KEYNOTE and CLOSING PANEL special guest

---

Dr. Ardelle Piper is a Royal College Certified OB/GYN located in Ottawa, ON, Canada. She achieved her medical degree (MD) at the University of British Columbia in 2006, then Obstetrics & Gynecology residency and M.Ed in Saskatchewan in 2013. In 2014 she pursued subspecialty training in Midlife Women’s Health at The Shirley E. Greenberg Women's Health Centre in Ottawa, and has been a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (NCMP/ MSCP) since. 

In 2020, Dr Piper pivoted her practice to telemedicine, not only to continue to provide care remotely but also to offer care to those in rural areas. Her practice now offers videoconference “e-referral” assessments to women across Ontario. As a pioneer in telemedicine, she also offers guidance and coaching directly to health care providers (also known as “e-consults”) through both the Champlain BASE E-Consult Service and the Ontario Telemedicine Network E-Consult platform. Her practice focuses on menopause education, hormone therapy, post-cancer thriver-ship, sexual function, and preventive health promotion. 

As a subject matter expert in menopause and midlife women's health, Dr. Piper frequently presents seminars and workshops to other health care providers, helping to increase the understanding and access to menopause care by primary care practitioners. She also advocates for better public health education, and is increasingly present at women’s health events and workplace wellness seminars. 

https://bywardfht.ca/our-services/menopause-clinic/

Suzanne radiates light and a compassionate presence at home in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley where she pursues a variety of interests- from supporting artists such as Holly Carr to organizing Continuing Education for dentists across Atlantic Canada at Dalhousie School of Dentistry.

She is delighted to moderate the sessions with Pelvic Physiotherapist Erika Burger - in this exciting chapter of women’s health in Nova Scotia. 

Suzanne firmly believes “When women are well , the world is well.”

Heidi Bentley is an Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She completed a fellowship in Vulvovaginal Health at the University of Toronto, residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Manitoba, and obtained her Medical Degree from Dalhousie University. 

Her interests are in vulvar dermatology, menopause and colposcopy. She is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and runs a complex menopause clinic at the IWK Health Centre.      

https://medicine.dal.ca/departments/department-sites/obstetrics/our-people/our-faculty/heidi-bentley.html 

Hi & Sat Sri Akal! 

I’m a lifelong learner, academic, and professional with a focus on the future of learning, the future of health, and the future of work. I’m driven by curiosity, optimism and the science of hope, with a healthy dose of living cyclical in good relationship with the Earth.

I was born and raised on the West Coast outside Vancouver, Canada and currently live in Halifax.  My parents and ancestors are from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. 

I have worked as a faculty member and researcher with a focus on social justice, decolonization, mental health and healing trauma at UBC, York University, and Dalhousie University for 10+ years, and spent 2 years in recruitment with BIPOC Executive Search in Toronto. I'm the CEO of I’m With Periods, a social enterprise with the aim of spreading the worldwide love of periods and menstrual cycles. 

In 2020, we published a book with Simon & Schuster called Self-Care Down There: An All Genders Guide to Vaginal Wellbeing.  I also work at NSCAD University as the Director, Equity and Community Supports.

https://imwithperiods.com/

Erika has been a practicing physiotherapist since 1995, with a diverse clinical background that spans multiple countries and areas of specialization. Her path to pelvic health physiotherapy began after experiencing persistent pelvic pain during her first pregnancy in 2006. Since then, she has devoted her career to understanding the complex biomechanics of the pelvic region and applying physiotherapy strategies to support bladder, bowel, and sexual function, as well as pelvic, hip, and low back pain syndromes.

Erika holds a Master’s degree and has completed all but her dissertation toward a PhD. She is a recipient of the Governor General’s Gold Medal as top graduate student and was awarded the distinguished Killam Scholar award. To deepen her hands-on skills, she pursued additional training as a manual osteopath.

