Reflexology Association of America

Heather Smith, Treasurer
Chair, Ethics/Grievances Committee (joined May 2025)

When my mother was in hospice care, she received alternative therapies from compassionate hospice volunteers. At the time, I didn't know anything about reflexology, but I knew I wanted to bring the same comfort and peace to others that those volunteers gave to her. Years later, I attended an informational session for a reflexology certification program—and immediately felt a strong connection. I knew reflexology was the path I wanted to pursue. My instructor, Elysia, was both wise and kind. She gave me the confidence that I could become a professional reflexologist, and she was right. I completed my 300-hour certification in October 2018 and earned my ARCB certification in October 2023. My family and I live in southeastern Connecticut. I've spent over 30 years working in the banking industry and currently practice reflexology part-time. I previously served as Treasurer of the Reflexology Association of Connecticut for four years. I'm honored to serve on the RAA Board and look forward to collaborating with reflexologists from across the country.

Kristi Uitich, Secretary
Co-Chair, Membership Committee (joined July 2024)

I am a Certified Reflexologist (foot, hand, ear), Certified End of Life Doula Specialist, an Elder Care Doula Specialist, and a Care Consultant/End of Life Planner. I have a Bachelor's degree in Human Rehabilitation Services from the University of Northern Colorado. I currently live in Severance, Colorado and my practice is primarily in the Northern Colorado area. For the past forty-two years I have worked in the healthcare field in many roles including direct care, supervisory and management positions, and in state and federal regulatory compliance positions. I have served on the RAA Membership committee since 2020, served on the RAA Conference Committees for the 2022, 2024 and the 2026 conferences. I currently am on the Board of Directors as the Secretary. I joined RAA in 2019 and attended my first conference in Chicago shortly after joining. RAA has been my Reflexology home since.

Linda Utecht, Director
Legislation Committee (joined May, 2025)

I became a reflexologist, 3 years ago, to help people. I was nominated and elected to be the Treasurer & a Delegate to the RAA for the Integrated Reflexologists of Wisconsin, Inc. After getting involved with the Delegate Committee and the Legislation Committee, I noticed that Reflexologists are grouped in with another holistic modality and I don't like that. We are a separate modality. I believe if I serve on the Board, we all can help separate our profession from the massage industry. I believe by being involved, changes can be made. By being on the Board, I believe we can Help further reflexology into our communities and help people to understand what reflexology is and how it can help them. I look forward to helping our members.

Maureen Jennings, Vice President
Chair, Events/Conference Committee (joined December 2022)

Working with an amazing reflexologist as a client inspired me to learn more about the profession, and I've been certified since 2020. I originally volunteered for the 2020 Conference Committee (which stretched into 2024, thanks to the pandemic) and the 2020 ad hoc Website Update committee, which let me contribute the skills I developed in my first career as a librarian. I then joined the Board in December 2022 when appointed to fill a vacancy and have greatly enjoyed connecting with the RAA community across the country. I'm constantly inspired by the wisdom, energy, and ideas of our members.

Rose Samaniego, President
(joined July 2021)

I've been practicing reflexology since 2015. It has been an honor to serve on the Board since July, 2021. I was the Treasurer during my first two years, and now am the President. In this role, I have learned a lot about RAA, its history, and most significantly its members. I have come to realize the value of connecting with and supporting each other. There are two important items that I believe need to be addressed: First, a strategic plan encompassing one, three, and five years out is necessary. Such a plan will provide guidance where RAA can be most helpful to our industry. Second, formalizing a social media platform integrating our website, magazine, Facebook, etc. is critical for connecting with and marketing to our members and beyond.

Stephanie Howland, Director
Chair, Elections/Nominations Committee (joined January 2026)