Denise Pines
Founder, WisePause Lifestyle Summit President, Medical Board Of California, Co-Founder, Tea Botanics
A longtime community health advocate and media pioneer, Denise Pines is a trusted resource for women as they pursue midlife wellness.
We’ve gathered the best medical physicians, psychologists, nutritionists, fitness and wellness coaches, along with holistic, functional, and integrative doctors, to address your most pressing challenges. Learn how from them how to navigate the various stages of perimenopause to post-menopause.
A longtime community health advocate and media pioneer, Denise Pines is a trusted resource for women as they pursue midlife wellness. She is dedicated to exploring and promoting fresh concepts for combatting weight gain, wrinkles, and confused libido, and she demonstrates that menopause can be the best time of a woman’s life. Pines believes women are poised for breakthroughs during their WisePause life cycles when they are armed with the right information and make wiser, healthier, and more self- affirming choices. She’s the founder of WisePause Lifestyle Summit, a tour launching this Fall for premenopausal women and the FemAge Tech Index, a report that combines key trends and survey data focusing on diverse women’s preferences for products and
services in the tech sector.
Pines is president of the Medical Board of California and serves on the Martin Luther King Community Hospital Foundation board. She is a member of and serves in leadership positions in the California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) School of Medicine, the Triple Step Toward the Cure, and the Taiwan Tea Manufacturers Association. Pines is an award-winning marketer and serial entrepreneur, she has participated in 10 startups, including multimedia companies and foundations. For PBS and NPR, she has been the creative consultant for several talk shows including one with a 14-year run and ten documentaries. She’s produced over 150 events nationwide and designed the marketing strategy that put three books on the New York Times best-seller’s list in one year.
Michaela Pereira is a broadcast journalist with a long and varied career. She made her TV debut in 1993 in Victoria, B.C. Canada on CHEK-TV as host of CHEK Around, an afternoon magazine program. In Southern California she is best remembered for the 9 years she spent as part of the Emmy Award winning KTLA Morning News anchor team. She took a 3-year hiatus from California heading east to New York were she was on the anchor desk as part of CNN’s morning show “New Day.” Most recently Michaela returned to Los Angeles where she had her own daily national 2-hour show on CNN’s sister station HLN. Michaela is active in several community organizations working with vulnerable young people. She serves as a member of the board of directors for the Long Beach Boys & Girls Club and as a member of the advisory board of Optimist Youth Home, providing services for at risk youth. She’s been honored with numerous awards including the Genii Award for Excellence in Broadcasting from the Alliance for Women in Media, the Hollywood Community Leadership Award from The Hollywood Police Activities League and the Celebrity Philanthropist Award from Association of Fundraising Professionals. Michaela is a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Stacy London is one of America’s foremost style experts. She is best known as the co-host of TLC’s iconic show, “What Not to Wear.” Following that success, she hosted and executive produced 3 seasons of “Love Lust or Run.” Stacy has written two books, Dress Your Best, which was published to stellar reviews, and The Truth About Style, a New York Times bestseller. In 2020, she hosted a podcast discussing mental health, Could Be Better, tbh, in collaboration with the Crisis Text Line and The Jed Foundation (JED). In 2021, Stacy became the founder and CEO of State of Menopause, a holistic product line for women which addresses the symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause. In this new phase of her career, Stacy is doing what she has done her entire career as a stylist: help people from suffering silently, raise their confidence and self-esteem by alleviating external symptoms, and removing the shame that surrounds them.
Dr. Leita Harris was born in Panama, raised in New York City and has been living in the Inland Empire of southern California since 1986. She is the oldest of 4 children and was determined at an early age to pursue her education and become a physician. She graduated from New York University, received her medical degree at Cornell University Medical College and completed her residency at LA County/USC Medical Center.
Dr. Harris has been a practicing physician in women’s health as a Gynecologist for over 32 years, 17 of those specializing in bio-identical hormone replacement. She currently has her own private practice, Nurturing You Women’s Health & Wellness, Inc. which serves both men and women and has previously worked at Riverside Medical Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, UCR Student Health Services and as an Associate Clinical Professor at UCR School of Medicine. Her current service activity includes President of the JW Vines Medical Society, Board member of the JW Vines Foundation and Board member of the Coalition for Black Health & Wellness, among others. She is a sought-out speaker on Women’s Health in the community.
She was blessed to be united with her husband, Bishop Jon S. Harris and joined
with him in launching Castle Rock Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in 2001. She continues to stand in loving partnership with her husband and pastor, faithfully serving her church family in many capacities including Church Administrator, Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader and Director of the “Daughters of Excellence” ministry, a mentoring ministry for young ladies ages 11-18.
