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.

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)

Welcome to The Lifted Lotus! I’m Danielle and I am an occupational therapist. My priority is creating a comfortable, therapeutic atmosphere that fosters an exchange of knowledge and promotes personal growth & 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. I also found myself listening to stories from clients, friends, and family members relating to incontinence, constipation, pain with sex/urination, decreased arousal, and difficulty getting back to “normal” life postpartum with no real solutions or direction forward. 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.

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. 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 from the Herman & Wallace Institute, and with Laura Rowan of Essential Pelvic Health, and Lindsay Vestal of The Functional Pelvis.