Learn more about our team.
Founder & Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist (MS, OTR/L)
Marlene Handler (she/her)
Hi and welcome to The Lifted Lotus! I’m Marlene - a licensed occupational therapist and passionate advocate of pelvic health and wellness. I am also a proud mom to two magical, independent humans.
My journey into this work began after experiencing pregnancy and childbirth firsthand. Despite my health care background, I was surprised by how little I knew about my own body. I faced pelvic pain, urinary leakage (incontinence), pelvic organ prolapse, and reduced sexual satisfaction—experiences that left me feeling isolated and ashamed. Instead of seeking help, I withdrew from the things I loved most: intimacy, exercise, and time with friends.
According to data collected on the perinatal population, nearly 50% of women suffer from urinary leakage, pain, or sexual challenges in the months following pregnancy and childbirth. Now, thanks to my own pelvic floor therapist and the work I’ve done and continue to do, I am back to living a life I love.
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I hold a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from New York University (2015) and graduated summa cum laude from Hunter College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2011). I am a licensed and registered occupational therapist in New York State. My specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation comes from respected leaders in the field, including Lindsey Vestal of The Functional Pelvis, Laura Rowan of Essential Pelvic Health, Ramona Horton, Lynn Schulte of The Institute for Birth Healing, and the renowned Herman & Wallace Institute. I also hold additional certifications in sex and intimacy, as well as trauma-informed care.
Lead Clinician, Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist (MS, OTR/L)
Danielle O’Connell (she/her)
Hi! I’m Danielle and I am an Occupational Therapist specialized in Pelvic Health. My priority is creating a comfortable, therapeutic atmosphere that fosters an exchange of knowledge, promotion of personal growth, and empowerment to all individuals. I am motivated by your successes, and look forward to working together!
Throughout my schooling, I recognized a sizable absence of education and training pertaining to women’s health, sexual functioning/trauma, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and perinatal care. Additionally, I witnessed the lack of rehabilitative care post-hysterectomy with my own mother. I empathized with the physical and emotional toll pelvic health dysfunction caused and was emboldened to pursue answers. I wanted an improved quality of life for myself and my loved ones! From this, I decided to dedicate my efforts towards specializing in pelvic health.
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My approach to treatment and pelvic health promotion go hand-in-hand. Compassion, understanding, and inclusivity are tenants of my practice. Wellness encompasses your entire being, and our sessions will too. My holistic approach includes a combination of manual techniques, targeted therapeutic movement, nervous system regulation, breath work, and activity analysis/adaptations. I am eager to hear your story and embark on a healing journey together.
I attended University at Buffalo (UB) and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Occupational Science and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy with concentrations in Psychology and Communicative Disorders. I graduated summa cum laude in 2020 and served as the class Vice President and student advocate. I am a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist in New York qualified in trauma-informed care. I have completed various Pelvic Floor therapy specialization trainings including: Herman & Wallace Institute, Laura Rowan of Essential Pelvic Health, and Lindsay Vestal of The Functional Pelvis. I am currently completing Sarah Duvall’s Pregnancy/Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist training.
Certified Pilates Instructor - Specializing in Pre-Post Natal & Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Mariela Dorado (she/her)
Hi! My name is Mariela, I’m a certified Pilates instructor with almost 10 years of teaching experience. My mission is to create a warm, safe, and empowering space for my clients to fully discover the transformative benefits of movement. Whether you’re looking for exercise that supports your specific birth plan, a safe way to retrain your core postpartum, or are simply curious about Pilates - I want to support you right where you are with personalized guidance that respects your unique physical condition, energy levels, unique pain points, and goals.
My passion for movement started young, growing up in Puerto Rico where I fell in love with dance. Through the ups and downs, no matter where life took me, movement was my constant — it brought me joy, peace, and a way to connect deeply with myself. I pursued this love of movement by earning a BFA in Dance from Rutgers University and completing my Pilates certification through Polestar Pilates, along with additional certifications in Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise and Pilates for Neurological Conditions.
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Living with endometriosis and POTS, I’ve navigated the challenges of feeling discomfort in my body and finding my own path to healing. Through excision surgery, pelvic floor therapy, and a slow, intentional return to exercise, I rediscovered my strength and redefined what fitness looks like. Now, I feel grateful to support others on similar journeys.
I can’t recommend The Lifted Lotus enough - the team answered all my questions and more. This was a thorough, walked through and emotionally in tune style of service, will be recommending to anyone pre or postpartum.
- Katherine E.
