Thrive A WWC Woman’s Health Series

Women’s Mental Health: Finding Balance & Strength

Brittney Fair, MSW, LCSW | Rogers Behavioral Health

So many women find themselves holding a lot at once — caring for children, supporting aging parents, managing their own responsibilities, and sometimes carrying the weight of grief or loss along the way. It can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to put your own needs last. The Thrive Woman’s Health Series at 7 pm on Tuesday, April 21 is a gentle space just for you.

Together, we’ll talk about ways to care for your mental and emotional well-being while still caring for the people you love with meaningful conversation, and encouragement to help you feel more balanced, supported, and connected. You don’t have to do it all alone. Join the conversation with Brittney Fair, MSW, LCSW from Rogers Behavioral Health.

No reservations required, guests encouraged.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Nikki Panico | Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Wisconsin

Presentation: Breast Health Matters: From Awareness to Action
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., but early detection saves lives. This presentation shares practical self-awareness strategies, the importance of regular screening, and empowering messages that can help reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Nikki Panico is a dedicated breast cancer advocate and survivor. After losing both her mother and aunt to the disease in 2008 and facing her own diagnosis at age 39, Nikki committed her life to the mission of ending breast cancer. She has served as Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Wisconsin for over 15 years, leading education, fundraising, and awareness efforts. Now navigating breast cancer for the second time, Nikki brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her work, inspiring others with her resilience and unwavering passion for the cause.

Nutrition Fact or Fiction

Pat Kostka, MS, RD | Cardiac Dietitian at Zablocki VAMC (retired)

Join us for the second presentation in our new Thrive, A WWC Woman’s Health Series on Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 pm to discuss Nutrition Fact or Fiction. It’s important to rely on evidence-based sources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the American Heart Association, to distinguish fact from fiction and to consult with professionals for personalized advice.

Pat Kostka, a registered Dietitian has spent her entire career educating others about the facts, adding humor and common sense to the topic. Come with your questions and talk to the expert.

Menopause: Navigating the Change with Confidence

Kayt Havens, MD | Director of Women’s Health at Zablocki VAMC (retired)

Dr. Kayt Havens has spent 40 years in the community working for and around women’s healthcare issues. At the age of 42 she went into early menopause herself and realized how sparse the information on the topic was for women in healthcare and in the community. This lead her to created a teaching curriculum which was used nationally by many hospitals. Now that she is clearly post menopausal, she feels most of the information hasn’t changed and would love to share her perspective.

Dr. Havens has been an academic physician her entire life she has contributed to the teaching of residency students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Aurora Health Care and the Medical College of Wisconsin. She also spent 12 years as a primary care physician at the Milwaukee VA  Medical Center and helped create a women’s health program within the VA facility.

Top 5 Cardiovascular Diseases Affecting Women & How to Prevent Them

Beth Hammer, MSN, RN, ANP-BC | Cardiology Nurse Practitioner at Zablocki VAMC (retired)

Your Fitness, Your Future

Stacy Olson, RN | Program Manager of Whole Health at Zablocki VAMC

All are welcome and encouraged to attend and hear Stacy Olson, RN, dicuss the why and how important fitness in a woman’s life is vital to both a strong body, mind and health.