Welcome to Perimenopause!

Welcome to Perimenopause!

This event is free and open to the public.

We rarely talk about it, but long before women enter menopause, our bodies start to go through hormonal changes that can last for years. This perimenopause stage seems to be a taboo subject, making it confusing and frustrating when symptoms start to show. In this informative panel discussion, health professionals will help answer our questions about the stages of menopause - before, during and after - and what to expect as our bodies change.

Panelists:

Luisa Taylor, DNP, MPH, APRN, FNP-C

Born in Lima, Peru, Luisa Taylor has been calling Wichita home since 1999. She attended Newman University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Nursing. She went on to receive her Master's in Public Health and Doctorate in Nursing, both from Creighton University. Today she works as a Nurse Practitioner at FreeState Healthcare. Outside of work, Luisa channels her energy in helping vulnerable groups of people from all walks of life through non-profit volunteering. She has been affiliated with the Junior League of Wichita, Project Access, BabyTalk, the Wichita Children's Home, and the League of Women Voters. Luisa's efforts in improving her local community have been recognized by multiple organizations including The Association for Junior Leagues International, Children's Mercy, the Wichita Business Journal, the Kansas Health Foundation, and Dress for Success.

Kimberely Vester-Couch, Acupuncturist, DiplOM, LAC, DOM, LMT, NCCAOM

Kimberley D. Vester-Couch has realized a life-long dream of helping others as sole proprietor of the Bluestem Acupuncture Clinic of Kansas.

In her early twenties, she set her course down a path less traveled, starting with her study of Complimentary Medicine. After returning from Hawaii in 1991, as a Licensed Shiatsu Therapist, she pursued her interest in Natural Sciences including Geology, Botany, Field Biology and Organic Chemistry, receiving her Bachelor's from Wichita State University in 2003.

Her interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine was a natural evolution from the knowledge she had gained of the natural world. Implicit in both studies is the understanding that all living systems are dynamic in nature. Mrs. Vester-Couch achieved her Master's of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Kansas College of Chinese Medicine in 2008. She next received her Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (DiplOM) through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in 2009.

Today, her credentials now also include Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) from the state of New Mexico. Continuing in her thirst for knowledge, she is currently pursuing work in Japanese Hara Palpatory Diagnosis from master Kiiko Matsumoto.

Mrs. Vester-Couch has always been grateful she found her chosen profession; one that challenges her curiosity, connects her to the fluid and dynamic nature of our world, and provides an opportunity for her to help others.

Join us Monday evenings upstairs at the PourHouse by Walnut River Brewing Company at 711 E. Douglas Avenue from 6 to 8 PM for discussion and actions that build community, champion non-profits, and develop our badassery. These events are all open to the public. Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks are provided by the PourHouse. Cash bar and food available to order.