Meet the Team
Dr. Jenn Gelfand PT, DPT, E-RYT, Cert.DN
Physical Therapist, Pelvic Health Specialist, Yoga Instructor, Founder & CEO
Dr. Jenn (she/her/hers) has over a decade of experience as a physical therapist with a passion for treating women’s health and pelvic floor rehabilitation. She created Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health to provide you with the highest quality, fully customized care.
Her years of clinical experience and personal journey with postpartum healing informs her practice and fuels her passion to help you find your way back to health. Her treatments include a blend of manual therapy techniques, functional movement retraining, physical yoga postures, breathwork and mindfulness activities.
She also believes education is key to ensure that you fully understand your condition and treatment plan. She is committed to seeing the whole you and meeting you where you are, so she can help guide you back to health.
Continuing Education Offerings for Yoga and Barre Instructors
In addition to working with her patients individually, she teaches Functional Anatomy to movement instructors and instructors in training. She also offers a wide range of yoga classes in the community including All Levels Vinyasa, Prenatal, Baby & Me, & Yoga for Healthy Aging. She aims to educate and empower movement teachers and students alike to instruct and achieve sustainable lifelong practices through promoting functionally sound movement patterns.
Functional Applied Anatomy sections for 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at The Portland Yoga Project
Dynamic Anatomy Weekend Module at Arcana 200hr Yoga Teacher Training
Co-Teach Barre for Healthy Aging Modules for Elizabeth April’s 100hr Barre Teacher Training
Academics & Teachings
Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Simmons College
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at The University of Massachusetts Amherst
200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher at Well Heart Yoga School
Advanced specialized training from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute
Certified in Dry Needling with American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAOMT)
Advanced training The Holistic Treatment of The Pregnant Body with Lynn Schulte, PT
Certification in SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)
Additional orthopedic manual therapy training with the Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (IOMT) and North American Institute of Manual Therapy (NAIOMT) Assessment)
Clinical Instructor for enrolled Doctorate of Physical Therapy students
Licensed Physical Therapist in Maine
BLS American Heart Association
Dr. Daisy Doherty PT, DPT
Lead Physical Therapist, Pelvic Health Specialist, Clinical Education Coordinator
Her personal experiences in life led her to seek pelvic floor physical therapy, when she fell on her tailbone while rollerblading. This pain was causing muscle spasms which were keeping her awake at night, and made it difficult to sit or stand for long periods of time. She knew her pelvic floor muscles were contributing to her pain, and with physical therapy she found immediate and lasting relief.
In her free time Daisy enjoys traveling, snowboarding, a good cup of coffee, and trying any and all restaurants around.
Dr. Daisy (she/her/hers) joins Root to Rise Physical Therapy with a strong passion for treating women’s health conditions! She obtained her doctorate of PT from Daemen College in Buffalo, NY, and started her career in an orthopedic clinic. She soon became aware of the need for women’s health physical therapists and moved forward to complete specialized training in order to focus on this patient population.
She knew that with pelvic floor training combined with a strong orthopedic background, she would be able to focus on patients as a whole, to address the root cause of their symptoms. Her goal is to make a difference for the better for all of her patients.
Daisy is originally from England and grew up in Upstate NY. She comes to Root to Rise PT after living in Buffalo, NY for nearly 10 years, and is ready to empower women of all ages to start their journey of improving themselves in conditions related to: pain with sex, urinary incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency, pre-natal and postpartum moms, and more.
Academics & Teachings
Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Daemen College
Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences at Daemen College
Advanced specialized training from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute including, Level 1, 2A and Yoga For Pelvic Pain
Dry Needling for Lumbopelvic & Lower Extremity Conditions with American Academy of Manipulative Therapy
Advanced training in The Holistic Treatment of The Pregnant Body with Lynn Schulte, PT
McKenzie Institute: Lumbar Spine Certification
Carole Wyche, Lic. Ac., MAOM
Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, Administrative & Marketing Coordinator
She has experience treating a wide variety of conditions, including pain, digestive disorders, anxiety, and sleep trouble. She has worked in many settings in Massachusetts and Maine, including Boston Medical Center, an outpatient neurosurgical practice, an addiction and behavioral health home, and a private practice. Each setting has offered unique opportunities for growth and human connection.
