Description

Ken Rezsnyak made significant contributions to the massage therapy profession and to the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO) throughout his career as an RMT. He taught at Sutherland-Chan School for 15 years, served a total of nine years on the RMTAO Board of Directors, and was well known for his volunteer work with the RMTAO Greater Toronto Area Chapter, his contributions to the Hands Together education conference, and his mentorship of fellow RMTs.

Ken passed away in 2005. In recognition of his legacy, this award honours an RMTAO member who has made outstanding and sustained contributions to the RMTAO and the massage therapy profession through advocacy, leadership, education, research, and community building.

Criteria

Recipients of the RMT of the Year Award in Honour of Ken Rezsnyak will: 

• Be an Active or Life Member of the RMTAO in good standing.
• Have made significant contributions to the RMTAO through their time, energy, knowledge, expertise, or leadership.
• Have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the massage therapy profession. 

Areas of Contribution

The RMT of the Year recipient will have demonstrated meaningful engagement and leadership across three or more of the following areas:

• Advocacy & Public Awareness: Leading or participating in initiatives to advance the profession, strengthen the role of massage therapists within the healthcare system, and increase public awareness.
• Governance & Organizational Leadership: Serving on boards, committees, or working groups (such as the RMTAO or CMTO), or actively contributing to RMTAO programs, projects, and member initiatives.
• Education, Mentorship, & Knowledge Sharing: Teaching in pre-licensure or continuing education programs, mentoring students and peers, or presenting research, clinical insights, and best practices at conferences, webinars, or workshops.
• Research & Scholarly Activity: Conducting research, advancing evidence-informed practice, or authoring articles for peer-reviewed journals and professional publications.
• Community Building & Peer Support: Fostering professional networks, leading peer-support initiatives, and engaging in community-based programs that support fellow massage therapists and strengthen the profession.

Nominations

There will be a call for nominations made by the RMTAO Board of Directors. Nominations may be submitted in writing or in an alternative format (e.g., audio or video). Supporting letters or documents may also be included. Please contact the RMTAO (secretary@rmtao.com) if you require an accommodation to submit a nomination.

Selection Process

The Membership and Elections Committee (MEC) reviews all nominations against the criteria above. Committee members declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing affected nominations. The MEC then recommends up to four (4) candidates to the Board of Directors, which selects the recipient.

2026 - Ian Kamm
2025 - Sasha Goudriaan
2024 - Erika Kuehnel
2023 - Radha Rampersaud
2022 - Emilie McKay
2021 - Darren Nixon
2020 - Dani Faucher
2019 - Karyn Hughes
2018 - Tracy Lovitt
2017 - Susan Bessonette
2016 - Richard Lebert
2015 - Amanda Baskwill
2013 - Erin Whyte

Description

The RMTAO AIDE (Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) Impact Award recognizes a member whose leadership has made a meaningful and sustained impact on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within the massage therapy profession in Ontario, the healthcare system, or the broader community.

This award honours individuals who create more inclusive, equitable, accessible, and welcoming environments for others. The recipient may demonstrate this through leadership, advocacy, education, community service, professional practice, mentorship, or other initiatives that reduce barriers and promote greater access, participation, belonging, and respect. RMTAO values lived experience as a form of expertise, alongside clinical, academic, and advocacy contributions, and recognizes the often-unseen work of mentorship, community building, and informal advocacy.

Criteria

Recipients of the RMTAO AIDE Impact Award will:

• Be an Active or Life Member of the RMTAO in good standing.
• Actively champion AIDE initiatives, including those whose lived experience within an equity-deserving community informs and strengthens their contributions
• Have demonstrated compassion, respect, cultural humility, and a commitment to creating environments where individuals feel valued, welcomed, and able to participate fully.

We especially welcome nominations of leaders from equity-deserving communities, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, Black and racialized people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities. Self-identification is always voluntary and confidential and is never required to be considered for this award.

