Early in 2017 I was diagnosed with stage 3 malignant melanoma as a result I had surgery to extract the effected lymph nodes and any suspicious surrounding tissue, from my upper leg and my lower abdomen. The surgeon had prescribed physical therapy to assist with the healing process. At first I was not sure what that would entail, I had always thought of PT for things like a broken foot, leg, arm etc., but for lymph node draining and redirecting, and softening the scar tissue, I was like “what”. Karlene not only taught me how to redirect the lymph node drainage she taught about the lymphatic system, the main drains and the direction in which they flow. Karlene also helped with the scar tissue healing, releasing and softening, which at the beginning was extensive, very dense and tight. She massaged and stretched the tissue until we both felt the release, what a wonderful feeling. She always asked if it was too much when she was stretching the area, to be sure I was always comfortable, I always responded “no it felt good”.

As I write this I think back to the first few visits when I was limping a little, she told me not the limp, to walk as I normally would otherwise my brain would remember the limp and I would always have it. Every now and then when I first get up from sitting for a long period of time I start out wanting to limp and I can almost hear Karlene’s voice saying “to walk as I normally would” I smile and then quickly start walking as I normally would.

Karlene was always very professional and treated me with respect and kindness. She truly empathizes with her patients and on most visits I was so relaxed I almost forgot I was there for PT for cancer but more like there for a period of time to relax and unwind. Coupled with the immunotherapy this specialized type of physical therapy was perfect.

Thank you Karlene for everything you did for me, you not only helped me heal physical you helped me emotionally on a few occasions.

Karlene was such a huge part of my pregnancy journey! I honestly don’t know if I could have made it 38 weeks with my twins without her expertise, physical therapy support and incredible kindness. I first came to Karlene to be treated for my back and sciatic pain however a large part of her healing was calming my anxiety, and worries of being a new mom to twins. Karlene was gentle and was so good at reading my physical and emotional energy and needs at each visit. She genuinely cared about providing me relief and made my stretches attainable for my exhausted and growing pregnant body. As we were going through stretches and she was massaging my troubled areas, she also took the time to get to know me and my family. It was so visible how much she a genuinely loves her job and her patients (even my twin boys en utero were greeted with love each visit). I looked forward to my visits and often felt it was the highlight of my week to finally get relief from the pain mixed with a little cheerleading on the side. After having past experiences with physical therapist I truly think Karlene is one in a million! She is a gift to the field of physical therapy and I feel blessed to have had her support over the past year!

Thank you again for everything, you truly are amazing. You’re so perfect for this job, and I could not have done this without your help. Keep doing what you’re doing and so many people's lives will be changed for the better.

I have suffered with endometriosis since my teenage years, but did not know that my pain wasn't normal- or what my life could be like without pain. I began Pelvic Floor Therapy with Rachel hopeful for results, but skeptical due to a lifetime of experiences of my pain being written off. Rachel completely understood and validated my pain as both real and debilitating, but also showed me that it could be manageable. I left every appointment feeling more empowered that a life where I can manage my pain is possible, and Rachel showed me the tools and techniques to achieve that. Having a provider I felt comfortable with was of the utmost importance to me, and Rachel went above and beyond every session to make me feel at ease, establish consent and ask me how I was doing at every stage, and always checked in with me to make sure I was honoring the sensations and feelings I was experiencing. I truly think that working with her was not only foundational to my endometriosis treatment, but also becoming more connected with my body overall, honoring the sensations I feel, and exploring movement that feels safe and empowering. I highly recommend anyone who needs Pelvic Floor Therapy to seek treatment with Rachel as she will go above and beyond to give you the holistic treatment we all deserve.

Have you ever dealt with a medical condition that no one has an explanation for?!? Everyone you go see thinks it could be one thing, but it ends up not being that. They even order tests that come back negative with no answers stating that everything looks normal! It’s a scary place and I was there for 8 long months. Well, all that changed when I met Karlene, she was like a breath of fresh air. Having someone who could actually give a name to my condition, that was such a mystery for so long was amazing. I have something called pelvic floor dysfunction, and even though it sounds scary Karlene has a way of making you feel okay with the diagnosis. Anyone who is or has struggled with this condition knows how stressful it can be to your body and your overall well being. Your quality of life completely changes and it can be very overwhelming. I would have good days, but they were rare. Some appointments I just needed to cry while others I laughed and joked to keep my spirits up. But the one thing that stayed constant throughout my pelvic floor physical therapy treatment was Karlene’s faith that I would get better, and that there was and is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am happy to say that after 7 months of treatment with Karlene I am in a much better place. I highly recommend working with Karlene because she truly cares and wants to get you back to health. Thank you so much Karlene, I can not thank you enough.

Diana is a life saver! My daughter's gynecologist recommended pelvic floor PT for her pelvic pain. Since doing physical therapy with Diana my daughter's pain is gone. Diana not only cured her, but made what could have been very awkward, very comfortable. We are both so grateful.

I have collaborated/partnered with Karlene for the past decade, working together to serve breast cancer patients through their diagnosis and recovery. I have always considered Karlene as one of the pioneers in integrating physical therapy and massage in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation/Recovery. Whether it is making suggestions for my massage sessions or honoring my work as an integral aspect of a woman’s healing process, our patients have found that her passion and expertise have provided the needed direction in their journey back to health and wellness. I am glad that we will be able to continue to work together as she expands the breadth of her practice in her own space.

It is no small deal to make yourself emotionally and physically transparent when seeking medical advice and care - something I talk to women about regularly as a doula. Having worked with Karlene in preparation for her own twin birth, I got to go through this process with her too. I got to know her and her passions pretty intimately through that process, and I can honestly, emphatically say, she is an incredible, talented, personable woman, mother, and physical therapist. She's the kind of person I'm always nudging my own students and clients to seek for care, and the first professional I now refer them to when seeking relief and support for their pelvic floors. At her core, Karlene is a healer, not just a physical therapist. She is somehow the perfect balance of detailed-oriented and compassionate, kind and direct, and joyful and empathetic. It is my hope that you will find any needed healing and relief you seek in her care.

I am a childbirth educator and doula, and I have worked with Karlene in a professional capacity. Given my work, I am all too familiar with pelvic floor issues. So often women do not know where to turn for help! I am SO delighted that Karlene, bringing her warmth and wealth of experience working in a hospital setting, has taken the step of opening her own practice to cater to women in a loving and respectful manner! Karlene is truly gifted - she puts her heart and soul into her work, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to all of my clients!