Faculty Advisory Boards

Marina Maduro PT, DPT, WCC, CLT-LANA, MLD/CDT Instructor

Marina received her doctoral degree in 2011 from Shenandoah University in Virginia; and her BA in Physical Therapy in 1988 from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Marina is licensed as a DPT and was certified as a wound specialist by the Natl. Alliance of Wound Care (NAWC) in 2004. She specializes in wound care, lymphedema therapy and vascular rehabilitation, and has extensive experience in management and leadership. Marina is currently working at Baptist Hospital and various home health agencies in Miami, FL. Throughout her career, Marina has worked for several hospitals under various positions, including Assistant Director of the Rehabilitation Department, Director of the Lymphedema Program, Clinical Coordinator and Wound Care Center Supervisor. She received her certification as a MLD/CDT therapist from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 1996 and has been dedicated to lymphedema and wound care ever since. Since 1995 she has lectured about lymphedema, wound care and vascular rehabilitation in South American countries at different congresses and symposiums of Phlebology and Lymphology. Dr. Maduro joined the Academy of Lymphatic Studies as an instructor in 2007 and was promoted to Curriculum Director in 2012. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None

Kristin Rousseau PT, DPT, CLT, MLD/CDT instructor.

Kristin graduated with a doctorate of Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in 2008. She completed her CLT training in 2010 through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Since that time she was worked full time in a hospital based outpatient therapy setting, treating all forms of lymphedema and vascular related patient diagnoses. She joined ACOLS in 2021 as an instructor and is excited to travel, meet new clinicians and educate them on the comprehensive treatment of patients with lymphedema. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None    

Melinda "Danette" Chancellor PT, CLT-ALM-LANA, MLD/CDT Instructor

Danette graduated from Texas Woman's University in 1988 with a bachelor of science in physical therapy. She became a certified lymphedema therapist in 2011 and received her advanced lymphedema management in 2019 both through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Danette works at a regional hospital in South Mississippi where the lymphedema, lipedemia population, as well as vascular disorders are often undiagnosed and under served. She works to bring a more comprehensive treatment approach to these populations by educating, not only her patients but also the local medical professionals. Danette joined the Academy of Lymphatic Studies as an instructor in 2021 and plans to continue educating other health care professionals in the proper management of lymphedema. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None

Trudy Ferguson-Pitters, PT, MHSA, MLD/CDT Instructor

Trudy is the Coordinator of the Lymphedema Program at Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL. She received her BS in Physical Therapy in 1991 from the University of Toronto, Ontario. She pursued her Master's Degree in Health Services Administration at Nova Southeastern University and is a licensed Physical Therapist in Canada as well as the United States. Trudy coordinates the Lymphedema Management Program at Aventura Hospital in Aventura, FL where her focus has been on the promotion of Lymphedema Care at support groups and facility meetings. Trudy joined the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 1999 as an Associate Instructor, she is also a faculty member of a private college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida a member of the APTA, FPTA, NLN and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None    

John Jordi, PTA, BS, CLT-LANA, MLD/CDT Instructor

John received his PTA degree in 1993 from St. Catherine's College in Minneapolis, MN and his certification as an MLD/CDT therapist in 1999 from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. He has devoted his practice to full time lymphedema treatment since his certification. Since 2002, John has been the lymphedema program coordinator at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation Services in Chattanooga, TN. In addition to the outpatient lymphedema program, he developed and manages a specialized inpatient program for stage 3 lymphedema patients. In 2007, John received his BS in Business Administration from Bryan College in Dayton, TN. He also joined the Academy of Lymphatic Studies as an assistant instructor in 2007 and completed instructor training in 2008. John's interest in lymphedema extends to patient advocacy and community education. He organizes and facilitates a bimonthly educational support group, and he initiated an endowment fund to assist patients with the cost of compression garments. John is a member of the NLN and has presented at professional and patient conferences. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None

Thomas Bucklew, P.T., MBA, CLT-LANA, MLD/CDT Instructor

Thomas received his BS in Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University in Cheney Washington in 1991. Practice areas have included orthopedics, especially foot-related issues, Lymphedema and swelling disorders and, more recently, practices in both a Home Care setting and in an Acute Care setting for Dignity Health in Folsom, California. Additionally, Thomas is heading the development of a Lymphedema program for his current employer. He is a member of the NLN and the NSCA. Additionally, he received extensive skin and wound care management education from the Wound Care Education Institute. Thomas joined the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 2008 as an assistant instructor, completing instructor training in 2009. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None  

