The Cancer Exercise Training Institute is considered the gold-standard of education in oncology exercise and has trained more individuals than any other organization in the world.

Andrea received her BA from the University of MD in 1990 and her MS from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals in 2023. She was the PFP/Club Industry 2019 Personal Trainer of the Year. Since 1992 Andrea has been certified as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist by The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), as a Personal Trainer by The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), as a Special Populations Expert by The Cooper Institute. 

Andrea is  a subject matter expert for Medical Wellness Association, chairperson for the Medical Fitness Foundation Education Advisory Board and  on the advisory board for the Medfit Network.

Andrea  is a 41-year cancer survivor and has/had 24 first-degree relatives diagnosed with cancer. In 2014 she lost her father, Morton, to complications of bladder cancer and prostate cancer, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Her mother is currently fighting stage 4 metastatic breast cancer after a 23-year remission.

A Personal Journey

At the age of eighteen, Andrea was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent a complete thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine treatment. Following her surgery, Andrea was challenged with a new, sluggish metabolism, and weight gain. It was through her own personal struggles to regain her previous energy level and physique that Andrea decided to become a personal trainer. She wanted to be able to help others, like herself, who struggled with the same issues of weight gain and poor self-esteem. Andrea graduated from the University of MD in 1990 with a degree in Criminal Justice, but quickly realized that she was in the wrong profession. She avidly pursued a career as a personal trainer.

Andrea began training in 1992 and worked at the National Capital YMCA in Washington, D.C. She quickly worked her way up to Director of Personal Training and ran the department for several years. While working at the YMCA, Andrea started Leading Edge Fitness and EMPOWER- Energizing, Mobilizing, Post-Operative Workout Enhancing Recovery. In 1996 Andrea’s mom was diagnosed for the second time with breast cancer. She watched her mother struggle through the trauma of multiple surgeries, reconstruction, a frozen shoulder, and addiction to narcotics in order to cope with the pain associated with her surgeries.

Inspired by her mother, Andrea, along with a medical advisory board from Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Johns’ Hopkins University Medical Centers, set out to write “Essential Exercises for Breast Cancer Survivors.” The goal was to help the millions of men and women, like her mother, to gain back their strength, range of motion, and self-esteem (among other things), following breast cancer surgery and treatment. The book was published by Harvard Common Press in 2000. Shortly thereafter, Andrea founded The Breast Cancer Survivor’s Foundation, a 501c3 public charity—to better the lives of cancer survivors and their families.

Realizing that she is limited to helping a certain number of clients per week, Andrea founded The Cancer Exercise Training Institute in 2004 and developed the OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist coursework for health and fitness professionals. Through this program she has been able to pass on her wealth of knowledge, and enable health and fitness professionals around the world, to work safely and confidently with cancer patients.

Through CETI’s OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist workshops and home-study, participants learn about twenty-six types of cancer and pediatrics, their surgeries, treatments, lymphedema identification, prevention, and treatment, reconstructive procedures, contraindications, side-effects and so much more. Following a comprehensive examination, attendees are awarded the OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist Advanced Qualification.

Andrea has presented the OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist workshop around the world and has been a guest speaker at IDEA World, Healthy Aging Summit, Asia Fitness Conference, CPTN Personal Training Conference, IRHSA, TSI Summit, Medical Fitness Tour, Kaiser Permanente Thriving with Cancer Conference, Winona State University – Survivors Unite, McHenry Community College, New York Institute of Technology, OHSU School of Nursing, Edwards Hospital, Georgetown University Hospital, Suburban/Johns’ Hopkins, Mennonite Cancer Foundation, South Georgia Medical Center, Cary Medical Center Lynchburg General Hospital, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Sibley Hospital, Memorial Hermann, Sandford Health System, Avera McKennan Prairie Cancer Center, Baptist Hospital East, Patricia Neal Rehab. Center, St. Mary’s, Baptist Health System, Southeast Georgia Cancer Coalition, and Fort Bliss Army Installation.

