Board & Staff
MTAM is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the members of the Association at annual meetings. All Directors are Registered Massage Therapists, and each serves two-year terms. Our affairs are also guided by enthusiastic volunteer committees who run and manage projects and discuss and respond to issues within the profession.
Please contact the office for more information.
MTAM Board of Directors 2023-2024
Officers
Offer Kuban
MTAM PresidentOffer graduated from Vancouver’s West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 1991 and practiced in multidisciplinary settings for about 10 years. He took a hiatus from practicing massage therapy to travel, write, and do some photography throughout the Eastern Seaboard, as well as trying his hand at other various careers. Following that, as luck would have it, his desire to return to the profession came together with the opportunity to do so.
He has served on the Insurance & Practice Management Committee since 2018 and was invited onto the Board of Directors the following year. Becoming First Vice President in 2019, he was honoured to later take on the role of President in January 2022.
In his spare time, Offer has been busy writing (hopefully a novel or two), reading lots of great authors, as well as hosting and producing a podcast.
I like to think the profession chose me. Really, it was at the urging of good friends, whose stress and various sports and hiking misadventures I’d looked after, to consider becoming a massage therapist.
As a professional healthcare provider, it’s wonderful to be a positive factor in someone’s self-care. Personally, it feels great when clients look forward to coming in and feel so much better from their treatment.
Slow down and be patient with yourself. Graduation is not the end, but rather just the start of the journey. Experience, skills, knowledge, and wisdom take time.
That’s easy! MTAM is THE professional massage therapy Association of this province, bar none. From our very first interaction when I was exploring my return to practice, MTAM has been a pleasure to deal with. Informative, organized, supportive, always encouraging, MTAM’s been home for me.
When does an Association give you the opportunity to feel both grounded in the security of its structure and the encouragement to grow both professionally and personally in career and community? All the benefits are my favourite!
Being a part of the Board was a little intimidating at first, not knowing what I had to contribute, etc. However, it’s tremendously rewarding on many levels. Seeing behind the scenes of how the profession works, interacting with and being of support to our membership, and helping to guide a strong future direction for RMTs in the province, is such an honour.
It has helped me better appreciate who we are as healthcare professionals, but also to better understand the responsibility we have to our clients/patients, to one another as MTAM members and colleagues, to the betterment of the profession as a whole, and to our place as healthcare providers to the general public. It starts from me and works its way upward and outward through all the tiers of those we affect with what we do.
Stephanie Oteyza
Vice President, Regional Chair, Inclusive Practice ChairStephanie is the current Vice President and chairs both the Regional and Inclusive Practice committees. Stephanie is from Winnipeg, MB, and graduated in 2004 from the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy (PIMT).
After working in different environments in Winnipeg, she was asked to be a supervisor at PIMT, and not long after that became an instructor. An untimely injury kept Steph back from a career change to law enforcement, and in 2010 she moved to Brandon. With a busy full-time practice, a change was welcomed in 2017 when Stephanie returned to Instructing at Robertson’s Brandon campus.
I couldn’t decide between Massage Therapy or Paramedics. So, I dropped both applications in the mail the same day and left it to fate.
I like that this profession has afforded me the opportunity to work in many different work environments. I also like that every single client has different needs and requires a different treatment plan.
A career as an RMT takes time, and patience, it is a progression. The first 7 years of my career, I spent thinking that there was no longevity in Massage. After I switched to MTAM I met more and more colleagues who had lengthy careers, it changed my perspective that’s for sure.
I was a member of another association right out of school, and I didn’t feel like I was a part of a professional community. I felt like I was missing professional development opportunities and wasn’t completely in touch with the profession.
The amazing amount of accessible education, and Perkopolis.
Having the opportunity to sit around the table with amazing colleagues who are passionate about our profession. Learning new insights and gaining perspective on issues that face our community.
Confidence in the resources that the association gives all its members. I know how much time and effort go into them!
Tammy Wasylowski
Second Vice President, Insurance and Practice Management Committee ChairA true entrepreneur at heart, Tammy’s creativity and vision are an asset to any team.
