Rena` Ambrose
Physical Therapist Assistant
Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Founder, Wellness Director
With two decades of experience as a licensed massage therapist, licensed physical therapist assistant, and certified lymphedema therapist, Renà Ambrose brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and hands-on experience to her work. Her extensive training, deep understanding of the body, and integrative approach have made her a trusted resource for clients seeking thoughtful, individualized care.
Her career began as a massage therapist, where she quickly discovered a passion for helping people heal and improve their quality of life. Driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of the human body and expand her ability to support clients, she returned 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 recognized its transformative potential. That experience sparked a passion that continues to shape her work today.
Renà spent a decade working in healthcare, including four years treating individuals with profound traumatic brain injuries before transitioning to skilled nursing and rehabilitation. There, she cared for patients ranging in age from 18 to 106 who were recovering from a wide variety of surgeries, illnesses, and medical conditions. Throughout those years, she observed a common thread among many of her patients: persistent inflammation, swelling, and impaired fluid movement. These observations further strengthened her commitment to the study and practice of lymphatic health.
Today, Renà combines her backgrounds in massage therapy, physical rehabilitation, and lymphatic care to provide a unique, whole-person approach to wellness. She holds deep respect for both the medical and wellness professions and views Mend as a "third space" wellness center—one that bridges the gap between health science and healing arts. This philosophy serves as the foundation of her work, creating a space where evidence-informed care and holistic support come together to help clients feel their best.
Beyond her clinical work, Renà is a lifelong advocate for women's rights and health and believes that education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer one another. Through Mend, she creates opportunities for women to gather, learn, ask questions, share experiences, and build community through workshops, educational programs, and meaningful conversations. Whether discussing menopause, boundaries, self-advocacy, or the many transitions women experience throughout life, her goal is not only to help women feel better in their bodies, but to help them become informed, confident advocates for their own health.
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.
