Posts tagged APP Membership

Point 88: Membership Committee Update

by Monica Sabin, Membership Liaison

Membership Committee

  • Monica Sabin, Membership Liaison*
  • Pablo Perelmuter, Membership Coordinator*
  • W. Barron
  • Sabrina Egan**
  • Vivi Madero**
  • Johnny Velez
  • Cody Vaughn

* New position

** Incoming committee member

APP Membership Corner (Series 1)

Now that we’ve returned home after the 2019 APP Annual Conference and Exposition, are you feeling inspired to join the growing number of industry professionals becoming Members of the Association of Professional Piercers?

We have membership types1 for piercers, counter staff, jewelry specialists, business owners, and many more!

We would like to offer some tips to help you through the application process, including some of the common questions we receive!

  • Shoot your 360° studio walk through video horizontally—or you will have to reshoot 🙁
    • Videos that are shot side-to-side (rather than upand-down) provide an easier and more comprehensive viewing of the studio.
    • Generally this results in higher quality footage that makes the little details easier to see.
  • Before starting the application, use the Membership Requirements2as a checklist to gather all necessary documents.
    • Each application is specific to the membership type. During the application process, the applicant will be prompted for each item on this checklist, so preparing everything in advance will make the application process much more streamlined.
    • It can be handy to have all your documents organized in a folder on your computer. It will make life easier when it comes time to upload all your documents, since they’ll all be in one place!
      • This is especially helpful in situations of multiple applicants (coworkers) applying for the same studio!
    • Personal Criteria apply to all piercing membership types: Business and Associate Piercer.
    • Environmental Criteria apply to the studio location where the applicant will hold membership. Items under this heading will be required on all Business and Associate (Piercer and Non-Piercer) membership applications.
  • Renewal/resubmission of studio environmental criteria is required at least every two years if a Member joins the staff or if significant changes are made in the studio.
  • Print out the ‘Video Walkthrough’ section and carry it around with you while shooting your membership video! Everything we  are looking for is listed there, both requirements and suggestions. This will keep you from missing any areas or items, as missing items can cause a delay in application processing
  • Complete your application in one sitting
    • Neither yourself, the Membership Committee, or our Administrators will be able to access a partially completed application!
  • We want you to become a member!
    • We are our own worst critics. Many applicants tell us they fear rejection or harsh judgement. Our committee members work with every applicant directly and discreetly with any requirements or suggestions in order to help them achieve membership.
    • Every committee member is an active industry professional, working in studios. Many of us have been where you are and have all worked hard to obtain APP membership, just like you.
    • Think about it more like a mentorship, if anything!
  • Want to gain membership by the time your business opens or to attend our events as a Member? Plan ahead!
    • Application review and decision turn-around time can be upwards of 6 to 8 weeks, although the committee tries to keep that time as low as possible.
    • Pay attention to deadlines!

There are deadlines for obtaining membership for certain events such as our annual Camp APP: Members’ Retreat and our annual APP Conference and Exposition.

  • Research your jewelry companies and ask for mill or material certificates
    • There has been an influx of jewelry distributors or manufacturers using  non-conforming  titanium and making claims to meet APP minimum jewelry standards. Buyer beware! You can read more about this in Issue 873 of The Point: Journal of Body Piercing.
  • Mill certificates are typically many pages and are updated as often as a manufacturer obtains new material stock.
  • If you are provided with a one page mill certificate that is some years old, there may be an issue!
  • When in doubt, reach out to a Membership Committee volunteer or email members@safepiercing.org.

  • Checks & Balances
    • Committee members can not review applications for applicants that work in their own area.
    • Acceptances and Declinations are based off a set of fixed, publically available criteria known as our Membership Requirement.This means there is no room for personal biases to keep someone from gaining membership.
    • In all cases, applicants are notified of additional suggestions from the committee to increase health and safety in the studio.

If you have questions, someone may have already asked it in the APP Future Members4 forum. Of course, you’re also always welcomed to contact the Membership Committee by emailing members@safepiercing.org.


  1. “Membership Types,” Association of Professional Piercers, accessed August 7, 2019, https://www.safepiercing.org/membership_types.php
  2. “Membership Requirements,” Association of Professional Piercers, accessed August 7, 2019, https://www.safepiercing.org/membership_requirements.php
  3. “Issue 87,” The Point: Journal of Body Piercing, Association of Professional Piercers, published Summer 2019, https://www.safepiercing.org/docs/The_Point Journal_of_Body_Piercing-Issue87-Summer2019.pdf
  4. “APP Future Members,” Groups, Facebook, accessed August 7, 2019, https://www.facebook.com/groups/APPfuturemembers/

Point 88: 2019 Members’ Meeting Update

APP Officers

APP Board of Directors

  • Cody Vaughn, President* — president@safepiercing.org
  • Becky Dill, Vice-President** — vp@safepiercing.org
  • Cale Belford, Outreach Coordinator** — outreach@safepiercing.org
  • Monica Sabin, Membership Liaison** — members@safepiercing.org
  • Steve Joyner, Legislation & Regulatory Affairs — legislation@safepiercing.org
  • Brian Skellie, Medical Liaison — medical@safepiercing.org
  • Jef Saunders, Public Relations Coordinator* — pr@safepiercing.org

