The Pelvic Pride Team

Dr. Marlena Allen

PT, DPT, PCES (she/her)

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Duke University
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Virginia

Expertise:

  • Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
  • Neurologic Physical Therapy
  • Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist

Experience:

  • Presenter, PRE & POSTnatal Yoga Workshops at The Womb Room

From a young age, I've been intrigued by the idea of movement as a tool for well-being and rehabilitation. My passion for pelvic health began after attending a presentation as a physical therapy student highlighting the role of pelvic therapy in helping individuals return to pain-free sex. After graduating, I began my career as a PT supporting individuals with neurologic conditions, and have since expanded my expertise in pelvic health and orthopedics, gaining experience in areas such as prenatal/postnatal support, bowel and bladder difficulties, pelvic pain conditions, gender-affirmation care, male pelvic health, and pessary fitting for those experiencing pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. I am passionate about helping people return to their daily activities and get back to doing what they love. More than anything, I am here to listen to each person’s story and understand their priorities for their care.


I currently live locally in the Federal Hill neighborhood with my partner and two pups. In my spare time, you can find me in my garden cheering my plants on, trying a new restaurant or recipe in the kitchen, or taking our pups out on an adventure.

Dani Dermer

MS, OTR/L, PCES (she/her)

Education:

  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Towson University
  • Bachelor of Science, Towson University

Expertise:

  • Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy
  • Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • Occupational Analysis and Modification
  • Pediatric Occupational Therapy
  • Infant Development, including Torticollis and Plagiocephaly

Experience:

  • Clinical Instructor, multiple occupational therapy schools

I began my career working in pediatric settings, where I further specialized in parent coaching and infant development with a focus on resolving torticollis and plagiocephaly. Through this work, I became curious about pelvic health, initially through the prenatal/postpartum lens, which quickly expanded as I learned how extensive the scope of pelvic health is. 


After advanced training in two of the top occupational therapist-led courses, followed by further training from Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, my passion for pelvic health has grown to include supporting individuals navigating pelvic pain and chronic conditions, bladder and bowel concerns, sexual health and wellness, and more!


I take a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to care and truly believe healing looks different for everyone. My goal is to create a space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward the life they want without symptoms holding them back.


I currently live in Mt. Washington, and can be found spending quality time with my family and friends, exploring the food scene, traveling, or reading with my dog in my lap.


Robyn Forney

MS, OTR/L (she/her)

Education:

  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science & Physical Education, McDaniel College

Expertise:

  • Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy
  • Pediatric Occupational Therapy
  • Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist

Experience:

  • Outpatient Rehabilitation, School-based Occupational Therapy

I was drawn to occupational therapy because of its unique focus on supporting individuals from every walk of life in reclaiming independence, safety, and confidence in the activities that matter most to them. As therapists, we have the privilege of helping our clients resume their essential functions of daily living—and it doesn’t get much more essential than healthy pelvic floor function! 


My passion for pelvic floor therapy became personal when I experienced it as a client myself. The compassionate, high-quality care I received significantly improved my quality of life and deepened my understanding of the profound impact this specialty can have. That experience also highlighted the critical need for skilled pelvic floor therapists within our healthcare system and inspired me to pursue my own training.


I completed specialized education through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and furthered my expertise with Core Exercise Solutions, earning my Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) certification. I am committed to providing evidence-based, individualized care that empowers clients to confidently return to the activities that fill their cup every day.


As a proud member of the Pelvic Pride team, I am honored to hear my client’s stories and support them through every stage of their journey with professionalism, empathy, and clinical insight.


I currently reside in Baltimore County. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy sewing, reading, walking my dog, and taking strength training classes.

Dr. Madison DeBetta

PT, DPT (she/her)

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, High Point University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science, UNC Chapel Hill 

Expertise:

  • Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
  • Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Experience:

  • Outpatient Rehabilitation with a focus on pelvic health

From early on in my physical therapy journey, I was drawn to the connection between movement, autonomy, and quality of life. I discovered my passion for pelvic health while in PT school, where I was inspired by the powerful impact this work can have on people’s lives—especially in areas that are so often overlooked or stigmatized. I’m especially passionate about supporting individuals dealing with pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and perinatal recovery. I’m continually amazed by the resilience and strength of the people I work with.


