About

My name is Lisa Berman Sylvestri MSPT, CLT-LANA. I have over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist, over 12 of which are in the lymphedema and oncology arena.

Early on in my career, I had a family friend who suffered from a disease called lymphedema, which was caused by her breast cancer treatment. I had begun my practice working in outpatient orthopedics, but after doing my research to learn about this condition and realizing the lack of certified lymphedema professionals in my area, I decided to focus on that field. I'm so glad I did. After I heard my first patient tell me that I was the first, and only, person who had made her feel good during her cancer journey, I knew I had found my calling. By 2010, I completed my second lymphedema specialist certification program to ensure I was doing my best for all of my patients.

I now have advanced certification through the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) and teach other physical and occupational therapists of the importance of recognizing and treating all swelling and lymphedema. I am also involved with the local chapter of the Cancer Support Community where I speak to the “Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Group” on lymphedema.

My passion is working with the lymphedema, breast cancer and oncology patient population. I get great satisfaction being a part of the recovery journey. I also enjoy treating anyone who suffers from chronic and significant swelling, from other types of lymphedema or other medical conditions. I am excited for this next step opening Oasis Physical Therapy and Wellness.

When not working, I enjoy time with my family, traveling, wine tasting and food / cooking, as well as enjoying the California lifestyle.

My Vision

My vision is to create an oasis of healing where you feel comfortable, empowered and encouraged get back the life you want to live, and to thrive!

My Mission

My mission is to ensure every patient who has received a cancer diagnosis is able to have a great quality of life. I will work with you one on one, to help you eliminate your fears, gain strength, reduce swelling, and achieve your personal goals. I want to help bridge the gap from prehab to long term care in the cancer community.

1998 – Received my BS in Health Sciences from Boston University
2000 – Received my MS in Physical Therapy from Boston University
2008 – Became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies
2008 – Began working as a CLT in Boca Raton, FL
2010 – Became a CLT through the Dr. Vodder School North America
2012 – Developed and built a lymphedema treatment program at San Ramon Regional Medical Center
2018 - Began teaching a CEU course to other clinicians about lymphedema management and treatment through Summit Continuing Education
2019 – Became CLT-LANA through the Lymphology Association of North America
2021 – Recognized as NLN expert clinician
2022 - Cancer Exercise Specialist; CETI

I’m thrilled to welcome Tamara Shih, PT, MPT, PORi/c, AIB-VR/CON, AIB-VR2, CFPS to Oasis Physical Therapy and Wellness.

She brings over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist, treating patients with a vast array of diagnoses. She seeks to empower and improve the lives of all patients. Helping people get back to living their lives is her life’s passion.

She believes that each person is unique and requires a treatment program tailored to individual goals and needs. Cancer survivors are a very special group of people and my unique skill set allows me to treat them for a variety of diagnoses to maximize functional improvement.

At her previous job she taught community classes for fall prevention, cancer related fatigue, proper body mechanics and ergonomics, and postural exercises to assist with correction of postural changes due to cancer treatments. She also developed a vestibular rehabilitation program and co developed the oncology rehab program. I have worked with cancer survivors throughout my career and continue to stay informed in the most current research.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, hiking, stand up paddle boarding, trail running, doing pilates/yoga, cooking/baking, gardening, reading, learning new things, and doing pretty much anything artistic.

1999 – Received Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Minor in Biology From Saint Mary’s College
2002 – Received Master’s in Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt University
2005 – NDTA Certified Stroke Rehab
Mar. 2012 – Advanced Oncology Rehabilitation Training
Apr. 2012 – STAR Certified Clinician (Survivorship Training and Rehab)
Jan. 2015 – Craniosacral Therapy training Dissipating Trauma, Reducing Stress, and Rebalancing the Body
Sep. 2015 – Certified PORi Oncology Rehabilitation Clinical Specialist
2017 – Rocktape IASTM training (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization)
2018 – Rocktape Kinesiology Taping Certification
Aug. 2019 – Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion
Dec. 2019 – APPI Certified Matwork Pilates Instructor
Mar. 2020 – Trained in Evaluation and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders and Craniofacial Pain
Aug. 2020 – Rocktape Myofascial Cupping Practitioner Certification
Aug. 2020 – Visual Rehabilitation Certificate
Dec. 2021 – The American Institute of Balance Vestibular Rehabilitation II Certification
Jan. 2022 – Rocktape Movement Specialist certified
Jan. 2022 – The Pink Ribbon Program Certified in Oncology Rehabilitation
Jan. 2022 – Certified Fall Prevention Specialist (CFPS) Certification

We are thrilled to formally welcome Andrea Romero to our team. Andrea has been an OT since 2007, and received her Master in Occupational Therapy from Samuel Merritt College. She recently completed her training to become a CLT, in addition to a 3 month mentorship here at Oasis Physical Therapy and Wellness.

After going through her own breast cancer treatments and having difficulty finding a lymphedema therapist to work on her, she became motivated to learn about lymphedema. She has the right touch and passion, and is a great addition to Oasis Physical Therapy and Wellness. She feels excited to be a part of our growing team!

Helen Mirsaeidi OTD, OTR/L, CLT, CORE, CSRS Helen completed her bachelor’s degree in human development at UC Davis and later completed her master’s and doctorate degrees in occupational therapy at USC. In her 11 years of clinical practice, Helen has worked in various settings with people at all stages of cancer care from diagnosis through survivorship. Helen is experienced in program development, advocacy, and is passionate about providing comprehensive cancer care. Helen’s priority is to provide empowerment to the people she treats and to serve as a resourceful support for the patients under her care.

Beyond providing direct patient care Helen enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, spending time in nature, and volunteering. Since 2021, Helen has coordinated donations stocking a free family resource closet for bay area children and families in need, serves on the board of a local OT mental health organization, and devotes time to serving as an elder advocate locally within Contra Costa County.

2008 – B.S. Human Development UC Davis
2011 – M.A. Occupational Therapy USC
2011 – Received the student award in mental health from the state OT association
2011 – Recipient of the Margaret S. Rood Award from USC for professional promise and personal excellence
2012 – Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) USC
2012 – Certified Lymphedema Therapist
2012-2016 – Clinical Faculty at USC; Focused on advancing clinical programming in the area of head and neck cancer rehabilitation across the continuum of care
2014 – Presented at the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies
2016 – Presented findings from edema management program development at the National Lymphedema Network Conference
2019 – Petal Award from Sutter Health; patient nominated award for service delivery
2021 – CSRS Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist
2021 – CORE Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Expert

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