Join us for an empowering afternoon of fitness, health, and creative connection. Learn how to build strength with Jen Fukumoto, explore the emotional shifts of midlife with Sheralyn Schmidt, discover natural and conventional care options with Dr. Melanie Leppelmann, ND, and gain better sleep strategies from Alyssa Bietz. We’ll close with an interactive embroidery experience led by artist Helga Jakobson. Come away with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy for this stage of life.
1:00 PM – Welcome & Overview
A quick introduction to the afternoon’s sessions.
1:05 PM – Jen Fukumoto
Menopause: Your Fitness & Strength Plan
Discover how to build stronger muscles, healthier bones, and better conditioning during peri- and postmenopause. Learn why shifting hormones make strength training so important, and why lifting heavier weights often brings the best results. This interactive session includes Connection Breath, Active Connection Breath, and an introduction to Isophit — a safe, accessible way to start strength training. Leave feeling grounded, empowered, and confident in supporting your body through this stage of life.
1:50 PM – Break (Tea/Coffee/Water)
2:00 PM – Sheralyn Schmidt
The Hidden Shifts: Staying Connected Through Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause affect more than our bodies, both can reshape relationships, identity, and connection. This talk offers an honest look at what that means for us and the ones we love.
2:30 PM – Snack & Stretch Break
2:45 PM – Dr. Melanie Leppelmann, ND
Your Peri and Postmenopausal Health Class
In this session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how shifting hormones — including changes in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol — can impact your body during the menopausal transition. We’ll explore natural therapeutics that can support you through these changes, and take a closer look at how the thyroid and adrenal glands contribute to common symptoms. You’ll also learn proactive steps for managing postmenopausal health concerns, leaving you with practical strategies to feel more balanced and supported. The session will close with time for your questions.
3:30 PM – Alyssa Bietz
Simple Steps to Better Sleep
Join adult sleep consultant Alyssa Bietz for a practical 30-minute talk, Simple Steps to Better Sleep, where you’ll learn easy, effective strategies to improve rest and restore energy. This session will give you clear, actionable takeaways you can start using right away for deeper, more refreshing sleep.
4:00 PM – Break
4:05 PM – Helga Jakobson
Creative Embroidery & Female Anatomy
A hands-on art session connecting body and creativity through embroidery. Helga Jakobson is a Winnipeg‐based transdisciplinary artist, educator, and co-owner of Next Door Neighbour Studio, where she brings together community, creativity and environmental awareness. She holds an MFA, has exhibited and taught across North America, Europe and Colombia, has served as Executive Director of ArtsJunktion, currently works in sustainability at The Forks, and is deeply involved in GlenElm neighbourhood life through projects, mentorship, and making art that bridges nature and human experience