Join ReVital/Kessler therapists Nicole Romaine, PT, MPT, COMT, Mary Ellen Hedley, PT, and Alina Hedaya PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT, for an introduction to cancer rehabilitation where they discuss:

This session will help you understand the “why” of cancer rehabilitation and how it is possible to maintain function and quality of life during cancer treatment and beyond.

• What cancer rehabilitation is and why it is so important for many individuals affected by cancer
• The common impairments ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation therapists can help to manage and overcome
• When cancer rehabilitation should be included in a treatment plan
• The role of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists as cancer rehabilitation clinicians

Nicole Romaine is a physical therapist with Kessler for nearly 20 years, and ReVital certified therapist working with cancer survivors for over 5 years.  She is passionate about raising awareness for cancer rehabilitation services within the medical community, coordinating care with doctors and nurse case managers.  She has partnered with community organizations at a local and regional level, fundraising for and participating in numerous events for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and American Cancer Society.  She has presented to local and regional support groups about the benefits of therapy across the cancer continuum.

Mary Ellen Hedley is a Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ.  She has been working at this facility for the past 40 years.  Mary Ellen received a degree in Physical Therapy from the State University of New York in Brooklyn in 1984.  She has experience both on the inpatient and outpatient sides with neurological and orthopedic impairments including Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Spinal, joint and  musculoskeletal  conditions, Pelvic Floor and Lymphedema.  Mary Ellen currently holds certifications in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and is a Certified ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist.

Alina Hedaya, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT is a dedicated advocate for integrating cancer rehabilitation as a standard part of oncology care, helping individuals affected by cancer live stronger, fuller lives. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she brings a strong foundation in patient-centered care, leadership, and clinical education. As Director of the ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program at Kessler Rehabilitation Centers in New Jersey, Alina provides clinical guidance, mentorship, and operational support to a team of 150 cancer rehabilitation therapists across 70+ sites. 

Alina focuses on fostering a strong culture of clinical excellence, quality outcomes, and innovation. A former faculty member with Kessler’s Orthopedic Residency Program, Alina has a deep commitment to education, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is actively involved in community outreach and physician engagement efforts aimed at expanding access to life-changing cancer rehabilitation services for every survivor. Alina is actively involved with the American Physical Therapy Association, where she serves as the Co-director of Mentorship and as Membership Chair for the Oncology Section.