Christopher Cordero is a highly skilled Doctor of Physical Therapy with expertise in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. Chris specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex musculoskeletal conditions including acute and overuse injuries, post-surgical recovery, headaches and chronic pain.
In 2015, Chris earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Biology from Seton Hall University’s dual-degree program. After starting his career at Holy Name, Chris became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS). Chris is currently completing advanced clinical training in Bellin College’s Orthopedic and Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship Program. This rigorous program helps therapists achieve expert level skills in the management of orthopedic conditions, master advanced manual techniques, and strengthen their leadership role in the healthcare community.
In addition to clinical practice, Chris serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Development and Education. Chris is responsible for mentoring and training new clinicians, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring patients receive the highest level of evidence-based care.
Ronald Drenth PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Ron received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Exercise Science from Keene State College in New Hampshire before working at Montefiore Medical Center as a Clinical Physiologist. While at Montefiore, Ron performed research investigating the benefits of exercise during hemodialysis treatment. When the study was complete, Ron worked at the South Bronx Medical Center in the Cardiac Rehabilitation unit with a Physiatrist from Montefiore.
Ron then joined Holy Name in January 2007 and worked at HNH Fitness, both as a fitness instructor and manager while pursuing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Mercy College. While Ron's main interest is orthopedics, he wanted to build a diversified background and performed clinical affiliations at Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation on the spinal cord unit, and at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center on the telemetry and cancer floors. Ron is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and the Manager of Rehabilitation Services at The Center for Physical Rehabilitation at HNH Fitness.
Beth Finale
Certified in McKenzie and LSVT Big
Beth graduated with a Bachelor's of Art in Psychology from Villanova University and then earned her Master's in Physical Therapy from Rutgers/UMDNJ. She began her career at Hackensack University
Medical Center where she treated orthopedic injuries, including total joints and athletic injuries.
Beth continued her career as supervisor of physical therapy at North Jersey Brain and Spine Center. She spent 18 years at that facility treating neck and back pain, in
order to help patients avoid surgery and rehabilitate post-surgery. Beth is both McKenzie and LSVT Big certified. With over 20 years of physical therapy experience she has developed treatment plans and cared for patients of all ages
with all types of injuries.
Melissa Russo-Franco
Melissa graduated from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 2001. She worked as a physical therapist in the Broadway performing arts industry while pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy at Temple University. She went on to work with many Broadway shows, including The Lion King, Hairspray, Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, and Fiddler on the Roof after earning her doctorate.
After relocating to New Jersey in 2005, Melissa pursued her profession as an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist. In 2007, she resumed her passion of working with the performing arts with the New Jersey Ballet and Papermill Playhouse. After that, she changed course and returned to her specialty in orthopedics where she focused her expertise in training athletes who competed in IronMan competitions, triathlons, and running.
In 2013 she returned to New York working as an outpatient physical therapist as well as continuing her backstage physical therapy work on Broadway. Melissa became a physical therapist at HNH Fitness Center in 2020, offering her skills and knowledge to each patient. She continues to work with the performing arts community at the Papermill Playhouse. To further her education, she takes classes in orthopedics and manual therapy. By the end of the year, she intends to obtain a certification from IMPACT in concussion training in order to assist with the rehabilitation of our local youth athletes.
Stephanie Garzia PT, DPT, ATC
Stephanie is a dedicated and highly skilled physical therapist with over a decade of experience, including her long-standing career at Holy Name. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Dominican University and later completed a dual degree-Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Mercy College. Stephanie’s journey with Holy Name began in 2013 as a student affiliate from Mercy College, setting the stage for her impactful work in patient care.
Stephanie has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings but finds her greatest fulfillment in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation. Committed to lifelong learning, Stephanie continues to advance her professional knowledge and skills. In 2016, she became an ImPACT-certified physical therapist, building on her background in concussion management and treatment. In 2023, she achieved the prestigious title of Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and in 2025 she achieved her Board Specialty in Geriatrics. Stephanie takes pride in building meaningful relationships with her patients and creating individualized treatment plans that empower them to recover, grow, and thrive. Her patient-centered approach ensures every person she works with feels supported and motivated throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Melissa Isaza
Melissa joined the rehabilitation team at Holy Name Medical Center in 2021. She obtained her Master of Speech - Language Pathology from East Stroudsburg University in 2012. She completed her graduate internship at Holy Name in 2012, where she worked with pediatric and adult patients in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Melissa specializes in pediatric communication disorders. She has experience providing therapy in the public school, daycare and early intervention settings. She was motivated to join the team after observing the quality of care delivered to her own family members who required rehabilitation services at Holy Name.