She is the blessed mother and stepmother of 5, Jayce Baron, Tyler, Jon II, Brandon and Kaylee and her passion is to serve the Lord to her fullest with excellence knowing that God alone will be glorified.
FB @nurturingyou.drleita
IG @drleita
Dr. Jennifer Berman is an internationally renowned Urologist, NY Times Best Selling Author and one of America's leading expert and authorities in the field of Female Sexual Health.
Dr. Berman first became known to television for her award-winning series on Discovery Health, “Berman & Berman.” She also appeared as a regular on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Good Morning America.” Today, Dr. Berman serves as an advisor and expert for the “Today” show, CNBC and CNN and as a recurring co-host on the Emmy® Award-winning talk show, The Doctors- currently in its 10th season.
Dr. Berman co-authored the groundbreaking New York Times best seller, For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life and for her achievements in the field of female sexual health and her tireless effort to increase awareness about sexual health issues, Dr. Berman has received many awards, including the Women of Action Award, the Women Who Make a Difference Award, and the Rising Star of the Year Award.
Dr. Berman earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland Medical Center and her Medical Degree from Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her post-graduate Urology and Pediatric Urology training at University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD , and received specialized fellowship training in Female Urology and Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery under Dr. Shlomo Raz at the David Geffen UCLA Medical Center. There, she also co- founded the Female Sexual Medicine Center, and while serving as its Director, pioneered the original benchmark clinical and basic science research studies that are still directing the field of Female Sexual Health today.
In addition to her media work to heighten public awareness, Dr. Berman has a busy private practice in Beverly Hills where she continues to see patients, do research, and consult with companies and major brands to develop new strategies and treatments for optimizing overall women’s health.
Erich C. Nall is Owner and Founder of Ultimate Transformations Training and co-founder with his wife Yvette Nall, of the non-profit organization, Ultimate Student Athlete, in Los Angeles, California.
Erich, known fondly as Coach E, has been a prominent figure in the Los Angeles community throughout his life as an educator and promoter of health, physical fitness and self-improvement.
Erich left his executive position in corporate America in 1986 to follow his passion to help more children in South Los Angeles become higher achievers in elementary school. A product of South Los Angeles himself, his desire led him to become the Founder of Collegiate Search Youth Organization in 1986, currently Ultimate Student Athlete, a non-profit organization. The organization offered tutorial support and academic assistance, including preparation for standardized tests, to students. The program assists students in the successful matriculation through elementary school, high school then on to receive their college degree. To date, the program has assisted more than 4500 students (male and female) into colleges and universities across the country. Erich has served as a mentor and father figure to more than a thousand young men and women throughout the Los Angeles area.
While Erich was offering a fitness program to the youth, he felt compelled to bring health and wellness to the community at large. He created and founded Ultimate Transformations Training and has coached and trained many successful professional athletes, actors, models and others in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. Since its inception, Coach E has trained notable actors, such as Claudia Jordan, Russell Hornsby, Salli Richardson, and Nicole Murphy, athletes,
such as, John Salley formerly of the Los Angeles Lakers, Olympic gold medalist, Misty May Treanor and, Olympic gold medalist Maurice Greene. He has trained professional basketball, and football players, including: NFL star performers Datone Jones, and Brett Hundley of the Greenbay Packers, Rahim Moore, Denver Broncos, Kevin Burnett, Miami Dolphins, Alterraun Verner, Miami Dolphins and Brandon Mebane, San Diego Chargers, and others. He is passionate about the health and wellness of the community and his own parents are part of his clientele.
Erich is the co-creator and co-founder, with his wife Yvette, of Ultimate Student Athlete, the current evolution of Collegiate Search. Through various programs, the non-profit organization is designed to guide student athletes to develop a healthy sense of themselves, mentally, physically and spiritually. These young athletes also receives coaching to assist them in successful play and performance at the high school and collegiate level.
One key program, is Magnificent Men and Magnificent Women. The program assists young ladies and young men as they strive to achieve mental, physical and spiritual balance, through the use of various readings, discussions and speakers. Coupled with required self study and career planning, the youth find great value and continue with this program into adulthood.
Erich is the author of 21 Days to Ultimate Health and Wellness. His desire is to share the message of mental, spiritual and physical wellness with the world.
“I want every individual to fall in love with the highest image of themselves.” - Coach E
Erich is a frequent radio guest host on KJLH, 102.3 FM, in Los Angeles, California. He has been a contributing writer for a weekly column in Our Weekly Los Angeles, Volleyball Magazine, The Los Angeles Sentinel, and The Los Angeles Wave Newspaper, in addition to his own website blog.
