Who are our Board Members?
Interested in becoming a membership-elected officer of the Board of Directors? Start Here
Elizabeth Benion, LMT BS earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Phoenix and an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies at the McCann School of Business & Technology. She sought out the healing practice of massage therapy in 2017, graduating from Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) of Pennsylvania and becoming licensed to practice massage therapy in Pennsylvania in 2018. She is currently massage-therapy-licensed in Nevada. Presently, she works full time as a consultant for a design/marketing company, A Mighty Group.
Elizabeth serves the AMTA-Nevada Chapter as its Chapter President. She has previously-served the chapter as Secretary and 2019 & 2020 Delegate.
[term expires May 2024]
Ivy Adams, LMT BCTMB BS is a native of Las Vegas and graduated Northwest Career College’s massage therapy program in May 1999. She is the sole-proprietor of Holistic Birth & Bodyworks and Licensed Massage Therapist for over 20 years, including a focus on women and children of all ages. During her career, she has earned specialty-certifications for Prenatal and Postpartum Massage and for Levels 1 and 2 of The Spurgeon Method™ – Therapeutic Breast Massage.
Ivy is the Massage Therapy Program Chair at Northwest Career College. Additionally, she has 4 gorgeous children with her partner, is a Girl Scout Troop Leader and raises backyard chickens at her home in historic Downtown Las Vegas.
Ivy serves the AMTA Nevada Chapter as Financial Administrator; she’s served its members as their 2021 Financial Administrator and 2020 & 2021 Delegate
[term expires May 2025]
Catherine Lightcap, LMT earned her certification as a Massage Therapist in 2014, graduating Northwest Health Careers’ program in Las Vegas, Nevada. She’s attended Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT) courses and uses them with her clients in her private practice in Henderson, Nevada: Catherine’s Massage & Bodywork.
Cathy wanted to be a massage therapist since she was in high school – she achieved her dream after retiring and moving to Henderson. Cathy believes that Massage Therapy is so very beneficial to individuals, and she loves to help people improve their lives through massage.
Before becoming a massage therapist, Cathy worked in Public Safety in the private sector, often engaging companies with reviewing, writing, and implementing OSHA-Standard Safety Policies & Procedures on their sites. She also used to ride a milk cow.
Cathy serves the Nevada Chapter as a Board Member and Nevada Delegate to the AMTA Assembly of Delegates. She has served as 2018 Delegate and has served the AMTA Kansas Chapter as its Secretary and 2022 Delegate.
[term expires May 2025]
Thomas Dougherty, LMT DPT is a massage therapist since 1994. He works in out-patient clinics with Chiropractors & other Physical Therapists mainly using medical massage techniques, like stretching, myofascial release, and pain control. Tom’s been a Physical Therapist since 1997, and he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2022; he’s also an accomplished actor of stage and screen since 1984.
Tom currently serves the AMTA-Nevada Chapter as a Chapter Board Member and as Co-Chair – South of the Community Outreach and Chair of the National Massage Therapy Awareness Week® Committees. Tom has served the chapter as a Board Member and Financial Administrator.
[Board-elected term expires May 2024]
Jasminemarie Soller LMT CA MA HHP AS earned her Associate of Science degree at DeAnza College in 1994, Chiropractic Assistant (1996), Medical Assistant (1997), Holistic Health Practitioner (1997), and Massage Therapist (2004) diplomas and uses them all in her 28+ years of work-experience and 25+ years of experience serving allied-health programs in the field of Education.
In the Massage Therapy field, Jasminemarie is Certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), licensed by the State of Nevada (NSBMT), Proctor for Prometric and NCCT, and Librarian Technician and Facilitator (Pacific Institute). In her massage therapy practice, she also incorporates Joe Lucero’s Therapeutic Reposturing™ techniques, most-notably working with Lucero for the Wildflower Triathlon Olympic Team. Jasmine maintains her memberships with the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE), Reflexology Association of America (RAA), National Association of Massage Therapists (NAMT), and American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
When she’s not with massage clients, Jasminemarie oversees the Massage Therapy Program as Program Director and teaches Personal Fitness Training courses at Advanced Training Institute (Las Vegas campus). She’s always been active in sports, and, when her children were active in sports, Jasmine was there as their coach, trainer, and massage therapist as needed.
