Burr Ridge, Ill. – The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) announced Rebekah Owens, LMT, BCTMB,
“All of us at NCBTMB are thrilled to report a third straight year of record voting. It is always important to us to hear directly from our Certificants—and this year’s election was no different,” commented Steve Kirin, Chief Executive Officer. “Both Rebekah and Dolly are top-notch professionals that bring a fresh perspective to our Board. We could not be happier for them that their fellow Certificants voiced such strong support for their new role with NCB.”
Rebekah Owens, LMT, BCTMB, and Dolly Wallace, LMT, BCTMB, were elected to serve as Practitioner Members. Both will serve three-year terms through February 28, 2022.
The NCBTMB Certification Board is responsible for all aspects of Board Certification, including developing certification criteria and examinations, evaluating candidates for certification, and maintaining the integrity of the certification process. The Certification Board ensures that NCBTMB maintains its status as an accredited certifying body within the massage therapy profession.—
About Rebekah Owens
Rebekah Owens has been a massage therapist for nearly 15 years and has led various volunteer efforts in the state of Maryland. She worked tirelessly to bring massage therapy into the work done at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Center of Integrative Medicine, which began by teaching medical students about massage. By her peers, Rebekah is described as “an engaging speaker, a highly competent manager, and a leader who reflects favorably on the fields of therapeutic massage and bodywork.”
Rebekah has been NCBTMB Certified since 2004. She believes Certification is the “epitome of professionalism.” When asked why she would like to join the NCBTMB Certification Board, she stated, “the (NCBTMB) Certification Board is the perfect venue to use my leadership and communications skills to advance massage therapy—my real passion. I would like to create a better working environment for all therapists and bodyworkers, including better pay and benefits. I would also like to see nationwide education standards, which starts with Certification.”
Education:
- University of Maryland University College, Master of Science in Management – Public Relations, 2020*
- University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business, Intensive Professional Development Training in Fundraiser and Grant Writing, 2017
- University of Maryland University College, Graduate Certificate in Public Relations, 2016
- Towson University, Bachelor of Technical and Professional Studies in Allied Health, Concentration in Management, 2010
- Baltimore School of Massage, Certificate in Massage Therapy, 2004
- Howard Community College, Associate of Arts, General Studies, Emphasis in Science, 2000
- Howard Community College, Associate of Arts, Secondary Education, 2000
Volunteer History:
- STARR Center
- Chair Massage for various 5K Runs
- Anne Arundel County Public Schools
About Dolly Wallace
Dolly Wallace has maintained a local massage therapy practice for over 30 years and has served the profession on various local and national levels throughout her career. She has been described by her colleagues as a “passionate, articulate and hard-working, and her commitment to advancing the massage therapy profession and establishing standards of professionalism comes through in all of her endeavors. Moreover, her positive attitude makes her a pleasure to work with and has helped her succeed in many team environments.”
Dolly has been NCBTMB Board Certified since 1994. She believes Certification is extremely valuable. When asked why she would like to join the NCBTMB Certification Board, she stated, “Because I so believe in NCBTMB and Certification. I think NCBTMB strives to elevate our profession by ensuring we have the education and training necessary to practice at a higher level. I think I can contribute and be an asset to the board. I would be honored to be a part of helping to elevate our profession.”
Education:
- Muskegon Community College, Muskego, MI (classes in Business Administration and Marketing)
- Scott College, Davenport, IA (classes in Criminal Justice and Pre-Law, made the President’s list)
- Health Enrichment Center, Lapeer, MI, Certificate for Entry-Level Massage Education
Volunteer History:
- American Massage Therapy Association volunteer, 1988-Present, serving in multiple roles:
- Michigan AMTA Chapter Treasurer, National Standing Government Relations Chair, served on National
- Board of Directors multiple times since 1996 (most recently as the Immediate Past President)
Awards:
- Florida Chiropractic Association Massage Therapist of the Year Award, 2018
- AMTA’s National Distinguished Service Award, 2010
- National Outstanding Volunteer Group Chair Award, 2006
About NCBTMB
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is an independent, private, nonprofit organization founded in 1992. The mission of NCBTMB is to define and advance the highest standards in the massage therapy and bodywork profession. In support of this mission, NCBTMB serves the profession through Board Certification, Specialty Certificates, an Approved Provider Program, and an Assigned School Code Program. For more information, please visit ncbtmb.org.