AMTA Names NHI Staffer Teacher of the Year

by Joe Bob Smith

Melissa Wheeler addresses her peers at All-Staff Day.

The American Massage Therapy Association has awarded the 2010 Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year Award to Melissa Wheeler, a longtime National Holistic Institute teacher and current teacher trainer.

To the many teachers, staff, and students Melissa has touched in her 19 years at NHI, no one deserves it more. One of the highlights of this year’s NHI All-Staff Day was Melissa’s address to her peers and receiving of a scrapbook created by co-worker Sharlene Philip, containing numerous memories, congratulations, and accolades. While Melissa remains as humble as always about this rare honor, here are words of praise from others:

“It has been my pleasure to work with Melissa, whose input always puts the teacher first in the education committee’s roles and initiatives.” – Ruth Werner, author and President of the Massage Therapy Foundation

“Melissa is one of those rare and special educators who help ignite the passion for Massage Therapy in all of those who are fortunate enough to learn from her.” – Rhoni Hirst, Books of Discovery

“Another example would be one particular student that faced numerous challenges, the least of which being a recently paroled ex-convict. He came to Melissa to seek advice on how to construct a resume, interview skills and generally just how to get past being a large, loud, tattooed gentleman and help him find the therapist within (this being no easy task in itself). That graduate now has a thriving private practice and a top position in a local massage therapy center. To say the above mentioned student was a challenge is an understatement. I should know, I am that student.” – Christopher Sanderson, former student

“From her remarkable work as a Kinesiology teacher, where she presented the information with enthusiasm and passion, to the daily contact we had where she saw me as a unique individual, no just one of several hundred, Melissa’s impact has been profound.” – Bonnie Rodriguez, student

AMTA presents an award each year to an instructor in a member school who demonstrates exceptional teaching abilities and commitment to high standards of education in massage therapy. This award honors the memory of Jerome Perlinski, an extraordinary educator and much loved leader. Jerome Perlinski is remembered for his recognition of the gifts and talents of others and his ability to bring out their best. A consumer and advocate of massage therapy who was not a practitioner, Jerome held a doctorate in the history of ideas from St. Louis University. He was a widely experienced teacher and lecturer whose committed work helped raise training standards, improve teaching methods and educate massage practitioners about the importance of ethical, professional behaviors. He also played an instrumental role in the early development of the Council of Schools. When colleagues remember Jerome, they use words like inspired, passionate, motivating, principled, and exceptional.

We’ll be cheering Melissa on as she accepts the award and presents at the AMTA National Convention in Minneapolis this September. We also look forward to many more years of inspiration from her!