Jasmine serves the Nevada Chapter as Chapter Secretary and as a Member of the Government Relations Committee.
[Board-elected term expires May 2024]
If you’re considering running for a Board of Directors position, consider a few requirements:
- For President & Financial Administrator: Have you served on the Chapter Board of Directors for at least one year? For Board Member and Secretary: Have you been an AMTA Member for one or more years?
- Do you know which office you are interested in? (please see the position descriptions below)
- Do you have 5 to 10 hours a month to attend meetings, propose/complete projects and assignments?
- Are you familiar with computerized spreadsheets, text documents, or online resources for massage therapy?
- Have you reviewed and are you ready to electronically-sign your Volunteer Code of Conduct form? (required)
If you answered “yes” to all, then you are ready to consider a Volunteer life with the AMTA Nevada Chapter!
Now: please take the next Step: complete our online Interested-form and Get Started!
Chapter Officers’ Position Descriptions
President
Purpose
The Chapter President sets the direction and pace of the Chapter’s activities based on the vision that has been determined by the Chapter membership, Chapter Board, and other Chapter Officers. The Chapter President serves as a leader, planner, mentor, mediator, and facilitator.
Eligibility
In addition to being a Professional member in good standing and signing the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct, she/he must meet one or more of the following requirements:
• Completed one term year as a Chapter Board member within the last three years.
• Completed one term year as a Chapter committee chair or member within the last two years.
• Completed one term year as a National Board member, National Standing Committee Chair, or National Standing Committee member within the last two years.
Authority
The authority of the Chapter President is conferred by the Chapter membership through election and as specified in National AMTA Bylaws and Policy.
Accountability
The Chapter President is accountable to the Chapter Board, Chapter members and AMTA National Board of Directors by virtue of election.
The Chapter President agrees to uphold and abide by the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Term of Office
The Chapter President shall be elected every even year for a term of two (2) years, not to exceed two (2) consecutive elective terms. In the event that no eligible candidate steps forward to run for the office of Chapter President, the current Chapter President remains in office until a successor is elected.
Relationship
The Chapter President works most closely with Chapter Board members and appointees, and National AMTA staff. The Chapter President also communicates with Chapter members, other Chapter Presidents, the Chapter Relations Committee, and/or other National volunteers, as appropriate.
Responsibilities
1. Is a voting member of the Chapter Board and is familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order.
2. Prepares the agenda for Chapter membership and Board meetings, and provides the agenda and all supporting documentation to Board members and appropriate appointees at least one week prior to the Board meeting.
3. Attends and presides over, or delegates authority, maintains order, and expediently conducts business at all Chapter meetings and Board meetings.
4. Delegates authority to any Chapter Board member when scheduled to be unavailable for more than one week.
5. Shall not be the Chair of any committee, sub-committee, special committee, or workgroup.
6. Serves as ex-officio (non-voting) member of all Chapter committees.
7. May temporarily assume/delegate the responsibilities of vacant volunteer positions while working with the Chapter Board, Chapter Relations Committee and National staff to fill the vacancy.
8. Attends (or delegates attendance) national meetings of the Association, at the Chapter Board’s direction, as per policy, and/or as budgeted.
9. Identifies, recruits, cultivates, and mentors future Chapter leaders.
10. Appoints standing committee, subcommittee, special committee, and workgroup chairs (except the nominations committee), with the approval of the Chapter Board.
11. Approves appointments of committee members made by committee chairs.
12. Supervises the affairs of the Chapter.
13. Prepares and submits appropriate information for Chapter communications.
14. Reviews documents and records produced by the Chapter, including:
a) Minutes from Chapter Board of Directors meetings.
b) All contracts.
c) Legislative activities.
d) Financial Reports.
e) Committee Reports.
f) Newsletter or other communications such as e-mail announcements, social media, etc.