As a clinician, Melissa has experience working with a variety of communication disorders secondary to a variety of developmental and congenital disorders. Her experience includes, but is not limited to; treating and evaluating children with Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders, Auditory Processing Disorders, Articulation & Phonological Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, Selective Mutism, Autism, Prader Wile Syndrome, Down Syndrome, cognitive - linguistic deficits and language and learning disabilities.
Melissa is trained in PROMPT (PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). She has a passion for working with patients who require AAC devices (Augmentative, Alternative Communication), as she is determined to provide her patients who are highly unintelligible or non - verbal with a voice.
Melissa has been awarded the ACE award (Award for Continuing Education) twice, by the American Speech - Language and Hearing Association, for her dedication and excellence in obtaining continuing education to best serve her patients. Melissa holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association.
Kyu Chul Lee, OTR/L, CHT
Kyu Chul is a licensed occupational therapist and certified hand therapist. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Yonsei University, South Korea, in 2014 and commenced his professional journey as a Staff Occupational Therapist at Asan Medical Center, a leading hospital in South Korea. There, he routinely assessed and treated various acute and post-operative conditions, focusing on orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, and severe trauma cases.
Later, Kyu Chul pursued advanced education in the field and obtained a master’s degree in advanced occupational therapy from New York University in 2017. During his graduate studies, his volunteer work at Bellevue Hospital's occupational therapy department sparked his keen interest in hand therapy. This experience led him to specialize in hand therapy and achieve certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) from HTCC in 2020. He also achieved Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation(BCPR) from AOTA in 2023 to improve his clinical knowledge.
Since 2022, Kyu Chul has been part of the Holy Name Medical Center, where he uses his expertise in orthopedic and neurologic treatments. He possesses a high level of specialization in upper extremity treatments, including post-operative rehabilitation, trauma care, tendon and nerve injury rehabilitation, fracture management, and custom orthosis fabrication. Kyu Chul remains dedicated to staying abreast of the latest therapy trends to ensure the delivery of exceptional treatment for all patients.
Notably, Kyu Chul is fluent in both English and Korean and is committed to serving the Korean community, working to enhance their awareness and comprehension of hand therapy.
Ashley Basules PT, DPT, ATC, COMT
Ashley is a dedicated physical therapist with over a decade of experience in the field of rehabilitation. She has worked in both the inpatient and outpatient settings since 2012 and joined the Rehab team at HNH Fitness in Oradell in 2021. She is committed to helping patients of all ages return to their daily activities, improve mobility, and achieve their physical health goals.
Ashley began her journey in the healthcare field by earning a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Delaware in 2009. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong foundation in sports medicine and injury prevention, which inspired her to pursue further education in physical therapy. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now part of Rutgers University) in 2012.
In her early career, Ashley developed a passion for treating orthopedic conditions and enhancing her manual therapy skills. To further advance her expertise, she became a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), an advanced credential that enables her to employ specialized hands-on techniques to help relieve pain, restore movement, and promote healing for her patients. With a desire to expand her practice and help more patients recover from brain injuries, Ashley became an ImPACT Certified Physical Therapist in 2024. This certification allows her to effectively evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate individuals—both adults and adolescents—diagnosed with concussions. Through the use of evidence-based tools and individualized care, Ashley provides comprehensive concussion management, helping patients safely return to their activities.
Ashley’s approach to physical therapy is centered around personalized care, focusing on both the physical and functional needs of her patients. Whether she’s treating an orthopedic injury, managing post-surgical rehabilitation, or working with concussion patients, she combines her in-depth knowledge, hands-on techniques, and compassionate approach to achieve optimal outcomes.
