Sandy Mason – Treasurer

LDC Statement:

Board Treasurer Sandy Grover Mason oversees the finances for the Alliance. Like many things in Sandy’s life, taking on the Treasurer position meant that she had to jump in with both feet and learn on the go. That’s the process she applied to becoming one of the first CMBE (Certified Massage & Bodywork Educator) in the country. Maybe it is about the same for her as mastering the stand-up bass. Sandy embraces challenges, handles them systematically and keeps moving forward, whether as Clinic Coordinator at Forsyth Technical Community College where she has taught since 2008, or as a Board Member working collegially with her fellow directors. The LDC asks members to re-elect Sandy so her thoughtful stewardship of the Alliance carries on and the dollars are watched carefully.

View Sandy’s Resume (as a PDF in a new tab)

Message from Sandy:

As a founding member of AFMTE, I jumped right into our organization because I saw its potential to strengthen and improve massage therapy through elevating education. I have had an integral role in developing teacher standards, first on the NTTCDC, next in the CPC, and most recently in the Beta test where I received my Certification as a Teacher through the Alliance. This work is a passion of mine. I came to the Board as a seasoned educator with experience in entry-level and Associate Degree massage education in both proprietary schools and community college, and as an Approved CE Provider. With my strengths in communication, diplomacy and teamwork, I hope to continue to advocate for the Alliance with other organizations, as well as to strengthen the discourse among the AFMTE membership and its leaders. I hope as educators we are all set to promote unity in the profession and to continue learning together as we establish standards for our schools and teachers.

Shari Aldrich– School Owner

LDC Statement:

Shari Aldrich is serious. About being funny—she is a standup comedian doing gigs in NYC and less famous places. She is also serious about aiming high and achieving audacious goals. A committed member in several high level mastermind groups, Shari has been putting the principles of achievement to work in her life, inspiring her to run in the Boston Marathon in support of the Massage Therapy Foundation later this year. She has been inspired to grow her own capabilities and those of the team at her school, the Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy and Massage, which has campuses in Tumwater and Vancouver, WA. A creative thinker with business acumen, Shari also consults with people who wish to start their own massage therapy school. The LDC recommends members vote for Shari so she can bring her big ideas, financial savvy and sense of humor to the Board.

View Shari’s Resume (as a PDF in a new tab)

Message from Shari:

My name is Shari Aldrich and I have been a massage therapist since 2006. Shortly after graduating, I was hired as an instructor at the school. Navigating a new career and teaching massage became my passion. The recession in 2008-2009 caused the owner of the school to decide to retire – so after negotiating, I bought the school. As I come up on my 10th year of school ownership, I find myself looking for opportunities to serve the profession more. I have been on the Alliance’s Marketing Committee for several months. I decided to apply for the board position to take a larger role in the massage profession. I support the AFMTE mission to serve as a voice and advocate in massage education. Massage education is my passion and I have a strong desire to move the massage profession forward. Massage saved my life, and owning the school and educating students has given me a purpose. I am excited to bring my passion for massage education to a wider audience.

Andrew Jurdan – School Faculty, CE Provider

LDC Statement:

With more than 20 years of teaching massage therapy at distinguished schools in Massachusetts, Andrew Jurdan is committed to excellence in education. He has embraced the call to meet the specific and diverse needs of students, preparing them to become capable and trusted professionals. His love of the sciences fuels ongoing study and led to his being recognized as a subject matter expert, working with the NCBTMB on the Exam Development Committee. As lead instructor, curriculum developer, committee member, and mentor to both faculty and students, deep listening and collaboration are at the heart of what drives Andrew. His openness and curiosity act as a catalyst, bringing new understanding and connections. For his vast experience as a CE provider and classroom teacher, his energy, drive and dynamic team orientation, the LDC recommends Andrew be elected to the Board of Directors.

View Andrew’s Resume (as a PDF in a new tab)

Message from Andrew:

One of my motivations to start teaching was to serve and support the continued growth of the massage profession through education. I quickly discovered that teaching is more than being proficient with content—it needs to be grounded in educational theory. I feel fortunate for the support I received in my growth as a teacher and in turn have looked for ways to support other teachers’ growth. I have been continuously involved in curriculum development, and have advocated for evidence-guided changes in design and content. As an Approved CE Provider and having taken many CE courses, I recognize the continued need for improvement in standards and delivery of post-entry-level education. I was excited when I became aware of the Alliance as an independent advocate for massage therapy education, and have admired its continuing evolution and growth. I think movement forward works best through collaboration, and have experienced this often in my work with other educators. I am grateful to be considered for the Alliance Board and look forward to working with the other members in serving its mission.

Gini Ohlson – Associate

LDC Statement:

Gini Ohlson joined the Board of Directors this spring, filling the position that opened when Terrie Yardley-Nohr had to step away. Gini is the Executive Director of the Massage Therapy Foundation, having served with the MTF since 2002. Her extensive expertise in non-profit management, finances, human resources, strategic planning, communications and event planning bring highly-valued skills to the Alliance. She has volunteered for the AFMTE’s Governance and Finance Committees and is now the Board Liaison for the Conference Planning Committee. The LDC asks Alliance members to ratify the President’s appointment of Gini to the board to complete Terrie Yardley-Nohr’s term.

View Gini’s Resume (as a PDF in a new tab)

Message from Gini:

I am delighted to have been asked to serve on the Alliance’s Board of Directors. I have been involved in the massage therapy field for the past 22 years as the Director, and more recently the Executive Director, of the Massage Therapy Foundation. Although I am not a massage therapist, I am a huge believer in massage therapy and its therapeutic benefits—especially after going through cancer treatment recently where it has been beneficial to my recovery. I have been involved in volunteering on Alliance committees in the past and am happy to be back to help again. I am proud of past collaborations between the AFMTE and the MTF as both of our missions serve to elevate education in the profession, and I and hope for more such opportunities in the future. The Alliance—its mission, goals and programs—have helped to and will continue to strengthen the profession and I am here to help in any way I can.

Statement from Debra Curties: 

I find helping match talented people to the Alliance’s evolving board and committee needs challenging and fun. Of necessity the LDC’s job includes helping identify and evaluate those organizational needs before addressing them, which is a keen interest of mine. It also involves interacting with inspirationally hardworking, dedicated Board members and committee chairs. As a school director and instructor, I feel a great satisfaction in being a part of the advancement of massage therapy education through this important organization. The LDC has developed our rapport and work style over many hours of dialogue and group decision-making. We enjoy working together, are very productive, and it is a pleasure to serve as the committee’s chair. I ask for your support for another term.

Statement from Joe Lubow:

It has been an honor to serve on the LDC from its creation as the Nominating Committee at the Alliance’s first conference in Park City. As our mandate has expanded, we have made major strides in helping to build an organization. Processes have been put in place, committees have been staffed, and slates of carefully-chosen Board members have been acclaimed by the membership. I feel my years of experience in the classroom, as a school director, bodyworker and committee member/chair in other organizations give me the skills to contribute to the LDC, and through it to the massage education profession. The LDC is an exceptional collaborative group and I would like to continue the work we have started towards creating a sustainable organization that will serve as the voice, advocate, and resource for massage educators for the long term.