15. Oversees Chapter’s budgeting and financial activities.
16. Is available to receive direct feedback from members and answer their questions about actions of the Chapter Board.
17. Directs and refers members to volunteer and staff contacts as appropriate.
18. Reports to the membership at the Chapter meetings.
19. Ensures Chapter operations are consistent with the AMTA Strategic Plan.
20. Fulfills the fiduciary, due diligence, and other responsibilities of Chapter Board members as described in the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
21. Maintains orderly records of issues and actions taken during her/his term and supplies the incoming President with those records.
22. Facilitates the efficient, positive, and productive activities of the Chapter through consultation with other Chapter officers, National volunteers, and/or National staff.
23. Once a Chapter President has served two consecutive terms, in the event that no eligible candidate steps forward to run for the office of Chapter President, the current Chapter President remains in office until a successor is elected.
Time Commitment
The time commitment is approximately 5 – 15 hours per week, depending on Chapter activities. The time commitment may be higher before and/or during certain National or chapter events or activities.
Vacancy
A vacancy in the President’s position will be filled according to AMTA Bylaws and Policy.
Removal from Office
An officer may be removed from office for failure to:
1. Fulfill her/his duties and responsibilities (dereliction of duties).
2. Abide by the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
3. Keep AMTA membership dues current.
Removal shall occur upon recommendation from a Chapter Board member with a two-thirds vote of the entire Chapter Board. The National Office must be contacted prior to Chapter Board voting on removal of a volunteer.
Approved via motion #1006:81 2; Revised November 2006; Updated: Motion: #1016:44
Board Member
Purpose
Chapter Board Member will assist the Chapter President in achieving Chapter goals and implementing decisions made by the Chapter Board.
Eligibility
In addition to being a Professional member in good standing and signing the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct, she/he must meet the following requirement:
• Completed one year of AMTA membership.
Authority
The authority of a Chapter Board Member is conferred by the Chapter membership through election, and as specified in National AMTA Bylaws and Policy.
Accountability
Chapter Board Member is accountable to the Chapter Board, Chapter members and AMTA National Board of Directors by virtue of election.
Chapter Board Member agrees to uphold and abide by the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Term of Office
One Chapter Board Member shall be elected every odd year for a term of two years or until a successor is elected. One Chapter Board member shall be elected every even year for a term of two years or until a successor is elected.
Relationship
Chapter Board Member work most closely with Chapter Board members and appointees, and National AMTA staff. Chapter Board Member also communicates with Chapter members, the Chapter Relations Committee, and/or other National volunteers, as appropriate.
Responsibilities
1. Is a voting member of the Chapter Board and is familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order.
2. Accepts responsibilities for Chapter/Association assignments as delegated by the Chapter President.
3. May temporarily assume the responsibilities of vacant volunteer positions while working with the President, the Chapter Relations Committee and staff to fill the vacancy.
4. Shall not be the Chair of more than two (2) committees, sub-committees, special committees or workgroups.
5. Attends Chapter Board, Chapter membership, and any Chapter committee meetings for which the Chapter Board Member has responsibility.
6. Identifies, cultivates and recruits future Chapter leaders.
7. Makes recommendations to the Chapter President for committee appointments.
8. Directs and refers members to appropriate volunteer and staff contacts as applicable.
9. Is available to receive direct feedback from members for input to the Chapter Board, and to communicate appropriate information regarding actions of the Chapter Board.
10. Maintains communication with Chapter membership through regular reports, and reports at Chapter membership and Chapter Board meetings.
11. Fulfills the fiduciary, due diligence, and other responsibilities of Chapter Board members as described in Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
12. Maintains orderly records of activities and timelines relevant to her/his position during their term and supplies the incoming Chapter Board Member with those records to ensure a smooth transition.
Time Commitment
The time commitment averages approximately 5 – 8 hours per week, depending on Chapter activities. The time commitment may be higher before and/or during certain Chapter events or actions.
Vacancy
A vacancy in the Chapter Board Member position will be filled according to AMTA Bylaws and Policy.
Removal from Office
An officer may be removed from office for failure to:
1. Fulfill her/his duties and responsibilities (dereliction of duties).
2. Abide by Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
3. Keep AMTA membership dues current.
Removal shall occur upon recommendation from a Chapter Board member with a two-thirds vote of the entire Chapter Board. The National Office must be contacted prior to Chapter Board voting on removal of a volunteer.