She is thrilled to be joining the Root to Rise team and truly believes that achieving good health means having the right support team.
Carole (she/her/hers) is a nationally certified and licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who began practicing in 2012. Her passion for women’s health has inspired additional training in fertility support, regulation of cycles, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. She gave birth to her first child in August 2020, an experience that has increased her empathy for all mothers, amazement at the capability of the human body, and advocacy for postpartum care and support.
Her interest in acupuncture began after receiving treatment herself to address acid reflux. She found treatments left her feeling less stressed and more balanced in addition to having improved digestion, and that was an experience she wanted to pass on to others. She is continually fascinated by the theories of traditional Chinese medicine that beautifully articulate the interconnection of our internal systems–each part affecting the whole.
Academics & Teachings
Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at New England School of Acupuncture
Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Wake Forest University
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Diplomate
Licensed Acupuncturist in Maine
License in Custom-Made Chinese Herbal Formulation in Maine
Specialized Continued Education training in Treatment of Fertility with coursework by Jane Lyttleton
Specialized Continued Education training in Acupuncture in Pregnancy with coursework by Debra Betts
Power of Awareness Mindfulness Training with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach
Using Mind Body Techniques in Clinical Practice – 8 week MBSR curriculum, Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy
Dr. Mackenzie Foley, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Pelvic Health Specialist
Dr. Mackenzie (she/her/hers) joins Root to Rise Physical Therapy following a fulfilling two-year stint as a traveling physical therapist throughout the United States. During her travels in diverse settings, Mackenzie recognized a pressing need for pelvic health physical therapists. This realization inspired her to pursue additional training and certification from Herman and Wallace, focusing on this underserved patient demographic.
Passionate about empowering individuals to attain optimal pelvic health and functionality, Mackenzie offers personalized, evidence-based treatment plans. She is prepared to guide and empower people of all ages on their journey towards self-improvement, particularly in areas such as sexual pain, urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency, pre-natal and postpartum care, and more.
Mackenzie is devoted to educating both patients and fellow healthcare professionals on pelvic floor health and rehabilitation. Embracing a holistic approach to pelvic floor care, she addresses not only the physical aspects but also the emotional and psychological factors affecting pelvic health. Through her empathetic and personalized approach, Mackenzie strives to help individuals regain confidence and improve their quality of life.
Beyond her professional commitments, she finds joy in traveling, skiing, hiking, reading, and exploring various cuisine.
Academics & Teachings
Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Sacred Heart University
Advanced specialized pelvic floor rehabilitation training through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute
Danielle Bragg, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist, Pelvic Health Specialist
Danielle joins Root to Rise with a passion for guiding patients towards wellbeing with an emphasis on holistic care. With a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy, she looks at patients through an investigative lens of what wellbeing means for each individual and the daily activities which are meaningful for them to be able to participate in after disability, injury, or a life change such as childbirth.
Through her personal journey toward wellness, Danielle became passionate about providing care that addresses all areas of wellbeing, rather than strictly physical health. She is passionate about addressing both physical and psychological contributions to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Danielle provides goal setting, treatment, and education that is individualized to each patient. She believes each patient is the expert on their own body, and views her role as one of guidance through the path to wellbeing. She is passionate about addressing symptoms that may be impeding wellbeing such as pelvic pain, incontinence, urgency, and frequency.
Outside of work, Danielle enjoys exploring Southern Maine with her fiance and mini bernedoodle, reading, and finding new places to hike.
Academics & Teachings
Master's of Occupational Therapy from University of Southern Maine
Bachelor's of Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies from University of New England
Advanced specialized pelvic floor rehabilitation training through Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute
Lydia Libby, BS, RYT
Lead Administrative Assistant, Scarborough Studio Manager, Yoga Instructor
Lydia (she/her/hers) joins Root to Rise with a decade of experience working in administrative roles. Her experiences helping clients in a spa setting bring out her grounding, compassionate nature. She is also a yoga teacher who teaches primarily yin and restorative classes, with a focus on accessibility.
