MIDLIFE
AN EVENING FOR WOMEN 40+
reimagined
Hormones, Health & the Habits That Matter
An in-person event for women 40+ who want to better understand what’s changing in their bodies during midlife and what they can do to support their health now and for decades to come. Menopause specialist Dr. Stephanie Elder and midlife fitness and nutrition coach Joan Dandeneau will bring together the medical and lifestyle sides of midlife health, helping women cut through the overwhelm, understand what matters, and walk away with practical next steps for their own health so they can truly enjoy this season of midlife.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
6-8 PM
Beaver Lake Lodge
Sammamish, WA
Your energy feels different, your sleep isn’t what it used to be, or the things you’ve always done to stay healthy don’t seem to be working quite the same way. And everywhere you turn, someone has a different opinion about what women in midlife should be doing.
Hormones, supplements, protein, strength training, bone health, heart health, longevity…where do you even begin?
That’s exactly why we created Midlife Reimagined.
We’re bringing together the medical and lifestyle sides of midlife health to help you better understand what’s happening in your body and what you can do to support your health through this next chapter.
You’ll hear from two professionals who work with women in midlife every day and leave with practical information you can use to make informed decisions about your health.
Menopause specialist Dr. Stephanie Elder and midlife fitness and nutrition coach Joan Dandeneau are bringing the medical and lifestyle sides of midlife health together for one practical, educational evening designed to help you understand your body, make sense of the information coming at you, and feel more confident about how you care for yourself moving forward.
Maybe you’ve started hearing more about perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, protein, strength training, bone health, heart health, sleep, stress, supplements and longevity.
And suddenly, taking care of yourself in midlife feels a whole lot more complicated than it used to.
There is no shortage of information. The challenge is figuring out what actually matters for you, what deserves your attention right now, and what you can realistically do about it.
That’s exactly why we created Midlife Reimagined.
Menopause specialist Dr. Stephanie Elder and midlife fitness and nutrition coach Joan Dandeneau are bringing the medical and lifestyle sides of midlife health together for one practical, educational evening designed to help you understand your body, make sense of the information coming at you, and feel more confident about how you care for yourself moving forward.
Maybe you’ve started noticing changes in your body. NOW WHAT?
YOU’RE PAYING MORE ATTENTION TO YOUR HEALTH. NOW WHAT?
THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU IF…
🍂 Have started noticing changes in your body and aren’t always sure what’s normal or what deserves a closer look.
🍂 Have questions about perimenopause, menopause, hormones or hormone therapy.
🍂 Want to better understand the screenings, health markers and conversations that matter during this stage of life.
🍂 Know strength, nutrition, sleep, stress and movement matter, but aren’t sure where to focus.
🍂 Have realized that some of the things you did for your health in your 20s and 30s don’t serve you the same way anymore.
🍂 Are thinking beyond the number on the scale and care about your strength, energy, bone health, heart health, independence and longevity.
🍂 Are tired of piecing together conflicting advice from podcasts, Instagram, friends and Google and want to hear from professionals who work with women in midlife every day.
You’re in your 40s, 50s or beyond and you…
Come with your questions, your curiosity, and an open mind. We’re looking forward to helping you better understand your health and feel more confident about the years ahead!
WHAT WE’RE GOING TO HELP YOU ANSWER
01
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
What is actually changing in your body during perimenopause and menopause? Which symptoms deserve attention? What screenings, labs and health markers should be on your radar? What conversations should you be having with your healthcare provider?
02
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The changes happening during midlife can affect your bones, muscles, cardiovascular health, metabolism and how you feel and function for decades to come. Understanding these connections can help you make informed decisions that support your health today and well into the future.
03
HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY HEALTH?
This is where information becomes action. We’ll talk about the role of strength training, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress and recovery, and how your approach to taking care of yourself may need to evolve in midlife.
04
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ME?
We’ll help you connect what you’ve learned to your own health, consider where you might want to make some changes, and identify a few realistic steps you can take to support your health moving forward.
We want you to leave feeling more informed, confident and empowered to take an active role in your health.
