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AMTA Honors Tammy Roecker with the 2024 Dianne Polseno Lifetime Achievement Award
This year, AMTA has awarded Tammy Roecker, President of the Arizona School of Medical Massage and Wellness, with the Dianne Polseno Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to massage therapy education. Tammy has demonstrated unwavering professionalism, integrity, and leadership as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Arizona for over 32 years and is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB).
Tammy's Dedication to Massage Therapy Education
Tammy's dedication to massage education is evident in her extensive credentials and accolades, including achieving the Certified Massage and Bodywork Educator (CMBE) credential and being named the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education's (AFMTE) 2019 Continuing Education Provider-Educator of the Year! For 17 years, she has provided continuing education to not only Licensed Massage Therapists but also to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including RNs, OTs, PTs, and LCSWs. She has also been an active AMTA member for over 30 years.
Integrating Massage Therapy into the Medical Healthcare Community
Tammy's vision of integrating massage therapy into the medical healthcare community came to fruition in 2022 with the establishment of the Arizona School of Medical Massage and Wellness. The school, which graduated its first cohort in 2023, aims to prepare graduates to work with individuals suffering from injuries, pain, and medical conditions. As she continues to expand her school, including a new location in Tucson, Tammy remains focused on bridging the gap between massage therapy and conventional medical care.
In addition to her contributions to massage education, Tammy is the founder and president of the Early Bonding Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Through this foundation, she has organized workshops and developed custom curricula focused on the care of medically fragile infants, children with developmental delays, and individuals with ADHD. Her work with various health organizations, including the Arizona Nurses Consortium and the Arizona Department of Health Services, has had a significant impact on community health, particularly in underserved populations.
“We are delighted to recognize Tammy for her many years of outstanding contributions to massage therapy education and service to her community,” said AMTA President, Kim-Kane Santos. “Teachers like Tammy are vital to inspiring and developing the next generation of massage therapists in the profession.”
About the Dianne Polseno Lifetime Achievement Award
AMTA’s Dianne Polseno Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor bestowed on an instructor in an AMTA member school who has manifested a history of unquestionable leadership, volunteer service, professionalism, integrity and a commitment to research to advance the massage therapy education profession.