advance the goals of the chapter have not gone unnoticed. I wish Nichole the best in her next phase of service as Chapter Secretary.

I would also like to thank Debbie Baker for her many years of service with the Education committee; so many years planning and organizing all the moving pieces to bring presenters, venues, and events together so that you, the members, have the most seamless experience of attaining quality education while bringing our massage therapy community together throughout each year in different regions of our Commonwealth.

In 12 years as an AMTA volunteer, I have served three (3) different New England-based state chapters and two (2) national committees. With every committee and chapter board of directors I had the opportunity to be a part of, each had its own unique “team” feel.

The decision to run for the Chapter President position with AMTA-Massachusetts was simple. This was a community that fit me best, from connections made with members, attending meetings and hosted events, always feeling informed on the latest updates affecting our profession through government relations and our lobbyist, to the AMTA volunteers who step up to make things happen for “community, advocacy, and advancement to lead the massage profession”. Looking ahead at this new phase of my volunteer experience, I will do my best to make those who have preceded me proud of my efforts. I am excited to continue to work with the Chapter’s Board of Directors and committee leaders. On an individual basis, they are all highly accomplished and smart, when working collectively they rise to another level.

With that said, I am confident that all the Chapter’s committees will produce excellent work in the upcoming year. If you haven’t done so already, I ask that everyone consider joining or serving on a committee. Many of the local benefits we receive come from the hard work done by the committees made up of dedicated chapter volunteers who steer the chapter for you, putting on events to continue to build our community. It is amazing to work alongside these individuals. As a team, the effort is a synergistic blend of work and fun.

As with most people who know me within our organization, locally and nationally, I am more of an “actions over words” kind of person, and I hope that shows throughout the coming years in this lead role for the Chapter. I am looking forward to connecting with everyone at Chapter events, both in-person and virtual, membership meet-ups, fall/winter/spring education events, National Convention in Tampa this September, various networking opportunities, membership meetings, and of course the Chapter’s next annual conference. I am excited for us to have a fantastic year ahead.

Enjoy your summer of 2024 and we hope to see you soon.

Be well,
Jessica N. Ferrer, Chapter President
June 2024