Meritorious is the highest award of the chapter that is decided by a committee to recognize someone that has gone above and beyond the call of duty to promote the AMTA and CT chapter, massage therapy, and the profession in general.

The chapter is honored to announce Becca Torns-Barker as the recipient of the 2021 Chapter Meritorious.

Becca has been an AMTA member and massage therapist for over 15 years.  She has been volunteering in a leadership role for over 11 years; serving as Membership Director (now chair), a delegate to HOD (now AOD), NERC Registrar, Conference Chair and President.  Becca  has also served as a member of the CSMT (Community Service Massage Team), CT Conference Committee, and active in government relations.

Becca most notably has served the chapter with her leadership and organizational skills, and her passion for the massage therapy profession, bringing value to the CT Members.   She has been a strong advocate for continuing education in her role as President, a member of the CT Conference Committee, and as a member of the NERC committee.  She has been a visible presence to chapter members during the pandemic, reporting the facts from DPH and other State groups related to the COVD-19 issues.

On the legislative front she has been active in a support role for the Government Relations Chair, Nikki Arel.   She served in the 3-year effort to increase the education requirements for licensure in CT and the requirement of liability insurance.  Becca was also a visible presence at the capitol during testimony against massage therapy being a taxable service.

On the National level, Becca is well known within the AMTA community, serving on the governance committee, as moderator of the chapter President’s council and as chair and member of the policy review workgroup.  She has also served at National Convention as a Chapter Leadership presenter.

Becca is currently an instructor at Asnuntuck Community College’s Massage Therapy program.   She is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Education.