About Us

Dr. Heidi Marten, PT, DPT, IADN Cert. Specialist, NCPT

Owner, Physical Therapist, Pelvic Floor Therapist CAPP-Pelvic, Pilates Instructor

Heidi graduated from the University of Washington with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Prior to Physical Therapy, she worked as a Pilates, barre, and yoga instructor in both rehab and studio settings. It was during her Pilates training that Heidi encountered her first PT; she took continuing education classes from a local PT who was mentored by Shirley Sahrmann in Movement Impairment Syndromes. Hungry for more knowledge and understanding of this vast subject, Heidi decided to become a PT herself.

Heidi enjoys working with clients from all backgrounds, and she strives to find ways to make therapy and exercise relevant, fun, and doable for all. Heidi has advanced training through both the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health and OB Physical Therapy and enjoys working with women who have pelvic issues in any stage of life, including: pregnancy, intrapartum, and postpartum, bowel or bladder issues, painful sex (dyspareunia), and a host of other issues.

Heidi has a special interest in autoimmune diseases, having a couple diagnoses herself, and really enjoys helping her clients navigate the waters of persistent pain—whatever the cause.

Heidi’s goal is to build self-efficacy and confidence in her clients so they can work toward healing and strengthening themselves. As someone who struggles with the chronic pain of autoimmune arthritis herself, she intimately understands pacing, gradual return to activities, and frustration associated with pain conditions. Movement should feel good, and it should increase energy. She can help you find just the right dose of activity now and help you learn to listen to your body and adjust the dose as needed with your pain.

In her free time, Heidi enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 kids, 2 chihuahua/terriers, and lovebird. She enjoys coffee, meditation, yoga, indoor cycling, but Pilates will always be her first love!

Vera Bullen, NCPT

Senior Pilates Instructor

Vera was drawn to teacher training in 2009 at Vitality Pilates in Seattle after she returned from three years of teaching Dance Studies seminars at the University of Auckland NZ. Previously, Vera taught ballet to children and teens in private studios in Seattle for 13 years. After working with children for so many years, she finds teaching adults to be more rewarding and personally satisfying. Vera has BAs in Dance & Drama from the University of Washington, an MA in Dance Studies from Trinity Laban in London, and a Master of Creative and Performing Arts from the University of Auckland.

She is a member the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, and has presented at IADMS and PAMA conferences. Vera currently serves on the Pilates Method Alliance education committee and as a Pilates instructor for the Seattle Dance & Performing Arts Medicine free injury clinic.

Specialties: Athletes, Dancers & Performing Artists, Prehab & Rehab, healthy aging, new clients.

Nolan Hoppe-Leonard, LMT

Senior Pilates Instructor, Massage Therapist

Nolan is a Pilates based movement instructor and a massage therapist.  Having an extensive background as a modern dancer, he initially came to Pilates with dance injuries.  After seeing the profound effect the work had on his body, he was inspired to do his BASI Pilates Teacher Training, and has been teaching since 2015!  He loves to work with people experiencing new or chronic pain / loss of function to help them find ways to regain as much pain free movement as possible.  Over the years, he has specialized in serving older adult populations as well as clients with neurological conditions, but he loves working with all types of people and anyone who is curious about figuring out how their body likes to move!

In 2019, Nolan was feeling a deep desire to broaden his skillset and the tools he could offer to his clients. That desire led him to attend Whatcom Community College’s massage therapy program, and he has been happily adding massage therapy to his offerings since 2020!  He has specialized in myofascial work, neuromuscular techniques and treatment massage so he can best assist his clients, no matter what their needs are!

Through dance, Pilates and massage, Nolan has a considerable movement background that he draws from to help clients find more comfort in their own bodies.  He strives to meet every client where they are at, to develop a plan together to work towards reduced pain and improved function, and to help people find an ease in movement as well as life!

For massage therapy sessions, please contact Nolan directly via email, text or phone call:

Email: nolan@embodiedbalance.com

Phone: (425) 381-5555