Approved via National Board Motion #1206:94 2, Updated: Motion: #1016:44
Financial Administrator
Purpose
The Chapter Financial Administrator supports the financial operations of the Chapter.
Eligibility
In addition to being a Professional member in good standing, and signing the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct, she/he must meet one or more of the following requirements:
• Completed one term year as a Chapter Board member within the last three years.
• Completed one term year as a Chapter committee chair or member within the last two years.
• Completed one term year as a National Board member, National Standing Committee Chair, or National Standing Committee member within the last two years.
Authority
The authority of the Chapter Financial Administrator is conferred by the Chapter membership through election and as specified in National AMTA Bylaws and Policy.
Accountability
The Chapter Financial Administrator is accountable to the Chapter Board, Chapter members and AMTA National Board by virtue of election.
The Chapter Financial Administrator agrees to uphold and abide by the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Term of Office
The Chapter Financial Administrator is elected every odd year for a term of two (2) years or until a successor is elected.
Relationships
The Chapter Financial Administrator works most closely with Chapter Board members and appointees, and National AMTA staff. The Chapter Financial Administrator also communicates with Chapter members, the Chapter Relations Committee, and Finance staff, and/or other National volunteers, as appropriate.
Responsibilities
1. Is a voting member of the Chapter Board.
2. Attends Chapter Board, Chapter membership, and any Chapter committee meetings for which the Chapter Financial Administrator has responsibility (i.e. Chapter budget meeting).
3. Accepts responsibilities for Chapter/Association assignments as delegated by the Chapter President.
4. May temporarily assume the responsibilities of vacant positions while working with the President, the Chapter Relations Committee and staff to fill the vacancy.
5. Shall not be the Chair of more than two (2) committees, sub-committees, special committees or workgroups.
6. In cooperation with the President, conducts the regular day-to-day financial business affairs of the Chapter.
7. Adopts, uses, and complies with the Chapter Internal Controls detailed in AMTA Policy.
8. Manages and oversees the Chapter Budget.
a. In collaboration with Chapter Board members and/or Chapter Finance Committee, prepares the annual Chapter budget, for presentation to the Chapter Board and the Chapter membership for approval.
b. Submits approved budget to national office finance department by deadline in accordance with AMTA Policy.
c. Ensures that Chapter records are maintained according to the record retention guidelines, and submits required reports to the National Office.
d. Ensures that expenses are budgeted and allowable.
e. Provides information to the Chapter Board regarding budgetary restrictions and alerts the Chapter Board when projects, programs, or units are in danger of going over budget.
f. Brings all unapproved and/or unbudgeted requests for funds and payment to the Chapter Board.
g. Proposes cost cutting measures and budget adjustments.
h. Reports line item financial status of the Chapter, actual vs. budgets, to the Chapter Board quarterly and to the Chapter members annually.
9. Keeps the Chapter Board current regarding status of investments, when applicable.
10. Approves reimbursement to members, appointees, or other volunteers, for budgeted or approved expenditures made on behalf of the Chapter.
a. Submits required documentation to the national office to support each payment in order to allow proper recording in the chapter financial records.
11. Signs and submits certification letter to national office finance department by deadline in accordance with AMTA Policy.
12. Submits checks and cash received as payments for chapter events and other income to the national office finance department within 5 business days of receipt.
13. Reviews Chapter expenditures and financial status on a regular basis to ensure overall fiscal responsibility.
14. Reconciles total credit card statement monthly, ensuring all receipts are received and in order.
15. Annually updates Chapter Board on changes to National financial policies.
16. Communicates with Chapter membership, through regular reports, the financial status of the Chapter, including income and expenses to date and account balances.
17. Identifies, recruits, cultivates, and mentors future Chapter leaders.
18. Makes recommendations to the Chapter President for committee appointments.
19. Directs and refers members to appropriate volunteer and staff contacts as appropriate.
20. Is available to receive direct feedback from members for input to the Chapter Board and to communicate appropriate information regarding actions of the Chapter Board.