Areas of Contribution

The AIDE Impact Award recipient will have demonstrated meaningful engagement and leadership in one or more of the following areas:

• AIDE Leadership & Advocacy: Creating, supporting, or promoting accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives within the profession, workplace, educational environment, healthcare system, or community.
• Awareness & Education: Advancing awareness and understanding of the experiences, strengths, and needs of equity-deserving and historically underserved communities.
• Barrier Reduction & Accessibility: Identifying and reducing barriers to care, professional participation, education, or community engagement, including physical, financial, linguistic, cultural, and attitudinal barriers.
• Policy & Systems Change: Advocating for, or achieving, meaningful and lasting change in policy, practice, education, or organizational culture that contributes to a more equitable and inclusive profession.
• Community Impact & Support: Developing or supporting initiatives that improve the experiences, opportunities, access, or wellbeing of patients, colleagues, students, or community members.
• Accessibility Advancement: Strengthening accessibility in clinical practice, education, or the profession, including efforts aligned with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Reconciliation & Indigenous Inclusion: Supporting reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, including responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.
• Mentorship & Capacity Building: Serving as a role model, mentor, sponsor, educator, advocate, or community champion, while creating space and opportunities for others to lead.
• Sustained Commitment to AIDE: Demonstrating long-term dedication to advancing accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity through professional, volunteer, or community-based activities.

Nominations

There will be a call for nominations made by the RMTAO Board of Directors. Both self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome. Nominations may be submitted in writing or in an alternative format (e.g., audio or video). Supporting letters or documents may also be included. Please contact the RMTAO (secretary@rmtao.com) if you require an accommodation to submit a nomination.

Selection Process

The Membership and Elections Committee (MEC) reviews all nominations against the criteria above. Committee members declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing affected nominations. The MEC then recommends up to four (4) candidates to the Board of Directors, which selects the recipient.

Description

New Registered Massage Therapists are the future of the RMTAO. They enter the profession with fresh perspectives and an enthusiastic view of the challenges and opportunities facing massage therapy today. Their voices help the association stay relevant, responsive, and connected to the people it serves.

Every leader in this profession was once a new RMT, and the RMTAO is stronger when early-career therapists see themselves as active, contributing members of the association. Their participation brings new ideas to the table, widens the range of experiences that shape our advocacy, and builds a foundation of future committee members, board directors, mentors, and leaders.

The Emerging Leader Award celebrates a newer RMT who has already stepped forward. It is also an invitation to every new RMT to consider how they can help shape the profession as they grow in their career.

Criteria

Recipients of the Emerging Leader Award will:

• Be an Active Member of the RMTAO in good standing.
• Have graduated from a Massage Therapy Diploma Program within the past five (5) years.
• Demonstrate commitment to the Association and the massage therapy profession.
• Show initiative, engagement, and leadership potential early in their career.
• Exemplify professionalism, ethical practice, and a commitment to quality patient care.
• Contribute positively to the growth, visibility, and future of the profession.

Areas of Contribution

The Emerging Leader Award recipient will have demonstrated commitment to the Association and the profession through one or more of the following:

• Engagement with the RMTAO: Has taken part in RMTAO programs, events, communications, or initiatives, for example, attending Community Based Networks, contributing to Massage Therapy Today, volunteering, serving on a committee or working group, or responding to calls for member input.
• Contribution to the Profession: Has contributed to the growth and visibility of massage therapy, whether through sharing knowledge, supporting students or fellow new graduates, or representing the profession in their community or with other health care providers.
• Commitment to Professional Standards: Demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice and reflects the vision of the RMTAO by striving to be a leader in the promotion of massage therapy through advocacy, professional engagement, and with a focus on quality patient care.
• Advocacy and Professional Voice: Shows interest in the direction of the profession by staying informed on issues affecting RMTs, engaging in advocacy efforts, or bringing thoughtful perspectives to conversations about the future of the profession.
• Leadership Potential: Shows initiative, collaboration, and a willingness to step forward, with the potential to become a future leader within the RMTAO and the wider profession.

Nominations

There will be a call for nominations made by the RMTAO Board of Directors. Both self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome. Nominations may be submitted in writing or in an alternative format (e.g., audio or video). Supporting letters or documents may also be included. Please contact the RMTAO (secretary@rmtao.com) if you require an accommodation to submit a nomination.

Selection Process

The Membership and Elections Committee (MEC) reviews all nominations against the criteria above. Committee members declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing affected nominations. The MEC then recommends up to four (4) candidates to the Board of Directors, which selects the recipient.

Description

The Educator of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to academic excellence and outstanding educational leadership within the massage therapy profession.

This award acknowledges Registered Massage Therapists who serve as academic or clinical educators (teaching and/or supervising) in Ontario. The award honours educators who promote professionalism, inspire excellence in learning, utilize innovative teaching methods, and consistently exceed the normal expectations of their educational role.