Kevork Kiledjian, PT, DPT
Kevork is an outpatient physical therapist at our Oradell rehab center. He graduated with his B.S in Biology from Ramapo College in 2021 and then earned a B.S. in Health Sciences and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Touro College in Manhattan in 2025. This is Kevork's first job after school and he continues to give as much effort in the clinic as he did in the classroom. During school, Kevork spent time volunteering at the rehab centers in Oradell and Teaneck as well as completing two of his clinical rotations with Holy Name, gaining valuable experience in the inpatient and outpatient settings. He has been a part of the team since 2018 when he was working as a physical therapist's aide in Oradell as well as working front desk for HNH fitness. He enjoys working with a diverse range of patient populations and has a particular interest in sports-related injuries as well as neurological rehabilitation.
Kevork Kiledjian, PT, DPT
Kevork is an outpatient physical therapist at our Oradell rehab center. He graduated with his B.S in Biology from Ramapo College in 2021 and then earned a B.S. in Health Sciences and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Touro College in Manhattan in 2025. This is Kevork's first job after school and he continues to give as much effort in the clinic as he did in the classroom. During school, Kevork spent time volunteering at the rehab centers in Oradell and Teaneck as well as completing two of his clinical rotations with Holy Name, gaining valuable experience in the inpatient and outpatient settings. He has been a part of the team since 2018 when he was working as a physical therapist's aide in Oradell as well as working front desk for HNH fitness. He enjoys working with a diverse range of patient populations and has a particular interest in sports-related injuries as well as neurological rehabilitation.
Cara Lisi, PT, MSPT
Cara joined the Holy Name team in July 2025. She has over 20 years of experience in outpatient orthopedics. She graduated from Boston University with her Master’s in Physical Therapy and has worked in many different outpatient orthopedic settings since then. She has worked with a diverse patient population including orthopedics, post operative rehabilitation, chronic pain management, and sports related injuries. She is passionate about helping patients restore function and return to the activities that matter most to them. Cara plans to continue with her professional growth while at Holy Name by pursuing specializations.
Ashley S. Mathew, PT, DPT
Ashley is an outpatient physical therapist at HNH Fitness in Oradell, NJ. She earned her B.S in Biology from Ramapo College in May 2021. Soon after she started her Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Mercy University, and graduated in December of 2024. She completed three clinical rotations as a student, in which she participated in traditional outpatient rehabilitation, acute care and even aquatherapy! She joined the Holy Name Outpatient Rehab in June 2025. Ashley is passionate in helping her patients, regardless of diagnoses, achieve their goals. With a strong heart, she believes in all of her patients capabilities to go above and beyond.
Jordan Sison, PT, DPT
Jordan is an outpatient physical therapist working at the Teaneck and Oradell rehabilitation centers, where she also leads the Vestibular Rehabilitation Program at the Oradell location. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey, and went on to complete both a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Touro College in Manhattan.
Jordan is especially passionate about helping people manage vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. She focuses on helping patients regain a sense of control and confidence in their movement, both in and outside the clinic. She’s particularly interested in identifying the underlying challenges that can slow progress and finding practical ways to turn therapy into lasting, real-world results.
She has completed Level 1 certification through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and is continuing to expand her training with advanced coursework in pelvic health.
In addition to her outpatient work, Jordan has recently begun working in the acute inpatient setting on weekends, expanding her experience across different stages of recovery.
Reg Grant, CAT(C), RSCC*E
Director, Human Performance
Reg Grant is the Director of Human Performance at Holy Name, which owns and operates HNH Fitness. He has spent the past 25 years in the field of elite athlete performance development, reconditioning, and rehabilitation. His experience includes 17 years as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the New York Rangers Hockey Club. In that role, Mr. Grant guided the team through the explosion in evaluation, training, tracking, and analytics by developing a comprehensive program targeted at improving athletic performance, managing recovery, and implementing strategies to reduce the risk of injury.
Mr. Grant also spent six years as the president of the Strength and Conditioning Association of Professional Hockey, which included assisting in the development of the current NHL combine, an assessment that includes medical screenings and fitness tests over a four-day period.
