Meet Our Team
Dr. Helene Darmanin, PT, DPT
President, Founder, and Physical Therapist
Hi! I'm Dr. Helene Darmanin (she/her), founder of Mama Bear PT. I'm an orthopedic physical therapist who helps people move without pain by getting to the root of what's really going on.
Mama Bear started with the desire to help people get the care they need and deserve but seldom get. It's all too common to hear stories of pain and dysfunction that persist for years, even after trying traditional physical therapy, because the underlying cause was never fully addressed. Many of my clients have been told their pain is "just tension" or given a generic exercise plan that doesn't account for what their body actually needs. I take a different approach: understanding the full picture, so we can help your body feel safe enough to heal.
My interest in this work started while studying Exercise Science at Smith College, and grew deeper during my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at New York University, where I focused on pelvic-floor and women's health. Early in my career, I saw firsthand how difficult it is to access the right kind of support, especially for pregnant and postpartum clients, and I experienced that gap myself when I became a mom. That experience shaped how I practice today: I look beyond the standard protocol to figure out why someone is in pain, whether that's hypermobility, nervous system dysregulation, unresolved trauma, or simply a body that's never been taught it's safe to move fully again.
My mission is to help my clients feel strong and confident in their bodies, whatever stage of life they're in. Research consistently shows that movement and education, done the right way, are the most effective tools for lasting relief, and I build my practice around both. I work virtually or in the comfort of your home, making care more accessible and convenient. I'm honored that the same practitioners who supported me on my own health journey now make up the Mama Bear team, and I'm excited to bring their expertise to you.
Some things to know about me:
I practice guilt-free PT: physical therapy that fits into your life and helps you move and feel better, without adding guilt or pressure to an already full plate.
I have over a decade of experience helping clients build strong, sustainable movement patterns, from pregnancy and postpartum recovery to hypermobility and general orthopedic care.
On top of my Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University, I'm a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a certified Pilates mat instructor. I've completed postdoctoral continuing education on the pelvic floor, pregnancy, and nervous system-informed care, and I stay current through ongoing coursework and discussion groups.
I've been featured in peer-reviewed journals, blogs, and podcasts, and have presented at national conferences. Check out some of my advice on Ways to Love Your Body and When & Why to See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. I also teach workshops and webinars on strength, movement, and nervous system health.
Most importantly, I'm a proud mama to my two sons and my rescued calico cat.
Disa Farris, MSEd, CLC
Lactation Practitioner
Nice to meet you. I’m Disa Farris. I’m a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and have been honored to serve thousands of mamas, babies, and their families in their breastfeeding journeys for over ten years.
The seed of my passion was sown the day I came into this world—I was raised on goat’s milk and bottle-fed. My mother never knew why she wasn’t “supposed” to breastfeed me. The message at the time was loud and clear that “proper ladies” didn’t do that!
Determined to choose differently, I breastfed each of my two sons beyond their first birthdays, while struggling to keep my head above water in a demanding job, focusing on making enough milk, and enduring my first “pumping salon”—a lidless, institutional toilet, where I balanced my pump on my knees, hoping something didn’t hit the floor (or worse). After going through so many challenges with little to no support, my heart was set on a promise: if I could ever save a mama from enduring the hardships I’d faced, I would exercise every effort to assist her in her journey.
After many years in education, I became a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in 2010 and attained my Certified Lactation Counselor status in 2013. I have also completed the preparatory course for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, along with hundreds of hours of continuing education.
Breastfeeding can sometimes feel daunting, but with the right knowledge prenatally and postpartum and caring support, moms can do it—and even thrive in the process! Knowledge and caring are the two pillars at the foundation of the Mama Bear team, and they will empower you in your breastfeeding journey. I can’t wait to share these with you.
Erica Shulse, CD(DONA), CBE, CNS
Childbirth Educator, Pre/Postnatal Coach, Nutritionist
I'm Erica, and I can't wait to connect with you! Childbirth has been part of my life since I was a small child—my mom was an ultrasound technician, which sparked my fascination with pregnancy, birth, and babies.
During my college internship at the county Department of Parks and Recreation, I came to understand the need for more holistic support to promote health and wellness. I realized that physical, emotional, and educational support is helpful during all phases of life, but especially necessary during the parenthood journey. When I witnessed the birth of my niece, I knew that this was the right path for me.
I received a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park in Behavioral and Community Health. I am a certified Birth Doula through DONA International, a certified Childbirth Educator (CBE) through Birth Arts International, and a Certified Holistic Nutritionist (CNS) through AFPA Fitness.
The journey to parenthood is all about choice: what we eat, how we prepare for birth, what adjustments we make to ease into postpartum and newborn care. I provide you with evidence-based information, emotional support, and guidance to make choices for yourself and your family. It takes a village to raise a child, and I would be honored to be part of yours.