New Faces in Government Relations
With the induction of new members of the Board of Directors, the chapter has also appointed a new chair of the Government Relations committee, as well as added several dedicated chapter members to assist in the work that this committee is doing.
Your new Government Relations committee members are:
Government Relations Committee Chair: Cynthia Spake: Cynthia is celebrating her 30th year as a LMT and AMTA member. She maintains a busy private practice and is employed by Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Illinois as a clinical massage therapist to patients. She is currently serving as your GR Chair and participates in community NFP organizations events.
Cassandra Stratton: Cassandra has been a LMT since 1999 and currently oversees a team of 90 massage therapists at Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas in Chicago, IL. as the Corporate Massage Director with a concentration in spa modalities, customer service, and staff development. In 2013, Cassandra became a board approved continuing education provider by the NCBTMB and is now serving the AMTA-IL members as Education Committee Chair.
Maria Durbin Cooper: Maria has been a massage therapist, educator and researcher for 24 years. She has served as a chapter delegate numerous times, and has contributed to this profession’s body of literature by her research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Maria enjoys gardening, reading mysteries, and volunteering for Human Library Chicago, an organization dedicated to reducing prejudice. She delights in hearing from her former students and colleagues.
Vicki Gothard: Vicki has been a massage therapist and business owner, Body Connection in Belleville, IL. since 1999. She has voluntered for our chapter since 2004 serving on the BOD for 12 years and 8 years as our Financial Administrator. Vicki is a Dessert Storm Veteran and is a mother to 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Vicki continues to maintain a private practice and serve our state chapter.
The GR corner of our chapter is an important one. If we send out an SOS for action regarding state legislation about to be voted upon in Springfield, your participation is vital in contacting your state representatives. We’re counting on you during these times of immediate action. Massage therapists and the public in which we serve everyday appreciate your passion to preserve the integrity of massage therapy in the state of Illinois. We truly are better together. We are AMTA!
Respectfully Submitted,
Cynthia S. Spake, GR Chair