The Institute for Structural Integration announces a certification program in Structural Integration to begin September 2001 in Miami, Florida. Ida Rolf's original ten-session method of Structural Integration will be taught in this 378-hour program, sponsored by Educating Hands School of Massage. ISI (Institute for Structural Integration) and Educating Hands School of Massage note this is the first time Structural Integration will be offered in the South Florida area. John Latz, course instructor and President of ISI, expressed his excitement about the upcoming program. He explains, "There is tremendous interest in learning about Ida Rolf's original system. Massage therapists from all over Florida have already contacted me about this training. In addition, Connective Tissue therapists I've taught in other parts of the country want to learn this work."
        The program will be presented in three (3) phases; each phase will consist of six (6) three-day weekends. In its entirety, the training will run from September 2001 to May 2002. This schedule is designed so that students can keep their massage practices (and other commitments) essentially uninterrupted while they study. Practitioners living outside south Florida need not relocate. Educating Hands School of Massage is offering financial aid and housing assistance to interested students. Prerequisites for the training are: Basic CTM (Connective Tissue Massage), Advanced CTM, Introduction to Structural Integration, and completion of receiving ten sessions of Structural Integration. For further information about this program, contact John Latz at the Institute for Structural Integration (305-754-0983, john@johnlatz.com).

John Latz's program "Connective Tissue Massage for the Back, Neck, and Shoulders" was presented as an AMTA Foundation fundraiser immediately following the 2000 AMTA National Convention. Held September 24 and 25 in Phoenix, Arizona, this special 12-hour workshop drew over sixty participants for a hands-on experience learning John's approach to the fundamental body mechanics of effective Connective Tissue Massage. John and six teaching assistants volunteered their time and expertise to ensure the success of this special program. John's assistants (all of whom traveled to attend this event) included Marilyn Gossett and Sharon Wood (Kentucky), Thomas Stout (Minnesota), Carolyn Richman (Maryland), Lyndon Williams (Washington, D.C.), and Pat Christopherson (Virginia).
        Their fundraising efforts netted the AMTA Foundation more than $4200. The Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity founded by the AMTA to promote scientific advancement and community service in massage therapy by awarding grants in research, community outreach, and educational scholarship. The workshop was an educational as well as a financial success, as attested by course evaluations with consistent ratings of "5" out of "5", with one student adding a "5+" for emphasis. Workshop participant Melanie Sethney shared her reflections on the program in a letter to John. She observed that John was "maximizing the learning process through slow, deliberate instruction . . . The atmosphere was safe, supportive, and encouraging." Melanie added, "I also appreciate the integrity of John Latz and his staff . . . ." Weeks after the event, attendee Karen Froehner continues to report getting good results with the work, and "positive reactions" from her clients. John has also been contacted by AMTA Foundation President John Balletto, who thanked John for his time and effort, and acknowledged his "tremendous contribution" to the Foundation.

John Latz has been selected to present Connective Tissue Massage at the Florida State Massage Therapy Association Convention on July 8, 2000. Chosen from among dozens of applicants, Latz joins several other nationally known bodywork educators at this prestigious event.
        Florida has over 16,000 licensed massage therapists in residence, more than any other state. The annual state convention regularly draws a huge attendance, and considered a major industry event both for its size and the quality of education.
        This year the Convention is hosted in Orlando (home of a celebrated mouse and prominent duck). Already, Latz is teaching CTM in Miami, Fort Myers, and Sarasota (refer to schedule for dates).
        The 2000 Convention will introduce Connective Tissue Massage to thousands more therapists throughout the state. Because of the growing interest in CTM, two separate classes are scheduled for July 8. When it comes to massage therapy, "As Florida goes, so goes the nation."