Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2025

Summer 2025 • 11

T eri Mayo came to the massage therapy profession in the same way many other massage therapists do—she experienced the work for herself while recovering from knee surgery. Her plans for a career in creative or technical writing stalled after graduation

supporters, relationship building is where and how bridges manifest, and that is where I most want to engage and focus my efforts. Relationships through bridge building influences everything else. We live, work and exist as humans and professionals in very complicated times right now; the political climate will impact the massage profession for sure. But it is important to remember these challenging times will have a unique impact on the nonprofit world, as well. All massage stakeholders will have to work together to get through these tumultuous times if our field- and research focused MTF nonprofit is going to thrive. The relationships we build within and external to our field will be the key to MTF’s ultimate sustainability, success and potential growth. My cultivated skills in general business, therapeutic massage, rehabilitation and health care will help me to facilitate effective relationship bridge building efforts, and I’m excited for the challenge! Q Research is the cornerstone of health care professions. In your view, what role does research play in building and maintaining the credibility of the massage profession? A As both a solo massage practitioner and massage clinic owner, when I would meet with referring providers, research allowed me to speak a universal language. I think the ability to communicate through an evidence base is true across all disciplines.

when an economic downturn meant even getting an internship was difficult. Remembering her previous experience with massage therapy, Mayo decided to go to massage school. “It was my prior rehabilitative impression, combined with being a very kinesthetic person, that made exploring massage as a clinician an intuitive choice.” What originally was supposed to be a temporary stopgap turned into a more than 30-year career. “Once I began practicing massage therapy I loved every aspect of it,” she says. “And, I never looked back.” Massage Therapy Journal had the opportunity to talk with Mayo about the experience she brings to her role as Executive Director, the role research plays in the massage therapy profession, and what she hopes for the Massage Therapy Foundation’s (MTF) future. Q You bring a background of business, team management and professional mentoring, among other skills, to the Executive Director role. How will these skills help you bring your vision and hopes for MTF to reality? A I think that all these things will help take MTF to the next level. But the through line for me in all of this is rooted in relationship building . It’s the component I love the absolute most in all my roles. With staff, stakeholders, researchers, colleagues and

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