Andrea has written 17 books on the subject of cancer and exercise and is a sought after speaker and author. She will complete her Master’s in Functional Nutrition from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals in the summer of 2023. She has contributed to PFP Magazine, ACE Certified, ACE Blog, NOU Magazine, Club Solutions Magazine, Bethesda Today, Capital Gazette, NASM’s Training Edge Magazine, Lake Oswego Review, Portland Tribune, The Oregonian, The Tidings inHealthOhio Blog and News, Capital Style, The Examiner, The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News, 4Wholeness.com, SpecialFit, and has appeared in countless videos including the Heartflex Breast Cancer Recovery video and been a regular fitness expert on AMNW.

 

CETI Content Creators

 

Stephanie Adams Ruff

​Stephanie Adams Ruff is a seasoned yoga teacher and movement educator with over 30 years of experience. She is the founder of Flow Yoga Community Studio in Hood River, Oregon, and the creator of the Sustainable Asana Yoga Foundation (SAYF) and Jaya Yoga Teacher Training programs. Her extensive credentials include ERYT 500, YACEP, Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, Cancer Exercise Specialist, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, and Mindbody Academy Fitness & Nutrition Consultant. ​ 

Stephanie's journey with yoga began in 1994, and she has been training teachers since 2000. She emphasizes the transformative power of yoga, stating that it has helped her overcome a traumatic childhood and find deep love, connection, and trust in life. Her teaching philosophy focuses on making yoga accessible to all, integrating psychological and kinesthetic awareness into her classes. She offers live online sessions, including integrated yoga classes and pranayama practices, aiming to reduce the likelihood of asana injury through a deeper understanding of human movement mechanics. 

In addition to her teaching and training programs, Stephanie leads retreats designed to inspire and restore participants physically, mentally, and spiritually. ​

Stephanie is also an author, having written "Cancer and Yoga," and continues to contribute to the yoga community through her teachings, writings, and mentorship programs.

June Kahn

​June Kahn is an internationally recognized fitness and Pilates leader, educator, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is renowned for bridging the gap between classical Pilates and the fitness industry, integrating mind-body principles into contemporary fitness practices.​

She is the founder of June Kahn’s Bodyworks, LLC™, a global fitness and Pilates education company, and serves as a Pilates Rehab Specialist in Boulder, Colorado. June is also the former owner of Center Your Body Pilates, a boutique studio in Louisville, Colorado, where she continues to teach.  

June's accolades include being named the 2009 World IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year. She has held prominent roles such as the Life Power Pilates Coordinator for Lifetime Fitness and serves as the Director of Education for Balanced Through Movement Pilates Studio. ​

As a certified Pilates practitioner through the PhysicalMind Institute, June has developed numerous programs, including Caffeinated Pilates, Body Bar Flex® Trek Walking, and Active Aging Programming. She has also contributed to the development of the Pilates Bowflex Training Program.

June is a published author, co-authoring "Morning Cardio Workouts," and has contributed to various fitness publications such as Shape, Weight Watchers, and Health Magazine. She has appeared in over 20 fitness DVDs and videos. ​

Gregory Hendrickson

Gregory Hendrickson brings over 35 years of diverse business experience to his role as Business Advisor at the Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI). His extensive background encompasses leadership positions in sales, marketing, product management, real estate, and training across several Fortune 1000 companies. He co-founded Path Capital Advisors, a growth and capital advisory service catering to CEOs, boards of directors, and business owners. Additionally, Gregory has held executive roles in various companies, including serving as President of EER, Inc., and owner of Petrofac Inc. ​

 In his capacity at CETI, Gregory focuses on guiding health and fitness professionals in effectively marketing their services as OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialists. He leads dedicated business and marketing sessions within CETI's live virtual training programs, covering strategies for building successful oncology exercise practices. 

Gregory's multifaceted experience and strategic insights have been instrumental in empowering professionals to expand their reach and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals affected by cancer.

Portia Page

Portia Page is a renowned Pilates educator, movement specialist, and author with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. She began her journey in group fitness in 1989 and has since led more than 12,000 fitness classes worldwide. Her expertise spans various disciplines, including Pilates, yoga, strength training, barre, and Tai Chi. Portia holds a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego. 

