The S.T.A. was founded in 1995 by the members of the S.O.T.E.S. which in turn was founded in 1990. S.O.T.E.S. was dedicated to encouraging public awareness of shiatsu and other oriental therapies by offering a forum to the small but active community of practitioners at the time. As other oriental therapies were forming their own individual associations, and the fact that most S.O.T.E.S. members were shiatsu practitioners, members dissolved the association to re-incorporate as the S.T.A. In this process, higher standards and guidelines were established to better represent the qualifications of our practicing members.
All members are invited to meet annually, and are encouraged to participate on a regular basis in discussions to resolve issues and to further promote Shiatsu and our association.
The STA Board of Directors is made up of a group of volunteer members who meet regularly to ensure that policies and procedures are being adhered to. They also work to promote and educate the community about Shiatsu and its many benefits.
STA of BC Board of Directors for 2025-2026
President – Mario Teixeira R.S.T.
Vice President – Gigi Huscroft R.S.T.
Secretary – Collette Ordano R.S.T.
Treasurer – Challah Ewing R.S.T.
Member at Large – Rick Van Hassel R.S.T.
Member at Large – Monika Zobel, R.S.T
Committees
Education Committee – Collette Ordano, Mario Teixeira, Rick Van Hassel, Gigi Huscroft
Website – Rick Van Hassel, Mario Teixeira
Media and Marketing – Board Members
Newsletter – Collete Ordano, Gigi Huscroft
Vancouver Island Regional Rep – Collette Ordano
Student Liason – Collette Ordano
Health Insurance Committee – Mario Teixeira, Collette Ordano
Vancouver and Mainland Regional Rep – Mario Teixeira