AMTA Announces 2021 Distinguished Service Award Recipient Joan Nichols

Each year, AMTA gives the Distinguished Service Award to an individual who has contributed to the massage therapy profession in an outstanding way and to acknowledge diligent volunteerism done in an altruistic manner. AMTA is proud to announce that Joan Nichols is the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Service Award.

For more than twenty years, Joan has dedicated her time and commitment to AMTA and the massage profession. She has owned and operated her massage therapy business since 1998 and has shared her expertise as a massage educator for over seven years. Joan has also volunteered with the American Cancer Society and The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation for Children for many years.

As a champion for massage therapy and a long-time volunteer, Joan has served in leadership positions at the Chapter and National levels. Through her service as the Georgia Chapter President and Board Member, member of the Board of Trustees for the Massage Therapy Foundation, and her many years volunteering as a Board Member and the Past President of the AMTA National Board of Directors, Joan has demonstrated her passion for giving back to the profession.

“We are thrilled to recognize Joan for her outstanding contributions to the massage therapy profession,” said AMTA President Steve Albertson. “She has helped make an important difference as both a massage therapist and a dedicated volunteer.”  

Today, Joan continues to advocate for the massage community, and is still an ever-ready volunteer, currently serving the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

We congratulate Joan as the AMTA 2021 Distinguished Service Recipient.