Our Team is Ready to Serve

Operations Staff

Tom Ruskey - Director

Tom is a graduate of King’s College. He has extensive background in community development, human resources, and business management. His experience is an asset in maintaining and strengthening the volunteer support needed to keep The Cancer Wellness Center running. Tom builds upon our operational and procedural structure to ensure our continued success in providing free services to our clients and their caregivers. 

In addition, Tom has been involved in numerous non-profit organizations throughout his career. He was employed at the United Way of Wyoming Valley and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber. He is also an experienced grant writer and fundraiser. Through his professional experiences, Tom understands the challenges faced by nonprofits and the need to cultivate relationships and support within our community. 

Tom also has a personal connection to The Cancer Wellness Center as his mother, Mary Ruskey, is a former client. He has witnessed firsthand how powerful our services can be to those living with a cancer diagnosis.

Melissa Ostroskie - Support Services Specialist

As our Support Services Specialist, Melissa Ostroskie handles much of our correspondence while identifying and supporting client needs. Melissa comes with an extensive 15-year background in administrative and support duties at Geisinger Health System. She is also a client at The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA, giving her the opportunity to share her journey in a supportive and empathetic way. In 2021, Melissa was honored with the Paint Pittston Pink Survivor Award. 

Instructors

Chris Fazzi - Exercise Instructor

Chris Fazzi started taking fitness classes many years ago. This eventually led to an interest in Personal Training. In 1995, she attained her ACE certification as a Group Fitness Instructor in Philadelphia. In 2005, she earned the IFPA certification to become a Personal Fitness Trainer. At The Cancer Wellness Center, Chris instructs One-on-One Personal Training.

Deborah Cox - Exercise Instructor

Deborah Cox first became interested in health and fitness in her 20s. Years later, they are still her priority. During her career, she has watched countless clients go from weak and exhausted to fit, strong, and confident. Certified with American Fitness Professional Associated (AFPA), she specializes in helping those with physical limitations and those recovering from illness. She focuses heavily on increasing balance, strength, and flexibility with all of her clients. At The Cancer Wellness Center, Deborah currently instructs One-on-One Personal Training. 

Theresa Novak - Yoga and Mediation Instructor; Vibrational Sound Therapy

Theresa Novak began practicing yoga 15 years ago at Health Works in Kingston. She has a 500 hour certification from Dharma Yoga Center in New York City. She also studied with renowned yoga instructor, Dharma Mitra. At The Cancer Wellness Center, Theresa instructs Gentle Yoga classes which include meditation, breathing, and posture techniques. She also offers Vibrational Sound Therapy.

Laura Slocum - Yoga Instructor

Laura Slocum has been teaching group fitness classes, including step, interval, and kickboxing, since 1999. After surviving ovarian cancer, she was Les Mills Body Flow certified in 2013, beginning a love for yoga and a fascination with meditation. In 2018, Laura completed her 200 hours and was Yin Yoga certified shortly after. She has also taught at Zen Barre, where she acquired another certification. Over the years, Laura has taught cancer patients and survivors, as well as senior citizens at the Village at Greenbriar. At The Cancer Wellness Center, Laura instructs yoga classes.

Jane Niemic - Reiki

Rosalie Allan - Tai Chi Easy/QiGong Intstructor

Rosalie Allan became interested in health and alternative wellness practices at a young age when she began exploring vegetarianism and macrobiotics. Later, she was introduced to yoga and meditation. From living with a yoga community in the Poconos to traveling across the country, Rosalie spent years growing her knowledge of holistic health. Several years later, Rosalie began studying TaiChi and QiGong, eventually becoming certified through the Holden QiGong Teacher Certification program and the Institute of Integral QiGong and TaiChi. Today, “Qi with Rosalie” classes are held across the area. At The Cancer Wellness Center, Rosalie instructs TaiChi Easy and QiGong classes, suitable for all skill levels and abilities.

Therapists

Dr. Virginia (Ginger) Fennelly – Massage Therapist

Dave Jenkins – Reflexologist

Dave Jenkins began his Reflexology studies in 1978 with May Post of Philadelphia, the first person granted permission to teach Reflexology by its developer, Eunice Ingham. He continued his studies with the International Institute of Reflexology with George Balut, Bobbi Warren and Dwight Byers, nephew of Eunice Ingham, becoming certified in the Ingham Method of Reflexology in 1990. Now, with over 34 years of experience, Dave brings his expertise to The Cancer Wellness Center.

Grace Taylor - Reflexologist