Hot Flashes & Heavy Feelings: Navigating the Physical & Emotional Changes of Perimenopause

Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here?

If you’ve been feeling a little less like yourself lately—whether it’s the sudden internal thermostat spikes, the unexplainable mood shifts, or the “where did I put my keys?” brain fog—you aren’t alone. Perimenopause is a major life transition, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery you solve in the dark.

Join us for an evening of honest conversation, expert insight, and community support at the BeWell Therapy Mental Wellness Hub. We’re bringing together a powerhouse panel of specialists to help you reclaim your cooling system, your mood, and your confidence.

The Expert Panel

We’ve assembled a multidisciplinary team to address the “whole you”:

Mental Wellness: Laura Boyko (MSW RSW, M.Ed.) will dive into the emotional landscape of hormone shifts and how to protect your mental peace.

Medical & Natural Remedies: Dr. Ann-Marie Regina (Naturopathic Doctor & Menopause Society Certified Practitioner) and Marie Loughnane (Nurse Practitioner, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner) will share evidence-based approaches to treating symptoms through both medical and natural lenses and how it often “takes a village” when it comes to healthcare.

Physical Management: Laura Apps (Registered Physical Therapist) will provide strategies for managing the physical changes in our bodies and staying strong through the transition.

About the Experts:

Laura Boyko (MSW RSW, M.Ed.)

Laura Boyko is a Registered Social Worker (MSW RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and graduated from York University. She has a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) from Yorkville University.

Laura has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with a variety of concerns such as mental health (anxiety and depression), addictions, relationships (straight/queer), and challenging life circumstances in a variety of environments. Her work before private practice included 15 years in leadership in community-based care, hospital, and postsecondary education. She currently teaches in the Social Work (BSW) program at Trent University.

Dr. Ann-Marie Regina (ND, MSCP)

Dr. Ann-Marie graduated from the University of Guelph (Honours BAS) and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). She has training in acupuncture, nutritional counselling, herbal medicine and lifestyle counselling. She has a special interest in women’s health including PCOS, endometriosis, fertility and pregnancy and menopause. As well as weight management, irritable bowel syndrome, and thyroid conditions. Most importantly she has a passion for teaching patients about their health so that they feel confident and informed.

Laura Apps (BMR PT, Reg PT)

Laura completed a Bachelor’s of Medical Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Manitoba in 2006. She has worked in both the hospital and clinic setting since graduating and has found her passion and special interest in women’s health and prenatal/postpartum care.

Laura has taken many post-graduate courses to hone her skills and improve care for her patients, including focusing her education on women’s pelvic health. She is rostered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to provide this specialized care and is passionate about it.

Marie Loughnane (NP, MSCP)

Marie Loughnane is a Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of nursing experience. She completed her Nurse Practitioner designation at the University of Toronto in 2015 and has since practiced across a range of clinical settings, including internal medicine, rehabilitation, community care, and geriatrics.

In 2020, Marie, joined the Office of the Chief Coroner and in 2022 transitioned into leadership as a Provincial Nurse Manager. Alongside her leadership work, she continues to provide virtual care as a Nurse Practitioner with a focus on women’s health, supporting patients through the menopause transition. She earned her Menopause Society Certified Practitioner designation in 2025.

Why Attend?

Expert Access: Get your questions answered by professionals who specialize in women’s health.

Community Connection: Realize that your “heavy feelings” are shared by many and find comfort in a room of women who get it.

Actionable Info: Walk away with a toolkit of strategies to help you start feeling like you again.

Event Details

When: May 6 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Where: The BeWell Therapy Mental Wellness Hub | 214 Dundas St. E., 2nd Floor, Whitby

Investment: $10 Commitment Fee ($8.85+HST)

Giving Back: All profits will be donated to Bethesda House, supporting women in our community.

Stop Googling or asking ChatGPT about your symptoms and start talking to the experts. Space is limited! Grab your spot and let’s navigate this transition together.