About Us
At CCLM, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Our team of educated, compassionate professionals promise to bring our "human" to your "human."
Cindy Ness, PhD, EdD, DipABLM
Founder | Executive Director
Cindy Ness
Dr. Cindy Ness brings an impassioned, deeply informed commitment to improving the care and lived experience of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Trained as both a psychologist and an anthropologist, with doctorates from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, she brings a distinctive lens to her work: one that understands both the emotional world of individuals living with serious illness and the complex culture of the healthcare systems charged with treating them. Dr. Ness’s introduction to the world of cancer began with her own diagnosis. Following surgery and radiation, she found herself trying to assemble a lifestyle regimen to support recovery and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Like many patients, she encountered a sea of fragmented, competing, and often conflicting health claims — but no unified, evidence-informed program designed to work alongside standard oncology care. From that experience, she began to envision the kind of program she wished had existed: structured, personalized, research-informed lifestyle management for people diagnosed with cancer. That vision became The Center for Cancer Lifestyle Management. Dr. Ness believes that anyone who hears the words “you have cancer” deserves access to clear, data-driven strategies that may improve treatment tolerance, reduce recurrence risk, and support long-term outcomes. She is especially interested in the growing body of research documenting the role of lifestyle factors in cancer progression, recurrence, inflammation, metabolic health, stress biology, and quality of life. Through CCLM, she is working to help establish lifestyle management — including Purpose, Mindset & Agency, targeted exercise, evidence-based stress reduction, strengthened social connection, emotional health, and enhanced nutrition — as part of comprehensive contemporary cancer care, not as “alternative” or “complementary” medicine. Dr. Ness is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and serves on the medical faculty of a major hospital system in the Northeast, where she is partnering on a pilot study examining lifestyle management in the context of cancer outcomes. She has been in private practice in New York City for more than 20 years, is the author of several publications, including two books, and brings decades of clinical, academic, and personal experience to her leadership of CCLM.
Meredith Mistifer
Dr. Meredith Mitstifer is a licensed clinical psychologist and adjunct faculty member at Pima Community College, where she has taught Abnormal Psychology and Psychology of Death and Loss for more than 18 years. Her work as a clinician, educator, and advocate is deeply informed by both her professional training and her personal experience as someone who has lived through a cancer diagnosis. At age 30, while four months pregnant, Dr. Mitstifer was diagnosed with clear cell ovarian cancer. This year marks 23 years since her diagnosis — a milestone she shares with her son and one that continues to fuel her commitment to advocacy, education, and patient empowerment. Dr. Mitstifer has dedicated much of her work to advancing awareness and support for individuals and families impacted by ovarian cancer. She served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition beginning in 2018 and now holds the title of Director Emeritus. She has presented and published research on partner adaptation during a cancer diagnosis, lobbied on Capitol Hill for cancer research funding, and serves as a consumer reviewer and mentor for the Department of Defense’s medical research program. A dynamic public speaker, Dr. Mitstifer presents on vicarious trauma, transformational leadership, and ovarian cancer “thrivorship.” She is a volunteer writer for BRIGHTER Magazine, participates in OCRA’s Survivors Teaching Students program through the University of Arizona, serves on OCRA’s Community Engagement Committee, and is a Board Director for Tucson Cancer Conquerors. Dr. Mitstifer channels her advocacy into endurance challenges with NOCC TEAM TEAL. In 2023, she and her son summited Mount Kilimanjaro, inspiring a passion for cycling and other endurance events. In July 2026, she will join TEAM TEAL on the Ausangate Trail in Peru, taking on five high-altitude peaks in support of ovarian cancer awareness, research, programs, and resources.
Meredith Mistifer, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist | Educator
Cancer Advocate
Andrea Leonard, MS. CSE
Director of Oncology Exercise Services
Andrea Leonard
Andrea Leonard, MS, is an internationally recognized pioneer in oncology exercise science and the founder and president of the Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI). For more than three decades, she has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based exercise programming for individuals diagnosed with cancer, helping establish many of the clinical and educational frameworks that now define best practices in cancer rehabilitation and survivorship care worldwide. Under her leadership, CETI has trained more than 20,000 OncoVie® Cancer Exercise Specialists across 56 countries, significantly influencing standards of care in healthcare systems worldwide, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical fitness facilities, universities, and survivorship programs. A 42-year cancer survivor herself, Andrea’s professional mission is informed by both clinical expertise and personal experience, driving her lifelong commitment to improving functional recovery, quality of life, and long-term survivorship outcomes for individuals affected by cancer. Andrea is the author of 21 books on cancer and exercise, including Essential Exercises for Breast Cancer Survivors, a landmark publication that helped establish the foundation for structured exercise programming in breast cancer recovery. In 2019, she was honored as Club Industry/PFP Personal Trainer of the Year in recognition of her contributions to cancer rehabilitation and oncology exercise programming. She has lectured internationally at medical, rehabilitation, and fitness conferences and has collaborated with universities, hospitals, and healthcare systems worldwide.
