Meet the Board

They've answered a few questions...

Ashley Parsons RMT - President/Administration Assistant

From St. John's NL
How Long have you been on the board? Which roles have you taken so far?
I joined the board late 2015. Started as a Director, then Vice-President, and most recently have stepped into the President role.
For you, what’s the most important part of being on the board/part of the NLMTA?
Being involved. I've always liked knowing how things work, and I appreciate the opportunity to move the NLMTA forward, in a positive direction for all of it's members.
How long have you been an RMT?
I started working as a Registered Massage Therapist in September 2013
What do you love about the profession in general?
This is a great profession. I appreciate helping clients, and I love watching my own practice grow - gaining experience, constantly learning and accepting the challenges that go along with such a physical career.

Pat Mennie - Treasurer/Administration

From Tors Cove NL
How Long have you been on the board? Which roles have you taken so far?
I started in 2002 as a part-time Book Keeper, hired as Administrator in 2006 and have been the Treasurer for 10 years.
For you, what’s the most important part of being on the board/part of the NLMTA?
Aside from keeping the day to day business running efficiently, the most important part of my job is answering phone calls/replying to emails in a timely manner to either answer, or find the answer to the memberships questions. For me, the fun part is helping new therapists get started. It's very rewarding to encourage them, to see them start successful careers, and then to be here to assist them in any way I can, as their career progresses. My job, though not always easy is always rewarding and I'm proud to be a part of the NLMTA for so long.
What do you love about the profession in general?
In addition to working so closely with therapists, I receive Massage Therapy for various health reasons. I see the importance of this profession, as a client whose life is made better by the treatment I receive.

 

Lisa Day RMT - Vice President

From Dildo, NL
How long have you been on the board? Which roles have you taken on so far?
I was welcomed aboard in 2019! It's a great opportunity to be involved with the NLMTA and help make the profession an amazing one for both clients and colleagues. I'd also like to see our profession travel to remote/rural areas to share the experience of what we do and also be involved in continuing education.
What's the most important part of being on the board/part of the NLMTA?
I'd like to contribute in a way that really matters.
How long have you been an RMT?
Since May 2018
What do you love about the profession in general?
I love getting the opportunity to help people and assist in their healing. Making a difference in someone's life is an absolute honor.

Deirdre Baker RMT - Director

From Gilliam's NL
How long have you been on the board? Which roles have you taken on so far?
After practicing massage therapy for 18 years I have just joined the NLMTA.  I'm not sure what exactly my position entails or truly what I'm known as - how exciting!)
What's the most important part of being on the board/part of the NLMTA?
I am so impressed with the professionalism and knowledge the members of the NLMTA possess and hope to help educate the members within our profession exactly what the NLMTA does and how strong and hard working this group of individuals is.  I can't wait to start working along side this great group of individuals.
How long have you been an RMT?
I've been practicing for 18 years!
What do you love about the profession in general?
I love absolutely everything about my profession. I enjoy helping clients achieve their treatment goals and hearing their success stories. I enjoy learning new things, modalities and conditions and passing along knowledge or helpful tips I have learned over the years.  

Angela Lily RMT - Director

From a little town called Harrowsmith, Ontario. I've traveled and lived abroad much of my life, and now am very happily settled into my home here in NL.
How long have you been on the board? Which roles have you taken so far?
I was on the board for a time in 2017/2018, and am so happy to be back into it. At the time, I was working to help with communication between the CMTNL and the NLMTA, as well as outreaches and public education. Now, as I rejoin in 2022 I look forward to focusing my efforts on outreaches and public education. It's wonderful to share with our communities the therapies we can provide. It's a real gift to connect with others and let them know what's out there in terms of supporting their wellbeing. And I'm stoked to offer opportunities for CEU's to our members as well!
For you, what's the most important part of being on the board/part of the NLMTA?
The most important thing about being part of the NLMTA is being able to serve both communities - us as RMT's in NL, and the communities in which we live and work. Bolstering our connections with the people and places in which we do our beautiful work supports our industry at large and makes for healthy and happy experiences all around. I'm sure it's a relate-able experience among us - one of the best feelings in the world is when a client walks away form a treatment with relief and gratitude, realizing that the pain they experienced can be treated and they are supported. And RMT's can feet gratitude in the clients' trust; fulfillment in having done good work in service of another. I think the more I can support this experience happening for us and our communities the better for us and everyone!
How long have you been an RMT?
I've been an RMT since October 2017. Loving it to bits!
What do you love about the profession in general?
I love the openness and balance offered in what we do. There's so much in the science of how we do our work, why it works, and the many modalities we can use to provide therapeutic massage. Then there's the intuitive, softer and emotional work that goes along with what we do. I love that in being an RMT we have independence, the freedom to make your own practice really your own, and to evolve with it. And of course I find it enormously rewarding and fun. It's amazing to connect with all walks of life as they make their way into the clinic. And to keep learning! That's the best!

 

Lisa Jones-Pollard - Director

From St. John's NL
How long have you been on the board?
I served on the board previously, approximately 1998 to 2002 and have recently (2022 AGM) rejoined!
Which roles have you taken so far?
I have been a director and past Vice President.
For you, what's the most important part of being on the board/part of the NLMTA?
The most important thing about being on the board is strengthening our profession and working with like minded individuals who care about growing and supporting our Association.
How long have you been an RMT?
24 years
What do you love about the profession in general?
I love helping others and being able to make a difference in my client's well being.

Hannah Watkins RMT - Director

From Abbotsford BC
How long have you been on the board? Which roles have you taken so far?
This is my first time volunteering with the board!
For you, what's the most important part of being on the board/part of the NLMTA?
I'm hoping to have input in my profession and to advance the HST exemption project. I'm also looking forward to connecting with other RMT's here in Newfoundland
How long have you been an RMT?
12.5 years
What do you love about the profession in general?
Having owned my own clinic both in BC and here in Bonavista, I love the unhurried nature of our work in treatment. When we are with a client, we aren't answering phones or having multiple conversations.  We get to focus just on one person, and I see this as a perk unique to Massage Therapy. the client benefits from our undivided attention. I also love that our job is to care and listen. With the state of health care in the province/country, so often I see patients that just want someone to actively listen to their concerns about physical pain.