Laura Castroviejo, PT, CLT, MLD/CDT Instructor

Laura received her MS in Kinesiology and Physiatry from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1996 and she is a licensed PT in the State of Florida. She received her University Professor Degree from Barcelo University in 2002 and has lectured about lymphedema, MLD and rehabilitation of patients with venous disorders at different seminars and congresses. She has also instructed physical therapy students at different universities in Buenos Aires. Since 1996 she has been dedicated to the training and education in lymphedema management (MLD and Compression therapy) in South American countries and the US. She has worked for several medical centers and hospitals coordinating lymphedema treatment programs and support groups in Florida. She is currently working with home health patients and she is the Director of Kinetic Rehab, Inc. in Miami, FL. Laura received her training in MLD/CDT at the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.

Virtu Arora, DPT, CLT-ALM, MLD/CDT/ALM Instructor

Virtu Arora has been a practicing for over 25 years as a Physical Therapist and is currently working for Stanford Health Care-Valley Care. She became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 2006 and has been working passionately with Lymphedema patients ever since. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None      

Meenu Jethwani, OTR/L, CLT, MLD/CDT Instructor

Meenu Jethwani has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for over 30 years. She became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 2007 and has been working passionately with Lymphedema patients ever since. Meenu was the first to establish several Lymphedema clinics in North Central Florida region that has served thousands of patients. Meenu Jethwani is the Founder and Executive Director of HELP - an organization fighting for lymphedema patients, increasing awareness, and providing direct support for patients. She has been featured in the media, authored guest articles, and led lymphedema awareness programs for both healthcare providers and the general public. Over the course of her career, she has worked in a broad diversity of roles, establishing lymphedema management programs in multiple nursing homes, home healthcare and leading outpatient rehabilitation centers. She currently leads the lymphedema program for her employer and has now joined the Academy of Lymphatic Studies as an instructor in March, 2021. Meenu continues to draw upon and add to her comprehensive repertoire furthering her involvement in lymphedema treatment, advocacy, and education. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None

Tracy Cisneros PT, DPT, CLT, LMT, CDT/MLD Instructor

Tracy began work as a Licensed Massage Therapist in the state of Texas in 2004. She concentrated in orthopedic and pain management facilities while pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Sports Science from Texas State University. She obtained her CLT certification in January 2017 and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas State University later that year. She started her career as a Physical Therapist in an outpatient hospital based facility. Her full time focus is on Lymphedema management and prevention in Waco, Texas. She enjoys serving Oncology populations, primarily breast cancer and head & neck cancers. She also created a lower extremity program to serve the greater Waco area. Her passions include educating clinicians to raise awareness of Lymphedema and the opportunity to care holistically for people. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None  

Dr. Nevein Elagamy, MB. ChB, PT, DPT, CLT-ALM-LANA, MLD/CDT Instructor

Nevein received her medical degree/bachelor’s degree in Internal Medicine and Surgery (MB. ChB) from Tanta University Medical School in Egypt. She practiced medicine as a Certified Dermatologist, specializing in Dermatology, Venerology, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, for several years in Egypt before moving to the United States. After relocating to the States, she earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Florida A& M University. During her DPT education, she got fascinated with lymphedema, wound care management, and vestibular Rehab. She received her Certification in Complete Decongestive Therapy training and Advanced Lymphedema Management training with the Academy. Since then, she has been practicing as a CLT-ALM at Tallahassee Memorial Outpatient Neuro Rehab-Lymphedema Clinic. Nevein has 20+ years of experience in the medical field playing different roles in the preventive healthcare models, both in Egypt and in the United States. In addition, she participated as a co-researcher in multiple medical research on diverse dermatological diagnoses in Egypt. Moreover, she has been a speaker in many medical conferences and symposiums, lecturing on varied medical topics. In 2021, Nevein became a certified CDT/MLD Instructor for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None