Shayla Roberts
Shayla Roberts brings more than 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and lifestyle coaching, with a career dedicated to helping individuals make sustainable, meaningful change. She holds a degree in Human Kinetics and is an ACSM Cancer Exercise Specialist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, certified in Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, and a Professional Health and Wellness Coach. Shayla’s approach integrates evidence-based movement, strength and conditioning, cardiovascular health, and plant-based nutrition to support physical recovery, mental resilience, and long-term wellbeing. She helps clients bridge the gap between clinical recommendations and sustainable lifestyle practices, translating health guidance into practical habits that can support both the body and mind. As someone who has lived through a breast cancer diagnosis, Shayla brings a personal and deeply informed perspective to her work. She understands the many challenges that can come with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, and she is committed to helping individuals rebuild strength, confidence, and a sense of agency in their bodies. At CCLM, Shayla supports participants through cancer-informed exercise and lifestyle management coaching designed to improve physical function, support emotional resilience, and help individuals move toward lifelong health. Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time in the mountains with her husband and dogs, trail running, cross-country skiing, cycling, strength training, and testing new plant-based recipes with friends and family.
Shayla Roberts, BHK,
CSCS, CPHWC
Cancer Exercise Specialist
Lifestyle Management Health and Wellness
Clare Patterson, MS, RYT, C-IAYT
Stress Reduction Specialist
Yoga Therapist
Clare Patterson
Clare Patterson has more than ten years of experience teaching yoga and over eight years of experience providing oncology yoga in clinical and research settings. She holds a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College. Clare is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), registered yoga teacher (RYT), and certified yoga4cancer teacher. Clare brings extensive experience from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Integrative Medicine Service and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies. She has worked on a pilot study demonstrating the positive impact of yoga for patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and is currently involved in a Phase III randomized controlled trial investigating similar outcomes. Her teaching integrates evidence-based yoga asana, or physical movement and stretching, with pranayama, meditation, deep relaxation, and yoga nidra. Clare draws on current research to ensure that her classes are safe, accessible, and effective, while grounding her work in the deeper wisdom of yogic philosophy. She brings a calm, healing presence to her teaching and meets each participant with compassion and respect. As a pediatric cancer survivor, Clare brings a lived understanding of the physical and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment, while recognizing that every person’s experience is unique. She is passionate about improving the lives of survivors and those living with cancer through holistic, integrative wellness practices. At CCLM, Clare supports patients through oncology yoga practices designed to improve range of motion, balance, and physical comfort; support bone health; reduce chronic pain, neuropathy, and insomnia; and foster a greater overall sense of well-being. Outside of her yoga practice, Clare enjoys life on Long Island with her husband, daughter, dog, and two cats.
Rebecca Wanee
Rebecca Cagle Wanee brings more than 20 years of experience across law, military behavioral health, and integrative wellness, with a career rooted in helping individuals navigate stress, trauma, and life’s most challenging transitions. She holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health, where she received the Excellence in Integrative Health Award. Rebecca is also a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500). Rebecca’s approach is grounded in trauma-informed evidence-driven yoga therapy and whole-person care. Drawing on her background in behavioral health, advocacy, and clinical yoga therapy, she helps individuals use body-based practices to support nervous system regulation, emotional steadiness, and a greater sense of safety and agency. Her work is accessible, individualized, and designed to meet each person where they are — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Having walked closely alongside friends navigating cancer diagnoses and loved ones shouldering the weight of caregiving, Rebecca understands how profoundly a cancer journey can disrupt a sense of safety, control, and well-being. This personal connection deepens her commitment to offering compassionate, grounded support to individuals and families in the cancer community. At CCLM, Rebecca supports participants through individualized yoga therapy practices that may include gentle movement, guided breathing, meditation, and relaxation strategies designed to reduce stress, cultivate calm, and build resilience throughout the cancer experience. Her work incorporates motivational interviewing, biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment, and individualized goal-setting to honor each person’s unique path. Outside of her work, Rebecca enjoys life in Mississippi with her husband and their two dogs, Bruno and Jack, and continues to deepen her own yoga and mindfulness practice.
Rebecca Wanee, JD, MS, C-IAYT
Stress Reduction Specialist | Yoga Therapist
NG
IT Specialist
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Bio coming soon
Nicole Martinez
Nicole Martinez is a NASM-certified fitness professional and Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with more than two decades of experience in exercise science, functional movement, and behavior change. With a degree in Kinesiology and advanced certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, she brings a strong foundation in evidence-based exercise programming, corrective movement, and compassionate coaching. Nicole’s fitness career has included leadership roles at nationally recognized fitness organizations, including Equinox, where she managed a team of more than 30 personal trainers, and The Sports Club LA, NY, where she served as a Master Trainer specializing in individualized fitness programming and corrective movement. She has worked with a wide range of clients, from elite athletes to individuals recovering from surgery, always with a focus on safe, functional movement, injury prevention, and sustainable progress. Nicole integrates her extensive fitness background with evidence-based behavior change strategies, motivational interviewing, and health coaching to help individuals build strength, confidence, and consistency over time. Her work is grounded in the belief that movement can be a powerful tool for restoring agency, improving physical function, and supporting overall wellbeing. Her experience in cancer-related exercise includes work with participants in clinical research through UCSF’s Tools to Be Fit study. Through this work, Nicole developed a deep understanding of the physical and emotional challenges faced by people who have lived through a cancer diagnosis and are working to rebuild strength, stamina, and trust in their bodies. At CCLM, Nicole serves as CCLM Administrator and Fitness, Health and Wellness Coach, helping participants engage in tailored exercise and coaching programs designed to support healing, improve quality of life, and foster renewed strength and resilience through movement.
Nicole Martinez,
NASM-CPT, NBC-HWC
CCLM Administrator
Cancer Exercise Specialist
Lifestyle Management
Health and Wellness Coach
BZ
Legal Counsel
BZ
Bio coming soon