He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, holding the designation of Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC*E), which is reserved for those members who have spent at least 20 years in elite-level strength and conditioning. Mr. Grant is also a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)) from the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, which enables him to bring vision and insight to the merger of the medical, development, and performance fields.
Maxx Edmiston, MSA, CSCS
General Manager
Maxx Edmiston is the Manager of HNH Fitness and has years of experience working with special populations and as a personal trainer. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Mr. Edmiston has trained youth, high school and college athletes and earned his Master's degree in Sports Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. During this time, he also served as a game-day intern for the New York Jets Ticket Sales and Service Department. He graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science from Montclair State University.
Norelis Duran, PCES, CPT
Coordinator, Member Services
After working for years as a social worker, Norelis Duran became a certified fitness trainer and serves as the Member Services Coordinator at HNH Fitness. She uses the knowledge she gained from degrees in mental health and social work to nurture a holistic approach to providing client services.
Ms. Duran has found that movement is essential in managing stress and used that foundation often when working with women to help them make changes that improved their lifestyle. For many, their sleep patterns were refined, their time-management skills improved, they became mindful of their eating habits and scheduling self-care became a priority.
She helps clients understand that all systems must work in conjunction for a person to feel well. Health and wellness are not only about joining a fitness facility, but require a mind, body, and emotional connection. Ms. Duran has worked with individuals, families and children, in various backgrounds, including the disadvantaged, elderly, and physically compromised. She is adept at connecting clients to resources and helps everyone reach their own wellness goals.
Debbie Bessen, MS, RD, CSO, CLT
Nutrition Outreach Manager
Debbie Bessen is the Nutrition Outreach Manager for Holy Name and has more than 25 years of experience as a registered dietitian nutritionist, with broad experience in the field. She holds a Master's of Science degree from Queens College and is a board-certified Nutrition Specialist in Oncology.
Ms. Bessen believes food plays a vital role in overall health and has an integrative approach when counseling patients. She specializes in weight management, gastrointestinal issues, food sensitivities and helping her patients reach their health goals with wellness in mind. Ms. Bessen loves sharing her knowledge of nutrition and food and focuses on healthful habits instead of restrictions.
Tracee Yablon Brenner is the Outpatient Integrative Dietitian Project Coordinator for Holy Name. Ms. Brenner is a trained culinary professional who has more than 25 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian working in culinary nutrition, medical nutrition therapy and coaching, as well as nutrition communications.
She is a Holistic Health Coach and is very interested in the benefits of integrative and functional nutrition. Ms. Brenner has co-authored two books and been published in a number of national magazines.
Aimee Jengo, MPA
Sleep Center Manager
Aimee Jengo is the Manager of Holy Name's Center for Sleep Medicine. She has served in this position for 24 years, educating patients on the importance of proper sleep and making sure they feel comfortable during sleep studies.
Ms. Jengo earned her Master of Science in Business Administration and her bachelor's degree from Centenary College. She also received her Master of Public Administration for Health Care from Walden University.
J. Christopher Mendler, MD
Sports Medicine Physician Medical Director, Holy Name Sports Medicine
Medical Director, HNH Fitness
Dr. James Mendler is the Medical Director of Holy Name Sports Medicine and the Medical Director of HNH Fitness. He is board certified in both family medicine and sports medicine, with additional training in lifestyle medicine. Dr. Mendler is also certified by The American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a group fitness instructor and ACE-certified health coach. He enjoys bringing his enthusiasm for all aspects of building a healthy and active lifestyle to his clinical sports medicine practice and the programming at HNH Fitness.
Matthew Hoeppner, MPAS, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant by the (NCCPA), HNH Fitness
Matthew Hoeppner is a certified Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) at HNH Fitness. He has more than 15 years of experience, primarily in Emergency Medicine, and has evaluated and treated a full spectrum of health conditions and injuries.
At HNH Fitness, Mr. Hoeppner has led initiatives to improve patient care via coordination of dietary, exercise and sleep services with a focus on holistic treatment and disease prevention. He is committed to finding new ways to support his patients and optimize their healthcare experience. Mr. Hoeppner is passionate about educating his patients – he believes the best decision is an informed decision – so they fully understand their healthcare needs and feel comfortable with their chosen treatment plan.
