Dr. Maryssa is an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties certified Pelvic/Women’s Health Clinical Specialist. She is rooted in the Bay Area and brings over 30 years of experience in somatic/bodyful movement and dance practices, including Feldenkrais, Body-Mind Centering®, dance therapy, and traditional and contemporary European-American, West African and Congolese dance and song.
She is currently enrolled in the Somatic Movement Educator (SME) program through the School for Body-Mind Centering®, hosted at Moving Within with Mary Lou Seereiter. This program is approved by the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA).
Dr. Maryssa’s practice is informed by her evolving integration of Emotional Decolonization (Dr. Jennifer Mullan) and her commitment to community bonding, accountability, and anti-racist practice. “The source of this process is love” and responsibility.
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.
