Burr Ridge, IL (February 18, 2025)—The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) announced today that Christopher Deery, LMT, BCTMB was elected by the NCBTMB Certification Board to serve as board president, effective March 1, 2025.
Deery is an accomplished and well-respected practitioner with a passion for massage therapy education. He has practiced massage therapy in several different settings such as: salon/spa, physical therapy clinic and private practice. He has been Board Certified for over two decades. Active with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) since 2003, he served as president of AMTA from 2019-2020.
“Christopher Deery brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to NCBTMB along with a passion for elevating the massage therapy profession.” said current NCBTMB president, Dolly Wallace. “I am confident that his leadership will guide us towards achieving our goals and further strengthening our impact as a profession.”
Deery will lead a five-member Certification Board including Crista De la Garza, Boulder, CO (Practitioner Member); Matthew S. Gavzy, Fair Lawn, NJ (Practitioner Member); Laurence J. LaBoda, Chicago, IL (Public Member); and newly elected practitioner member, Jennifer Carlson, Aberdeen, NJ (Practitioner Member.)
“It is with deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility that I accept the presidency of the NCBTMB.” said Deery. “I am truly honored to serve this remarkable community of massage therapy professionals. I will foster an environment where practitioners are empowered to reach their full potential, elevate their skills, and advance our profession. I look forward to continuing working with our dedicated board, staff, and stakeholders to build a stronger, more vibrant future for therapeutic massage and bodywork.”
About NCBTMB
NCBTMB is a non-profit organization with the mission to elevate the massage therapy profession nationwide by establishing and advancing the highest credentials and standards of excellence. In addition to the BCTMB®, NCBTMB offers the Approved Provider Program, the country’s most-respected source for continuing education approval by state boards, government and regulatory agencies, and massage therapists. NCBTMB also offers the Massage Therapy Assessment for Certification (MTAC) and the Assigned Schools program.