Learn more about our team.
Founder & Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist
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
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.
Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist & Certified Pilates Instructor
Jessica Bigness (she/her)
Hi! I’m Jess, and I’m a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist and certified Pilates instructor. As one of four daughters, I have seen firsthand the gaps in healthcare and support for women and uterus owners in all stages of life. I consider it an honor to help bridge this gap and provide services that allow people to feel empowered and in control of their health and bodies.
My own experience with trauma led me to explore the ways in which I have physically held onto the events of my life for years. I have made it my mission to provide a safe, compassionate, and welcoming space to those I work with. I believe that mindful movement can serve as a powerful tool for release and healing, both physically and mentally, and I’m thankful to integrate my therapeutic and Pilates experience to provide a holistic approach to care.
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I earned a Master of Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in downtown New Orleans. I am a licensed and registered occupational therapist in New York State. I have received specialized pelvic health rehabilitation training through the Herman & Wallace Institute and Laura Rowan of Essential Pelvic Health, and hold a certification as a Pregnancy/Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. I also completed the Club Pilates 500-hour Teacher Training program, that included specialties in TRX, barre, and trigger point release.
Certified Oncology and Prenatal Massage Therapist
Sarah Ramirez (she/her)
I’ve been a Licensed Massage Therapist in New York since 2015. I combine my anatomical knowledge and technical skill to provide a touch that allows my clients to fully relax and heal. I work slowly and intentionally, engaging with each unique body to assess what it needs and to help alleviate any tension or pain. My style blends Swedish and trigger point therapy to create a massage that is both relaxing and effective.
I'm a Certified Oncology Massage Therapist, trained to work with clients with cancer at every stage of their journey, always prioritizing both physical and mental comfort.
I am also Certified in Prenatal Massage Therapy and trained to safely support clients through the second & third trimesters pf their pregnancy. My sessions focus on relieving common discomforts, promoting relaxation, and creating a nurturing experience for both parent and baby. www.sarahramirezbodyworks.com
Admin Assistant
Annika Burley (she/her)
Annika is an actor, artist, and designer based out of New York. She has experience with pelvic floor therapy as a client and is thrilled to support other women/folks with female anatomy in their journeys. As a performer, she specializes in Shakespeare, coming of age/queer film, voiceover, and musical theatre, and has worked professionally across the country/in the UK. Additionally, she is a freelance graphic and web designer through her company, Artika Creative Co., and is the Management Director of The Table Read Co., a non profit in NYC supporting emerging writers and artists to develop their work in its beginning stages. Check out her work at annikaburley.com and thetableread.org!
Admin Assistant
Jorgie Ingram (she/her)
Jorgie uses movement, imagination, and sensing to facilitate an expansion of what we believe to be possible of us and the space around us. We imagine and create tangible environments that support us; with emphases in somatic practice and mindfulness, Jorgie enacts this through dance research and performance, writing, photography, multimedia art-making practices, creative consultation, executive & personal assistance, and project management. She joined the administrative team of The Lifted Lotus in June of 2025 and is happy to be part of the team!
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.
