The atmosphere here at The Intimate Wellness Institute of Virginia on Thursday, May 15th, was one of warmth, shared understanding, and empowerment. Our “Ladies Link-Up Open House” was a truly special evening, and we’re excited to share some highlights from this gathering focused on open conversation and valuable insights.
As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the event took on an even more profound significance, allowing us to explore the crucial connections between physical transitions like menopause and emotional well-being. We were so pleased with the tremendous response to our limited-seating event at our Midlothian location, and the engaged group of women who joined us made for a rich and rewarding experience.
The evening began with a truly personal and courageous account from Elke Namola. As a patient of Annie Edwards and IWIVA, Elke generously shared her own journey – the symptoms and concerns she faced, her experience receiving care with Annie, and importantly, how she feels now. Hearing directly from someone who has navigated these challenges was incredibly impactful. It set a wonderfully open tone for the rest of the evening.
Following Elke’s heartfelt share, our Nurse Practitioner, Annie Edwards, delivered her comprehensive presentation. Annie dove into “Navigating the Change to Menopause,” offering expert insights, explaining various approaches to care, and addressing many of the common questions women have during this significant life stage. Her knowledge and passion for women’s health shone through, providing attendees with practical information and reassurance.
The insights continued with Dr. Jennifer James, a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident with over a decade of experience supporting adults, couples, and families. As both a patient here at IWIVA and a seasoned mental health professional, Dr. James offered a unique and invaluable perspective. She spoke about her own positive experiences with Annie and IWIVA. Crucially, she eloquently highlighted the often-overlooked relationship between menopause and mental health – addressing challenges like anxiety, depression, and the emotional impact of major life transitions. Her contribution was particularly poignant, resonating deeply as we observe Mental Health Awareness Month.
What made the evening particularly engaging was the conversational flow. Rather than a rigid lecture format, Q&A was welcomed throughout the presentations. This fostered a truly interactive and supportive dialogue, allowing attendees to ask questions as they arose and share their own thoughts. It was wonderful to see guests connecting with our speakers and each other, with some even staying behind after the formal program concluded for more personal discussions. Adding to the excitement, we also had two exciting giveaways during the evening!
The “Ladies Link-Up Open House” was more than just an event; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, shared knowledge, and open conversation in women’s health. It reaffirmed our commitment at IWI to provide a safe, empowering space where women can explore their intimate wellness options with dignity and comprehensive support. As a small token of our appreciation for their participation, everyone who came received a special thank-you gift card.
We look forward to hosting more events that foster education, connection, and empowerment.
Want to see more from the evening? Check out some photos from the event below!
Thank you to Elke Namola and Dr. Jennifer James for sharing their time, experiences, and expertise with us. And, of course, thank you to Annie Edwards for her exceptional presentation and for hosting such a meaningful event. Most importantly, thank you to all the amazing women who attended and contributed to such a positive and enriching evening.
If you missed this event but are interested in learning more about how IWIVA can support your journey through menopause or any other aspect of your intimate wellness, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Nathan Guerette and our entire team are dedicated to providing specialized treatments, education, and unwavering support.
If you are looking for a consultation, call us at 804-523-2533 to learn more.
With gratitude,
– The Team at the Intimate Wellness Institute of Virginia
"I think the thing that stood out most about the office is that I really felt like, Dr. Guerette understood what I was talking about when I started talking about some of the bladder issues I had. And number two,everybody just seemed really very caring. I really appreciated that."
"I would recommend Dr. G and Jennifer because they are the best. They listen, they're very patient and they really know their stuff! I would like to add that since I have, found Dr. G and Jennifer, I have learned a lot about myself and what I'm going through, that I'm not the only one and there's help so don't have to suffer in silence any longer."
"When I was here, I felt completely heard. I felt, seen and understood. You guys really helped me. You made me not feel, you made me feel like a human. You didn't make me feel like I was a patient."
"I have a much better idea of what's going on with my body and the things that I need to do to, help be more comfortable, have a better quality of life."
