Work with an embodied pelvic physical therapist.
Our team
Pelvic Physical Therapy, Coaching, Somatic Movement
Dr. Maryssa Steffen, PT, DPT, WCS (she/her)
Dr. Maryssa 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.
Pelvic Physical Therapy, Coaching, Pilates
Dr. Karah Charette, PT, DPT, RYT (she/her)
Dr. Karah is originally from Buffalo, NY and received a B.A. in Biology and Dance from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. 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 its connection to expression and the human experience. Karah is also a 200 hour registered yoga teacher after training in Ashtanga Vinyasa style in Thailand. She is certified in classic and contemporary mat and reformer Pilates techniques. Karah is currently studying Body-Mind Centering® with Mary Lou Seereiter. She focuses on evidence based care that pulls from comprehensive pain science and Polyvagal Theory. Karah uses skilled manual therapy as well as individualized and somatic exercise during sessions to promote sustainable change from the level of the nervous system. Karah engages in her own embodiment practices so she can show up grounded and present with clients. Expect a safe and collaborative environment when working with Dr. Karah.
Dr. Maryssa’s Relevant Training & Experiences:
Organ and Fluid Systems courses for Somatic Movement Educator Program licensed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen and the School for Body-Mind Centering®
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
Teaching Assistant for GI and Urinary Courses (mentioned above)
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 Physical Therapy
GSports Physical Therapy
Olive View Medical Center, Inpatient
Kaiser Permanente 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
Dr. Karah’s Relevant Training & Experiences:
Organ and Fluid Systems courses for Somatic Movement Educator Program licensed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen and the School for Body-Mind Centering®
Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1, 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 for GI, Urinary Courses, and Level 1 (mentioned above)
Lymph Drainage & Vascular Release for the Pelvic Therapist
APTA Combined Sections Meeting
Yoga Teacher at Nourish Osteo
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 Assistance with Dr. Cynthia Chiarello, PT, PhD, MS on Pelvic Girdle Pain at Columbia University, NYC
ODC Healthy Dancers Clinic
Alvin Ailey Movement Screens with Dr. Shaw Bronner