Portia is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) and holds certifications from ACE, AFAA, NASM, and Yoga Alliance (RYT® 200). She is also a Cancer Exercise Specialist certified through the Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI). Since 2006, she has served as a Master Instructor and Education Curriculum Coordinator for Balanced Body, contributing to the development of Pilates programs and equipment. ​

Portia has played a pivotal role in expanding Pilates education internationally. She developed five Pilates studios for fitness clubs in Thailand and South Korea, training over 150 instructors and managing numerous group exercise classes. ​ 

 

Mark P. Kelly, PhD

Dr. Mark P. Kelly has been involved with the health and fitness field for more than 30 years; as a teacher in colleges and universities; as a personal trainer, group exercise leader, a coach; and as an athlete. He received his B.S. in Kinesiology and Psychology from UCLA. He got his M.S. degree from Louisiana State University, Health Science Center in Physiology, and a Ph.D. in Exercise Science and Education Administration from the University of New Orleans. 

He has been a research scientist for universities and many infomercial projects. He has more recently performed research and studies in Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Mark was an exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise where he produced many workshops, webinars, presentations at conferences, and training videos. 

Denise Stewart, OT

​Denise Stewart is an Australian-trained Occupational Therapist and a leading authority in breast cancer rehabilitation. With over 30 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for individuals recovering from breast cancer treatments

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by breast cancer survivors, Denise has spent the past three decades pioneering rehabilitation services tailored to this population. She has developed specialized assessments and treatments for conditions such as Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), lymphedema, and post-surgical scarring. Her approach emphasizes non-drug, non-invasive therapies, including manual therapy, adapted cupping, and self-massage techniques. ​

Denise operates the Breast and Shoulder Rehab clinic in Brisbane, Queensland, offering both in-person and telehealth services. 

India Gooderham, PT

India Gooderham is a UK-based physiotherapist and cancer rehabilitation specialist who founded Gentle Recovery, an online platform dedicated to supporting individuals affected by cancer. Her mission is to bridge the gap between active cancer treatment and long-term recovery by offering personalized, body-positive rehabilitation programs.​

India holds a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Oxford Brookes University and has specialized in oncology and palliative care within the NHS. She is also a certified Cancer Exercise Specialist and Cancer Yoga teacher. Her qualifications include a Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care, training in Western Medical Acupuncture, and a Diploma in Sports Massage. Additionally, she has completed training in Scar Tissue Therapy and Humanistic Counselling.​ 

India founded Gentle Recovery offers a holistic, expert-led approach to cancer rehabilitation, incorporating yoga, oncology-specific exercises, and relaxation techniques. The platform provides both pre-recorded online programs and personalized one-to-one coaching sessions, catering to individuals at any stage of their cancer journey. These services aim to empower clients to feel stronger, more flexible, and more resilient in both body and mind.

Ryan Glatt

Ryan Glatt is a brain health coach and the Director of the FitBrain Program at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California. He specializes in developing exercise and lifestyle interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive health and preventing cognitive decline.

Glatt holds a Master’s degree in Applied Neuroscience from King’s College London and is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership with a focus on Health & Human Performance at Concordia University Chicago. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

At the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Glatt leads the FitBrain program, which integrates cognitive and physical training through dual-tasking exercises. This approach involves activities that challenge both the brain and body simultaneously, such as exergaming, to improve cognitive function and physical health.

Glatt has developed the Brain Health Trainer course in collaboration with the American Council on Exercise (ACE). 

Glatt also consults for brain-based technology companies like SMARTFit and collaborates with clinicians and researchers to study the effects of cognitively-enhanced exercise plans on conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury.

Dr. Dan Mikeska

Dr. Dan Mikeska is a distinguished health and fitness professional renowned for his work in integrating education, medicine, and fitness to enhance population health and quality of life. With over two decades of experience, he has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between healthcare and fitness, emphasizing the importance of exercise in managing and preventing chronic diseases.

