Debra Persinger, Ph.D.

Dr. Persinger brings a combination of management experience, examination expertise, and national and state legislative know-how to the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). She has directed all psychometric aspects of examination development and was instrumental in offering award-winning quality assessment services for six examinations, in three different languages for four professional certification and licensure programs. Dr. Persinger frequently presents at national management, regulatory and credentialing conferences and is a prominent advocate for public protection. After completing her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and postgraduate teacher training in her native New Zealand, Persinger completed her master’s degree in human development and family studies and doctoral degree in human services, at Kansas State University. She is a former university lecturer and has authored several publications, including student study guides and an instructor’s manual on marriage and family.