We find comfort among those who

agree with us -- growth among

those who don't.

Frank A. Clark

President’s Message March 2007

Meeting Minutes 2

Four State Conference 3 & 4

Call for Candidates 5

Treasurer’s Report 5

What’s Going On? 6

Government Relations Report 7

Calendar of Events 8

Inside this issue:

I hope that this finds you healthy and well. There are a lot of things going on in the Oklahoma Chapter of the AMTA! We have had the opportunity to work with IMA, ABMP and other therapists in The Oklahoma Massage Coalition on legislative efforts. We have a couple of great On-Site opportunities coming up and we are in the midst of planning of the next Four State Conference this year in Tulsa! The web pages are up and we are very excited to report that registrations, sponsors, prize donators and exhibitors are already signing up. It is amazing that close to 10% of our membership are active volunteers. They have been busting their tail feathers, putting in many hours on these projects and we really appreciate each of them.

There are many opportunities to be involved with projects in the Oklahoma Chapter of the AMTA. This June at the Four State Conference, we will be holding our annual state meeting. This will give us a great opportunity to reconnect with members that we haven’t seen for a while. We hope that you will enjoy the continuing education, drop by the Trade Show and attend our Annual Chapter meeting, vote, run for an office, or just speak your peace and have some positive input into “our” chapter. There are always opportunities in the chapter committees

for people to be involved, and there will be volunteer positions available in chapter leadership. (See Pg. 5!)

The AMTA, on a national and state chapter level can be compared to a flock of geese. Usually we can see them flying in a “V” formation, but there are some rather interesting reasons that they fly that way. By flying in that arrangement, the flock adds over 70% more flying range for the entire flock, because when each goose flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the goose behind it. Also, if the lead goose gets tired, it can fall back in the formation, and take advantage of the collective efforts of the flock. Another fact about geese is that when they are in their formation, the geese in the back are doing the honking – encouraging those ahead of them to keep going, and keep their speed. Words of support and inspiration help energize those on the front line, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue. It is important that our honking be encouraging. Otherwise it's just - well honking!

If we have the sense of a Goose, we will stand by each other when things get rough. We will stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. Isn’t nature a magnificent teacher?

A lot of volunteer hours are spent outside of practice hours, but being a chapter volunteer does not mean that you need to sacrifice a lot of time, or a lot of business opportunities. Many volunteer opportunities consist of communication – phone calls and emails – letting the rest of the “flock” know that they are there and are important! Remember – a single goose can migrate south for the winter, but their trip can be made exponentially easier, the more geese that are involved with their flock! Let’s all get back in formation!

Christopher Deery, NCTMB President, AMTA-OK

Page 2 OKLAHOMA UPDATE

February 18, 2007 AMTAOK chapter meeting held in OKC @ 1pm

AMTAOK Chapter Notes located at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in OKC on 2/19/07 (1-3pm) Attendees were: Pres. Christopher Deery, IPP Jeff Smoot 1st Vice Pres Xerlan Geiser, 2nd VP Scott Rayburn, Sec. Lynne Kincaid, Tres, Gayla Henderson, 3rd VP Christine Patton, Delegate George Van Dusen, Members Rocky Chen and Pat Hazelwood

1.) Minutes from last meeting were approved. A.) Gayla Henderson moved-----Jeff Smoot 2nd-------------vote was unanimous

2.) Reference to Policy Manual concerning the Secretary - he/she is to have the notes posted to the board to view within 3 weeks after the meeting.

3.) Clarification: President sets the agenda so that any new business that is submitted will be placed on the following meeting agenda per President discretion.

4.) Presented budget was approval. A.) Lynne Kincaid moved ---- Xerlan Geiser 2nd ----------vote was unanimous.

4a.) Jeff Smoot suggested that $500.00 be transferred from AMTAOK savings account and be placed into AMTAOK checking account in order for Christopher Deery to attend the National Board Meeting to be held on March 3rd, 2007. 1.) Lynne Kincaid moved------Scott Rayburn 2nd----------vote was unanimous.

5.) Gayla Henderson will attend the next CVOP meeting from July 12th - 15th, 2007.

