Ep 293 - Cornerstones: The ABMP Instructor Development Program with Bob Benson

We know the massage and bodywork community is full of passionate instructors possessing caring hearts and expert hands-on skills who give their all to students. But so many are often trained in the “trial by fire” method. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with ABMP Chairman Bob Benson about his motivation for creating Cornerstones, the ABMP Instructor Development Program, why there is a need for this type of program in massage education, and why he was committed to creating this resource for the profession.

Resources:

Get Started Now with Cornerstones: ABMP Education Center

An image of massage therapists working on a client for Cornerstones: The ABMP Instructor Development

Episode Hosts

Meet our hosts

  • Darren Buford Photo

    Darren Buford

    Darren Buford is senior director of communications for ABMP. He is editor in chief of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 24 years and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 26 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at [email protected].

  • Bob Benson Photo

    Bob Benson

    Bob Benson is Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals' (ABMP) chairman of the board. Taking the reins in 1996, Benson has served as ABMP's president and CEO. Benson is a champion of the massage and bodywork profession, serving on the board of directors of CAMTC, enlisting ABMP's resources toward the development of the Entry-Level Analysis Project, and spearheading the development of Cornerstones: The ABMP Instructor Development Program. Under his 26 years of leadership, Benson helped grow ABMP into a leading association in the profession, and created sister associations for estheticians, cosmetologists, and nail professionals.