AMTA Congratulates 2018 Award Winners

AMTA celebrates the accomplishments of Jane Johnson, Dr. Bruce Costello, and Barbara “Bobbi” Junod whose enthusiasm and leadership in the massage therapy profession have earned our highest recognition. 

Jane Johnson, Distinguished Service Award 

Jane Johnson is the 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. The purpose of this award is to honor someone who has contributed to the massage therapy profession in an outstanding manner and to acknowledge diligent and altruistic volunteerism.

Jane Johnson has been an AMTA member since 1991, and became an active volunteer with the Georgia Chapter’s Government Relations Committee in 2000. She also served for many years on the Georgia State Massage Therapy Board, and in several different capacities with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Jane is a true advocate for massage therapy, and is currently serving as a Board Member for the Georgia Chapter and the Georgia Chapter’s Government Relations Committee. 

Dr. Bruce Costello, President’s Award

Dr. Bruce Costello is the recipient of the 2018 President’s Award. He entered the massage therapy profession in 1979 and has served as an important mentor to many. His life’s passion has been helping people’s pain, both educating them on how to take care of it and further preventing it.

Dr. Costello founded the Rising Spirit Institute of Natural Health in Atlanta, which is considered one of the premier massage therapy schools in the country. After directing Rising Spirit for 12 years, he decided to pursue teaching Corrective Bodywork Seminars to Licensed Health Care Professionals. 

Barbara “Bobbi” Junod, Jerome Perlinski, Teacher of the Year Award

Barbara “Bobbi” Junod is the 2018 recipient of the Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Award.  Bobbi Junod is a massage therapy instructor at the Lexington Academy of Healing Arts in Lexington, Kentucky. She retired as Director of Education in 2015 to focus on teaching. She holds a Master of Arts degree in education from Eastern Kentucky University. 

Those who nominated Bobbi, describe her in the following ways. “When I think of Bobbi Junod, it is very easy for me to see her as a role model.” “She made students feel heard and understood even in their mistakes and self-perceived failures.” “She radiates passion for health and wellness and maintains a constant positive state of mind.” 

Each year, this award is given to an instructor at an AMTA school who demonstrates exceptional teaching abilities and a commitment to high standards of education in massage therapy. This award honors the memory of Jerome Perlinski, an extraordinary educator and much loved teacher. 

2018 National Award Recipients 

AMTA would also like to recognize the following individuals who received 2018 National Awards for their outstanding contributions to the massage therapy profession. 

Humanitarian Award – Karen Pirhalla (CT) 

Government Relations Activist Award – Kim Moore (NC)

Sports Massage Achiever Award – Robert Vinson (MA)

2018 Chapter Innovation Award 

Congratulations to the Connecticut Chapter on receiving the 2018 Chapter Innovation Award.  

2018 Chapter Meritorious Recipients 

Congratulations to all of our 2018 Chapter Meritorious recipients.