Dr. Mikeska holds a Doctorate in Health Science and a Master's in Human Movement from A.T. Still University. He has earned certifications from reputable organizations, including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Cancer Exercise Training Institute, and Exercise is Medicine. Additionally, he has completed a Higher Education Teaching certificate from Harvard University.​

Dr. Mikeska is also an accomplished author, having written the "Clinical Exercise Specialist Manual: A Fitness Professional’s Guide to Exercise and Chronic Disease." This comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for fitness professionals seeking to understand the role of exercise in managing chronic conditions.

Ed Harrold

Ed Harrold is a prominent figure in the field of breathwork, serving as an author, educator, executive breath coach, and public speaker. He specializes in the application of breathwork to enhance health, organizational performance, and athletic capabilities. Through his "Breath AS Medicine" program, Harrold offers a range of courses and certifications designed to educate individuals on the profound impact of conscious breathing on overall well-being. ​

His approach integrates the science of mindful breathing with principles from neuroscience and contemplative traditions, aiming to improve stress management, emotional regulation, and physical performance. Harrold's teachings emphasize the importance of breath patterns and rates in influencing various aspects of health, including cognitive function and cardiovascular stability.

In addition to his training programs, Harrold contributes to the field through his Substack publication, "Breath AS Medicine," where he shares insights on breathwork, mindfulness, and circadian health. This platform serves as a resource for individuals seeking to incorporate breath-based practices into their daily lives for transformative health benefits. ​

​Dr. Tammy De La Melena

​Dr. De La Melena is a board-certified breast surgical oncologist based in Tigard, Oregon, affiliated with Compass Oncology. She specializes in the surgical management of breast cancer and benign breast disease, with a particular interest in oncoplastic techniques, including skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies.

She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in 1996 and completed her general surgery residency there in 2002.

She serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at OHSU and holds leadership positions on several committees, including:​

  • Chairwoman, Breast Program Leadership Committee at Providence St. Vincent Hospital

  • Chairwoman, Medical Advisory Committee, Breast Division, State of Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program

  • Member, Peer Review Committee at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center

She has also been recognized as one of Portland's Top Medical Providers by Portland Monthly magazine for multiple consecutive years.

Dr. Jay K. Harness

​Dr. Jay K. Harness, MD, FACS, is a distinguished breast surgical oncologist with a career spanning over five decades. He is renowned for his leadership in developing multidisciplinary breast cancer centers and advocating for exercise as an integral component of cancer care.​

Dr. Harness earned his medical degree and completed his general surgery training at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. He remained on the faculty there, where in 1985 he established one of the first academic multidisciplinary breast cancer centers in the United States. His academic tenure extended to Tufts University School of Medicine, where he founded another breast center, and to the University of California-East Bay, where he served as Professor and Chief of Surgical Oncology at Highland General Hospital.

Dr. Harness has authored over 100 scientific articles and book chapters and has edited multiple medical textbooks. His work emphasizes the importance of exercise in cancer treatment and survivorship, advocating for its integration into standard care practices. In recognition of his impactful career, he received the Impact Award from the National Consortium of Breast Centers in 2024.

Glen B. Gero, N.D., D.Sc., M.Sc., R.H. (AHG), M.E.S., C.L.C

​Dr. Glenn B. Gero is a board-certified naturopathic doctor based in Clifton, New Jersey. He directs the Holistic Naturopathic Center, where he offers personalized wellness consultations focusing on diet, nutritional supplementation, botanical medicine, exercise, and mind-body balance. Dr. Gero emphasizes education and supportive services, positioning himself within the realm of patient education and supportive services.

Dr. Gero's educational background includes studies at Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins University, where he focused on natural healing and complementary medicine. He has also earned degrees and certifications from institutions such as Trinity College of Natural Health, the School of Natural Healing, and the Edison Institute of Nutrition. His credentials encompass naturopathy, botanical medicine, exercise science, and life coaching.

In his practice, Dr. Gero integrates various modalities, including clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, biofeedback, and lifestyle coaching, to support clients dealing with conditions like anxiety, fatigue, digestive issues, and chronic illness. He has been recognized for his contributions to holistic health and has appeared on programs such as "Caucus: New Jersey" to discuss women's health topics.

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