In 2021/2022, she worked with Root to Rise, navigating her own pelvic health struggles and has since found lasting relief.
Her passion for supportive wellness is a value she shares with the Root to Rise team.
During her free time, Lydia enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, traveling and reading.
Academics & Teachings
Bachelor of Art in Communication and Media Studies
200-hour YTT at Maine YogaFest School Of Yoga
Restorative Yoga Teacher Certification at Maine YogaFest School Of Yoga
Aerial Yoga Teacher Training at Maine YogaFest School Of Yoga
Trauma Informed Yoga Certification at Muse School Of Yoga
Level 1 & 2 Sound Practitioner at Sacred Alchemy Co.
Level I and II Reiki Practitioner with Kristine Keegan
Tasha Bowie
Administrative & Marketing Assistant
Tasha (she/her/hers) is an energetic young professional with an extensive background in customer service management, driven by a genuine passion for helping others. With over a decade of experience in various customer-facing positions, Tasha has developed exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, always striving to ensure the people she is working with feel valued and understood.
In 2021/2022, Tasha worked with Root to Rise after a major surgery and navigating severe pelvic health struggles. She has since found lasting relief that has allowed her to maintain her active lifestyle.
An outdoor enthusiast at heart, she finds inspiration in nature and enjoys activities like hiking, kayaking, long distance running, and yoga, believing that the great outdoors fosters mental and physical wellness. Root to Rise provides the perfect environment to combine her personal passions, with her dedication to helping others.
Academics & Teachings
Kelsey Vacca
Administrative Assistant
Kelsey (she/her/hers) joins Root to Rise with a diverse background in both administration and the Wellness Industry. Her life long passion for Wellness started from a young age growing up in her Father’s health food store. She graduated from Esthetics school 10 years ago and has since worked in Wellness Spa’s as both an Esthetician and Manager. Most recently she worked as a Chiropractic Assistant prior to having her daughters and moving to Maine.
Kelsey worked with Root to Rise, navigating her own pelvic health struggles after the birth of her first daughter and has had lasting results.
When she is not at Root to Rise, Kelsey is an instructor at Baby Booty, exploring the outdoors with her husband 2 little girls and 2 dogs, or checking out new restaurants and coffee shops in the area!
Academics & Teachings
Bachelor of Art in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University
Breath Coach Certification from Yoga Alliance
Esthetics from The Elizabeth Grady School
Jessica Labonte
Restorative Yoga Instructor, Community Reiki
Jessica (she/her/hers) is a dedicated individual with a passion for serving her community. With a background in the food service industry, she is transitioning into the wellness community through her work here at Root to Rise. She has also delved into the alternative energy balancing of Reiki, having obtained her attunements in levels I, II and crystal Reiki the summer of 2023. Originally from western Massachusetts, Jessica relocated to Maine in 2017, drawn by her love for the ocean. She has over ten years of experience in service roles, driven by a deep commitment to compassionate care and support for her community.
Beyond her professional life, Jessica’s free time is spent through yoga, painting, beach walks, and reading with a good cup of coffee.
Andrea Leighton, LMT
Administrative Assistant
Andrea (she/her/hers) has worked in the wellness profession for over 10 years as a licensed massage therapist with a focus on alternative healing, energy work, and holistic approach. She has experience in teaching, working in health practices, wellness spas and independent massage practice. Passionate about educating clients in their own body awareness and ability to heal, she joined the Root To Rise team with shared values of client and patient centered care.
Andrea is also an artist who works with driftwood, crystals and other special found objects in nature. When she is not working at Root To Rise, providing massage therapy, or creating art, she can be found spending time beach combing with her dog, exploring nature, traveling, listening to and playing music, and dancing.
Academics & Teachings
900-hour Massage Training Program
Currently Studying Tantric Yoga Lineage 200-hour training