Learn more about our team.

Founder & Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist (MS, OTR/L)

Marlene Handler (she/her)

Hi. Welcome to The Lifted Lotus! I’m Marlene and I am a licensed occupational therapist. I am passionate about educating and empowering individuals about pelvic health + wellness. I am also a mom to two magical and independent little humans.

After going through pregnancy and childbirth, I realized there was a lot I didn’t know about my own body. I had issues with pelvic pain, urinary leakage (also known as urinary incontinence), pelvic organ prolapse, and decreased orgasm during sex which caused me to feel embarrassment and shame. Rather than reaching out for help, I stopped doing the activities I enjoyed most (having sex, working out, socializing with friends, etc.). However, once I began educating myself on various pelvic floor conditions related to pregnancy and postpartum, I soon realized that I was not alone.

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 graduated from New York University (NYU) in 2015 with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy. Before that, I graduated summa cum laude from Hunter College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I am a licensed and registered occupational therapist in New York State. I trained in pelvic floor rehabilitation from my fellow occupational therapist, Lindsey Vestal of The Functional Pelvis, and with the renowned and accredited Herman & Wallace Institute.

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.