Mike Gallen

Lead Specialist Level 2

Mike graduated from Rowan University in May 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Fitness Management. One of Mike’s greatest passions is to help motivate and encourage people to better themselves through exercise and recovery training. Mike started with Project Walk New Jersey as an intern and realized he had a passion for helping people with paralysis. After graduation, Mike started as an Aide and worked his way towards becoming a Certified Recovery Specialist.

Mike Pisani

Certified Recovery Specialist

Level 2

& Assistant Facility Manger

Mike graduated from West Chester University in May 2014 with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology. After working locally as a medically-integrated fitness specialist, he attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated in May 2018 with a Master's degree in Recreation and Fitness Policy. Mike has experience working with a wide range of individuals from children diagnosed with Autism to professional athletes. Outside of Project Walk, Mike works as a movement coach at Stellar Athletics in Moorestown. He is excited to bring his passion and enthusiasm for movement and healing to Project Walk!

Carly Weinhardt

Certified Recovery Specialist

& Director of Training and Development

Carly graduated from Temple University in 2020 with a bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a Pre-Physical Therapy concentration. Carly knew before college that she had a passion for health, fitness and helping people be the best version of themselves. Before Project Walk, Carly worked as a certified stretch therapist, helping others improve their mobility. She is also a personal trainer, helping people achieve their fitness goals. In her free time, Carly enjoys working out, going out with friends and doing anything outdoors. We are excited to have Carly as a part of our team.

Brian Gartland

Certified Recovery Specialist

Brian graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. After graduating Brian knew he wanted to help individuals get stronger both physically and mentally and became a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. Before project walk, Brian worked as an aide at a physical therapy clinic. Brian’s own passion for sports and fitness drives him to help improve the movement of others.

Kenny Chinjen

Certified Recovery Specialist

Ken graduated from Rowan University in May of 2022 with a bachelor’s in Exercise Science. Upon graduation, he began his internship here and then became an aide, followed by working his way up to become a certified recovery specialist. Prior to working at Project Walk, Ken found himself working in many different careers; however, one thing always stayed the same and that was the passion for helping others to improve their lifestyle and better themselves. With this, he knew Project Walk was a perfect fit for him. Ken also serves in the United States Air Force Reserves in a Civil Engineer Squadron. He is excited to bring his knowledge, leadership, and passion to Project Walk.

Kenyetta Bailey

Certified Recovery Specialist

Kenyetta, also known as Yetta, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science and a Minor in Sports Psychology from Rowan University in 2023. Additionally, Yetta has completed a Physical Therapist Internship at NovaCare Rehabilitation, gaining valuable experience in client care and exercise monitoring. With a passion for sports and empowering others to achieve their fitness goals, he has honed his skills over several years, specializing in developing tailored workout routines.

Devaun Perry

Certified Recovery Specialist

In May of 2023, Devaun graduated from Rowan University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. Before graduation, he started as an intern at Project Walk, growing to a hired aide prior to full time Recovery Specialist. Devaun has spent most of his years training, from coaching youth soccer, fundamentals of boxing, and weightlifting for recreation. Physical fitness and activity has always been a passion of his, and he is always seeking designs to ameliorate conditions for all.

Melissa Ogilvie

Recovery Aide

& Licensed Massage Therapist

Melissa graduated from Rowan University in May of 2022 with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science. She has also been a NJ licensed Massage Therapist since 2014, where she learned many different modalities and catered to the individual needs of her diverse clientele. She began at Project Walk in September of 2022 as an aide, and has gained knowledge on how to provide the best care for those with spinal cord injuries. She is excited to broaden her skills and offer her massage services for those with spinal cord injuries.

Dave Thomas

Recovery Aide

Dave went to Camden County College for Elementary Education. Upon graduating amidst the Covid outbreak, he felt called to a different path and has found it in Massage Therapy which he is currently studying. Dave believes strongly in helping people. He finds it very rewarding to see patients respond positively to the healing process. He is also a reverend and a deeply spiritual person. He looks forward to finding new ways to help those that come to Project Walk.

Mario DeJesse

Recovery Aide

Mario has been a certified Fitness Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association since 2008. He achieved his Advanced Fitness Trainer certification in 2010 and in 2012 achieved his Nutrition Specialist certification. Mario has worked with clients of all ages and at all fitness levels, including post-operative individuals who wanted to push themselves beyond what their physical therapy program offered. His capacity to connect personally with clients boosts their comfort and confidence in his ability to help them believe in and trust in the process. Mario brings his dedication to helping others live their best life to Project Walk NJ as a Recovery Aide and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Recovery Specialist.

Julia Ginesi

Recovery Aide

Julia is a current student at Rutgers University who is studying Health Sciences. She has always had a strong drive to help motivate others, especially when it comes to their wellbeing. At the end of the day, Julia finds it rewarding knowing that she’s helped someone strive for their personal goal.

Jacqueline Rodriguez

Recovery Aide

Jackie graduated from the University of Maryland in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Prior to attending college, Jackie knew she wanted to be someone who helped others through their recovery process. During her time at Maryland, it was made clear that she has a passion for motivating and supporting others with their health and wellness. Jackie plans to further her education by pursuing her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in the next few years! She is excited to work at Project Walk and expand her knowledge of recovery and rehabilitation.

Kristen Clark

Facility Manager

Kristen graduated from Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ in 2010 where she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education with a Spanish concentration. Since graduation she has been teaching in Mt. Laurel, NJ and has worked with special needs children in a differentiated classroom. As Facility Manager, Kristen will help with the daily operations of Project Walk New Jersey and is looking forward to continuing her love for helping people learn and grow.

Leslie Clark

Executive Director

Before devoting her work full-time to Project Walk New Jersey, Leslie worked for 25 years for Mt. Laurel Township as a school bus driver. Prior to that she worked for 15 years in the banking industry. Realizing that it was too soon for retirement, she began researching franchise opportunities that would involve helping people in her community. Narrowing her search to Project Walk, Leslie learned more about spinal cord injuries and was shocked at the lack of centers available for individuals to exercise, in order to stay healthy and work toward their recovery. To her this was a no brainer! Leslie has a handful of hobbies and interests including riding her Harley Davidson, traveling, and spending time with her beautiful family and friends.