As a dedicated member of the Pelvic Pride team, I’m proud to bring a deeply rooted focus on pelvic health, offering each patient a thoughtful, compassionate, and evidence-informed approach. With a strong foundation in individualized care, I believe healing starts with being truly heard and I’m committed to meeting each person where they are to reach their unique goals.


My husband and I are new to the Baltimore area so you can find us exploring neighborhoods, walking local trails with our husky pup, Niko, and discovering new restaurants & coffee shops.

Sam Horn

Patient Care Coordinator (she/her)

I come to Pelvic Pride with a combined background of healthcare administration and patient advocacy. I look forward to using the skills that I have learned over the years to support both our patients and our therapists.


In the clinic you can find me welcoming patients, answering questions, and keeping the space warm and inviting. Outside the clinic you can find me advocating for cancer research, trying a new Baltimore restaurant, and counting how many dogs I see on my daily walks.


Claire Riley

Patient Care Coordinator (she/her)

I am a dedicated patient care coordinator with experience in customer service and administrative roles. I have a strong interest in pelvic floor therapy and health, and I am committed to helping patients achieve their health and wellness goals. 


Outside of work, I enjoy watching the Orioles, staying active at the gym, reading, and going for long walks. 

Dr. Joy Noble

PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN, PCES (she/her)

Founder of Pelvic Pride

My journey to become a specialist in pelvic health started when I was in physical therapy school. During class, my professor told a story about celebrating the day a patient came in crying because she had pain free sex for the first time in 6 years. My first thought was "that is so awesome! I could totally do this!" I feel that being able to make such an impact on someone's quality of life is amazing. After graduation, I started adding to the orthopedic therapy skills I learned in PT school, through training with the Brooks Institute of Higher Learning, APTA, and Herman & Wallace. The trust my patients give me to treat a sensitive area while helping them become pain free, stop peeing their pants, or gain control over their post-partum body has been a driving force my entire career. I spend every day of my life talking openly about pee, poop, and sex (much to my husband’s dismay and undying support) as well as movement and function to help my patients feel empowered through the knowledge and skills needed to reach their goals. I feel like once we realize everyone deals with these issues, we can move past the scary feelings and start healing. These symptoms are common, but they are not normal and you do not have to live with them.  


I currently live in Baltimore county with my partner, our pup, and two cats. Outside of the clinic, you will find me reading, traveling, recording a new episode for Pints & Pelvic Floors: The Podcast, or trying a new Baltimore restaurant.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Saint Augustine
  • Bachelor of Science, University of West Florida

Expertise:

  • Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
  • Certified Manual Trigger Point Therapist/Certified Dry Needling
  • Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist

Experience:

  • Panelist - American Urology Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Baltimore Safe Haven Gender Affirming Informational Session
  • Presenter - APTA's LGBTQIA+ Allyship Series, Johns Hopkins Hospital, New York APTA Student Special Interest Group, Columbia University, New York Medical College
  • Conference Presentation, AWHONN Pennsylvania Annual Conference

A note about our therapists' training...

At Pelvic Pride, we take your care seriously. This means we are devoted to learning from the top educational institutes in the field of pelvic health therapy. All of our clinicians have completed their education in pelvic floor therapy and dry needling through trusted sources including the American Physical Therapy Association, Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, Brooks Institute of Higher Learning, Core Exercise Solutions & Myopain Seminars.


Choosing between a Pelvic PT and a Pelvic OT

We get it, OTs are newer on the scene in the pelvic floor world so we are here to set your mind at ease when it comes to deciding if you should see a PT or an OT. Both types of therapists attend graduate school and pass national boards to begin treating patients. Upon entering the pelvic floor world, all of our training is completed together at the most advanced educational institutes in pelvic health. This means when we take a class there is a nice mix of PTs and OTs present, all collaborating together and learning from each other, on everything from the hands-on manual therapy skills needed for internal pelvic floor work and c-section scar tissue massage to the assessment and treatment of movement patterns and body mechanics. All that to say, at Pelvic Pride you will receive expert care from each of our providers!

  • To compare this to the physician model, don't think of PTs vs OTs as physicians vs nurse practitioners, think medical doctors (MDs) vs doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). Still curious how OTs can help? Click here learn more about OT in Pelvic Health.