6.) Lynne Kincaid, current MERT Chair presented our opportunity to change from MERT to ERMI. All the facts were presented including the pros, cons and benefits of each. AMTA OK Chapter voted to disband MERT in favor of ERMI. A.) Christine Patton moved --- Gayla Henderson 2nd, ----vote was unanimous.

7.) Offices that are up for re-election to be voted on during the annual meeting June 2007 A.) 1st Vice President B.) 3rd Vice President C.) Secretary 8.) GR reports: A.) SB1035 to be changed to HB, once its approved in the House it will go back to the Senate for final approval.

9.) A.) The AMTA Four State Conference will be open for ALL Massage Therapists to attend due to the fact that The Assistant State Attorney General present made a statement at the last OBPVS board meeting that they would be stretching their definition of school to include the Four State Conference sponsored by the AMTA OK Chapter. A vote was taken and passed unanimously that the OBPVS did not have jurisdiction over the AMTA OK Chapter and their professional conferences. B.) All Four State packages will be ready for internet delivery for Sponsorships, Exhibitors, Educators and Massage Therapists by Thursday February 22, 2007.

10.) New business A.) Chair massage OATA in Stillwater May 19 - 20, 2007 contact Christopher Deery at 918-810-8798 B.) Chair massage OAFP in Tulsa, June 14 - 15, 2007 contact Xerlan Geiser at 918-810-8186 C.) Oklahoma Triathlon Club will host an Olympic qualifier. The Bricktown International Triathalon will be held in OKC on May 3th and 4th ,2008. If you would like to participate on the massage team please contact Rocky Chen at 405-923-9615.

11.) Meeting adjourned. A.) Gayla Henderson-----moved, Scott Rayburn 2nd -------voted unanimous

AMTA-OK Board of Directors

President: Christopher Deery 918-810-8798 Chris.Deery@yahoo.com Immediate Past President: Jeff Smoot 580-225-5225 DSmoot@sbcglobal.net 1st Vice President: Xerlan Geiser 918-810-8186 Xerlan@sbcglobal.net 2nd Vice President: Scott Rayburn 405-528-4840 waterock1@cox.net 3rd Vice Pres:Christine Patton 405-208-2779 Christinetpatton@yahoo.com Treasurer: Gayla Henderson 918-527-5900 Gaylammt@hotmail.com Secretary: Lynne Kincaid 918-890-2105 L2pin2@sbcglobal.net

Please email us or give us a call!

Page 3 OKLAHOMA UPDATE

Class Sizes May Be Limited. Full Details Available @ www.AMTAOK.org Saturday Morning:

1st Choice Alternate Whitney Lowe, NCTMB "Evaluation and Treatment of Nerve Injuries" All Day Class 7CEUs

Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMB "Fibromyalgia and the “Invisible” Diseases" 4 CEUs

Patricia Truchon-Weyers, MS, LPC "Boundaries in Crisis" 2 CEUs

Saturday Afternoon:

1st Choice Alternate Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMB "Cardiovascular Conditions" 4 CEUs R.Todd Petty, RPT "Measurements and Measurable Outcomes for Massage Therapy" 4 CEUs

Sunday Morning

1st Choice Alternate Ann Catlin, LMT, OTR "Compassionate Touch" All Day Class 7CEUs Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMB "The Ethics of Client Communication" 4 CEUs Whitney Lowe, NCTMB "Are you sure you have identified the right condition?" 4 CEUs

Sunday Afternoon

1st Choice Alternate Whitney Lowe, NCTMB "Introduction to Orthopedic Assessment Skills" 3CEUs

Ron Walker, ATC "Ethics of Athletics" 2 CEUs

Type of Registration:

Early Student Registration (before 4/30/07) - $149.00 Student Registration - $199.00

Early Member Registration (before 4/30/07) - $199.00 Member Registration - $249.00

Early Non-Member Registration (before 4/30/07) - $249.00 Non-Member Registration - $299.00

Name:__________________________________ AMTA Member # __________

Address:__________________________________________

City:_______________________ State:_____ Zip:__________

Phone:____________________________ Email:_____________________________

Daily Breakfast and Lunch Buffet with Vegetarian Options included with each registration.

Checks or Money Orders must be made out to AMTA OK Four State Conference & mail with this form to: Gayla Henderson Or you can sign up online and use Pay Pal at www.amtaok.org AMTA-OK Treasurer 9915 N 114th E Ave Owasso , OK 74055 Attn: 4-State Registration

Keynote Speaker

Erik Dalton, Ph.D.

