Continuity and Progress: The Alliance’s New Leadership Era
“Change your leaves, keep intact your roots.” Victor Hugo
Last April, I was proud to step up and serve as the AFMTE President to finish out the term of
Michelle Renee. This month, that term comes to an end and I pass the baton on to new
leadership and I am proud to announce the new Executive Committee.
But first, an update.
2022 saw the Alliance meet for the first time in person since the pandemic. We built a strategic
plan around building community for school administrators and educators.
On October 22, 2022 and for the next 7 weeks, we held our second virtual conference. Industry
leaders presented on valuable topics such as diversity, student recruitment, educational
success in a multicultural environment and competencies.
2023 saw the Alliance launch our monthly zoom sessions, attend the Coalition annual meeting
and focus on creating a great in-person conference next July.
We’ve touched on topics of ethics of teaching, admissions, student challenges, building a strong
alumni community and more. We’ve encouraged collaboration and community between
educators across the country. I am proud of the work the board has done to create monthly
zoom sessions around topics that are very important to the massage education industry.
Serving as the president was a great honor. For me personally, the challenge was in balancing
the important work of the Alliance with the important work I do in my massage schools.
I’ll admit, it was exciting to be able to share with my students what is happening at a national
level. It was 100% worth my time to serve and I highly recommend this to any massage
therapist who is on the fence about serving on a board at any level in the massage industry.
Announcing our new Executive Committee
President – Kim Alexander, BSE, MA, LMT, BCTMB
Vice President – Nathan Nordstrom, LMT, BCTMB
Treasurer – MK Brennan, MS, RN
Secretary – Vicki Winston, BHS, LMT
As for me? I’ll serve as the Past President. It will be rewarding to continue to offer guidance to
the board and stay connected to this wonderful group of humans who’s primary goal is to serve
as a voice and advocate in massage education.
I extend gratitude to the board and the massage community for allowing me the opportunity to
grow. I wish the new Executive Committee great success!
We hope to see you at our conference next year, July 12 & 13, 2024 in Kansas City. Our theme
is “Back to the Future: Adapt to the Ever-Changing Future of Massage Therapy Education.” As
we look to put together an amazing conference, we are accepting applications for speakers,
vendors and sponsors. Let us know if you’re interested in participating.
Not a dull moment here at the Alliance.
And it’s a good thing.
If you’d like to join our journey and be a part of the evolving changes, click here. We are
looking for new ideas to help us as we continue to grow. With you on our side, our
community thrives– and the massage education industry is better for it.
Shari Aldrich, LMT
AFMTE Past President