Angie Myer

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

Discussion Comment

Hi Stephanie, What a great description! You can use this paragraph directly into the SSR and it will be very clear for reviewers. One clarification: you say that clinic is pass/fail based on attendance but there is a final practical exam at the end (which I think sounds like a great idea). But does that count for anything? One of the aspects reviewers look for is consistency in assessments/expectations. For example, if a student fails the practical exam, can s/he still pass the class? Is that what you want? Is all of this clear for the students in the syllabus?… >>>

Discussion Comment
Stephanie, Yes, I had heard that Oregon is particularly intense on the practical sciences. It sounds like you're taking the necessary steps to help them along. With the sciences now pre-reqs for the program, do you think you will find that they also require intensive study/review toward the end of the program too? Best, Angie Myer
Hi Stephanie , That sounds like a good plan. Having just gone through another accreditation will prove beneficial because you will likely have already completed some of the pieces for COMTA as well. Good luck to you. Should you have any questions along the way, feel free to contact the COMTA office. Best, Angie Myer
Discussion Comment

Hi Stephanie , I am curious: is the science class offered outside of the massage program (i.e. anatomy offered through the biology department), and do you think that has impacted your student success? We have seen this in a lot of larger institutions where massage students are expected to complete academic requirements outside of the curriculum. This can be encourage a stronger students/practitioner to be sure, but can also become difficult for our very kinesthetic learner. Has the new step been working? Have you seen a shift in your demographic? Do you think other qualified people are being discouraged from… >>>

Hi Stephanie, Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing so much about what your school is doing. You are obviously housed within a larger institution which appears to allow some wonderful opportunities...and probably places extra demands for your teachers to meet about instructional skills. Exciting use of technology in the classroom too; I'm sure many of our other schools are jealous! Best, Angie Myer
Discussion Comment

Hillary, There does seem to be a fair number of free-standing/proprietary schools that seem to attract career changers as their students. (I know I was also one of many at the massage school I started at.) If you are looking down the road at applying for federal funding (title IV) be prepared for a large shift in demographic to younger students starting out to complete a certificate or degree. I'm not exactly clear what you mean wyou say that you are "remiss in accepting students that don't have a degree." Does that mean that you do not accept students without… >>>

Discussion Comment
Hillary, Again, thank you for your valuable participation in the forum. What great information! And I particularly like the creative way to weave evidence-based practice and research throughout the curriculum. When schools review the COMTA Competencies, this is something to remember. Many of these can be ongoing as long as there are clear assessment markers along the way. Best, Angie Myer
Discussion Comment

Dear Hillary, I like the way your students are getting performance feedback. It is apparant that this is truly treated as a class/learning experience rather than "just practice." As we say in the teaching field, "Some teachers have 20 years experience, while others have 1 year 20 times." The same can be said of massage practice: are they making improvements over time or just doing the same thing (and same mistakes) over and over? It sounds like your school is taking steps to ensure continuous improvement. Well done and thanks for providing others with specific ways in which to do… >>>

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Laura, Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with the forum! This is truly a holistic perspective to admissions and financial aid. It is essential to look at the whole person (emotions too), and I love the direct inclusion of all the key supporting people in the student's lives. I also noticed that you are sure to link the outcome (career) to the admissions decision. It may seem obvious, but people often need that direct connection. Thanks for your sharing your specific tips! Best, Angie Myer
Discussion Comment
Cari, Great specialized experiences. Are those considered clinic or externship? Since they are directly supervised, it appears they are clinic by COMTA standards but make sure to check. Angie Myer

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