Friday Evening 7pm

Tradeshow!

Anatomy Spelling Bee!

Lots of Neato Stuff!

June 22—24, 2007 Hosted by

AMTA Oklahoma Chapter Radisson Hotel Tulsa, OK

10918 East 41st Street (918) 627-5000

Page 4 OKLAHOMA UPDATE

Whitney Lowe, NCTMB www.OMERI.com Whitney has been actively involved in massage therapy education for over 15 years. He is the author of the books, Functional Assessment in Massage Therapy and Orthopedic Massage: Theory and Technique. He researches and authors articles on pain and injury assessment techniques in national journals and in his quarterly research newsletter, Orthopedic & Sports Massage Reviews. He developed the curriculum for the Clinical Massage Program at the Atlanta School of Massage, a 620 hour program specifically devoted to treating soft-tissue dysfunctions with massage therapy. Whitney has a strong academic background including graduate study in psychology, sports medicine and biomechanics. In addition, he has extensive clinical experience including work at the Emory Clinic Sports Medicine Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Whitney is a regularly-featured columnist for Massage Today. He teaches workshops across the country and internationally on orthopedic massage and assessment skills. He has been a valued faculty member at several massage schools and is currently the director of the Orthopedic Massage Education & Research Institute in Sisters, Oregon.

Ruth Werner, NCTMB www.RuthWerner.com I am a massage therapist. I went to massage school in 1984, before there was any such thing as education requirements or na-tional certification. While I was in school I was surprised to discover that I LOVED learning about anatomy-- as a theatre major in college, I had spent my academic career avoiding the sciences at all costs. I made another surprising discovery when I had the opportunity to tutor some students to get them caught up with the rest of the class: I have a talent for taking large, complex ideas, and breaking them down into small pieces that anyone can understand and put together. Massage education became my focus and my career path. Early in my training I became convinced that massage therapists simply weren't getting enough information about massage for clients who might struggle with complex conditions or diseases. This compulsion eventually led to my book, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, which is now in its 3rd edition and is used in massage schools all over the world. I share this information about my background and training (or lack thereof) to make an important point: my job is to wade through a lot of difficult, boring material to find the nuggets of information that could impact decisions for massage and bodywork. I have no formal medical training, just a passion for the information. And if I can understand this stuff, anyone can understand it.

Ann Catlin, LMT , OTR www.compassionate-touch.com Ann Catlin, LMT, OTR is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist, COMPASSIONATE TOUCH® Practitioner as well as a Registered Occupational Therapist. Her goal is to return the human touch to the compassionate care of the elderly, ill or dying person. For 27 years, Ann has cared for people of all ages who have physical and cognitiive disability, witnessing an array of ways these individuals cope with life changing illness. This professional experience taught her a great deal about the needs of the elderly and ill as well as the care settings in which many reside. But is was the individuals themselves who taught her about the transformative power of touch in care giving. In 1998, Ann entered massage therapy school, where she discovered COMPASSIONATE TOUCH®. Following study with Dawn Nelson, Founder of COMPASSIONATE TOUCH, she was certified as a Practitioner and in 2003 was appointed director of COMPASSIONATE TOUCH®. Ann now empowers massage therapists, health professionals and caregivers across the nation with knowledge, skill and sensitivity needed to provide compassionate care in the form of touch and massage.

Patricia Truchon-Weyers, MS, LPC, LADC, NCC, CDSVRP, CBHCMA • Master’s in Counseling Psychology • Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.) • Certified Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Professional (C.D.S.V.R.P.) • Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager-Adult (C.B.H.C.M.A.)

R.Todd Petty, RPT www.UticaTherapy.com R. Todd Petty, RPT - Physical Therapist Todd Petty has a wealth of experience in outpatient rehabilitation. Before joining the staff at UPT, Mr Petty was the Supervisor of Outpatient PT Services at George Nigh Rehabilitation at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Okmulgee, OK. for 4 years. Mr Petty's interests and experiences are are in Sports Rehabilitation, Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome, Shoulder Rehabilitation, Pre and Post Operative Rehabilitation. In addition, he has lectured on a number of topics such as ITB Dysfunction and Treatment, Scapular Stabilization, and Function Testing and Training with the Lower Extremities. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma Health and Sciences Center in 1990. Mr Petty is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Ron Walker, ATC University of Tulsa Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Athletic Trainer • Master of Education: Tulsa '96 • Bachelor of Science: Tulsa '95 • Director of Athletic Training Education Program, 2000-05 • President Elect, Oklahoma Athletic Trainers Association

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (L.A.D.C.) • Certifications National Certified Counselor (N.C.C.)