By the end of the evening, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s changing in your body, which health markers and screenings are important, what questions to ask your healthcare provider, and how your everyday habits can support your health for years to come.
Most importantly, walk away feeling equipped to make decisions that support the life you want to live.
WALK IN WITH QUESTIONS. LEAVE WITH CLARITY.
What to expect
We’ve designed this evening to be engaging, informative, and relevant to your everyday life, with opportunities to ask questions, connect with other women, and learn from two professionals who work with women in midlife every day.
Education and practical conversation
+
Real, relevant topics for women in midlife
+
Time for your questions (Q&A)
+
A supportive and welcoming environment
There’s a reason we’re teaching this together.
Understanding what’s happening inside your body is important. So is knowing how to support that body through the way you eat, move, exercise, recover and live.
Midlife Reimagined brings those two conversations together.
TWO AREAS OF EXPERTISE. ONE CONVERSATION ABOUT YOUR HEALTH.
MEET YOUR SPEAKERS
DR. STEPHANIE ELDER
Menopause Specialist | Evolve Menopause Clinic
Stephanie will take you deeper into what happens hormonally during perimenopause and menopause, the symptoms and health changes women should understand, important screenings and health markers, hormone therapy and the conversations you may want to be having with your healthcare provider.
THE MEDICAL SIDE
Midlife Fitness & Nutrition Coach
JOAN DANDENEAU
Joan will help you rethink the way you approach fitness, nutrition and healthy habits in midlife, including why the strategies you relied on in your 20s and 30s may need to evolve. You’ll learn how to shift the focus toward building strength, supporting your body, and creating habits that help you live with strength, vitality and independence for decades to come.
THE LIFESTYLE SIDE
Listen to the conversation
Hear more from Dr. Stephanie Elder and Joan Dandeneau on the topics that matter in midlife.
Podcast Episode
The Hormone Conversation Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Hear: Interview with Dr. Stephanie Elder
Podcast Episode
The Midlife Health Conversation Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Hear: Interview with Dr. Stephanie Elder, Part 2
It’s about how you want to live on the other side of it!
Imagine feeling more confident walking into your next healthcare appointment because you understand what questions to ask.
Imagine knowing how to approach fitness and nutrition in a way that supports your changing body and your long-term health.
And imagine feeling excited about the years ahead because you’re taking an active role in creating the healthy, vibrant future you want.
That’s what we hope you’ll take away from Midlife Reimagined.
Join us for an evening of education, conversation and connection. We’d love to have you there!
THIS IS ABOUT MORE THAN GETTING THROUGH MIDLIFE.
Event details
Thursday, November 12, 2026
6-8 PM
Beaver Lake Lodge
25101 SE 24th St
Sammamish, WA 98075
$49 early bird
through Oct 22
Attendance is limited to 50 women so we can keep the evening personal, interactive and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
Early Bird: $49 through October 22 | Regular Price: $59
YOUR MIDLIFE HEALTH DESERVES MORE THAN GUESSWORK.
Come spend an evening learning what’s changing in your body, why it matters, and how you can support your health through the years ahead.
You’ll leave with a better understanding of your body, clearer questions to ask, practical strategies you can use, and a better sense of what’s next for you.
Frequently asked questions
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No. This event is designed for women 40+ who are navigating perimenopause, menopause and the years beyond. If you’re beginning to notice changes, are already well into this transition, or simply want to better understand how to support your health as you age, there will be something here for you.
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Yes. Hormone therapy will be part of Stephanie’s discussion, along with the broader hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. The event is educational and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice from your healthcare provider.
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No. Hormones are an important part of midlife health, but they’re only one piece. We’ll also talk about strength, nutrition, bone health, cardiovascular health, sleep, stress, recovery and the everyday habits that support your long-term health.
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No workout clothes or dumbbells required! This is an educational event with presentations, conversation and Q&A.
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Absolutely. You do not need to bring someone with you. This will be a welcoming room full of women navigating many of the same questions and changes you are.
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Yes! In fact, we hope you do. Each attendee will need her own ticket, and attendance is limited to 50 women.
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Come comfortable and casual. There is no workout component, so wear whatever makes you feel good.
