Staff
Teri Mayo, BA, LMT, Executive Director
(847)869-5019
tmayo@massagetherapyfoundation.org
Teri has owned rehabilitative practices for 29 years as a massage therapist, including a medical massage clinic that employed 19 therapists and staff. After a shift to health care administration with Swedish Medical Group and Seattle Children’s Hospital for several years, Teri was happy to move back into the word rehabilitative services when she joined Pushing Boundaries paralysis exercise therapy center in the fall of 2019 as their Executive Director. She also maintains a small private massage practice on the side.
Teri brings a background in business and team management, and professional mentoring; she enjoys bringing her strategic vision, business expertise, and non-profit board/fundraising experience to the Massage Therapy Foundation. She loves working with the clients, board, staff, and volunteers to help push MTF into the potential that lies ahead.
In her spare time, Teri enjoys listening to jazz, cooking, traveling, and hanging out with her spouse and two chocolate labs.
Marla Gamze, Development and Communications Manager
847-905-1635
mgamze@massagetherapyfoundation.org
Marla’s most recent professional experience includes consulting for a nano-science renewable energy company; being Director of Marketing at Chicago Loop Alliance, representing the downtown Chicago Loop via attracting investment, tourism and economic development; and Development & Marketing Communications Officer at Countryside Association for People with Disabilities, supporting vocational training, family support, workforce readiness, empowerment and independent living. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from DePaul University and a Master’s degree in Technology Management from Georgetown University. Marla bikes, runs and practices yoga and meditation.
Geri Anne Nelson, Program Manager
847.905.1667
gnelson@massagetherapyfoundation.org
Geri joined the Massage Therapy Foundation staff in early 2020 as the foundation’s program manager. Her most recent professional experience includes event planning and fundraising for a community-based organization on the west side of Chicago. She has also worked as a program assistant at Northwestern University’s Women Center and a career counselor for students in the health and wellness industry. Geri graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Arts Management from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and a Master of Science in Non-Profit Management from the School of Public Service at DePaul University. She loves exploring Chicagoland’s dog parks with her westie named Winston and tending to her plant collection.
Helen Smith, Digital Communications Program Manager
847.905.1687
hsmith@massagetherapyfoundation.org
Helen joined the Massage Therapy Foundation staff in 2017. Her past professional experience includes retail sales management for SVP Worldwide (formerly VSM Sewing Inc.) and co-ownership/management of YesYes LLC, a community art and music venue in Olympia, WA. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College. She enjoys painting, reading, and crafting/upcycling.