Erich’s passion for the health and wellness of the community, has led to the creation of a program for UCLA Cancer Research, to help Cancer survivors reestablish a personal health and wellness program. Additionally, he has partnered with AARP to create a monthly walking program, the Los Angeles Soul Steppers, for seniors in Los Angeles. He has made several appearances on KTLA 5, with Gayle Anderson, speaking to many topics including sports concussions, fitness and athlete conditioning.
Erich is a certified strength and conditioning coach and nutritionist who has spent the last 25 years studying and learning from the best in sports training and
conditioning. Erich holds his BA and MBA in Business and Economics. He lives in Inglewood with his wife and three daughters.
Michael L. Krychman, MDCM, is the Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine located in Newport Beach California. He is the former Co Director of The Sexual Medicine and Rehabilitation Program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer. He also is a clinical sexologist and has completed his Masters in Public Health and Human Sexuality. Dr Krychman has a degree in Erotology, Sexual Education and Forensic Sexology. Dr Krychman is also an AASECT certified sexual counselor. He is a Clinical Heath Professor at the University of California Irvine, Division of Gynecological Oncology and the Medical Director of Ann’s Clinic, a high-risk program for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Survivors.
His special interests include menopausal health, hormone therapy, sexual pain disorders, and loss of libido, chronic medical illness and medical devices and their impact on female sexual function. He has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been featured in many scientific journals and lay magazines. Dr Krychman is an active reviewer for the Journal of Sexual Medicine. He was the Scientific Chairman for the 2010 International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health annual educational meeting. He is an active member in good standing in North American Menopause (NAMS), International Society sexual Medicine (ISSM), European Society Sexual Medicine (ESSM), American Society of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). He was a member of the Standard Committee for ISSM and has been a guest professor at the ESSM Sexual Medicine Summer School in Oxford, England. He was the creator of the recent WISH Initiative (Women’ Initiative on Sexual Health: www.yourvoiceyourwish.com) and the 2013 recipient of the WISH Outstanding Achievement award given by the ISSWSH. He is currently the Medical Chair for the professional advisory board for the Patty Brisben Foundation.
Dr. Krychman’s has published 7 books including his most recent one: The Sexual Spark, 20 Essential Exercises to Reignite the Passion, 100 Questions & Answers for Women Living with Cancer: A Practical Guide to Female Cancer Survivorship has been recently published, 100 Questions and Answers about Women’s Sexual Wellness and Vitality and Breast cancer Sexuality, Sensuality, and Intimacy. He has been featured on the Today show and, in the New York Times, and US News and World Report World Report, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Health Magazine and many others. He was named one of Orange County Top Doctors for 2015 and 2016 in Menopause, Sexual Dysfunction and Vulvar Pain. In 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 he has been named an Orange County Physician of Excellence by Orange Coast Magazine in Survivorship, Sexual Medicine, and Menopause.
Dr Krychman is the founder and CEO of KMD Consulting. He has provided pharmaceutical support, scientific and medical research guidance. He provides medical legal consultation services as well as expert review and testimony. Dr Krychman has provided business and communication support for an extensive list of consultative clients. Dr Krychman has almost three decades of experience as a national and international keynote speaker. He is an author, consultant, key opinion leader, Femtech expert and medical advisor in the women’s and men’s health device, pharmaceutical, and product areas
I am LVN Nurse and hold an Esthetician license, and Permanent make-up artist. I have been working in the beauty industry since 2012.
Dr. Swathi Varanasi, or Dr. Swathi, is an award-winning bilingual pharmacist. She is a beauty and wellness entrepreneur; an integrative medicine educator; a start-up consultant; an author; a speaker; a clinical researcher; an advocacy non-profit director; and a multimedia content contributor.
As a healthcare disruptor, she looks for opportunities to break barriers and challenge her western-trained colleagues to think beyond the conventional scope of their practice. Emphasizing an evidence-based approach, Dr. Swathi is passionate about educating practitioners, students, patients, and consumers, and strives to empower everyone to be the best, most authentic version of themselves.
Christina is a personal style therapist and image consultant based out of Pittsburgh. Christina has a way of connecting with her clientele by incorporating their lifestyle and unique personality traits and translating it into their wardrobe. She first created her business ten years ago and since then has been able to travel the world, and expand her reach with clients in Los Angeles, New York City, and London. Her specialties are capsule wardrobes, closet audits, and editorial photoshoots with her work being seen most recently in InStyle, TODAY.com, and British Vogue.
Dr. Anju Mathur is board-certified in anti-aging medicine by the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine with over a decade of experience in anti-aging and longevity medicine.
Dr. Mathur’s philosophy is to use the latest advances in Anti-Aging Medicine to restore youthful energy and vibrant health and to extend the human lifespan using a combination of natural means, such as customized natural hormone replacement therapy, effective nutrition, and fitness plans.