Her clinical approach combines advanced manual therapy techniques with evidence-informed tools such as biofeedback, electrotherapy, corrective exercise, and pain science education. Erika has completed advanced certification in the treatment of incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, voiding dysfunction, bladder and sexual pain syndromes, ano-rectal disorders, pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy, pudendal neuralgia, pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction, infant feeding support physiotherapy, and pessary assessment and provision.

Erika proudly offers care for people of all genders. She is deeply committed to gender diverse care and creates an inclusive, supportive, and trauma-informed environment for every individual who enters her space. Her clinic is dedicated exclusively to the treatment of pelvic health conditions, grounded in respect, affirmation, and clinical excellence. In addition to her clinical practice, Erika is an instructor for the Canadian Pelvic Health Academy and has also taught her course External Approaches for Treating Pelvic Pain & Dysfunction for many years, helping to train and mentor manual therapists across the Maritimes.

https://www.thepelvichealthclinic.ca/

Jen Davis is an Occupational Therapist and leader dedicated to building accessible, healthy, and inclusive workplaces. As Manager of Wellness and Accessibility within People and Culture at Dalhousie University, she brings vision and compassion to programs that support employee wellbeing and belonging. 

Previously, Jen led the Student Accessibility Centre, where her focus was supporting students with disabilities in the health professions. She currently serves as Chair of the Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator and co-facilitates a menopause support group for Dalhousie faculty and staff: advocating for open dialogue, reduced stigma, and meaningful community support for women’s health.

Diana Dibblee  is a Registered Dietitian, educator, and yoga teacher, as well as a passionate advocate for women’s health. With multiple academic achievements, Diana blends scientific expertise with practical wisdom to support women through the peri- and post-menopause transition and beyond. She believes that women can thrive and age powerfully with the right lifestyle supports.

Throughout her career, she has developed and delivered health and nutrition strategies for diverse populations, always with an emphasis on evidence-based, accessible, and empowering approaches. She founded the Blue Nose Kid’s Run, reflecting her dedication to fostering healthy communities, and is a long-time volunteer with initiatives such as Farmers’ Markets, Team Diabetes, and the Devour Food & Film Festival, where she champions the connection between food, health, and community.

A lifelong learner and researcher, Diana lives what she teaches. A running coach, fitness enthusiast, and world traveler, she has hiked trails across the globe and brings that same energy, curiosity, and resilience to her work. Known for her warmth and approachable style, Diana inspires women to embrace aging with strength, confidence, and vitality. She practices this daily while supporting women of all ages on their unique health journeys. 

Connect with her at @Dibbson.Aging.Strong.

Dr. Justine Dol is an early career researcher and emerging leader in women’s health. She is the inaugural Accelerate Research Chair in Women+ Health at IWK Health, where she leads the EMPOWER program (Enhancing Medical and Psychosocial Outcomes in Women+ and Parents through E-Health Resources). 

Her research harnesses digital innovation to promote equitable health and wellbeing among women+, parents, and families. Dr. Dol has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and received funding from local, national, and international agencies. She developed the Essential Coaching for Postpartum text message program, which supports birthing and non-birthing parents during the first six weeks postpartum in Canada and Tanzania. Through her leadership, she is shaping the future of women+ health research to advance equity, inclusion, and impact across populations and settings.

Wanda Earhart is the Manager of Programming and Community Engagement at Every Woman's Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She has been at the Centre for over 22 years and through that time has facilitated projects on poverty, food insecurity, bystander, sexual assault response and in recent years has focused on her Mentors for Seniors Group, which encourages women at any age to step out of their comfort zone and live their best life into the senior years. 

Wanda says, “When the opportunity arose to work with Vanessa Walker on a Menopause Support Program, Hot Bloomers, it was a natural fit, given my interest in senior women's issues and wanting to help those searching for answers to find solutions to their concerns.” 

Wanda recently earned her Menopause Coaching Certificate in her efforts to learn and understand this complex time in every woman's life.  She says Hot Bloomers was meant for both co-facilitators and participants  - to learn together in a supportive welcoming space. 

