Get the answers you need and deserve. We are rooting for you!
You get to choose the pelvic floor therapy practice that seems best for your needs! How cool is that?
It’s a big decision and we want to make sure you find the provider best suited for your needs. Have any questions about your specific symptoms? We have seen practically everything (we’ve got over 30 years combined experience). Give us a call or send us a message and a trained member will make sure you are right where you need to be!
Keep reading on to learn more about our expert pelvic floor therapists!
Kristin Kennedy, PT, DPT | Clinic Director
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Dr. Kristin Kennedy is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in pelvic health. She received her doctorate from Rutgers University and holds an undergraduate degree in biobehavioral health from Penn State University.
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Dr. Kristin has advanced training in pelvic health through the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (APTA) and the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Since beginning her career, she has gained extensive experience in working with those with hypermobility spectrum disorders (such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), endometriosis and the pregnant and postpartum population. Dr. Kristin enjoys weight lifting and running and loves to incorporate this part of her life by forming creative treatment plans for her patients, so she can help get them back to doing the things they love.
Dr. Kristin was introduced to pelvic health during physical therapy school while performing research for a poster presentation on the topic of surgical site infections following cesarean sections. She soon realized how little information is available for new mothers regarding proper care of their bodies before, during and after pregnancy, and immediately questioned why pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t an established routine-practice following childbirth. Kristin believes she has found purpose in treating patients with pelvic health conditions, in educating the general public about the importance of these intimate health topics, and in starting the conversation about subjects that have far too long been inadequately discussed.
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In addition to her pursuits in physical therapy, Dr. Kristin also enjoys creating artistic informative content through her passion as a graphic design artist. She discovered her hidden talent while studying in physical therapy school where she began an educational and entrepreneurial venture to create visual study guides, which she shares with other visual learners through social media. To check out some of Kristin’s work, follow her on Instagram- @ptstudyguide.
Sarah Ellison, PT, DPT
Dr. Sarah Ellison is a licensed physical therapist, specializing in pelvic health therapy. Sarah received her doctorate in physical therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and spent several years following her degree working in orthopedic physical therapy treatment. Sarah transitioned into pelvic health to help people use movement to address medical conditions whose musculoskeletal components are often overlooked.
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Sarah received her training in both visceral mobilizations and general management of pelvic floor conditions from the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She uses her knowledge from both her Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise and Selective Functional Movement Assessment certifications to form a systematic orthopedic approach to pelvic health treatment. With training in health coaching from both the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and the Integrative Women’s Health Institute, Sarah combines the support of wellness with her clinical expertise for long term and sustainable improvement in pelvic health outcomes.
Sarah is passionate about promoting collaboration between healthcare providers and the broader community for building effective and supportive care. She loves to embody the wellness practices she uses in her clinical practice to her everyday life as well. Sarah often looks for fun and new opportunities for connection and movement, exploring new yoga classes or taking long walks throughout Boston. When she is not out and about, you’ll probably find her hosting dinners with friends or reading a good book.
Kathy Kates, FNP
Kathy Kates, NP is an experienced bilingual Family Nurse Practitioner at Wellest Integrative Health in Boston. As a specialist in pelvic health, she created a grant-awarded pelvic floor therapy myofascial release program at a local Boston health center to help women, men and transgender patients with chronic pelvic pain. She has been invited to lecture on pelvic health at the Partners in Perinatal Health conference and at the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Annual Community Health Institute.
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Kathy has completed extensive training in the John Barnes Myofascial Release Approach™. She participated in the inaugural “Integral Touch of Birth” workshop in which she learned to integrate the Spinning Babies ™ approach to help women bring balance to the pelvis during pregnancy.
Prior to her medical training, Kathy was a professional musician, playing locally with the Boston Pops and also traveling the world. Her two career paths, while disparate, have each served to foster a lifelong curiosity about the body from a biomechanical perspective. Her passion lies in educating others on how they can function optimally in order to live their healthiest lives. Kathy offers a unique perspective, not only as a medical provider, but also as a patient who has experienced pelvic pain after treatment for breast cancer.
Melissa Hines, PT, DPT | Founder
Dr. Melissa Hines, PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist (PT) in MA. Since graduating from Simmons College magna cum laude with her doctorate in physical therapy, she has practiced in a wide variety of holistic settings specializing in GYROTONIC® rehabilitation, pelvic floor rehabilitation, myofascial release, visceral manipulation, and craniosacral therapy.
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Melissa specializes in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for all genders through the prestigious Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Melissa's training in myofascial release, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy and GYROTONIC® has proven pivotal in the treatment of pelvic and orthopedic conditions. She has taken continuing education courses through advanced Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, Barral Institute of Visceral Manipulation, advanced myofascial release through John Barnes, Upledger Craniosacral therapy, and a certified GYROTONIC® instructor. Melissa has a strong interest in teaching and currently mentors physical therapists and students in the field to help empower physical therapists to think holistically.
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Melissa has a passion for treating the whole body and sees a widespread range of conditions from pelvic health to autoimmune to orthopedic. Melissa is currently training through the Institute of Functional Medicine in order to incorporate both manual therapies as well as supplementation through diet/food/supplements to aid in recovery and get to the root cause of the problem. Melissa utilizes an intuitive touch and enlightened approach in each of her treatments.
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​Melissa is also co-founder of the Institute for Pelvic Health, an accredited online pelvic health education platform for nurse practitioners, midwives, and OBGYNs. Wellest hosts many in person trainings for practitioners in the area.
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Melissa lives in Melrose with her husband, daughter Louisa, son Owen and cat! She enjoys being with her family, cooking with her husband, and being by the ocean!
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Julie Crowther Spinale, IHP
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Julie Crowther Spinale is an Integrative Health Practitioner and wellness coach in MA. Since graduating from Suffolk University Business School, Julie has studied health and nutrition since 2008. She holds an Integrative Health Practitioner certification from the IHP Institute with over 400 hours of Holistic Health training. A believer in the transformative power of movement, she is also a certified yoga teacher.
Julie was introduced to the world of holistic care after she suffered a debilitating knee injury following the birth of her daughter (Josie, 4!). Frustrated by the traditional medical system where she found no relief, she connected with a team of practitioners (including Wellest Integrative Health) who managed her injury with a holistic, whole body approach. Through the right movement, body work and nutrition she not only healed her knee injury, but discovered she felt better then before. From this experience came her passion to learn more and help others on their own health journeys.
Julie lives in Winchester with her son Sam, and daughter Josie. She enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends, running and boxing, and spending time in Kennebunkport.
Wellest shares an office space with Erin Walker, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Boston Integrated Health, who offers health support to women and their families. With our combined services, we are thrilled to offer a collaborative approach for all your health and wellness needs.