History of the STA

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.

STABC Board of Directors for 2017-2018

Collette Ordano R.S.T., Healing Palms –  President

Mario Teixeira R.S.T., – Vice President

Rick Van Hassel, R.S.T., Phoenix Healing Arts – Secretary

James Thompson R.S.T. – Treasurer

Vanessa Wiebel, R.S.T. – Member at Large

Committees

Education Committee – James Thompson, Collette Ordano, Rick Van Hassel

Website – Rick Van Hassel, James Thompson

Media and Marketing – Board Members

Newsletter – Collette Ordano

Vancouver Island Regional Rep – Collette Ordano

Student Liason – Collette Ordano

Health Insurance Committee –  Rick Van Hassel, Mario Teixeira,

Vancouver and Mainland Regional Rep – Mario Teixeira