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ABOUT US

Dr. Maryssa Steffen (she/her/hers) is a board-certified Women's Health clinical specialist. She is originally from the Bay Area with more than 20 years of experience in somatic and bodyful movement practices including Feldenkrais, Body-Mind Centering, Laban Movement Analysis/Bartenieff Fundamentals, dance/somatic therapy, and dance improvisation. She received her B.A. in Dance and Performance Studies from U.C. Berkeley and her doctorate in physical therapy from California State University, Northridge. She treats pelvic health for adult populations, with a focus on persistent pain and pelvic floor dysfunction for all genders. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association's Academy of Pelvic Health. She is trauma informed and sensitive to the needs for safety and comfort during the healing journey. Dr. Steffen uses movement systems diagnoses and skilled manual therapy to empower her clients with a fuller sense of body awareness, so that they may reach their goals and embody the dignity, grace, and pleasure they deserve.

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Dr. Karah Charette (she/her/hers) is from Buffalo, NY originally. She attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Dance. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University. A dancer for more than 20 years, Karah believes in the power of movement and it's connection to expression and the human experience. Karah is also a 200 hour registered yoga teacher after doing a training in Thailand based in Ashtanga Vinyasa styled flow. She is certified in Pilates mat and reformer techniques. Karah also frequently practices different somatic modalities including Body-Mind Centering and is Polyvagal informed. Karah focuses on skilled manual techniques to provide novel input to the fascial tissue and nervous system. Combined with movement systems analysis and functional training, conscious change can be facilitated in a sustainable and self-empowered environment when working with Karah.

Relevant Trainings and Experience

Dr. Karah Charette

  • Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1 and 2B Trainings

  • Herman and Wallace Mobilization of the Visceral Fascia for the Reproductive System, Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System of Men and Women Trainings with Dr. Ramona Horton, PT, DPT 

  • Teaching Assistant- Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1

  • Lymph Drainage & Vascular Release for the Pelvic Therapist

  • APTA Combined Sections Meeting

  • Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center 

  • re:Action Pilates

  • Spear Physical Therapy (NYC)

  • Athletico Physical Therapy (Joffrey Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago)

  • Certified 200 Hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Training with All Yoga

  • Certified mat and reformer Pilates Instructor

  • Research Assistant with Dr. Cynthia Chiarello, PT, PhD, MS on Pelvic Girdle Pain at Columbia University 

  • ODC Healthy Dancers Clinic

  • Alvin Ailey Movement Screens with Dr. Shaw Bronner 

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Dr. Maryssa Steffen

  • Board-certified Pelvic Health Specialist 

  • ​Herman and Wallace Advanced Orthopedic Assessment for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Training

  • Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1, 2A, 2B Trainings

  • Herman and Wallace Mobilization of the Visceral Fascia for the Reproductive System, Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System of Men and Women Trainings with Dr. Ramona Horton, PT, DPT 

  • Lymph Drainage & Vascular Release for the Pelvic Therapist

  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes Training with Shirley Sahrmann, PT. 

  • Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center

  • Pacific Orthopedic and Sports Rehabilitation

  • GSports Physical Therapy

  • Olive View Medical Center, Inpatient 

  • Kaiser Pasadena, Outpatient

  • Women’s Advantage, Men’s Optimal Health, Pelvic PT

  • Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

  • ECLIPSE Symposium

  • Day of Dancer Health with the Performing Artists Medicine Association (PAMA)

  • Healthy Dancers’ Clinic (ODC)

  • Group Fitness instructor at Student Recreation Center (CSUN), Kaiser Permanente Fit, Active Sports Clubs,  Recreational Sports Facility at U.C. Berkeley

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