Tammy serves as the Chair of MTAM’s Marketing & Communication Committee. Tammy graduated in 2009 from The Massage Therapy College of Manitoba (now Evolve College of Massage Therapy). From her very first business class at MTCM, Tammy knew that she was going to own a massage therapy clinic. In Good Hands Massage Therapy opened later that year and currently has 7 therapists.
Well before I understood it, I was privileged to witness compassionate touch. I was inspired by the impact a human being can have on another through touch. I knew in that moment that I wanted to touch people, to truly connect with others.
I love the journey you take with a client. Beginning with helping to manage their stress and pain that consumes them, to progressing to maintenance and living life again. It’s so rewarding to be a part of that with them.
Fresh out of massage school, it’s exciting to be filled with all this knowledge and anticipating using all of these great tools you’ve acquired, and though it’s important to learn to trust in your skills, it’s always important to listen to your client’s needs first and not be afraid to admit when you don’t have the answers. It’s okay to refer out.
MTAM was the only association that I considered. At my initial introduction to MTAM at student orientation, I was sold on the local presence and the endless amount of continuing education options they provide.
Most definitely the business courses have been a great benefit to me as a business owner. I also love that if I ever need help or advice MTAM is just a phone call away.
Being on the board, allows me to be a part of MTAM’s commitment to elevating our profession. I enjoy the discussions we have and always feel proud of the decisions we make knowing that that we took the time and energy to look at things from all angles and perspectives.
In my day-to-day practice, being a board member often makes me question how and what I can personally do as a therapist and as a business owner to elevate our profession.
Directors
Tammy Blanchette
Professional Development & Events Committee ChairTammy is a graduate of Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapy. She has had a lifelong interest in science and biology and is dedicated to continued education. She enjoys ballroom dancing, hiking, and making her own oil and lotion blends. Tammy is a fan of history and philosophy and stays balanced with a healthy dose of skepticism. She was an active member with the MTAM Conference & Events Committee before taking on the role as Chair of the Professional Development & Events Committee.
I chose the massage therapy field because I have always liked science and anatomy, and I wanted to learn more about body mechanics and injury recovery.
I like working for myself, and that I can have a home practice, and all the aspects of running my own business.
Take it slow, take care of yourself. Massage Therapy can be hard on the body, practice self care.
The professionalism that I saw when I dealt with the staff, and knowing that with regulation on the way, they are going to be the best equiped to guide me through that process.
Knowing that I have a place to go to if I have any practice questions or issues. The staff at MTAM are knowledgeable and dedicated to providing useful feedback.
I like being involved and helping where needed, and knowing what our association is doing to help us as massage therapists and the industry succeed.
As a solo practitioner it is a great opportunity to connect with other massage therapists and to stay up to date and enthusiastic about the profession.
Jeffery Dalhouse
Research Committee ChairWith a strong thirst for knowledge and a dedication for advancing the profession by promoting evidence-based research and the efficacy of massage therapy, Jeffery is the perfect fit for chair of MTAM’s Research Committee.
Jeffery has been a practicing Massage Therapist since 2006. He has sat on MTAM research committee since 2013, and has served as its Chair for the past two years. He hopes to inspire other therapists with an enthusiastic approach to research in Massage Therapy, believing it reinforces our role in providing effective treatments, and elevates our credibility among other medical professionals.
I chose to become an RMT because managing discomfort and pain from old injuries and surgeries has been a lifelong journey for me. I felt compelled to share that knowledge with others to ease their journey.
What I like best about my job is helping people reconnect with parts of their body through massage and improving how their bodies function.
You have just begun. It’s easy to become complacent and not challenge yourself. Say “Yes” to as many educational, and work opportunities as you can. Keep learning. Your patients’ responses will help inform your expected outcomes.
In assessing which Association was right for me, the MTAM clearly stood out as the best fit amongst the comparable Associations. It has always been well-organized, empathetic, and helpful to Massage Therapists in Manitoba. I Graduated in Ontario, and the MTAM’s reputation preceded itself; talking to other Therapists and Educators there, they made it clear that the only serious choice was the MTAM.
