Courage Within

There are moment in life that change you.

Not gradual. All at once.

For me, that moment came with a cancer diagnosis and a total hysterectomy — and with it, a radical transition into menopause.

I was not prepared for what followed. Not just the physical symptoms — but the emotional, mental and energetic impact that came with it.

It felt like I had lost connection with my own body. My sense of stability. Even parts of who I was.

And what surprised me most wasn’t just the experience itself…

It was how little support, education, and real conversation existed around it.

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“One of the greatest lessons in life is learning how not to abandon yourself and learn how to BE instead of always DOING.”

— Carolyn Smith —

WHY THE MENOPAUSE COLLECTIVE EXISTS

I created the Menopause Collective because I don’t believe women should have to navigate this phase of life alone. Whether induced by a health event or by nature.

This isn’t a niche experience.

It’s something every woman will move through — whether gradually through perimenopause or suddenly through surgical menopause.

And yet, so many of us are left:

searching for answers
piecing together information
wondering if what we’re experiencing is “normal”
trying to keep up with the demands of life while feeling completely off

We deserve better.

The Menopause Collective is a Calgary-based community built with intention.

It’s a space for:

education grounded in evidence and real expertise
open, honest conversations
practices that support your body, mind and nervous system
connection with other women who understand what this feels like

This is not about fixing yourself.

It’s about understanding what’s happening, learning how to support yourself, and reconnecting to your body in a new way.

RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU

Navigating major life changes is easier when you have trusted guidance, tools, and a supportive community.

Below are the resources, experts, and practices that helped me reclaim balance, health, energy and resilience – and that I hope will support you too.

1. Expert Guidance

Dr Mary Claire Haver – The New Menopause Book – The ‘Pause Life by Dr. Mary Claire Haver
Dr Avrum Bluming and Dr Carol Tavris – Estrogen Matters
Dr Lisa Mosconi – The Menopause Brain, by Lisa Mosconi, PhD
Dr Kelly Casperson – Y ou Are Not Broken Podcast | Kelly Casperson, MD | Board Certified Urologist · Expert & Advocate for Sexuality and Hormones
Menopause Society of Canada – Menopause Symptoms
Dr Ashley Chavin – Podcast

2. My Holistic Team

During my post-surgery recovery, I relied on a team of practitioners for a variety of reasons, as I was committed to getting back to “normal”:

Acupuncture: My practitioner helped with a variety of issues – insomnia, anxiety, night sweats, solar plexus and stomach pain, to name a few.
Osteopathic Manual Therapy: Joe used his hands and expertise to release tension related to sleep, torso pain, including my solar plexus and stomach, and anxiety.
Pelvic Floor Therapy: With the loss of my sex hormones and having HRT for eight months, I lost a lot of strength, and this led to incontinence. Lisa has been paramount in helping me restore my pelvic floor health due to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause with assessments, progressive strengthening and releasing exercises.
Somatic Practitioner: Elizabeth introduced me to somatics. My own approach in coaching incorporates body scans in relation to emotions and where they are held in the body. Elizabeth’s work goes deeper into the physiology. She helped me connect to my body movements and mechanics to help release tension and adjust my body, so I was using my body mechanics the way they were originally intended. This was so important during such a stressful time in my life.
Oncology Naturopath: Support leading up to my surgery and post-surgery with diet objectives, IV injections to restore energy and nutrients and a sounding board for the fear created with a cancer diagnosis.
Psychology: Laurie was one of my practitioners who helped me with my PTSD from a cancer diagnosis and past traumas that came roaring up with the raw vulnerability I experienced with such a terrifying diagnosis. Her focuses were attunement and EMDR, which all helped to create a healthier relationship with myself. Working with oncology and EMDR professionals, I worked on the PTSD of a cancer diagnosis, as well as digging deep to create a healthier relationship with myself and others.
Coaching: Working on integrating my business needs and my health so that I can show up as required for all aspects of my life with clarity, calmness and confidence.
Pilates: I have been practicing pilates for years with Christy; however, this was my main source of “normalcy” and feeling the return of my strength once I had the proper hormone replacement protocol in place.
Nature: Daily, I tried to take my pup and myself out into nature. Using my senses to create peace within my body and mind.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO ME

This work is personal.

I know what it feels like to be in your body and not recognize it.

To advocate for yourself when you’re not being heard.

To try to keep showing up in your life while something deeper is shifting.

And I also know what it takes to reconnect — to rebuild trust with yourself and your body again.

That’s why this exists. This is just the Beginning.

From local events and workshops in Calgary to a broader vision of education, resources, and community for women navigating this transition.

If you’re in this phase of life — or approaching it —

You’re not alone in it.

And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

My Gift to You…

Let’s start with a Conversation

Let’s connect. We’ll talk about what’s going on for you and whether working together makes sense. You can use the Canada Menopause Symptom Tracker: MFC_MenoPause_Symptom_Tracker_EN.pdf .

Upcoming Initiatives & Workshops

2026 is all about courage – both in life and leadership. I plan to bring together local and national experts for:

Monthly forums on menopause, health transitions and well-being
Workshops focused on body awareness, resilience and vitality
Community conversations to share insights and strategies

Sign up to stay informed and join a growing network of leaders prioritizing health, resilience, and life-long growth.

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: When leaders lead themselves well, they empower others and create meaningful change.

I partner with leaders to build clarity, cultivate courage and connection – so they lead with agency, earn trust and create high-performing teams that last.