Impact Makers October 2024

Introducing AMTA-Member Abby Davis of Lincoln, NE, one of this year’s Nebraska Chapter's IMPACT MAKERS.

Here's is the info you should know about Abby in her own words:

LMT years: 8 years

AMTA years: 9 years-I joined as a student in 2015

Where do you practice:  Simple Wellness Massage, Lincoln, NE

What Massage Modalities do you practice: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Salt Stones, Cupping, Aromatherapy, and minimal Craniosacral

How do you spend time outside of work: I enjoy being in nature. It is very calming and re-energizing, I love swimming , but don't do it enough.  I spend a lot of time volunteering, I love building legos with the family.

How do you promote the massage therapy profession in your community: I take pride in being an "educated, licensed professional. and part of your health care team".  When I am having conversations in regards to self-care, bodywork with a person who may have misconceptions about massage.  I respectfully reeducate.  I have been a strong advocate of breaking the stigma around mental health for many years, now with the knowledge, research, and scientific proof of how massage can benefit mental health I am able to share that with other mental health professionals.  In previous years I have volunteered after the marathon, been on the local news promoting massage during massage therapy week and have participated in health and wellness fairs.

In what ways do you participate in your community: 

I have been a volunteer with Scouts BSA for nearly 10 years.  Over the last 3 years I have become a strong advocate for females in scouting.  I started a committee of strong women scouters that held meetings and events to empower other females in scouting and educate the public on why girls belong in the BSA . Two years ago I was presented with the opportunity to form and lead the first,  and to this day, only,  all girl BSA troop in our local council.  I am also a trained youth mental health first aid responder.

Do you have any words of wisdom to share that have helped you in your career:   

For me, having a strong mentor that believed in me from day one (when I wasn't even sure of myself) was so important to teach me all the stuff you don't get in school.  Also, being a massage therapist isn't a job, its a lifestyle.  Over the last 8 years not only have i gotten to know some truly amazing clients that call me family, but I have gotten to know myself and started listening to my body, The old saying "practice, what you preach"

Have you ever volunteered your time to the Nebraska Chapter and if so, roughly when and how long were you a volunteer? I volunteered briefly in 2017 as the election coordinator. Unfortunately, during that time my mother passed away and another member helped me finish.  I am grateful for our chapter and the work the volunteers put in.