Maureen Buchheister, MS, CPT
Personal Trainer And Health Coach
Maureen Buchheister, a personal trainer with more than 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, has been helping people at HNH Fitness reach and surpass their personal goals since 2008. She specializes in senior and special populations, although her client base encompasses males and females of all ages and capabilities.
Ms. Buchheister is certified by The American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a personal trainer and health coach, and has a Master of Science degree in exercise science. She also has numerous other nationally recognized certifications. She is driven by her desire to help her clients reach their goals and is passionate in sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm and deep commitment to health and fitness.
Maureen Wandell, CPT
Certified in the following areas:
Ace Group Fitness,
Corrective Exercise,
Senior Fitness,
Strength and Conditioning,
Fitness Nutrition/Nutritionist and Coach,
200 and 500 Hours Yoga Teaching,
Pronatal - Pre/Post Natal Exercise and
Pilates Reformer and Mat
Maureen Wandell is a personal trainer and certified as a TRX RIP trainer. After a 28-year career in the retail industry, Ms. Wandell decided that she wanted to enter the fitness and personal training field and went on to earn numerous certifications in the fitness industry.
She is focused on helping her clients achieve greater strength, balance and flexibility, which in turn bolsters their self-confidence. She continues her education in all aspects of fitness and wellness and is dedicated to passing on her knowledge to her clients to enhance their own personal goals.
Dayan Hadavi, SPT 2023, CPT, CES, PES, FNS, WLS
Certified Personal Trainer
Dayan Hadavi is a personal trainer certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, as well as a corrective exercise specialist, performance enhancement specialist, fitness nutrition specialist and weight loss specialist. He is currently studying for his doctorate in physical therapy.
Mr. Hadavi uses his wide range of fitness education specialties to help train people of different backgrounds with varying goals. He analyzes each client's lifestyle and, based on their needs, designs the best workout routine to help them achieve their personal best.
Mr. Hadavi's rich background in movement training and education allows him to analyze a client's biomechanical functions and help them retrain their body to work at its best. He also helps his clients apply movement reeducation and activation, enabling them to coordinate movement and develop better strategies to function.
Alexandra Reap
Certified Personal Trainer
Alexandra "Ali" Reap is a personal trainer, certified by The American Council on Exercise, and has earned her certification in a number of fitness specialties. Her breadth of knowledge enables her to work well with a variety of populations, male and female, ranging from children to teens, young adults to the elderly and especially with pregnant and postpartum women. Ms. Reap specializes in creating an individual program for each client based on their personal needs, limitations and goals.
In addition to her extensive training, Ms. Reap has spent years teaching group exercise classes that include barre, bootcamp and full body strength. She is a fitness nutrition specialist and senior fitness specialist, and is certified in group exercise, post-rehab considerations for the exercise professional, fundamentals of nutrition for the fitness professional, TRX functional training, pregnant and postpartum, integrated stretching and spinning.
Ron Jake O'Neill
Certified Personal Trainer
Jake O'Neill is an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and Rock Steady certified instructor who oversees the boxing program at HNH Fitness. His training technique incorporates both the physical intensity as well as the mental focus required to be an effective fighter.
Mr. O'Neill is a retired, highly decorated NYPD detective and PBA boxing team member. He has 40-plus years of boxing experience, as both an amateur boxer and successful trainer, giving him the boxing acumen to train all athletes, from experienced professionals to those just starting in the sport.
Andrew Schmitt, NSCA CPT, NASM , NASM PES, NASM CE
Certified Personal Trainer
Andrew Schmitt has been a Personal Trainer since 1990, certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is also a massage therapist and Barefoot Training specialist, and has expertise in Rock Tape Performance and Functional Movement Techniques. Mr. Schmitt gives every client a general and goal specific assessment in order to personalize the workout parameters that are specific to each person's goals.
Mr. Schmitt works with clients of all skill and strength levels, from All-American college and All-County football players to Broadway actors on weight management and injury prevention. He has also worked with youngsters to improve their pitching performance and with senior citizens training for quality of life enhancement and function maintenance and improvement.