Damien Archambeau, LMT, MLD-C, MLD Instructor

Corporate Controller for TruMantra Education Group Damien A. Archambeau is a BCTMB and LMT of 20 years who specializes in therapeutic massage and rehabilitative massage therapy. Academically, he completed a degree in Applied Sciences with focus in Massage Therapy. Damien originally was introduced to the industry through his internationally accomplished grandfather, Masso- therapist, James Dispoto. Damien’s love of massage guided him to advance his knowledge in massage therapy to the next generation of massage therapists. Therefore, over the last 10 years, Damien ventured into the education sector of massage therapy as an educator and developed an advanced massage CE course called Myokinesio Therapy. Damien’s tenure and growth with the TruMantra Education Group saw him evolve into the role of the National Director of Career Services, and later into the position of the TruMantra Education’s Groups Corporate Controller. Additionally, Damien’s expertise as a business owner over the last 20 years enhances his role and performance as a Controller for the TruMantra Education Group. Damien chose to expand skills as a therapist in Manual Lymphatic Draining through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and joined the team in 2021 as an instructor.  

Michelle Cordero, BA, LMT, MLD-C Instructor

Michelle received her Bachelor's degree from Cornell University in 1999. After teaching English in Japan for 2 years, she moved to Arizona and received her Associates of Applied Science in Massage Therapy in 2003. She is currently the Education Director for ASIS Massage Education, overseeing four massage school campuses in Arizona. She has always enjoyed introducing new students to the art of massage therapy with humor and fun. Michelle now has expanded that approach to learning through teaching MLD courses with ACOLS. She is a Society for Oncology Preferred Practitioner and has served as a board member and past president of the Arizona chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Morgan Strong, LMT, MLD-C, MLD Instructor

Morgan is a licensed massage therapist and massage educator that brings a passion and enthusiasm to his classes that is hard to match. He mixes high energy with depth of knowledge to immerse students in a creative and educational experience. As an educator, his focus is on enhancing skills and helping each therapist grow in their own unique styles. Morgan was educated at the Finger Lakes School of Massage in Mt. Kisco, NY and holds license to practice in both New York and Arizona. Morgan is a massage instructor at the Arizona School of Integrative Studies, where he enjoys working and developing students into new therapists. He is a Board Approved Continuing Education Provider through NCBTMB, and also teaches with Advanced BodyWork Education and LMT Success Group. He is the owner of Integrative Manual Bodywork, a practice that takes an integrative approach to manual therapy focusing on pain management, injury rehabilitation, and life in general.  Morgan became a certified MLD instructor for ACOLS in 2021.

Claire Hofstetter, LMT, MLD-C, MLD Instructor

Claire completed massage training at the Arizona School of Integrative Studies (ASIS Massage Education) in Prescott, AZ in 2012. She also studied at University of Hawai'i at Mānoa and ultimately completed her bachelors at Northern Arizona University. She has worked in clinical, rehabilitative settings throughout her career. She has conducted movement evaluation and education and how it relates to dysfunctional patterns in the body. Facilitating healing and promoting restoration, vitality, grace, and a sense of well-being is her goal! She currently works with ASIS Massage Education as an administrator assisting with day to day operations and also as an educator. She also has her own practice working alongside a physical therapy team serving Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area in her state of Arizona.

Dr. Jamie Morris Newcomb, PT, DPT, LMT, CLT, MLD-C Instructor

Physical therapist, Massage therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Manual Lymph Drainage Certified

Dr. Newcomb is a physical therapist, massage therapist and educator with a passion for learning and for the lymphatic system. She has a clinical background in orthopedics, pediatrics, lymphedema management, manual lymph drainage and therapeutic massage. She has taught children and adults and loves to be involved in her students’ learning process. In 2022 she started her own physical therapy and massage therapy practice to focus on manual lymph drainage and lymphedema management for breast cancer survivors.

James Bert, LMT, CLT, MLD Instructor

James Bert is a Tennessee licensed massage therapist, certified lymphedema therapist, and has an Associate’s in exercise science. After a few years of nursing school, James fell in love with studying muscle function and complementary therapies and decided to pursue that as a career instead. He graduated from Miller-Motte Technical College in 2017 and has been working as a deep-tissue massage therapist ever since. James began looking into lymphatic work during the height of the 2020 pandemic and was astounded by the possible applications of MLD for people suffering from post-covid syndrome. He completed his CLT training with ACOLS in the spring of 2021 and has been working with the academy ever since. Studying with the academy also allowed him to open up his own practice, Nooga Massage and Lymphatics.  

