Jenni Nicolla Rai’s innovative approach to physical therapy for breast cancer patients has earned her the reputation as the “go-to” provider for A-list Hollywood entertainment executives such as directors, producers and actors with this diagnosis.

She received her Master’s in Science and Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 2001 and began working with breast cancer patients in 2004 as a founding member of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital’s outpatient breast cancer program, under renowned physician Julie Silver. Jenni quickly realized there was more to learn about the effects of breast cancer post-treatment, including the unique swelling called “lymphedema” that was a common and frightening side effect for many women. In 2005, she completed the Academy of Lymphatic Studies program to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) and became a Certified Edema Specialist (CES) through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 2018. Jenni is passionate about removing the fear around lymphedema by educating women about this often-misunderstood disease.

While working in the clinic, Jenni noticed her breast cancer patients often asked the same questions, especially pertaining to life after breast cancer treatment. They struggled to make sense of the new sensations in their bodies, often wondering if the pain, fatigue, or swelling could be signs of a reoccurrence of cancer. Jenni’s knowledge soothed their fears. In 2017, she created the groundbreaking website www.MyBreastieSays.com to share the responses she gave her patients, with the goal of reaching a wider audience. The international presence in the corresponding Facebook group illustrates its success and the need for this unique type of support.

Jenni continues to feel her most important work is one-on-one with breast cancer survivors, helping them reconnect to their body after breast cancer treatment, and recently served as clinical director of Rehab Specialists, inc in Beverly Hills, CA. She lives in West Hollywood, CA with her husband and dog, and is often talking about her nephews.

Paige Woodward, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, is the founder of Functional Cancer Care.

Paige received her BA in Zoology from Connecticut College in New London, CT. Her intent was to pursue veterinary school, but a post college job in cancer clinical research at Mass General Hospital in Boston changed her career path. 

Paige became passionate about cancer care and found herself enrolled at Yale University School of Nursing in the Oncology Nurse Practitioner track. She graduated with a Master of Science in nursing in 2006. She began her career at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute treating gastrointestinal malignancies and lymphoma. Eventually, she moved to California where she has practiced for the past 12 years treating hematologic malignancies, breast cancer, lung cancer, and gynecologic malignancies. She also has extensive knowledge treating patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials. 

Paige has always had an interest in health and wellness. She has sought out opportunities to combine her expertise in cancer cancer with her passion for optimal health. She received a certification in nutrition from precision nutrition in August 2019. She is currently pursuing her certification in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine. 

She continues to broaden her skill set so that she can provide the very best care to her patients.