Ashley Urquhart
Founder & CEO
Ashley Urquhart is an esteemed massage therapist, and a prominent figure in the wellness industry. As a Philadelphia native, she has brought her healing touch to clients across several states. Graduating from the prestigious Parker University of Massage Therapy in 2009 and further refining her skills at the Art of Healing Institute in Virginia in 2012, Ashley is a seasoned practitioner dedicated to the art of massage.
Ashley's dedication extends beyond her massage table. She is also a passionate massage educator and community activist. Her commitment to the field earned her accreditation as a continuing education provider by the NCBTMB, allowing her to make a significant impact in North Carolina. She is honored to have served on the council board of the United States Organization of Massage Therapists, contributing to the growth and excellence of the industry.
Ashley's entrepreneurial spirit shines as she proudly holds the title of Founder and CEO of MT Banquets, a nationwide wellness professional gathering dedicated to appreciation, networking, and motivation. She has been the co-organizer and proud sponsor for the Black Massage Therapist Conference for 2023, a vital initiative that focuses on educating and enhancing the skills needed in the industry.
Beyond her impressive credentials, Ashley has been featured on renowned platforms such as '2 Massage Therapists and a Microphone' in Canada, the Success from Failure podcast, and many others where her expertise has shone brightly. With a heart dedicated to healing and a vision to empower the massage therapy community, Ashley Urquhart is an inspirational force in the field.
Michelle Petisme
Marketing Director
Michelle Petisme is a dynamic marketing director with a background in education. Transitioning from teaching to marketing, she brings a fresh perspective to campaigns and strategies. Skilled in social media management, photo and video editing, Michelle is dedicated to elevating brand presence and engagement.
Desiree
Ambassador
Desiree, Ambassador of MT Banquets and Wellness, brings over a decade of expertise as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She was a former President of The American Massage Therapy Association NC-Chapter in her early career. Sawyer holds a Bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine with a specialization in Health Fitness. Her mastery spans various modalities, including Sports Massage, Stretching, Medical Massage, Cupping, Lomi Lomi, and IASTM. As the Owner & & CEO of Mobility Massage and Bodywork, she pioneers accessible wellness practices through her mobile massage practice in Raleigh, NC. She has created jobs for a plethora of Massage Therapists. Notably, she served as the esteemed co-hostess of the 2021 MT Banquets award ceremony, elevating the event with her passion for health and well-being. She invites you to join the cause to decrease the suicide rates in wellness and beauty professionals around the globe with our unforgettable events.
Matthew Haynes
Ambassador of Mississippi
Matthew Haynes is a dedicated fitness and wellness professional with over 17 years of experience as an aerobic instructor at March Aerobics. He has a strong background in group fitness, having taught Silver Sneakers classes for three years and holding a license as a group fitness instructor from SCW Fitness.
Matthew attended Jackson State University and further pursued his passion for wellness by enrolling in the Mississippi School of Therapeutic Massage in 2010. He became a licensed massage therapist in 2011 and has been practicing for 13 years, holding licenses in both Mississippi and Virginia.
In addition to his fitness and massage therapy work, Matthew is a passionate advocate for suicide prevention in the wellness space, committed to raising awareness and supporting individuals in need.
E’toshia McFarland
Ambassador of South Carolina
E’toshia McFarland is an award-winning Esthetician, Spa Owner, Educator, Mentor and Ambassador, who has helped entrepreneurs worldwide grow their spa and beauty businesses through product development, passive streams of income courses, skillset training and branding. As an esthetician and educator of 7 + years, she has spoken on hundreds of platforms including podcasts, television outlets, virtual events, and live event stages around the country. Offering the best mentorship opportunities to help spa pros become successful, E'toshia created Faces By Etosh University. F.B.E University is a mentorship platform to help spa pros propel in their business and provide educational strategies and resources while navigating the Esty world.
E'toshia is based in South Carolina and felt a strong passion to become an ambassador for MT Banquets, eager to support her fellow professionals and contribute to the wellness and beauty industry.
Robert Reeves
Ambassador of North Carolina
Robert Reeves is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from South Carolina State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and a minor in biology. After graduation, he was employed with the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system for several years. Robert always knew he had a passion for therapeutic work, after his experience as an athletic trainer at South Carolina State University, so he decided to pursue a career in massage therapy. He attended Southeastern Institute where he graduated as valedictorian in August 2014. Following graduation, he was extended an opportunity to practice at Massage Envy in Charlotte, where he developed an even greater love for his field by learning and experiencing new modalities and listening to client feedback about his talents. The fact that those clients put their trust in his capable hands has served as an invaluable confirmation to continue his methodologies of massage therapy practices. Currently, his favorite modality is craniosacral therapy. In his spare time, he enjoys watching the Panthers, Patriots, and Tarheel basketball, as well as listening to classical music. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends and reading literature, especially material in massage and bodywork therapy.
He was inspired to become an ambassador for MT Banquets, motivated by a desire to support his peers and make a positive impact on the wellness and beauty industry.