APP Outgoing Board Members

  • Luis Garcia, International Liaison
  • Kendra Jane B, Events and Operations
  • Ryan Ouellette, Outreach Coordinator

* New position

** Incoming Board Member

Point 87: Membership Committee Update

by Monica Sabin, Membership Coordinator, APP Membership Committee, Incoming Board Member

Left to right: Coyote Black, Jef Saunders, Pablo Perelmuter,
Barron, Monica Sabin, Aaron Pollack, Johnny Velez, Cody
Vaughn, photo by Shanna Hutchins

Ohhai! The Membership Committee continues to work almost year round to process applications in a timely, yet thorough manner. We also work with aspiring Members to help with the transition to meeting and exceeding current membership requirements.

We have an amazing team of dedicated volunteers. The team has grown over the last year and now includes Jef Saunders, Cody Vaughn, Johnny Velez, Pablo Perelmuter, W. Barron, Sabrina Egan, Vivi Madero, Aaron Pollack, Coyote Black and myself, Monica Sabin. The committee also has the pleasure of working closely with our Membership Administrator, Marina Pecorino.

Many Members have noticed the addition of the Members’ Area to the safepiercing website, allowing individual Members to have more personalized control over their professional documents, communications, membership updates, and access to Members’ only items. Make sure to sign in and check it out, if you haven’t yet!

Applicants are now able to apply through safepiercing.org as well! The process has progressed from mailing packages to the APP office containing paper applications and VHS tapes, then to email threads and Google documents, and now, utilizing our very own website! Our application process has seen some updates over the years and as always the Membership Committee is here to help everyone through this exciting transition.

The committee is still accepting applications, but processing of applications is currently on hold as we all prepare for the APP’s annual Conference & Exposition. The committee will be reconvening starting in June 2019 and will begin to work through the queue of new applications!

We all look forward to this year’s APP Conference, where the committee members will be available to answer any membership questions! Also, any Members that would like to get involved with the organization, membership or otherwise, email Julie Taylor at: volunteer@safepiercing.org.

My email is msabin@safepiercing.org

Thank you and see y’all in Vegas!

Point 85: APP Board Members & Officers History

April 13, 1994—The first APP meeting participants (Listed as “founders” in The Point 1): (standing l-r) Irwin Kane (Gauntlet,Inc.), Raelyn Gallina, Vaughn (Body Manipulations), Michaela Grey and Jim Ward (Gauntlet, Inc.), Melisa Kaye (Body Manipulations), Richard White [Carter] (Primeval
Body), Joann Wyman (Body Manipulations), Elizabeth Brassil (Body Manipulations), Drew Ward (Gauntlet, Inc.) -(kneeling l-r) Blake Perlingieri (Nomad), Kristian White (Nomad) at Gauntlet corporate offices in San Francisco

2017–2020

  • Luis Garcia—International Liaison
  • Ryan Ouellette—Outreach
  • Brian Skellie—Medical Liaison
  • Kendra Jane—Vice President
  • Jef Saunders—President

2014–2017

  • Cody Vaughn—Vice President
  • Christopher Glunt—Medical Liaison
  • Steve Joyner—Legislation Liaison
  • Miro Hernandez—Public Relations Director
  • Jef Saunders—Membership Liaison
  • Aaron Pollack—Secretary (Board Appointed)

2013-2016

  • Brian Skellie—Global Media
    • Transitioned to President Q2 2014
  • Ashley Misako—Outreach

2011–2014

  • Elayne Angel—President
  • John Johnson—Vice President
  • Richard Frueh—Medical Liaison
  • Mike Martin—Legislation Liaison
    • Stepped down April 2013
  • Steve Joyner—Legislation Liaison
    • Appointed Legislative Chair June 2013
  • Sarvas Berry—Membership Liaison 2010–2013
  • Brian Skellie—International Liaison
  • Dana Dinius—Outreach Coordinator
    • Stepped down Q1 2012
  • Ashley Misako—Outreach
    • Appointed Q1 2012

2008–2011

  • James Weber—President
  • Didier Suarez—Vice-President
  • Elayne Angel—Medical Liaison
  • Eduardo Chavarria—Membership Liaison
  • Bethrah Szumski—Secretary
    • Stepped down Q2 2010
  • Paul King—Treasurer (Board Appointed Officer)

2007–2010

  • Danny Yerna—International Outreach Coordinator
  • Eric “Sque3z” Anderson—Outreach Coordinator

2005–2008

  • Alicia Cardenas—President
  • April Johnson—Vice President
  • James Weber—Medical Liaison
  • Luis Garcia—International Liaison

