Susan Chalela, MPT
Founder of The Chalela Physical Therapy Institute for EDS and CCI/Cervical Instabilities
Susan Chalela, MPT, is the founder of The Chalela Physical Therapy Institute for EDS and Cervical Instabilities. With over 25 years of clinical experience and a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the Institute of Physical Therapy in St. Augustine, FL, Susan has built a career spanning various specialties including orthopedics, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, ergonomics, osteoporosis, and more.
In recent years, Susan has dedicated her practice to treating patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility disorders. She collaborates closely with Dr. Sunil Patel, a leading neurosurgeon in CCI and EDS-related spinal issues, helping his patients avoid surgery, regain function, and reduce pain. Drawing from her personal experience as someone living with hypermobile EDS, Susan brings a unique depth of empathy and insight to her work. She survived a stroke and, through her recovery, learned the importance of neuroplasticity and proprioception—knowledge she now integrates into her innovative treatment approach.
Today, Susan’s internationally respected method combines biomechanics with neuroplasticity to address the root causes of instability in patients with hypermobility. Her work primarily focuses on cervical instability, but she emphasizes the importance of treating the entire body to create a stable foundation for the cervical spine.
EDS ECHO Finding Functional Foundations™ (FFF) Course
The EDS ECHO Finding Functional Foundations™ (FFF) course, taught by Susan Chalela, is designed for licensed physical therapists/physiotherapists treating hypermobile patients aged 10 years and above. The course teaches how to apply principles of neuroplasticity to retrain alignment, stability, and proprioception in this patient population. Using biofeedback and targeted cuing methods, participants will learn how to help patients correct faulty proprioception, strengthen deep stabilizers, improve physical alignment, and translate these skills to functional movement. This ultimately results in decreased pain, reduced neurological symptoms, and improved overall function.
Susan’s clinical expertise, especially with cervical instability, is integrated into the course, making it a comprehensive learning experience for therapists aiming to provide more effective care for hypermobile patients.
Prof. Leslie Russek, PT, PhD, assists with the course, and together they make a great team.
Beth Marks, MPT
Certified Practitioner in the Finding Functional Foundations™ Approach
Beth Marks, MPT, has been a licensed physical therapist since graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2004. With experience across various settings, Beth has discovered her passion in working with neurological disorders and improving the quality of life for her clients through physical therapy.
Beth is trained and certified in Susan Chalela’s Finding Functional Foundations™ approach and specializes in treating patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and craniocervical instability (CCI).
When she’s not working, Beth enjoys spending quality time with her two teenage daughters.
Kari Mahannah, Office Manager
Kari Mahannah manages the office, front desk, and back-end business needs of The Chalela Physical Therapy Institute for EDS & CCI/Cervical Instabilities. She has her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from The University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!) with a minor in Psychology. She also received her Certification in Surgical Technology from Midlands Tech, and worked at MUSC as a Certified Surgical Technologist.
Kari’s passion is working in surgery, and she has been a part of countless amazing surgical procedures. Kari is also a fellow zebra! In her free time, Kari enjoys being in nature, baking, and crafting.