 Mary “Ginger” Stover PT,DPT,CLT, ALM-LANA, MLD/CDT Instructor

  Ginger Graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Health Related Professions in 1991 with BS in PT and then DPT in PT 2006. She completed her CLT training in 2000 through Academy of Lymphatic Studies and was LANA certified in 2001. She works full-time as lead therapist in a hospital based outpatient therapy setting treating lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency and wounds. She was the Lymphedema Management instructor at UMMC SHRP PT School from 2009-2021. Ginger Joined Academy of Lymphatic Studies as an instructor in 2021 and is enjoying educating more clinicians in the exciting, challenging field of lymphedema management. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None    

Marilyn Gordian PT, MPT, CLT-ALM-LANA, WCC, MLD/CDT Instructor

Marilyn graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in 1985 from the University of Miami in Florida, her Bachelor of Human Biology and Master of Physical Therapy in 1998 from American International College in Springfield, MA.  She is a licensed PT in the State of North Carolina and has been certified by the NAWC as a Wound Care specialist since 2016. Marilyn has received all her lymphedema education from the Academy since receiving her MLD/CDT in 2005. She has held various positions including Director of Rehabilitation and worked throughout the country.  She has been dedicated to lymphedema program development and education at many facilities,  providing community education programs and guest lecturing on lymphedema at various schools.  Marilyn is currently working for Duke Lifepoint’s Maria Parham Health in Henderson, North Carolina, and instructing for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Instructor Disclosure: Financial- Honorarium from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies; Non-Financial- None  

Nouf Al-Dhwayan, SPT, CLT, MLD/CDT Instructor

Academy of Lymphatic Studies Instructor/Affiliate - Saudi Arabia

Nouf received her Bachelor degree in Physical therapy from King Saud University, Riyadh, and college of applied medical sciences in 1996. She worked as physical therapist in both in and outpatient neurology and oncology for 4 years and received her CDT certification in May 2000 at the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Since then she is working and specializing in that field. Nouf received an advanced course at the Lymphology congress in Genoa, Italy Sept 2001. She is a member of the ISL and the NLN and regularly lectures to medical professionals and PT students on lymphedema management.

Nilüfer KABLAN, PT, PhD, CLT, WCC, MLD/CDT Instructor

Academy of Lymphatic Studies Instructor/Affiliate - Turkey

Mrs. Kablan graduated from Hacettepe University (Turkey), SBF, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in 1998. She completed her Master Science studies in the field of Exercise Physiology at Middle East Technical University in 2004, and also her doctorate (PhD) studies in the field of Sports Health at Marmara University in 2018. With the training she received from Foeldi School in 2008, she became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and began working in this field. Mrs. Kablan received additional training, including "How to Take Measurements for Compression Garments" from BSN-Jobst Institute in 2009 and "Advanced Wound Management" from Lohmann & Raucher Institute in 2010. In 2015, she completed "Wound Care and Compression Therapy in Venous Ulcers" from Jobst Academy Turkey and the Complete Lymphedema Certification (MLD/CDT) course from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in the United States. Also in 2015, she began her instructor training for the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. She became a certified instructor for the Academy and began teaching in Turkey in 2016. Having fulfilled studies intensely with the lymphatic and phlebolithic patient groups since 2007, she has gained a competent clinical experience in this field as well. She is currently working as a Assoc. Prof. at Istanbul Medeniyet University.  

Layla Riady PT, MSC, CLT, CLT Instructor

Layla is a physical therapist since 2006 from the San Sebastian University in Chile. She received her first training in the Leduc method in 2007 when she began to treat patients with lymphedema. Layla became certified lymphedema therapist at the academy of lymphatics studies in 2016 and she obtained a master's degree in lymphology and phlebology in 2018. She became a certified instructor of the Academy of Lymphatics Studies in 2019. Layla currently has her own lymphology clinic. She is also a speaker at different congresses and conferences nationally and internationally.  

Ana M. Soto, MD

Medical Advisor for Academy of Lymphatic Studies