Daily Inspiration: Meet Tara Sullivan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Sullivan.

Hi Tara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I actually started my career long before I ever imagined becoming a pelvic health physical therapist. My first chapter was as a massage therapist, where I spent over a decade learning the body through my hands. I ended up teaching anatomy and physiology for three of those years, and that experience sparked something big– I realized I wanted a deeper clinical role and a bigger impact.
That led me to Oregon State University for my bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science, and eventually to a doctoral program in physical therapy. From day one of PT school, pelvic health pulled at me. I’d dealt with my own pelvic health challenges as a young adult, and I saw firsthand how few answers patients had and how many people were suffering in silence. I knew I wanted to change that.
Over the years I specialized deeply, earning board certifications as both a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner and a Women’s Health Clinical Specialist, and ultimately becoming a Fellow with the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. I began teaching and writing, which opened doors to lecture at universities and joined the Herman & Wallace faculty.
In 2024, I took the leap with my co-owner, Dr. Kylee Austin, and founded Mind to Body Healing, a pelvic health clinic built to provide specialized, compassionate care. Shortly after, I co-founded PelviEd, our mentorship and education company, because I saw how many clinicians wanted to help pelvic health patients but didn’t have the training, confidence, or support. We built what we wished we had when we started, a community and a roadmap.
Today, I split my time between treating patients, training the next generation of pelvic health providers, and writing educational resources to raise the standard of care in our field. It’s been an unexpected path, but every step, from massage instructor to clinician to educator, has shaped the way I show up now.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not even close, but I think that’s true for most meaningful work. My path into pelvic health and entrepreneurship has been shaped by a lot of challenges, and honestly those struggles ended up becoming the fuel for everything I’ve built.
On the professional side, pelvic health wasn’t always as recognized as it is now. Early in my career, it often felt like I was working in a niche no one fully understood. I had to carve my own lane, pursue extra certifications, and push for education in places where pelvic health simply wasn’t part of the conversation. That took persistence, financial sacrifice, and years of studying while working full time.
Starting Mind to Body Healing and PelviEd came with its own learning curve–hiring, training, marketing, building systems, all while still treating patients. There were moments that felt overwhelming, and moments where I questioned whether I could grow two businesses simultaneously. But every obstacle taught me something I now pour back into my team, my patients, and the clinicians I mentor.
On a personal level, balancing being a mom, leadership, and clinical work has been one of the biggest challenges. There were seasons where I was stretched incredibly thin, figuring out how to show up for my son while still building the career I dreamed of. Those experiences made me more compassionate, more grounded, and more determined to create a practice that values both excellence and humanity.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But every bump shaped me into a better clinician, a better educator, and a better leader. And honestly, the rough patches are a big part of why I’m so committed to helping others find support sooner than I did, and why I wouldn’t change it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a pelvic health physical therapist, educator, and clinic owner. I specialize in treating complex bowel, bladder, sexual dysfunctions, and pelvic pain, and I’m known for blending evidence-based rehab with compassionate, shame-free conversations around topics most people were never taught they were even allowed to talk about.
Clinically, I’m dual board-certified and a Fellow with the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, which gives me a unique lens into both the musculoskeletal and hormonal contributors to pelvic dysfunction. I love translating complicated science into practical tools that help patients feel understood, empowered, and capable of healing.
I’m also the founder of Mind to Body Healing, where our team provides highly specialized pelvic rehabilitation in a supportive, whole-person environment. And I co-founded PelviEd, a mentorship and education company designed to train the next generation of pelvic health providers. Through PelviEd, we’re raising the standard of care by giving clinicians the frameworks, confidence, and community they’ve been missing in this specialty.
What I’m most proud of is the ripple effect. I get to help patients one-on-one in the clinic, but through PelviEd, I get to help therapists who then go on to help hundreds more patients. It’s impact in multiple layers, and it’s incredibly meaningful.
What sets me apart is the combination of experience, specialization, and passion for learning and teaching. I’ve worked in this field for over a decade, written textbooks and educational materials, taught at universities, and trained clinicians across the country, but I never lose sight of the patient in front of me. My approach is equal parts science, empathy, and clear communication.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a mix of curiosity, sensitivity, and determination, the kid who always wanted to understand why things worked the way they did. I loved science and anatomy long before I had the vocabulary for it, and I was the friend people came to when they needed someone who’d really listen. Looking back, it makes perfect sense that I ended up in a field built on biology, problem-solving, and helping people feel safe opening up.
I was also incredibly driven. I always wanted to master whatever I took on. That drive stayed with me through massage school, teaching anatomy, PT school, and eventually into building my own clinic and educational company.
At the same time, I had a big heart and a strong sense of empathy, qualities that became the foundation of the way I practice today. I’ve always been someone who cares deeply about people, who notices the little things, who wants others to feel seen and supported.

Pricing:

• $225 evaluation
• $225 treatments
• we take medicare only

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pelvicfloorspecialist.com and m2bhealing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindtobodyhealing/

Image Credits
we took them