With 20 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, 15 years as a licensed physical therapist assistant, and 8 years as a 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 and deep understanding of the body have made her a highly sought-after practitioner 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 school to become a licensed physical therapist assistant. During her  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 in 2016, and it now deeply informs the work she does at her practice.

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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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In 2021, she opened the private practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by her passion for positively impacting the health and wellness of her local community. 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.

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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. 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 massage along with 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 program and 6 years working in skilled nursing facilities treating patients from 18 to 105 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 taught PTA students, serving as an American Physical Therapist Association credentialed clinical instructor. 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

For 19 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 Massage & Wellness Services.

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