Recipients are recognized for their dedication to student success, their ability to foster meaningful learning experiences, and their commitment to supporting, mentoring, and celebrating the achievements of their students.

Criteria

Recipients of the Educator of the Year Award will:

• Be an Active or Life Member of the RMTAO in good standing.
• Demonstrate a history of academic excellence and commitment to high-quality education.
• Promote professionalism and excellence in learning within academic and clinical environments.
• Consistently exceed the normal expectations of an educator through leadership, mentorship, innovation, and student support.
• Make a meaningful impact on student learning, development, and success.

Areas of Contribution

The Educator of the Year recipient may be recognized for contributions in one or more of the following areas:

• Teaching Excellence: Demonstrating exceptional effectiveness as an academic or clinical educator and fostering student engagement and success.
• Professionalism: Promoting professionalism, ethical practice, and professional standards within educational settings.
• Innovative Education: Developing or implementing creative and innovative teaching techniques that enhance learning outcomes.
• Student Mentorship: Providing guidance, encouragement, and support that contributes to students' professional and personal growth.
• Commitment to Student Success: Going above and beyond the normal requirements of an educator and celebrating the achievements and successes of students.

Nominations

There will be a call for nominations made by the RMTAO Board of Directors. Submissions may be received from students currently enrolled or within 6 months of graduation in a Massage Therapy program in Ontario, and program co-ordinators and educators currently working in a Massage Therapy program in Ontario. Nominations may be submitted in writing or in an alternative format (e.g., audio or video). Supporting letters or documents may also be included. Please contact the RMTAO (secretary@rmtao.com) if you require an accommodation to submit a nomination.

Selection Process

The Membership and Elections Committee (MEC) reviews all nominations against the criteria above. Committee members declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing affected nominations. The MEC then recommends up to four (4) candidates to the Board of Directors, which selects the recipient.

2026 - Tracie Skolny
2025 - Marvin Mohring
2024 - Peter Becker
2023 - Robert Harris
2022 - Gabriel Flamminio
2020 - Patricia Belli
2019 - Greg Shortt
2018 - Jennifer Brennan
2017 - Andrew Clapperton
2016 - Stephanie Cox
2015 - Iain Robertson
2013 - Ron McKerracher

Description

The Research Award is presented to a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Canada who demonstrates leadership in research and actively encourages, supports, and participates in research that has a positive impact on the massage therapy profession.

This award recognizes individuals who contribute to the advancement of evidence-informed massage therapy practice through research activity, knowledge translation, professional dissemination, and the promotion of research within clinical and academic settings.

Criteria

Recipients of the Research Award will:

• Be a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Canada.
• Demonstrate leadership in promoting, conducting, supporting, or applying research that contributes to the advancement of the massage therapy profession.
• Have made meaningful contributions to research, scholarly activity, knowledge transfer, or research capacity-building within the profession.
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing evidence-informed practice and fostering a culture of research within massage therapy.

Areas of Contribution

The Research Award recipient may be recognized for contributions in one or more of the following areas:

• Research Publication: Authoring or contributing to a peer-reviewed work or body of work with corresponding publication(s) in a professional or scientific journal.
• Professional Presentation: Presenting professional or research-related work at provincial, national, and/or international conferences, symposiums, or professional events.
• Knowledge Translation: Promoting research and facilitating the application of research findings within clinical practice, education, or professional decision-making.
• Research Facilitation: Supporting or facilitating research activities in a clinical setting that involve the massage therapy profession.
• Research Leadership: Encouraging, mentoring, or supporting others in research activities and contributing to the growth of research capacity within the profession.
• Advancement of Evidence-Informed Practice: Demonstrating leadership in integrating research evidence into professional practice, education, or policy development.

Nominations

There will be a call for nominations made by the RMTAO Board of Directors. Both self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome. Nominations may be submitted in writing or in an alternative format (e.g., audio or video). Supporting letters or documents may also be included. Please contact the RMTAO (secretary@rmtao.com) if you require an accommodation to submit a nomination.

Selection Process

The Membership and Elections Committee (MEC) reviews all nominations against the criteria above. Committee members declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing affected nominations. The MEC then recommends up to four (4) candidates to the Board of Directors, which selects the recipient.

2026 - Alison Fraser 
2025 - Amanda Winter
2024 - Morgan Richard
2023 - Suzanne Michaud
2022 - Christin Sadler
2021 - Richard Lebert
2017 - Donelda Gowan
2016 - Wray Barraclough
2013 - Trish Dryden