Mission

IMTPA exists to advance, protect, and elevate the massage therapy profession in Illinois.

Values

Board of Directors

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Colleen Grabow, LMT
President

Colleen graduated from Illinois Valley Community College with an associate degree in massage therapy and later became an adjunct instructor there. She volunteered with AMTA-IL for 9 years — serving on the government relations committee, as membership chair, and as chapter president. She currently practices in her private practice in Ottawa and is a Community Care Partner with the VA.

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Julie Bevel, LMT
Treasurer
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Donna Sarvello, LMT
Secretary

Donna is a massage therapy professional with over 27 years of experience, graduating from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 1998. Her expertise spans Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, sports and pregnancy massage, and more. She has taught at Everest College, led the exam writing committee for the NCBTMB Board Certification Examination, and served as Director of Education. She also volunteered as a board member for the Alliance for Massage Therapy Educators from 2021 to 2026.

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Tara Stubler, LMT
Director

A 2009 graduate of the IVCC Massage Therapy Program, Tara brings 16 years of clinical experience. She holds certifications in Neurokinetic Therapy, Orthopedic Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and Kinesio Taping. She is passionate about client education and empowering clients with self-care strategies beyond the treatment room.

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Emmanuel Bistas, LMT
Director

Emmanuel's career spans both massage therapy and technology, which converged in the creation of a massage therapy school and clinic. He advocates for a profession supported by thoughtful systems that protect the public while preserving an open marketplace encouraging creativity and ethical competition. He served for ten years on the state massage therapy licensing board and has contributed to multiple FSMTB committees.

Our Sponsors

IMTPA's sponsor program is open to industry partners who want to demonstrate their commitment to the Illinois massage therapy profession. Sponsor listings will appear here as partnerships are finalized.

Interested in sponsoring? Email info@imtpa.org