Who we are

HI! I am Dr. Saiah Yates, co-founder of the Balanced Mama Project, pelvic health physical therapist of 8+ years, Tai Chi instructor and DMV native (PG County for the win!). I completed my undergraduate degree at UMBC (Go Dawgs!), and pursued a doctorate at the University of Delaware. Shortly thereafter, I received my Women’s Health Clinic

HI! I am Dr. Saiah Yates, co-founder of the Balanced Mama Project, pelvic health physical therapist of 8+ years, Tai Chi instructor and DMV native (PG County for the win!). I completed my undergraduate degree at UMBC (Go Dawgs!), and pursued a doctorate at the University of Delaware. Shortly thereafter, I received my Women’s Health Clinical Specialist Board Certification in 2021, and Certificate of Achievement in Obstetric Physical Therapy in 2024.  I have an extensive background addressing pelvic health concerns of military veterans of all genders, backgrounds, and belief systems,  with training in trauma informed care. Within this framework, I also teach maternity class, collaborate within a multidisciplinary maternity care team, and work one on one with preparing pregnant veterans for labor and delivery and later aiding in postpartum recovery. 

      My loves: I thoroughly enjoy hanging out with family and friends, organizing social get-togethers, serving at the church cafe, and trying a new activity. Some of my favorite activities include dance lessons, kickball, and cycling. Finally, whether the day feels long or short, you can often find me enjoying a refreshing walk as nature, for me, is such a peaceful and prayerful space.

I laugh to think that my love of nature goes hand in hand with being a Tai CHi instructor. I taught adaptive Tai Chi within the VA Maryland Health Care System for years, and look forward to introducing forms in the maternal health space. 

Lastly,  I believe everyone should be well informed on available options to allow for best care and informed decision making.

Dr. Desai is currently an occupational therapist and has been an treating for 13 years. Along with earning her doctorate  in occupational therapy she also holds an Advanced Practice Certificate in Neuroscience.  Dr. Desai has worked in a variety of setting including inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, maternity care (both prenatal and po

Dr. Desai is currently an occupational therapist and has been an treating for 13 years. Along with earning her doctorate  in occupational therapy she also holds an Advanced Practice Certificate in Neuroscience.  Dr. Desai has worked in a variety of setting including inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, maternity care (both prenatal and postpartum), and the general adult population. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for Women’s Health with the community and other healthcare professionals.  She teaches interdisciplinary maternity classes and has provided individual treatment for upper extremity complications for pregnant and postpartum women. Dr. Desai takes a holistic approach to care taking contextual factors, mental health, interests, roles, and routines into consideration for treatment planning.  To ensure she is providing informed care, Dr. Desai considers herself a lifelong learner and actively seeks out opportunities for personal and professional growth. She is currently pursuing her certification in ergonomics.  Dr. Desai fills her cup by spending time outside with her 13 month old son, her husband, and her friends along with working out, traveling, and checking out new restaurants.

Hi, I’m Dr. Valerie Rucker-Bussie (Dr. Val) — founder of Priority One Wellness and co-founder of the Balanced Mama Project.

My work lives at the intersection of science and soul. I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy, earning my degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, and a proud Vanderbilt University alum (Go ‘Dores!). I’m also a 

Hi, I’m Dr. Valerie Rucker-Bussie (Dr. Val) — founder of Priority One Wellness and co-founder of the Balanced Mama Project.

My work lives at the intersection of science and soul. I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy, earning my degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, and a proud Vanderbilt University alum (Go ‘Dores!). I’m also a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist with training in pain neuroscience, pelvic and women’s health, yoga, and Reiki (Level II). More than anything, I believe healing begins when we feel seen, supported, and reconnected to our bodies.

My passion for maternal health is both professional and personal. Through my own journey into motherhood, I experienced how overlooked women can feel in pregnancy and postpartum. That experience, and the countless stories I’ve heard since, fuels my commitment to closing those gaps in care. My goal is to create a space where women can learn, heal, and feel empowered to take ownership of their well-being.

Beyond my work with clients, I also teach as an adjunct professor and serve as a nonprofit development officer, working to advance health equity and representation within the physical therapy profession. Whether in the classroom, the community, or the clinic, my purpose is the same: to help people thrive through education, connection, and care.

When I’m not working, you can usually find me with my husband, our daughter, our friends, or solo either handing out, dancing, acting, cooking, or singing along to good music.