WELCOME to the Innis Arden Women’s Collective
A peer-led club for Women to connect, share, and learn together on topics that are relevant to our lives and well-being.
RECENT EVENT RECAP
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Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Menopause & Bladder — Pelvic Tone in Times of Hormone Transition Dear Friends, Thank you again to the more than 25 women who joined us at our January event, Menopause & Bladder — Pelvic Tone in Times of Hormone Transition. We’re so grateful you took the time to be part of this important conversation. It was such a meaningful evening—warm, open, and filled with thoughtful questions and shared experiences. Based on the thoughtful questions and feedback from the event, Dr. Darshana Naik created a guided self pelvic exam video exclusively for attendees. (see link below) This short, educational video will help you: -Better understand your pelvic tone -Learn what is normal — and what’s not -Gain body awareness around pelvic floor changes -Feel more informed and empowered about your next steps This is not about diagnosing yourself — it’s about education, clarity, and reconnecting with your body in a safe, respectful way. You can access the video here: https://darshanapelvicpt.kartra.com/page/self-pelvic-exam-video We’re especially grateful that she took the time to create a follow-up video just for our group, walking through how to do a self pelvic exam. It was an incredibly generous extension of the evening, and one we know many of you will appreciate revisiting. Thank you again for being part of a conversation that puts real women’s health first. Save the Date: Our next gathering will take place on Thursday, March 12th, with the same time and format as January. We’re currently working on our next topic and speaker and will share details soon. If there’s something you’d love to learn more about or a speaker you’d like us to consider, please email us—we always welcome your ideas. Warmly, The Innis Arden Women’s Collective Team A Note on format:🌱 Format: Real Talk + Expert Insight
Our events seek to follow a rhythm that allows for both personal connection and learning: 6:50 PM – Doors open + social mingling· 7:00 PM – Roundtable sharing Each woman will have a chance to introduce herself and briefly share something she’s observing or experiencing this month. This will be similar to a PEPS-style group and conversations will be facilitated to deepen connection and support. This will be entirely confidential and will not leave the room. 7:45 PM – Guest speaker presentation + Q&A This format is designed to foster mutual support, spark new friendships, and create space for thoughtful dialogue around shared experiences |
What we're reading...
The Slow Moon Climbs by Susan Mattern https://a.co/d/fZBgyLW offers a fascinating, data-rich look at menopause from an evolutionary and cross-cultural perspective. If you’re interested in a non-medicalized, historically grounded understanding of this transition, this book is a thoughtful, science-backed read by a history professor who explores how menopause has been experienced across time and cultures.
Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James Doty https://a.co/d/9K1nFop is a moving memoir that blends neuroscience with heart-centered wisdom. It’s a powerful reminder of how tuning into our inner voice, setting clear intentions, and practicing self-compassion can help us navigate transitions and reclaim agency. A beautiful read on healing, presence, and the quiet power of belief.
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Event Panelist Bios:
Naomi Busch, MD Menopause Medicine Innis Arden Resident Naomi Busch is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). She is also a board-certified Family Medicine physician. She graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University and then went on to Tufts Medical School in Boston. Dr Busch completed her Family Medicine Residency training at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington. https://www.seattlemenopause.com/naomibuschmd Natassja Barnes, LMHC Sex Therapist I studied at Bastyr University and graduated in 2016 with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a focus of health psychology. I completed my twelve-month practicum at Seattle Therapy Alliance where I worked with women on a multitude of issues including anxiety, depression, body image, relationships, discrimination and other trauma experiences. I completed Antioch’s Sex Therapy Certification program in 2024. https://www.lakehousetherapy.com/new-page Roisin McGlynn, Certified Menopause Yoga Teacher I was born and raised in Ireland, emigrated to Canada in the 80s and to the U.S. in the 90s, I'm a Seattle-based yoga teacher**, community volunteer, nonprofit marketing consultant, and parent. I'm a certified in Menopause Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga and Hatha / Ayurveda Yoga through Yoga Alliance with over 500 hours of specialized training and teaching experience. Thanks to my teachers and the doors they have opened for me, I have facilitated yoga classes and workshops in studios, community settings (schools, jails, nonprofit boards) and online. https://www.meant-to-pause.com/about Carley Squires, ND A licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist in Washington state and a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the American Academy of Regenerative Medicine, the advanced regenerative medicine institute, the Acupuncture Association of Washington, and the American Association of Restorative Medicine. https://www.neurovedahealth.com/squires |
Change is a constant in life, and some transitions—like menopause, shifting family roles, or reimagining our next steps—can feel easier when shared with others.
Interested in joining or learning more?
We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Us:
IAWC Chair: Amely Wurmbrand
IAC Activities Chair: Sarah Kennedy
IAWC Communications/Email: Deborah Rifkin
IAWC Scribe/Blog Coordinator: Heather Mathews
We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Us:
IAWC Chair: Amely Wurmbrand
IAC Activities Chair: Sarah Kennedy
IAWC Communications/Email: Deborah Rifkin
IAWC Scribe/Blog Coordinator: Heather Mathews