Meet Our Team

President, Founder, and Physical Therapist

Hi! I'm Dr. Helene Darmanin, founder of Mama Bear PT. I'm an orthopedic and pelvic-health physical therapist who specializes in preparing and healing expectant and new moms. 

Mama Bear started with the desire to provide moms with the care they need and deserve but seldom get. It is all too common to hear stories of dysfunction and pain that could be solved with targeted exercise and education persisting for many years after giving birth. 

My interest in this area was sparked when I attended a Future Birth Professionals Club meeting while studying Exercise Science at Smith College. I gained a deeper understanding of pelvic-floor treatment during my doctorate in physical therapy at New York University. I began to realize how difficult it is for birthing parents to access support pre- and postpartum; I then experienced it myself when I gave birth and had to find my own support through my professional network and self-advocacy. Most of the focus is on the health of the baby—don't get me wrong, that is incredibly important! But giving moms the right care is the best way to ensure happiness and health for their babies, in addition to mamas deserving this happiness and health themselves. 

Some things to know about me:

• I practice guilt-free PT—physical therapy that fits easily into your day and improves your quality of movement and life, so you never feel guilty about not doing your exercises.

• I have over a decade of experience facilitating healthy, strong movement in my clients’ everyday lives. 

• 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 have completed postdoctoral continuing education on the pelvic floor, pregnancy, and women’s health, and I remain current on the latest research and best practices through discussion groups and coursework.

• 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 about fitness and pelvic health.

• Most importantly, I'm a proud mama to my two sons and my rescued calico cat.

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. 

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.