Our Team
Cheryl Guarna, PT, MPT, CLT
Owner
Cheryl Guarna was a practicing Physical Therapist for 15 years before opening Oncology Rehab and Wellness Resources, LLC in 2013. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in 1998. As part of her ongoing commitment to cancer survivors, Ms. Guarna is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). In addition to her certifications, she has extensive education and experience in oncology and oncology rehabilitation.
In her work and also family experience – where she has seen many people deal with the impairments resulting from cancer – Cheryl witnessed firsthand the potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes through rehabilitation. These experiences motivated her to open the region’s first cancer-specific rehabilitation clinic.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Ms. Guarna is an active member of the Lansdowne community, living and working in Fairfax and Loudoun counties for over 24 years. In her years as a physical therapist, Ms. Guarna practiced in outpatient orthopedic and home health settings. It is with this combination of experiences that she continues to develop innovative rehabilitation and wellness programs that encompass the multi-layered needs of cancer survivors.
She is a member in good standing of the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the National Lymphedema Network, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Guarna is now also a BoneFit-trained clinician through the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.
Kacie Pollard, DPT
Physical Therapist
Kacie joined the staff of ORW in 2021. She graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Medical University of South Carolina in 2016. Prior to joining ORW, Kacie worked in acute care rehab at East Cooper Medical Center in South Carolina. She has additional experience working in home health and skilled nursing rehab. Kacie is now a Bone-Fit trained clinician through the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.
Her interest in working with oncology patients led her to join the ORW team and she notes, "I really enjoy working with oncology patients to assist them in returning to their prior level of function. I am honored to provide the best care possible during a challenging time in their lives and I love being able to watch the patient's progress. Being able to also provide a caring ear is of utmost importance to me and am thrilled to be a part of the team.
Lida Pitsch, PTA, CLT
Physical Therapist Assistant
Julia Thorsen, RD
Dietitian
Julia received her BS in human nutrition and foods from VA tech 1987 and subsequently completed her Masters of science in exercise science and health George Mason University 1994
Julia is a Certified diabetes educator as well as Board certified specialist in oncology nutrition. She holds a certificate in weight management.
In addition to being a registered dietitian Julia is also an ACSM certified exercise physiologist thus enjoys applying nutrition to exercise needs of patients.
Julia has been a nutrition support clinical specialist at Inova Fairfax hospital with over 25 years of experience in Oncology, Diabetes, Weight Management, Heart and Lung Disease. She often leads support programs with Life with Cancer programs and has done yearly presentations on Nutrition and Cancer for Oncology Rehab and Wellness as part of our educational programs offered.
Julia joined Oncology Rehab and Wellness and joins us in providing a holistic approach to cancer care. Julia is available for consultations by appointment.
Jocelyn Green
Office Supervisor
Prior to joining Oncology Rehab and Wellness, Jocelyn resided in Alaska and had 3 years prior experience as an administrative assistant for breast cancer surgeon, and she is a certified medical coder.
Jocelyn joined the ORW team in 2019 as Admin/Rehab Tech. Since, her role has evolved. She is now our Medical Office Manager and Patient Care Coordinator. Jocelyn manages everything ORW! Since coming onboard, Jocelyn has spent extensive time learning new roles and has assisted with development of many ORW processes and procedures. She not only manages our office, but also assists with HR duties and covers as rehab tech as needed.
Jocelyn states: “I enjoy working with cancer rehab/cancer patients because it's so rewarding seeing patients how they were when they first come in to when they are discharged. Not only are they feeling healthier and stronger, but they seem so much more confident and empowered. It's rewarding to see patients come in excited about what they're doing here and the progress they are making.”