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 Page 5

Call For Candidates!

The offices of 1st Vice President, 3rd Vice President and Secretary are up for election at the annual meeting in Tulsa June 23, 2007. The meeting will be at 1pm at the Radisson Hotel at 10918 East 41st Street. If you are interested in any of these positions please contact Jeff Smoot at 580-225-5225 DSmoot@sbcglobal.net for more information. We want to make sure that everyone that meets the qualifications has an opportunity to run for office. Qualifications Our chapter standing rules state; First Vice President must have held a prior elected office or appointed Chair position and be a professional member in good standing. Third Vice President must be a professional member in good standing. Secretary must be a professional member in good standing.

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.

Great works are performed not by strength,

but by perseverance.

~Samuel Johnson

Position of Secretary/Treasurer: 1. Serve as a member of the Board. 2. Accept responsibilities of delegated by the President. 3. With President, conduct the business of the Chapter. 4. Record proceedings of Chapter Board meetings and

Chapter meetings. 5. Distribute minutes of Chapter Board meetings to board

members and Chapter meetings to the chapter.

Position of Vice President: 1. Serve as a member of the Board. 2. Accept responsibilities delegated by the Chapter President. 3. Attend Chapter board meetings as well as regional and

national meetings whenever possible. 4. Chair a committee. 5. Make recommendations to the Chapter President for

committee appointments. 6. Ensure Chapter operations are consistent with AMTA

strategic plan. 7. Maintain orderly records of issues/action taken during term.

Successful Four State Conference

You can help us all have a memorable and successful Four State Conference. Here are the easy ideas. Every member can do at least one of these. We hope most of you will do two or more.

• Register and Attend the Four State Conference. • Show up and bring a friend to the Keynote Speech. • Enjoy the amazing educational opportunities. • Show up to the Annual Chapter Meeting and Vote. • Tell other therapists about the Four State Conference. • Come to the Tradeshow. • Tell friends and clients to come to the Tradeshow. • Actually buy stuff at the Tradeshow!

Treasurer Report 12/06 – 2/07

Checking: $2,508.04 Savings: $7,893.94

Income: AMTA National Dues & Fees $1,460.00 AMTA Small Chapter Refund $934.46 Cafepress $250.71

Expenses: Rocky Chen – National Convention $883.11 Allegra Pringting & Imaging - Newsletters/Legislative $656.47 Scott Rayburn – Meeting Room $241.18 *note: not all check have cleared.

Page 6 OKLAHOMA UPDATE

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that

happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward

achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.

~Brian Tracy

What’s Going On!

Oklahoma Triathlon Club will host an Olympic qualifier. The Bricktown International Triathalon will be held in OKC on May 3th and 4th ,2008. If you would like to participate on the massage team please contact Rocky Chen at 405-923-9615.

If you need a fresh idea for a fun On-Site check the plethora of Herb Festivals, Spring Markets and Garden Shows we have across Oklahoma. Good Luck!