21. Ensures Chapter financial operations are consistent with AMTA National Bylaws and Policy.
22. Fulfills fiduciary, due diligence, and other responsibilities of Chapter Board members as described in the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
23. Maintains orderly records of activities and timelines relevant to his/her position during their term and supplies the incoming Chapter Financial Administrator with those records to ensure a smooth transition.
Time Commitment
The time commitment is approximately 5 hours per week. Time commitment may be considerably greater for short durations during preparation of budget, annual reports, etc.
Vacancy
A vacancy in the Financial Administrator position will be filled according to AMTA Bylaws and Policy.
Removal from Office
An officer may be removed from office for failure to:
1. Fulfill her/his duties and responsibilities (dereliction of duties).
2. Abide by the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
3. Keep AMTA membership dues current.
Removal shall occur upon recommendation from a Chapter Board member with a two- thirds vote of the entire Chapter Board. The National Office must be contacted prior to Chapter Board voting on removal of a volunteer.
Approved via motion #1006:82 2; Revised November 2006/Revised March 2008; Updated: Motion #1016:44
Secretary
Purpose
The Chapter Secretary is the official keeper of the Chapter records and is responsible for recording, maintaining and updating Chapter records during her/his term of office.
Eligibility
In addition to being a Professional member in good standing and signing the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct, she/he must meet the following requirement:
• Completed one year of AMTA membership.
Authority
The authority of the Chapter Secretary is conferred by the Chapter membership through election, as specified in National AMTA Bylaws and Policy.
Accountability
The Chapter Secretary is accountable to the Chapter Board, Chapter Members and AMTA National Board of Directors by virtue of election.
The Chapter Secretary agrees to uphold and abide by Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Term of Office
The Chapter Secretary shall be elected every even year for a term of two (2) years or until a successor is elected.
Relationship
The Chapter Secretary works most closely with Chapter Board members and appointees and National AMTA staff. The Chapter Secretary also communicates with Chapter members, other Chapter Secretaries, the Chapter Relations Committee, and/or other National volunteers, as appropriate.
Responsibilities
1. Is a voting member of the Chapter Board and is familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order.
2. Distributes announcements of Chapter Board meetings and Chapter membership meetings.
3. Attends Chapter Board and membership meetings and ensures that attendance, votes and the proceedings of the meetings are recorded, maintained and retained according to the National record retention guidelines.
4. Submits required reports and volunteer rosters to the National Office.
5. Distributes minutes of Chapter Board meetings to Board members. Provides access to minutes from Chapter meetings to the Chapter membership upon request.
6. Accepts responsibilities for Chapter/Association assignments as delegated by the Chapter President.
7. May temporarily assume the responsibilities of vacant volunteer positions while working with the President, the Chapter Relations Committee and staff to fill the vacancy.
8. Shall not be the Chair of more than two (2) committees, sub-committees, special committees or workgroups.
9. Identifies, cultivates and recruits future Chapter leaders.
10. Makes recommendations to the President for committee appointments.
11. Directs and refers members to appropriate volunteer and National AMTA staff contacts as applicable.
12. Is available to receive direct feedback from members for input to the Chapter Board and to communicate appropriate information regarding actions of the Chapter Board.
13. Fulfills the fiduciary, due diligence and other responsibilities of Chapter Board members as described in the Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
14. Maintains orderly records of activities and timelines relevant to her/his position during their term and supplies the incoming Secretary with those records to ensure a smooth transition.
Time Commitment
The time commitment is approximately 2 – 4 hours per week, depending on Chapter activities.
Vacancy
A vacancy in the Chapter Secretary position will be filled according to AMTA Bylaws and Policy.
Removal from Office
An officer may be removed from office for failure to:
1. Fulfill her/his duties and responsibilities (dereliction of duties).
2. Abide by Chapter Volunteer Code of Conduct.
3. Keep AMTA membership dues current.
Removal shall occur upon recommendation from a Chapter Board member with a two-thirds vote of the entire Chapter Board. The National Office must be contacted prior to Chapter Board voting on removal of a volunteer.
Approved via National Board Motion #1206:94; Revised March 2008; Updated: Motion: #1016:44 2
Interested in becoming elected to serve on the Chapter Board of Directors?