"We've only just begun!"  Wanda

Dr. Kathy Hubley Carruthers holds a B.Sc. with honours in Psychology from Acadia University  (1994), a M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary (1999), and a Ph.D. in  Applied Psychology from the University of Calgary (2002). As part of her doctoral training, she  participated in the Family Therapy Training Program through the American Association for Marital  and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She is a specialist in couples and family counselling. She is  extensively trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She also incorporates Mindfulness Based, Emotion-Focused and Solution-Focused treatments in therapy.  

Dr. Hubley Carruthers sees adolescents, couples, and families with a wide variety of concerns  including relationship problems, anxiety, mood management difficulties, trauma-based injuries,  learning and attention issues, and job/career concerns. She has a special interest in relational  issues such as co-parenting, recovering from the crisis of infidelity, trust building, intimacy building,  and forgiveness. She does work in rebuilding after separation/divorce.  In addition to therapy, Dr. Hubley Carruthers offers psychology assessment/screening for a wide  variety of presenting concerns (i.e., PTSD, anxiety, depression, screening for ADHD, etc.). She also  conducts Independent Psychological (Medical) Evaluations (IMEs) for solicitors working with clients  who have experienced trauma (i.e., MVAs, slip & falls, assault, etc.). 

Dr. Hubley Carruthers has  extensive training and experience in stress management and workplace wellness. She completed  her doctoral research in the areas of stress management, burnout, and work-family balance. She  continues to offer job coaching and job transition support services.  

Dr. Hubley Carruthers is also a member of the Menopause Collaborative Working Group and the  Women’s & Gender Diverse Healthcare Councils. She works collaboratively with specialists in  Primary Care (GPs), OBGYNs, Cardiologists, Urologists, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists and others to  provide evidence-based therapies to peri-menopausal and menopausal women. She is passionate  about the mental health of women, and the unique challenges women face in accessing care in  Nova Scotia.  Dr. Hubley Carruthers has 25+ years of experience working in family service agencies, teaching  hospitals and private practice settings in Calgary and Halifax. She supervises newly registered  Psychologists through the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology and leads an exemplary  team of Associate Psychologists and staff at Dr. Hubley Carruthers & Associates. 

Blossom is a Mi’kmaq/Wolastoqey from Eel River Bar First Nation, NB. She is the new Tajikeyumk Coordinator with Tajikeimik. Tajikeimik (to be healthy) is the new and developing health and wellness organization leading health transformation on behalf of Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. Tajikeyumk (Mental Wellness & Healing) Coordinator promotes mental wellness and wholistic healing to the 13 Mi'kmaw communities.  

With over 12 years in business as an independent sexual health & wellness consultant, Blossom is a strong advocate for sexual health, wellness and pleasure. Her work has led her to front line experience working with women who are navigating positive and pleasurable ways through life changes during perimenopause and menopause.

“We are never too young or too old to learn about our own bodies” - Blossom

Meredith Lapp is a Registered Dietitian with 10 years experience offering one-on-one nutrition therapy, specializing in diabetes, bariatrics, and metabolic health. Meredith has worked with hundreds of clients to create sustainable, real-life habits to meet their long-term nutrition goals.

https://www.freshfocusnutrition.ca/ 

Cat LeBlanc is a certified translator specialized in education and academic publications in the social sciences currently working at the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. 

Cat believes workplaces have a key leadership role to play in increasing the inclusion and success of people of all abilities, identities, and stages of life. She advocates in both her personal and professional endeavours to bring underrecognized experiences, including menopause, to light. 

Gillian is a dedicated physiotherapist with nearly 25 years of clinical experience. She began her academic journey at Acadia University, earning a Bachelor of Physical Education with a specialization in Athletic Therapy, before completing her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree at the University of Toronto.

Following the birth of her three children, Gillian developed a deep professional interest in pelvic health. She is passionate about supporting individuals navigate through a range of pelvic health concerns, including incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, constipation, prenatal and postnatal care, and the transition through perimenopause and menopause. Gillian takes a holistic, client-centered approach to care—empowering individuals to live well through personalized, whole-body treatment strategies.

