Melissa became an active volunteer of the Community Service Massage Team (CSMT) upon graduation from massage therapy school. She started out as a team volunteer and later as chair of the Community Outreach Division and finally as chair of the CSMT now COT). Melissa was present at team events and as chair sought out events that the team could volunteer for. When CSMT had an agreement with the Red Cross, Melissa also took leader training for the emergency division of the team. Her strong feelings about the benefit of massage for emergency situations brought her to the decision to volunteer her time to complete the leadership training and train new team members.

Melissa has also been a volunteer at the Center for Hospice Care in Norwich, CT. This program is now affiliated with Hartford Healthcare. She volunteered as a massage therapist, a reiki practitioner, general volunteer, and sat vigil. She volunteered at many private and public events doing chair massage. Melissa became a staff member and worked scheduling both volunteers and home health aides. During COVID she became a very important part of the organization and became the Volunteer Coordinator for both the Norwich and Mansfield offices.

In addition to her volunteer activities at the Center for Hospice Care, Melissa is a volunteer at the Hole in the Wall Gang. Melissa has also done massage for the Reliance House at their Wellness Events multiple times and at the Alzheimer’s Association walks and Safe Futures walks.

Melissa has also been very giving of her time and special skills in the process of educating massage therapy students. Melissa worked at the Groton branch of Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Connecticut as a teacher’s assistant. Melissa shared her gift in helping students understand concepts or techniques. She was also able to guide students in the intuitive aspects of massage therapy.

Melissa has volunteered on site for Connecticut Conference and has served the chapter in other elected and appointed positions as CSMT Chair (2018-2022), AOD Delegate (2021-2023), Secretary (2022-2023) and Online Elections Coordinator (2018-2021).

Melissa always gives 110% when she takes on a task. She has an ability to draw others in and want to help out. Melissa is warm, kind, caring and compassionate. She has demonstrated the heart of massage by providing volunteer events on the chapter level and with her volunteer activities with The Center for Hospice Care. Melissa’s best gift is her laugh. This chapter, massage therapy students, and the community at large has benefitted by the gift of her time and talents.

The AMTA-CT Chapter is pleased to honor Melissa Glassman as this year’s Chapter Humanitarian.