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Yes, we will provide some light snacks and water. You’ll have the option to order dinner to be delivered to the event. More to come as we get closer.
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We are unable to provide refunds, unfortunately. But, if you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another woman in midlife.
We’re excited to bring together a wonderful group of local businesses and professionals who share our passion for helping women feel their best in midlife and beyond. Get to know our community partners below!
Meet our community Partners
Mari Stevens | Mari Stevens Counseling
I'm a licensed mental health therapist and I specialize in adolescence and midlife transitions.
Jamie R Skagen | Wildly Profound Organizing
I'm a home organizer serving the Eastside, from Bellevue out to North Bend. I work side by side with families on everything from closets to garages. I help people purge, declutter and implement new systems to transform their lives and homes.
Jenny Patch Lee | Jenny Lee Photography
I love photographing families, seniors, and headshots!
Lois Spence, MS, LMHC | Spence Counseling Alliance
Lois Spence is a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Spence Counseling Alliance, specializing in supporting midlife women navigating menopause, the empty nest, shifting family dynamics, and the emotional weight of being everything to everyone. When the roles that have defined women for decades begin to change, many are left wondering, “Who am I now, and what do I want?” Through her clinical work and @loisspencetherapy, Lois helps women challenge outdated expectations, reconnect with their own needs, and move into their next chapter with greater confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of self.
Cathy Abrena | Grasons of Bellevue, Co-Owner
At Grasons of Bellevue, WA, our dedicated team is passionate about serving the community with expert estate sale and business liquidation services. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the unique needs of our clients, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, professional service. From organizing and pricing to expertly marketing and managing your sale, we handle every detail with care and precision. Whether you’re downsizing, transitioning, or managing an estate, our team is here to make the process seamless, stress-free, and successful. Trust Grasons of Bellevue to guide you every step of the way!
Sharon Whittle | The Happy Face Face Yoga and Well-being teacher
The Happy Face is a face fitness and wellbeing business that helps women feel confident, connected and comfortable in their skin as they age. Through functional face fitness, facial resistance training, fascia stimulation, tension release and relaxation. I help woman build a regular practice to care for their faces in a natural and supportive way. It's about taking time for us, feeling good in the skin we're in and embracing the woman were becoming.
Rachel Catini | Issaquah Family Chiropractic
I have been a chiropractor in Washington for 20 years this November. I enjoy serving our community to help people resume their activities. I am always learning about new information to better myself and my patients.
Heather Hennessy | Beauty and The Ink, Owner
Hi, I’m Heather, a wife, mom, follower of Jesus, and owner of Beauty and the Ink in Issaquah. My 23 years as a fashion model inspired my love of beauty and artistry, which I now bring to my work as a permanent makeup artist and licensed aesthetician. Through natural-looking permanent makeup and personalized skincare, I help women feel confident and cared for through every season of life. My faith and family are at the heart of who I am, and I love creating a welcoming space where women feel comfortable, supported, and beautiful in their own skin.
Kim Hutchinson | Licensed Massage Therapist, Centerpeace Wellness
I offer deeply relaxing therapeutic massage. I believe healing isn't one-size-fits-all. By blending the fluid movement of yoga, the physical release of massage therapy, and the deep resonance of sound baths, I create a custom plan designed uniquely around you and your well-being.
Candace Powell | Interior Stylist Primary Designer
We are a full service interior design firm. Anything from helping you style your home to helping you build a home from the ground up, and everything in-between. No project to small or to big.
Vicky Garcia | Rice, Beans & Happiness, Owner
Rice, Beans & Happiness (RBH) is a woman-owned food business dedicated to bringing people together through fresh, approachable, and culturally inspired meals. We provide catering, meal kits, and community food programs that make delicious food accessible while celebrating connection and hospitality. Our mission is simple: nourish people, build community, and share a little happiness with every meal.
Jill Dillon | Between Friends Consignment, Owner
Jill has been in the consignment business for 30 years. Moved here from Bellevue in Feb 2020. Her shop is carefully curated with the most current styles and upscale, high quality brands. We are open 7 days a week.