Our Staff

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation at the JCC Metrowest

• Puja Desai, PT, DPT, is the Supervising Physical Therapist and Certified Musculoskeletal Specialist at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation at the JCC Metrowest. Puja has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Bachelors in Health Sciences from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. To continue to grow as a skilled clinician, Puja pursed a postdoctoral residency program in Orthopedics. She completed her Orthopedic Residency in 2018 at Arcadia University receiving her Musculoskeletal Certification. The residency provided an opportunity to conduct research, work in academia, observe surgeries and be trained by multiple Orthopedic Certified Specialists to excel her skill set. Although her primary interest is in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, she kept her inpatient skills to date by working per diem at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Upon transitioning to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Puja has been working with both Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Post-concussive populations. She is a passionate therapist committed to her patients’ recovery. Outside of Physical Therapy, Puja enjoys traveling, music, spending time with family, creating new recipes and reading.

• Dustin Baldwin, PT, DPT, is a Physical Therapist, Certified Titleist Performance Institute Specialist (TPI) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Dustin has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Drexel University and a Bachelors in Exercise Science from Hofstra University. Through his extensive training and professional experience, Dustin became a youth athlete specialist at his first job as a Physical Therapist in Manhattan. To expand his experience and continue to cultivate knowledge in the profession, Dustin has joined the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation team. To ensure he strives in evidence-based practice, he participates in continued education designed to improve the quality of care for all individuals who need PT. His main hobby is golf, which led him to pursue his Titleist Performance Institute Certification to help improve the physical ability of individuals of all ages and skill levels who participate in the game of golf. Dustin also enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, playing basketball, and playing flag football.

• Nick Unger, PTA, is a Physical Therapist Assistant, Certified Personal Trainer (NASM CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM CES) at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation at the JCC Metrowest. Nick received his associates degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Essex County College and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from East Stroudsburg University. Nick has experience in inpatient, outpatient and subacute settings through his clinical rotations while attending Essex County College. He began his career as a clinician working for an outpatient orthopedic facility in River Edge, NJ. While working in River Edge, Nick assisted patients of all age groups rehabilitating from surgeries, musculoskeletal disorders and sports injuries. He stays up to date on current research through continuing education courses and reading new journal articles regularly. In his spare time, Nick enjoys attending sporting events, going down the shore, exercising and spend time with his friends and family.