Oncology Massage Healing Summit The first U.S. conference devoted entirely and exclusively to cancer and massage will be held in Toledo, Ohio, May 11-12, 2007. Titled "The Oncology Massage Healing Summit," it features Gayle MacDonald as the keynote presenter and diverse sessions on massage research, lymphedema, oncology massage program development and pediatric massage. Eastern approaches for symptom management, medical ethics, scar work and case studies also will be presented. Oncology massage therapists are eager for this meeting of the minds, hearts and hands. For more information, contact Mercy College Continuing Professional Education department at (419)251-1799 or vicki.marsh@mercycollege.edu Oklahoma Athletic Training Association March is Athletic Training Month. We will have a booth and be doing On-Site Massage at the OATA State Meeting, May 19 - 20, 2007 in Stillwater, OK. We are very proud that Joyce Sheildnight is scheduled to present an educational segment on Kinesiotaping. If you would like to participate in the OATA meeting or if you would like to join in showing appreciation to Athletic Trainers in your area, please Contact Christopher Deery at 918-810-8798 or Chris.Deery@yahoo.com Oklahoma Academy of Family Practice Physicians OAFP will be having their Annual Scientific Conference in Tulsa, June 14 - 15, 2007. We will have a booth and be doing On-Site Massage for the Physicians and their families during the conference. Xerlan Geiser will be the luncheon speaker on Saturday. If you would like to join us please contact Xerlan Geiser at 918-810-8186 or Xerlan@sbcglobal.net These are terrific events with professionals that support our practices by their utilization of Massage Therapy and referrals. What a wonderful opportunity to connect with them, meet other massage therapists and have fun. If you have an event you want listed please just send me a few lines, pics if you have them and I will do my best to get them in. ThanX! Xerlan

Do not make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up."

-- Thomas J. Watson, Sr.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 Page 7

The Oklahoma Massage Therapy Practice Act did not make it into committee this year. We were able to have two meetings in February, one in OKC and one in Tulsa. We appreciate all the people that showed up to the meetings and are very glad that we were able to give them a chance to ask their questions and get meaningful answers and explanations.

Legislation is a real learning curve for all of us. The most important things any of us can do are; • Maintain Contact, with your chapter board, coalition

members, other therapists and your legislators. • Read and Understand the Language; if you have

questions call or email us and we will get your answer. • Make Your Voice Heard; we need to know what your

concerns are. • Contact AMTA National; Amy Owens is our

legislative contact at the national office. If you have any questions or concerns you would prefer to address with her please contact her at 877-905-2700 or email her AOwens@AMTAmassage.org

• Volunteer; we will be doing another On-Site Massage Day at the capitol in for Massage Therapy Awareness Week if not sooner. We will let you know as soon as it is scheduled so you can participate.

Government Relations Report

The latest language is located on our website at www.amtaok.org/legislation.htm (scroll down and pick a way to view it on the left hand side). If you do not have a computer or access to the internet just give me a call and I will be glad to mail a copy to you. It is also available on the The Oklahoma Massage Coalition Website at www.okcoalition.org

One thing that I am hoping for is to include more AMTA members in our Government Relations Committee. If you are interested please contact me. Or show up at the Annual Chapter Meeting June 23rd at 1pm in Tulsa and volunteer there.

We will be continuing to meet with massage therapists, legislators and individual to get their input and support. We need everyone to be involved in this process.

Please go shop at the onlince store and encourage others to as well. www.amtaok.org/store.htm

Do not hesitate to send us a message through the webpages or to contact me directly if you have questions, concerns or suggestions. Thank You! Xerlan Geiser, NCTMB GR Chair AMTA OK 918-810-8186

If we do not change our direction,

we are likely to end up where

we are headed.

Chinese Proverb

7008 South Utica

Tulsa , OK 74136

OKLAHOMA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN MASSAGE

THERAPY ASSOCIATION

Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association World Watsu Week www.waba.edu/watsu/www.html The Oncology Massage Healing Summit May 11 - 12, 2007 Toledo, Ohio AMTA Board of Directors Meeting May 31- June 2, 2007 Pointe South Mountain Resort Phoenix, AZ Oklahoma Chapter Board Meeting 1pm June 23, 2007 Radisson Hotel 10918 East 41st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma All Members Welcome!

Calendar of Events

AMTA-OK .ORG We’ve got your back!

Published March, June,

September and December Deadline for article submissions

and ads is the 15th of the immediately preceding month.

AMTA Oklahoma Chapter Four State Conference June 22nd—24th, 2007 Radisson Hotel 10918 East 41st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma Chapter Volunteer Orientation Program (CVOP) July 12-15, 2007 Hilton Garden Inn Evanston, IL AMTA Board of Directors Meeting September 2007 Hilton Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio AMTA National Convention September 26-29, 2007 Host Hotel: Hilton Cincinnati Duke Energy Center Cincinnati, Ohio

First International Fascia Research Congress October 4-5, 2007 Conference Center at Harvard Medical School Boston, MA www.fascia2007.com

No member of a crew is praised for the rugged

individuality of his rowing.

Ralph Waldo Emerson