Sylvester brings 16 years of leadership experience in massage therapy education. In addition to being a licensed massage therapist since 2004, she has is an entry-level and continuing education instructor, education director, faculty trainer, curriculum developer, and campus president and regional director in massage therapy training programs. She has led several programs through initial and renewal accreditation processes, and she has coordinated and completed application to the Federal Department of Education for Title IV Financial Aid programs. Sylvester also developed educational materials for business, ethics, professionalism, and communication topics and is a passionate and dedicated member of the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education since 2012.

“I am elated at the opportunity to help make this credential available to individuals who wish to exemplify the highest excellence as educators of therapeutic massage and bodywork. This is a true milestone for our profession,” shared Sylvester.

"Deanna is uniquely qualified to serve the Educator Certification project and community. She brings a wealth of experience and talent to this new role, and the AFMTE Board is thrilled to welcome her," added AFMTE President Stan Dawson.

The Educator Certification Program is currently a voluntary portfolio review process through which educators can demonstrate they have achieved proficiency in the Core Competencies for Massage Therapy Teachers. The portfolio review process allows experienced teachers to be “grandmothered” into certification without having to go through a formal teacher training process. The Program began accepting applications for portfolio review in April.

The AFMTE invites all educators to review the Guide for Assessing Massage and Bodywork Educators, which was developed to help educators assess themselves, and to review the Core Competencies. Experienced educators who feel they meet the competencies should begin portfolio preparations and be ready to apply.

Dr. Penny Jeffrey said, “As board liaison for the Certification Process Committee, I am excited to see Deanna fully implement the work that was developed by massage and bodywork educators passionate for this project. Deanna’s experiences and areas of expertise are well fit for what needs to be accomplished.”

Sylvester is a 2002 graduate of the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Arizona. She currently resides in Tucson with her wife, Sabra, and their dog, Eddie.