Angie Myer

About me

Angie Myer has twenty years experience as a teacher and administrator in public schools and higher education. She is currently serving as a Content Accreditation Specialist and Curriculum Consultant for the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA). In this position she works with massage and aesthetics schools in the accreditation process, providing guidance, reviewing self study reports, and preparing analyses for the Commission. Prior to holding this position, Angie worked as Director of Operations at the International School of Professional Bodywork and Dean of Education at Mueller College of Holistic Studies where she was integral in their COMTA accreditation.

Angie holds a Masters degree in Curriculum & Instruction and specializes in competency-based curriculum design. She is also a certified Holistic Health Practitioner and has worked as a massage therapist in private practice, clinical, and resort spa settings. Prior to her work in the holistic health industry, Angie was Associate Professor of Teacher Education at the Community College of Denver after teaching elementary school.

Activity

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Research Literacy

Chris, Thank you for your thoughtful reply regarding research literacy. Yes, the COMTA competencies do require that ALL entry-level massage therapists have proficiency in research literacy. However, keep in mind that it does not have to be done to the same level of rigor as your advanced programs. Simply being able to discuss the value of research--and what legitimate research is and how to find it--may be enough for the entry-level therapist. If you go above and beyond, that's great, but check out the exact language of the competency to understand the minimum. Thank you for the work you have… >>>

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Degree Programs

Hi Robyn, Thank you for participating in the degree forum. I want to clarify, however, that degrees never AUTOMATICALLY transfer. Often, it must be an ACCREDITED degree program, but even then, the receiving institution can always choose to accept credits or not from certain schools. In addition, please note that credits from CERTIFICATE programs may also transfer, depending on the receiving institution. Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Clinic

Chris, Thank you for your thorough description of your clinic experience. I particularly like how you've taken steps to ensure more honest and helpful feedback from clients. Many schools include client feedback forms and some use it as part of the grade. However, it often a challenge to make sure it's not "throw away" feedback, and many instructors have been frustrated that it can impede their ability to help the student grow since they can claim, "But my clients like it so it must be fine." I have also seen a school successfully use Survey Monkey online surveys to clients… >>>

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Faculty Professional Development

Dear Chris, Welcome to the forum and thank you so much for your post. I love the new perspective you have added to the conversation! How very astute and wise to approach the underlying cause of a lot of classroom issues (fear) and not just the symptoms (classroom management, communication problems). I would love for every instructor and administrator to read this! Helping instructors focus on the first day of class and setting the appropriate tone and expectations is undervalued in what we do. Thanks for the input! Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Research Literacy

Brian, Thank you for your post about research literacy. Just to clarify, COMTA does not actually required that students learn to do research or write papers. The goal is to develop research literacy--learning how to find and evaluate quality sources to serve them in their professional practice. It is a common misconception that schools think they have to develop elaborate research units and it's not usually necessary. Thanks, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Clinic

Brian, Thank you for your question. The COMTA Standard does require that clinic be supervised and students evaluated--it is to be an instructional experience, not just "practice." However, the standard does not stipulate exactly how these evaluations be conducted. There are several schools who use client surveys (documented) as part of the evaluation. Essentially, the evaluation methods must match the objectives of the course. So if the primary objective is related to client satisfaction and developing a client base, that makes sense. If there are additional objectives related to charting, technique, hygiene, body mechanics, etc--these would probably necessitate an additional… >>>

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Self-Study Report Challenges

Keturah, Ah, yes, redundancies to seem to be built in to the SSR even if we all try to avoid it. It does get easier. Contact our office if you have particular questions about specific questions and we are happy to help interpret. Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Degree Programs

Brian, I really appreciate your perspective on the certificate vs. degree. This was a nice addition to the discussion and an important reminder that 'different' does not necessarily mean 'better.' A variety of opportunities depending on circumstances is essential. Thank you, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Completion, Placement, Licensure

Brian, Thank you for sharing your successes and congratulations on these accomplishments. Best, Angie Myer

Angie Myer

Discussion Comment

Student Recruitment

Brian, Thank you for your participation in the forum. Yes, part of the recruitment process is educational to the nature of the industry and full disclosure is essential. It is also hard for us to adjust to changing demographics, but essential for survival. Thank you, Angie Myer

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