Inforum WM HealthcareNEXT-Virtual Event

Empowering Women's Health: Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause

Women move through many powerful life stages — from adolescence and motherhood to midlife and beyond. Yet, two of the most impactful phases, perimenopause and menopause, often remain misunderstood and overlooked.

Join us virtually for a timely and empowering conversation that puts women’s health at the forefront. As these changes often coincide with peak career demands, family responsibilities, and personal growth, it’s more important than ever to shine a light on this pivotal time in women’s lives.

This event will open the door to real talk, shared experiences, and expert insights. Together, we’ll explore what women really need to know — from managing symptoms to advocating for better care. Let’s break the silence, build support, and help women navigate this transition with confidence, connection, and clarity.

Speakers:

Speakers:

Dr. Diana Bitner is a board-certified OB/GYN specializing in midlife, menopause, and sexual health. Her goal is to reach as many people as possible so they can age as they wish. She works to teach women about their health and how to thrive through midlife and beyond. Dr. Bitner co-founded true. Women’s Health, a concierge women’s health practice in West Michigan, U.S. with emphasis on helping women optimize their wellbeing through midlife and menopause and reducing chronic health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, and diabetes. She is the author of “I Want to Age like That! Healthy Aging through Midlife & Menopause” and several peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr Bitner was the North American Menopause Society Menopause Practitioner of the Year for North America, 2015, for her contributions to the care of midlife women. Dr. Bitner enjoys outreach through her regular morning tv spot on Fox17 WXMI and membership in the International Menopause Society, The Menopause Society, ISSWSH, and through social media, giving talks to medical professionals and community groups, teaching clinician learners, and researching novel ways to improve knowledge. On her leisure time, Dr. Bitner enjoys being active with her family and friends, being outdoors skiing, boating, and driving race cars.  

Dr. Leslie R. Visser is a seasoned mental health professional with over 30 years of experience in the field of psychology. As Regional Director at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Dr. Visser leads with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to whole-person care. Dr. Visser holds an undergraduate degree from Calvin College, a master’s in psychology from Western Michigan University, and a doctorate from Cornerstone University. She brings specialized expertise in treating anxiety disorders, supporting women through complex life transitions, working with children and families, establishing healthy boundaries, and guiding individuals through all stages of life. Her clinical acumen is complemented by role as a seasoned presenter, where she speaks on leadership, management, and organizational culture to audiences across sectors.

Dr. Visser also serves as an adjunct professor at Cornerstone University and actively contributes to shaping the future of the profession through roles on the advisory board for Davenport University's MA in Counseling program and as Treasurer for the Beaver Island Rural Health Center. Dr. Visser’s career is defined by her unwavering passion for helping others find healing, growth, and balance. Her collaborative, client-centered approach—combined with her dedication to continuous professional development—makes her a trusted and respected leader in the field of mental health.

Kimberly Slaikeu, PhD  is a nationally recognized nurse, published author, and certified menopause coaching specialist who blends clinical expertise with neuroscience, positive psychology, and holistic healing. With over three decades of experience as a nurse practitioner, professor, researcher, and executive, she brings a unique blend of insight and strategy to her work. Her doctoral research focused on resilience in Black women navigating traumatic life events. Often referred to as The Reframer, Dr. Slaikeu guides women through thought and emotional transformation using science-backed tools, soulful practices, and naturopathic approaches. Her work is rooted in neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and the wisdom of inner knowing. She supports women in managing menopause symptoms naturally while helping them reconnect with their wholeness. In addition to coaching, Dr. Slaikeu currently serves as a senior consultant with DataWise Consulting. Her work centers on evaluating and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems through research, equity-driven strategy, and data-driven insight to dismantle the wealth gap for historically marginalized communities. She is also launching a midlife wellness brand debuting during Menopause Awareness Month, offering a suite of products and services to help women feel seen, supported, and empowered as they reimagine, reidentify, and return to themselves—crafting lives filled with delight, not despair.
 
Dr. Slaikeu considers her most meaningful role to be mother to her daughter, Reaghan. She serves on the board of the West Michigan Urban League and the Regional Council for Inforum. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, biking, karaoke, belly dancing, the arts, and travel, and mentors young women and girls from historically underrepresented communities, serving as a mirror of what’s possible when you dare to believe in yourself.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 8 - 9:30 a.m. 
Place: Virtual Link will be sent to all registrants 24 hours before.
Tickets: $25 members , $35 nonmembers (guests)

Thank you to our sponsors!

Statewide sponsor:

Supporting sponsor:

Momentum Mentor sponsor:

HealthcareNEXT is for Inforum members who want to stay ahead of health care’s next curve, trend, opportunity or insight. The group is focused on sharing knowledge, increasing understanding of key health care issues, and offering unique professional development and relationship-building opportunities for health care providers and health plans, the payer community, educators, consultants, attorneys and other experts who routinely work in health care.