My favourite MTAM member benefit is participating among the community of professionals united under the MTAM logo. Being an MTAM member provides you a means to engage in the events, courses, workshops, conferences, etc., put on by this organization. Participating with the MTAM connects individual RMTs with experienced leaders in our field, who seek to improve our experience as Therapists. It’s because of my participation and involvement with the MTAM that I have had the opportunity to meet the other Educators, Teachers, Authors, Anatomists, Professors, and Researchers that I admire in the field of Massage Therapy.
What I like best about being on the MTAM Board is getting to see “a birds eye view” of the RMT Profession in Manitoba. It also allows “behind the scenes” opportunities at events, and participating in the organization and planning and execution of ideas and events is ideal to my skill set. Many of us had professions prior to becoming Massage Therapists, and working with skilled Board Members as a cohesive unit on a regular basis is rewarding unto itself.
Massage Therapy work can easily become routine over the years; the busier you become, you lose touch with your classmates, all. the lectures and research, the less time you have for such things. Being a Board/committee member keeps you in the loop, informed, and presently involved in current issues relevant to Massage Therapists in Manitoba. It provides you with other perspectives on the industry, besides your own.
Holly Behringer
DirectorHolly has a unique experience with the massage therapy profession in Manitoba being a second-generation Massage Therapist and MTAM member. Growing up in the Wolseley neighborhood of Winnipeg, Holly has watched the profession grow and change for over 20 years. In 2007 she began working as the administrator and clinic manager of Wolseley Wellness, the business started in 1999 by her mother Angela Peterson RMT LDT.
Over the many years since, Holly bought a home in the area, married, and now has 2 children. Holly, along with her brother and sister, took over ownership of the family business in 2015, and shortly afterwards she returned to college to become an RMT herself. Holly graduated in 2019 from Evolve college (formerly MTCM and her own mother’s alma mater).
Today you will find Holly balancing a busy massage therapy practice, running 2 bustling clinics with her siblings, a busy social calendar, and of course her growing family. Holly is a firm advocate for the regulation of massage therapy in the province and works hard in both her personal practice and her business to promote and support the growing recognition and professionalism of all RMTs as health care providers in Manitoba. Holly looks forward to contributing to the MTAM Board in the coming term.
I chose to become an RMT because I truly believed in the good work that massage therapy does. I learned quite a lot about the professional and personality of RMTs when working as a multidisciplinary health and wellness clinic administrator and knew it was right for me.
I get to win at my job every day. It really does make all the difference. I’ve had jobs over the years that were a real slog. Clock watching, monotonous and unsatisfactory. As a massage therapist my day has such variety and I go home at the end of every shift in a great mood because I just spent the day making the world a better place.
Don’t underestimate the power of silence and slowing down. Just because you can do the latest new modality doesn’t mean you have to. Being present, quiet, intentional, and giving the best darn massage you can could end up being the best massage your client has ever had.
I live and work in Manitoba now and likely always will. Being a part of an association with a focused understanding and commitment to my own community including our provincial government and its impact on the future Regulation of massage therapy in Manitoba was important to me.
I’m grateful for all the work MTAM does to bring recognition to the profession. Bringing awareness to the public and promoting the benefits of massage therapy helps a great deal in my own business and practice.
I enjoy being a part of the team and having the opportunity to utilize my gifts and strengthen my skills. We all have areas where we shine the brightest on the board, it really does take all sorts!! I love that I get to bring my unique set of skills, experiences, and professional passions to table and together, work towards strengthening the professional community of massage therapists in Manitoba. Basically, I get to wax romantic and talk shop with other passionate RMTs a lot and it gets me all excited and fired up lol.
By serving on the board and on committees I am regularly engaged and responding to the changing needs and trends of our profession. Bringing my own core dedication to Client Centered Care to this level of the profession, confirms in me that we RMTs really do make a difference in the world. It fills my cup and renews my sense of purpose.
Cerizza Cruz
DirectorCerizza graduated from Evolve College of Massage Therapy in 2020. Prior to becoming an RMT, she was a dental assistant for 10 years. With that experience Cerizza knew her passion lay in helping people optimize their health goals. She feels that the massage therapy profession gave her the opportunity to expand her knowledge and practice.