2005–2007

  • Christina Shull—Secretary
    • Stepped down Q3 2007

2005–2006

  • Jeffrey “Phish” Goldblatt—Outreach Coordinator
    • Stepped down Q2 2006
  • Schane Gross—Treasurer
    • Stepped down Q1 2006

2002–2005

  • Bethrah Szumski—President
  • Jason King—Vice-President
  • Crystal Sims—Secretary
  • Paul King—Treasurer
  • Elayne Angel—Medical Coordinator
  • Megg Mass—Outreach Coordinator
  • Alicia Cardenas—International Liaison

1999–2002 Second Election [The Point—Issue 15, May]

  • Patrick McCarthy—President
    • Elected to replace Gahdi Elias after he finished his Board term
  • April Williams-Warner—International Liaison
    • Elected to replace Al D. after he finished his Board term
  • Scott Brewer—Treasurer
    • Appointed by Pat McCarthy as interim Treasurer after Brian Skellie finished Board term June 1999. Later duly elected and stepped down Q1 2002

From The Point—Issue 16:

Many changes took place to the APP over the last year; one of the most important things was the election of a new Board. In September a new Vice President, Secretary, and Outreach Coordinator were elected. Then, in April a new President and International Liaison were introduced. During the meeting the new Board members were introduced to the membership.

APP Board Members as of October, 1999

  • Pat McCarthy—President
  • Steve Joyner—Vice President
  • Bethrah Szumski —Secretary
  • Scott Brewer—Treasurer
  • Elayne Angel —Outreach Coordinator
  • April Williams-Warner—International Liaison
  • Dr. Jack Ward—Medical Liaison

1999–2001 First APP Elected Board [The Point—Issue 14, April]

  • Steve Joyner—Vice President 1999
  • Bethrah Szumski—Secretary
  • Elayne Angel—Outreach Coordinator
  • Jeff Martin—Outreach Coordinator
    • Stepped down December 1999

From The Point—Issue 14:

The past year has seen Board member installment go from an appointment to an electoral process.

The first such election installed: Steve Joyner as Vice Chair, Elayne Angel as Outreach Coordinator, Bethrah Szumski as Secretary

As people come so do they go: Dave Vidra served as OSHA Liaison until Nov 1998, Derek Lowe served as Secretary until Nov 1998.

Jeff Martin served as Outreach Coordinator until Dec 1999.

1998 [The Point—Issue 13, Summer]

Stepped down:

  • David Vidra resigned November 1998 after multiple Board terms
  • Derek Lowe resigned November 1998

1998 Board of Directors [The Point—Issue 12, First Quarter]

  • Gahdi Elias (Mastodon)—Chair
    • Brian Skellie appointed to serve the duties of Chair while Gahdi traveled abroad
  • Kent Fazekas—Chair
    • Stepped down
  • Elizabeth Getschal—appointed Board Liaison under Chair

1997 Transitions [The Point—Issue 11, Fall]

  • David Vidra (BodyWork Productions)—OSHA /Legislative Liaison
    • Exchanged positions with Al D. Sowers
  • Al D. Sowers (Playspace Ltd./ Sin)—International Liaison
  • Michaela Grey finished her Board term and continued as a Business Member in good standing
  • Dr. John Ward—Medical Liaison

1997–1999 [The Point—Issue 10, June]

  • Kent Fazekas—Chair
    • Transitioned from Treasurer
  • Brian Skellie—Treasurer
  • Michaela Grey—International Liaison
    • Transitioned from Chair
  • Crystal Cross
    • Stepped down
  • Curt Warren (Koi)—Coordinator
  • Rob Petroff
    • Stepped down
  • Jeff Martin (Obscurities)—Outreach coordinator
  • Tracy Faraca
    • Stepped down
  • Derek Lowe (Steve’s Tattoo and Body Piercing)—Secretary
  • Allen Falkner
    • Stepped down

1996 Two new Board Members [The Point—Issue 8, August]

  • David Vidra (BodyWork Productions)—Medical Liaison
  • Al D. Sowers (Playspace Ltd./ Sin)—OSHA /Legislative Liaison
  • Crystal Cross (Primeval Body)—New Title: International Liaison
  • Blake Perlingieri and Maria Tashjian finish their Board terms and continue as Business Members in good standing
  • Rev. Drew Lewis started APP archives [Not Board Member (Media Committee)]

1995 Initial Appointed Board [The Point—Issue 6, November]

  • Crystal Cross & Richard White (Primeval Body)
  • Ahna Edwards (Attitudes, Inc.)—Outreach Coordinator
  • Position taken over by Tracy Faraca (Attitudes, Inc.)
  • Kent Fazekas (Body Accents)—Treasurer
  • Gahdi (Mastodon)—Vice Chair
  • Michaela Grey (Gauntlet, Inc.)—Chair
  • Blake Perlingieri & Kristian White (Nomad)
  • Rob Petroff (Insane Creations)—Coordinating Board Member
  • Maria Tashjian (Venus Modern Body Arts)
  • Allen Falkner (Obscurities)—Secretary