Meet The Team
Mend Coaches all live with chronic pain and know, first hand, what it's like to navigate the daily struggles. Their mission is to help you minimize your pain and maximize your life. Our rehab specialists all take a mind-body approach to pain and have extensive experience with persistent pain management.
Click on individual pictures to learn more about each of our coaches
Anne Stamer, CPC & ELI-MP coaching certifications
Head of Mend Coaching Development
Rate: $60 per hour
I am truly privileged to help people unlock the wisdom and define their own unique path to success. I take a practical approach to coaching and provide support, feedback, and a path towards moving forward as I have done living with chronic pain.
Ben Swerdlow, LCSW, MPH
Mend Coach
Rate: $45 per hour
I'm a licensed clinical social worker and a former athlete who has dealt with numerous chronic injuries. I’m passionate about education and skill building in the recovery process. It has empowered me to make pain more understandable and provided a roadmap to progress.
Malika Blair, MSW
Mend Coach
Rate: $45 per hour
I have been a social worker for over ten years and am currently a supervisor for other social workers at JASA, the go-to agency for older New Yorkers. I am big fitness buff and have been dealing with chronic pain for many years. I am passionate about helping others find ways to better manage pain through exercise and behavioral changes.
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Yaakov Friedman, DPT, CSCS
Mend Rehab Specialist
Rate: $70 per hour
I am a licensed physical therapist and have worked with athletes in outpatient facilities as well as people recovering from major surgery and learning to walk again. My main goal as a physical therapist is to empower my patients and give them the knowledge and tools to have best chance to succeed. This is really consistent with what we’re doing here at Mend.

Stephanie Zaucha, DPT
Mend Rehab Specialist
Rate: $80 per hour
I have been a doctor of physical therapy for over 8 with an Orthopedic Clinical Specialty. I educate my patients on prevention and pain management and always treat the person, not the injury. I've always been active in sports and passionate about empowering others to live their best lives. My extensive work with trade professionals has provided me first hand experience with chronic pain management, rehab and support. I am so excited to be part of Mend Health!
Vivian Soraunet, Trainer, Pilates Teacher, Health coach
Mend Rehab Specialist
Rate: $70 per hour
I have 11+ years of experience in helping people reach their health and fitness goals. The last few years I’ve focused more on preventative, functional and rehabilitative training after seeing more clients with chronic pain and long term injuries. I’m passionate about analyzing physical weaknesses to determine a workout plan to better people’s life through functional training and good nutrition. I’m so excited to be a part of Mend Health as I see such a huge need for a program like this for people living with chronic pain.