Rena` Ambrose
For 20 years Rena` has been working to help her patients and clients improve their quality of life, function at their optimal level, and feel better. It is with great honor that she now brings to you, Mend Lymphatic Wellness Services.
Rena` Ambrose
PTA, LMT, CLT/CDT
Founder, Wellness Director
With two decades of experience as a licensed massage therapist, licensed physical therapist assistant, and certified lymphedema therapist, Rena` is proud to be one of the most extensively trained, skilled, and experienced massage therapists in New Jersey. Her comprehensive education, deep understanding of the body and integrative approach have made her one of the most highly sought-after practitioners in the region.
Her career began as a massage therapist, where she quickly realized her passion for helping people heal and improve their quality of life. Driven by a desire to expand her knowledge and enhance her ability to support her clients, she went back to college to become a licensed physical therapist assistant. During her clinical training, she was introduced to lymphedema therapy at a regional hospital and immediately fell in love with its transformative power. This passion led her to become a certified lymphedema therapist, and it now deeply informs the work she does at her practice.​​
Rena` spent a decade in the medical field, treating traumatic brain injury patients for four years, before transitioning to skilled nursing, where she treated individuals ranging in age from 18 to 106, recovering from various surgeries and medical conditions. It was during this time that she noticed a common thread in her patients—chronic inflammation and swelling—which further fueled her commitment to lymphedema therapy.
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Rena has deep respect for both the medical and wellness fields and views her practice, Mend, as a “third space” wellness center—one that bridges the gap between health science and healing arts. This integrative approach is the foundation of her work, creating a space where evidence-based care and holistic healing coexist to support the whole person.
Professional Background
2005
Health and
Wellness Carreer
In 2005, Rena` began her health and wellness career by attending a 600 hour massage therapist training program at the Somerset School of Massage Therapy. After graduating, she completed their 125 hour certificate program in Neuromuscular Therapy, a protocol based on the work of Dr. Janet Travell, designed to relieve pain and restore flexibility.
2008
In 2008, she enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Essex County College. From there she graduated with an A.A.S. in 2010.
As a PTA, she successfully used therapeutic massage along with a wide variety of other therapeutic modalities to help her patients live with more independence and less pain. She spent 4 years treating traumatic brain injury patients at a long term residential treatment center and 6 years working in skilled nursing facilities treating patients from 18 to 106 years of age with a wide variety of diagnoses and disabilities.
During the course of her 10 year career in the medical field, she attended many continuing education courses. Rena` also enjoyed teaching PTA students, serving as an American Physical Therapist Association credentialed clinical instructor.
2016
Certified Lymphadema Therapist
In 2016, Rena` became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist after attending the rigorous 135 hour Complete Decongestive Therapy/Manual Lymphatic Drainage program with the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. During this medical level program, she received extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as well as a comprehensive education in manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging. A subsequent internship with master clinicians at a lymphedema clinic became the inspiration to follow her own vision.
2021
Private Practice
In 2021, she opened her private practice, Mend Lymphatic Wellness Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when other massage therapists were leaving the field in droves, Rena` doubled down and committed to helping people heal. Driven by her passion for positively impacting the health and wellness of her local community Rena` has been nurturing the practice ever since. With her advanced training and expertise, she provides treatments that go beyond standard care, addressing the root causes of inflammation, swelling, and pain. As one of the top professionals in her field, she is dedicated to empowering her clients to achieve optimal health, vitality, and well-being.
A perpetual student, Rena` continues to learn and refine her skills by taking advanced courses such as the Head and Neck Lymphedema treatment certification program with the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy and the PORi Foundation in Oncology Rehabilitation training.
Tabitha Ann Rodriguez
LMT, CMLDT, RYT-500
Tabitha is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, and 500-hour Certified Yoga Instructor dedicated to integrative, client-centered care. With a background in anatomy, movement, and therapeutic touch, she brings a calm, attentive presence to every session.
Tabitha earned her massage therapy credentials from the Therapeutic Massage and Training Center in Westfield, NJ, and holds additional certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage through the Klose Training Institute, one of the nation’s leading lymphatic education programs. She is also certified in prenatal massage and is a Certified Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer with over 5 years of teaching experience.
Her approach is both intuitive and evidence-informed, shaped by years of working in wellness environments across New Jersey. Whether guiding a yoga class or providing lymphatic system support, Tabitha creates a safe, welcoming space where clients feel empowered to participate in their own healing. She has a special interest in supporting women through life’s transitions and enjoys helping clients optimize immune system function, recovery, digestion, and overall vitality.
At Mend, Tabitha blends technical precision with grounded compassion, offering treatments that reflect the core values of the practice: safety, skill, and respect.
Kathia Osorio
Wellness Coordinator, Mend Lymphatic Wellness Center
With a deep-rooted passion for helping others feel their best, Kathia brings warmth, knowledge, and enthusiasm to her role as our Wellness Coordinator. Whether she’s helping clients book appointments, guiding them in using our wellness technology, or supporting them throughout their in-office experience, Kathia is invigorated by the opportunity to create a welcoming, informed, and empowering space for every person who walks through our door.
Currently training to become both a certified mat and reformer Pilates instructor and a wellness and nutrition coach, Kathia is fully immersed in the world of wellness. For her, wellness means feeling strong, supported, and aligned—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
With a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Drew University and years of experience managing community engagement and digital strategy for national brands, Kathia blends communication expertise with a people-first approach. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she ensures every client feels seen, supported, and cared for from the moment they arrive.