Outside the clinic, she leads by example. A former Team Nova Scotia athlete at the Canada Games, she maintains an active lifestyle and now balances her professional work with family life alongside her husband and their three athletic children.

https://coastalsportsandwellness.com/

A professional educator for 30 years, Stephanie followed her unwavering passion for health  and wellness to pursue certifications as a Personal Trainer, Women’s Coaching specialist,  Menopause Coaching Specialist, Nutrition Coach, and Kettlebell coach. 

Stephanie started  her Women’s Coaching business, Harmonized Health Halifax, three years ago and also  works with clients and teaches a variety of fitness classes at the fabulous PuncHIIT Fitness.   Stephanie is dedicated to empowering her clients with evidenced-based information, skills,  and strategies that enable them to make decisions that best support their own unique health  and wellness journeys.  She believes firmly that health is not a look, size or number and her  services strive to guide clients towards building healthy relationships with fitness, food and  themselves. With Stephanie’s wealth of information and expertise, she invites clients to  discover the numerous benefits of building sustainable habits, getting strong, staying strong,  and adding life to their years.   

https://harmonizedhealthhfx.ca/ 

Sandi MacDonald (BACS, CPS, CCW) is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) and is a passionate advocate and nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience in the mental health sector. 

Drawing from her own lived and professional experience, she has become a powerful voice in advancing global awareness, research, and support for women and gender-diverse individuals across the lifespan, particularly in the areas of premenstrual disorders, mental health, and suicide prevention. She has designed and implemented innovative, peer-led programs that bridge the gap between clinical care and lived experience, and her leadership has been instrumental in developing IAPMD’s globally recognized peer support initiatives and inclusive, evidence-based resources. 

Sandi has also co-authored multiple publications and led the first-ever PMDD Roundtable, along with other patient-centered research projects that have helped elevate patient voices in both science and policy.  

Amy is a Women's & Menopause Coaching Specialist, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Nutrition Coach, and multiple national record holder with WPC Canada Powerlifting. Amy discovered strength training a little later in life in her early 30s. What started as a personal journey for weight loss quickly evolved into a passion for helping women build strength, confidence, and resilience—both in and out of the gym. As Head Trainer at Evolve Fitness in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she works with women at all stages of life, guiding them through fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies that support long-term health and well-being. She is committed to helping women navigate the menopause transition with informed, evidence based choices that enhance their strength, energy, and overall quality of life.

 https://www.evolvefitnessltd.com/amy-muensch

Dr. Maria Migas is a Halifax-based family physician dedicated to transforming how we understand and care for women in midlife. Recognizing the gaps in support and education surrounding menopause, she became a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) to help close them. 

With a Master’s in Health Services Administration and a focus on menopause care, Dr. Migas combines strategic insight with compassionate, evidence-based practice. Her work centers on enhancing care pathways, advancing patient education, and fostering community awareness—ensuring that every woman has access to the knowledge and support she deserves through the menopause transition. 

As Co-Founder and Director of the Menopause Society of Nova Scotia, she is a leading voice for change, championing better education, open dialogue, and empowerment for all individuals navigating midlife and beyond.

Dr. Sharon Mulvagh is a clinical and investigative noninvasive cardiologist recognized nationally and internationally for her research and education focused on heart disease in women, and echocardiography.  She is Professor of Medicine, Dalhousie University, and Co-director of the Women’s Heart Health Clinic at the Maritime Heart Center in Halifax, NS. Dr. Mulvagh returned to Canada in 2016, after a 26 year career at Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, USA,  where she is Professor Emeritus, Past-Director of the Women’s Heart Clinic, and Past-Associate Director of Preventive Cardiology.  

She established Wear Red Canada Day in Halifax in February 2018 and is actively involved in the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance, as a founding member and the Inaugural Chair of the Knowledge Translation and Mobilization Working Group, and founding member of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging Special Interest Group on Gender and Equity.  

She is current Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society , immediate Past-President of the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, and immediate Past-Chair of the Heart and Stroke Provincial Advisory Board for Nova Scotia.