An esteemed advisory panel guides the mission and vision of The Society of Massage Archives.
Dr. Amanda Baskwill
Dr. Amanda Baskwill is a massage therapist, educator, and academic leader whose career has been deeply rooted in advancing the profession of massage therapy in Canada and beyond. With over two decades of experience, she has worn many hats. clinician, educator, researcher, author, and advocate. Her contributions include curriculum leadership in massage therapy education, government advocacy for professional regulation, and research that bridges clinical practice, and evidence-informed care.
Amanda’s work has consistently focused on elevating the profession’s visibility, credibility, and integration within broader health systems. Currently serving as the senior vice president, academic, and chief learning officer at Loyalist College, Amanda continues to support the growth of health and wellness professions through strategic leadership and innovation. She is also the executive editor and editor and chief of the international journal of therapeutic massage and bodywork, the IJTMB, where she champions scholarly work that reflects the complexity and potential of massage therapy.
A passionate storyteller and mentor, Amanda brings a reflective lens to her own professional journey and the evolving history of massage therapy, making her an insightful voice in conversations about where the profession has been and where we’re headed.
Dr. Patricia Benjamin
Dr. Patricia Benjamin is widely regarded as the preeminent historian of the massage therapy profession. Beginning her career in 1984, she has worked in education, organizational leadership, and scholarly research.
Her seminal book, The Emergence of the Massage Therapy Profession, published in 2015, chronicles the field’s transformation through the 1980s and ’90s—a period she experienced firsthand through her roles with AMTA and various schools. Though officially retired, Patricia remains a guiding force behind ongoing archival and historical efforts. Her quiet, meticulous stewardship of the profession’s memory has laid the foundation for today’s preservationists to carry the work forward.
Sandy Fritz
Sandy Fritz is a pioneering massage therapist, educator, and outspoken advocate who has helped shape the profession for nearly five decades. A member of AMTA for over 40 years, she has led efforts both political and pedagogical to elevate massage therapy’s standing in healthcare.
Revered as a mentor, Sandy brings bold insight and an unapologetic urgency to discussions about the future of the profession. She champions not just the preservation of history but the power of legacy—connecting past and present in ways that galvanize the next generation to lead with clarity and purpose.
Dr. Susan Salvo
Dr. Susan Salvo is a respected educator and author from Lafayette, Louisiana, whose work has helped shape the curriculum and conversation in massage therapy for over four decades. With a doctorate and a background in both psychology and history, Susan brings a deeply interdisciplinary approach to the field.
Her voice is one of encouragement and critical reflection, advocating for greater inclusion and deeper understanding within the profession. Known for her generosity as both a teacher and lifelong learner, she offers insight that bridges academic knowledge with practical compassion.
Benny Vaughn
Benny Vaughn is a legendary figure in massage therapy, celebrating 50 years of active clinical practice in 2024. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Benny has performed more than 40,000 massages and continues to see clients weekly—an enduring dedication that inspires awe among his peers.
A dynamic speaker and mentor, he is marking his golden anniversary with a special event and remains driven to share his hard-earned wisdom with emerging practitioners. Benny is known not only for his longevity but also for his unwavering belief that massage therapy is integral to the human experience.
Pete Whitridge
Pete Whitridge is a massage therapist, continuing education provider, and self-described history buff who brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective to his work. Practicing in Fort Pierce, Florida, Pete has spent over 37 years cultivating a vibrant private practice while also contributing to regulatory and accreditation efforts in massage therapy.
A graduate of the Florida School of Massage—once owned by Benny Vaughn—Pete blends historical curiosity with hands-on expertise. Whether teaching a class or consulting on archives, he is known for his calm presence, encyclopedic knowledge, and sincere dedication to the profession’s evolution.