Dr. Brie Coleman (’20) — Empowering Women Through Movement, Motherhood, and Medicine
For Dr. Brie Coleman, education has always been a cornerstone of her life and values. Growing up with a high school teacher for a mother and an electrician for a father, she was surrounded by the importance of hard work and lifelong learning. “Education was everything growing up,” she recalls. “My parents consistently supported my educational aspirations and encouraged me to always do my best.”
When it came time to pursue her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Brie chose Governors State University — not because it was the closest, but because it offered what she needed most: community and support. “At the time of my PT school application, I was six months pregnant with my first baby,” she shared. “My parents and in-laws agreed to help us care for our baby during the day so I could go to class. They honored this support for two and a half years.” That family foundation, combined with GovState’s student-centered approach, helped Brie thrive through one of the most demanding seasons of her life.
Brie’s time at GovState was defined by excellence, empathy, and mentorship. “All of the professors in our program were excellent — beyond being amazing in their own specialties, they were empathetic and down to earth,” she said. Dr. Dale Schuitt’s teachings still guide her treatment philosophy: “Lengthen what’s short, strengthen what’s weak.” She also credits Dr. Amy Bala for her compassion and guidance during Brie’s twin pregnancy, and remembers the personal support that came when a box of helpful books arrived at her door the next day. “That’s who she was — supportive and proactive,” Brie recalls.
Reflecting on her education, Brie says she now fully realizes how well GovState prepared her to be an exceptional physical therapist. “As a direct access provider, I often see patients who haven’t seen any other doctors before me,” she explained. “Because of my training at GovState, I can treat the entire body from head to toe, use differential diagnosis to identify conditions — even emergencies — and help women through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.”
Before becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Brie began her career in fitness. Starting as a fitness instructor at just 16 years old, she developed a passion for movement and helping others. But after years in the fitness industry, she realized she wanted something more sustainable and impactful. “I asked myself what I loved most about my work,” she said. “Teaching, seeing progress, and movement — that’s when I realized physical therapy could combine all of those passions into a purpose-driven career.”
It was her own experience with pregnancy that inspired her to specialize in pelvic health physical therapy. “I was discouraged by the lack of education and support available for pregnant people,” Brie shared. “It seemed like the entire system was okay with me being miserable, pregnant, and unsupported during labor. I wanted to change that.”
That calling led her to launch two successful practices — The Mobile Mommy PT and The Pelvic Gem. “Starting my own practice was the only option I had to stay in the PT profession as a mother of three under three,” she said. What began as a side hustle helping a postpartum mom at home quickly evolved into a thriving business. In 2023, she fully transitioned into entrepreneurship, opening her own studio space and rebranding as The Pelvic Gem, now voted 2025’s #1 Best Physical Therapy Clinic in the Chicago Southland.
Brie’s work goes far beyond physical therapy. As a Black woman in a field where only 4.2% of physical therapists share her identity, she understands the power of representation. “I’ve worked intentionally to build a practice where women, especially Black women, instantly feel they belong,” she explained. “I love teaching women the skill to grant themselves permission — to say yes to their pleasure, no to what doesn’t serve them, and to remember they deserve to be the main character in their life story.”
In recognition of her leadership, innovation, and service, Dr. Brie Coleman was inducted into the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Class in the Rising Star Category — an honor that celebrates her remarkable achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to improving women’s health.
Looking ahead, Dr. Coleman plans to expand The Pelvic Gem into a premier center for pregnancy and postpartum wellness. She envisions new wellness programs, a growing team, and new verticals launching by 2026. “I’m speaking it into existence,” she said proudly.
Her journey — from fitness instructor to award-winning physical therapist and business owner — embodies the GovState spirit of determination, compassion, and innovation.
Author: Jocelyn Bell, Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator