April 27, 2023
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I cannot express what an honor and joy it has been to play a role in guiding ISMETA’s growth over the past 15 years. When I stepped into serving as ISMETA’s first Executive Director in 2013, our annual budget was approximately $35,000 and we had fewer than 300 members. Now in April 2023, we have a budget right around $235,000 and more than 1,500 members. We certainly have accomplished much to establish the profession of Somatic Movement Education and Therapy and to expand the services we offer to you, our members, since I first joined the Board in 2007.
It is with mixed emotion that I prepare for my retirement from ISMETA. That day will be Monday, June 19, 2023. The Board of Directors and myself have been busy planning for ISMETA’s ongoing growth and success after my retirement. In February we hired Elisabeth Osgood-Campbell as Assistant Director and in March we hired Nirvan Ananda as Managing Director. Elisabeth served on the ISMETA Board of Directors for nine years from 2008-2017 and has continued in a volunteer capacity to support Research and Publications, Professional Standards, and the Equity, Justice and Accessibility Committees. She worked as a consultant on the development of the Pillars of the Profession and the Legacy and Evolution Project. Her knowledge of the field is exceptional. On my retirement, Elisabeth will step into the role of Executive Director. You may remember Nirvan, as one of our Strategic Visioning Consultants. With more than 15 years of experience in the world of business, he is thrilled to be bringing his expertise to a field near and dear to his heart. He holds two Masters degrees; one in Business Administration and another in Applied Positive Psychology with a concentration in how organizations flourish. With their complimentary skillsets, they will make an incredible team to support the future evolution of ISMETA and the field of Somatic Movement Education and Therapy. I have been passing on as much institutional knowledge as possible over the last months and will remain a consultant to help with the transition.
I am looking forward to wrapping up work on several important projects before I retire. I feel that bringing to conclusion the launching of the new website, the new credentials, and the Professional Development Center are tangible steps that ISMETA has taken to support our members based on your input during our Strategic Visioning Process.
When I reflect on the last 15 years, my life has been so enriched by my relationships with our current and past Board Presidents, Board members, leaders and members of our profession, leaders within the integrative healthcare and education fields, and all of you, the ISMETA community. I am grateful for the work we have done together to grow our profession, strengthen the integrity of our work, and to provide concrete benefits to support you, our members. My heart has been fully dedicated to the mission of ISMETA and now, in my 70th turn around the sun (we all start this after our 69th birthday), it is time for me to retreat, deepen my inner work, and listen to what’s next in service to the greater good.
With great love and appreciation,
Elisa
P.S. I am currently traveling in Bolivia with limited access to email. If you would like to communicate something to me or the Board after reading this, please write through this Google form. This will help assure we do not miss your important words.