Cerizza recently completed training as a Rapid Neurofascial Reset Specialist and is in the final stages of opening up her own clinic. She absolutely loves being an RMT and is eager to see what the future holds.
During her downtime Cerizza enjoys spending time with her family at their cabin.
I have always loved getting massage treatments and when I was looking to change careers I stumbled onto Massage Therapy. The ability to be able to be your own boss while helping others sounded like a dream, so I took the leap and I am so glad I did.
I love being able to use my hands to help people with their pain. The look in their eyes when you’ve helped them conquer their discomfort is beyond words.
Trust yourself, you know A LOT, and be confident! You got this!
Having an association that’s locally based was a huge part of my decision process. I feel like I have people in my corner if anything happens and if I have any questions, they’re a phone call away.
My favourite benefit has to be THE PERKS! Affinity Partner Discounts are great!
Jim Montgomery
DirectorAfter serving 33 years in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Dental Technician Corps, Jim decided to embark on a second career as an RMT. Jim graduated from in 2018 from Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies Inc. He found massage therapy to be a benefit to his health throughout the years and as a healthcare provider it felt like a natural fit as he embarked on a new career.
Jim has a strong interest in the massage therapy profession and feels that he can use his past experience to assist the MTAM Board in promoting and advancing the field of massage therapy in Manitoba.
I worked in healthcare in my previous career so it was an natural transition to choose massage therapy as a new career. It brings me joy to be able to help others with their health and wellness.
I would tell new therapists to trust their abilities and be patient with themselves as they develop their skills.
I enjoy making use of the Diamond Deals which are part of the Affinity Partner discount progam. Getting discounts on clinic supplies is great!
Kaitlyn Telenko
DirectorKaitlyn graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 2016 with a degree in Kinesiology. She went on to graduate from Evolve College of Massage Therapy in 2019.
Over the past several years Kaitlyn has worked at Steelcity Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre as a physio assistant, receptionist, trainer, and clinic manager. She has also worked at Evolve College as a teaching assistant and instructor for Sports Massage and PNF.
Kaitlyn accepted a nomination to the MTAM Board to continue to grow her own skill set and to help expand others’ knowledge of massage therapy and how beneficial it can be for one’s well being. Through her various work and education experiences, she feels confident in her ability to contribute to the Board, create positive change, and give back to the massage therapy profession.
I have always had an infatuation with the workings of the human body, so becoming a Massage Therapist was an easy decision for me. I love that massage is not only a science, but it is also an art. By being able to use my logical and creative brain in every treatment, I get to create a unique experience for everyone coming through the door.
It’s hard to choose just one thing I like best about my job! However, working in a multidisciplinary clinic, alongside other talented therapists, has been a great way to collaborate and help our clients return to their normal daily function. Creating professional relationships with each of my clients is also incredibly rewarding. I genuinely enjoy hearing about their lives.
Take your time! Take your time in how many clients you start seeing in your career. This helps build up your tolerance/stamina and you are less likely to injure yourself. Take your time in listening to your clients. The more you listen, the more you can create an individualized treatment plan that’s just right for your client. They will appreciate your attentiveness. Take your time in your treatments. It’s not just about the quantity of techniques you can apply, it’s about the quality. Less can be more. And of course, be confident! You got this!
Joining MTAM was a no brainer. MTAM has always been informative, helpful and ensure their members are kept up to date with all things Massage Therapy. MTAM was especially helpful navigating therapists through the many challenges faced during Covid times. I have always trusted MTAM to make the best choices for their members.
MTAM offers so many member discounts! As a forever learner, I really appreciate the organization and discounts of continuing ed courses.
I have always enjoyed volunteering, including coaching gymnastics and volleyball, as well as spending time at personal care homes. Being able to volunteer on the MTAM board has been a great opportunity. My favourite part is having the ability to make an impact on the future of Massage Therapy in Manitoba and advocating for other RMTs.
Being on the board has been very useful not only as a massage therapist, but also as a clinic manager. Learning the nuances of regulation was a big reason why I chose to be on the board and I feel more confident expressing the importance of becoming a regulated province to staff and to the public.