Colleen M Grabow, LMT

💚 Why I helped create IMTPA — and why I'm asking for your support today.
Moving massage therapy into healthcare is the reason I joined AMTA and volunteered my time. I served on the Illinois state chapter Government Relations committee for nearly 10 years — alongside some incredibly passionate people who all shared the same dream: getting massage recognized as real healthcare.
We were patient. When we were told "this isn't the right time," we waited. When we were told to "be more specific," we got more specific. Then, in my 8th year on the committee, we were told they weren't even sure this was what members wanted.
So we surveyed the members — and the response was a huge boost. They wanted exactly what we had been pushing for. 🙌
But even that wasn't enough. It became clear that moving massage into healthcare in Illinois simply wasn't part of AMTA's strategic plan. They have responsibilities to members across the country, and Illinois-specific advocacy wasn't their lane.
So IMTPA was born — a professional association built specifically for Illinois massage therapists, with healthcare integration as a core mission. 🌿
Here's the honest truth though: ❤️s and likes on posts don't equal members. And IMTPA needs members to create real change. We had members join in May and that momentum means everything — but we need MORE.
If you've ever liked, shared, or hearted a post about massage therapy and healthcare... please consider turning that support into membership.
👉 imtpa.org | [email protected]
This is how change actually happens. 💪

IMTPA | Illinois Massage Therapy Professional Association IMTPA supports the profession through advocacy, education, and collaboration — connecting therapists, schools, employers, and stakeholders across Illinois.

Hello supporters of Illinois SB1756 – the Interstate Massage Compact! 👋
Let’s move this bill forward. This week, our focus should be on the Senate Assignments Committee—these senators can strongly influence what happens to SB1756 at this stage.
✅ Call the Senate Assignments Committee
Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford (D) – Chair: (217) 782-8505
Sen. Bill Cunningham (D) – Vice-Chair: (217) 782-5145
Sen. Omar Aquino (D) – Member: (217) 782-5652
Sen. Laura M. Murphy (D) – Member: (217) 782-3875
Sen. Neil Anderson (R) – Minority Spokesperson: (217) 782-5957
Sen. Sally J. Turner (R) – Member: (217) 782-6216
📞 Phone Script (Assignments Committee)
“Hi, I’m calling to ask Senator [NAME] to co-sponsor SB1756 and support pulling it out of Senate Assignments for a hearing. This bill improves healthcare access, strengthens public protection against illicit activity, and helps military and veteran families keep working when they relocate.”
✅ Call Senate Leadership
Ask them to help pull SB1756 forward and make it a priority.
Sen. Don Harmon (Senate President): (217) 782-8176
Sen. John Curran (Republican Leader): (217) 782-9407
📞 Phone Script (Leadership)
“Hi, I’m calling to ask Senator [NAME] to co-sponsor SB1756 and help pull the bill forward, because it improves healthcare access, strengthens public protection against illicit activity, and helps military and veteran families keep working when they relocate.”
✅ Majority Caucus Whips
Sen. Julie Morrison: (217) 782-3650
Sen. Cristina Castro: (217) 782-7746
Sen. Ram Villivalam: (217) 782-5500
Sen. Robert Peters: (217) 782-5338

Thanks everyone for helping to move massage forward in Illinois!

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