With years of experience in anti-aging and longevity medicine, Dr. Mathur has treated thousands of patients, helping women and men experiencing hormonal decline with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to achieve a higher quality of life.
Her success rate is over 90%.
Dr. Anju Mathur is the Medical Director of Angel Longevity Medical Center in Studio City, California.
I am a certified, licensed California Cosmetologist with over 40 years of experience in the hair industry. In my nearly fifty years in business, I have serviced thousands of male and female clients, and entertainers. Over the years, clients from different walks of life, from around the world, have sought my help. People experience hair loss for many different reasons. Some hair loss is hereditary, some is stress-related, environmental, and health-related. Regardless of the circumstance, it can be devastating. When clients seek my professional help to deal with hair loss, it can be an emotional discussion.
To be of greater service to my clients and the greater community, I took steps to educate myself by completing a Trichologist program offered by the National Trichology Training Institute (NTTI). As a Certified Trichologist, I now assist clients who are experiencing hair-loss, hair thinning, alopecia, ringworm, psoriasis, male pattern baldness, and other conditions. Mane Wellness offers several hair-rejuvenation services.
I welcome an opportunity to help you explore your options. Please schedule a consultation today so that we may better understand your condition and work with you to restore your Crown and Glory.
I’m exploring not only what it means to be a healthy woman in this culture and age, but to also support our growth as individuals and how we show up in our communities.
I’m a hard-core science nerd with a deep respect for the holistic approach to health and life. Believe it or not, there is a science to self-care!
After earning my medical degree at Southern California School of Medicine and completing my residency at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, I wanted to expand my knowledge beyond conventional medicine.
In 2010 I graduated from California College of Ayurveda as a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, which has truly expanded and informed my practice of medicine. Being able to integrate this incredible ancient healing tradition has been a game changer and allowed me to go deeper into the study of health and healing.
As more “natural” solutions, medicines, and technologies emerge in the global marketplace, I find myself referring back to Ayurveda- the original lifestyle medicine, which incorporates the mind, body, and spirit.
Barbara taps into her extraordinary journey as a global ritual expert, fashion executive, TV producer, corporate leadership trainer and coach to inspire, connect with and empower clients in these rapidly changing and challenging times. She is passionate about sharing the wisdom she amassed from decades of global studies with gurus, spiritual masters and her own dedicated practices.
Blending ancient spiritual rituals with emotional intelligence and strategic communication skills, Barbara guides and motivates her clients to achieve expanded levels of success and create meaningful vision for their lives.
Her two published books, The Joy of Ritual and The Joy of Family Rituals seamlessly integrate old world modalities, modern psychology and neuroscience, providing an enhanced roadmap for everyday life."
Janet Williams, MD is the Co-Founder and CEO of Intimate Wellness Shop, the premiere source for doctor curated intimate and sexual care products. She received her medical doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, she's a double board certified Ob/Gyn and a member of the International Society for Sexual Medicine. With over 20 years in clinical practice, Dr. Williams has enjoyed helping women find solutions to their reproductive and sexual health concerns. She has a special interest in the mind body connection and is passionate about guiding perimenopausal and menopausal women to their optimal intimate life. To learn more about her story visit: https://intimatewellnessshop.com/pages/dr-janet-williams-md-obgyn
Hormone Specialist
Offices of Dr. Gail Jackson
Dr. Gail Jackson is a leading specialist in holistic, bio-identical hormone balancing for women, eliminating the effects of menopause. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is Emeritus at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in Los Angeles, CA. She has done extensive research in the area of bio-identical hormone balancing and holistic medicine. Her phenomenal success in hormone balancing has allowed her to transition her practice and focus exclusively on keeping women fabulous beginning at 45, through all the years of life.
Jackie Keller is the Founding Director of NutriFit, LLC and her latest venture, TxokoUSA by SimpliHealth Growers.
She is also a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) issued by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching and holds multiple other professional certifications including ACC, CPWC, and BCC with specialty designations in Health and Wellness. Jackie's father passed away from a heart attack when she was just a teenager. She has made it her mission to help people live longer and healthier lives. "I have a personal commitment to help people circumvent heart disease and other chronic ailments," she explains. "It drives almost everything I do. It is my passion."
Additionally, Jackie is the author of Body After Baby: The Simple 30-Day Plan to Lose Your Baby Weight Fast (Avery/Penguin Group; May 2007), and Cooking, Eating & Living Well, a cookbook and guide to nutrition-related lifestyle change. She is a nationally recognized health and nutrition educator, and Le Cordon Bleu-trained culinary expert.
Jackie currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Women Presidents Organization and has served on the Board of Directors of the International Coaching Federation – Los Angeles chapter. She is also an active member of the Women Presidents Organization's Los Angeles Chapter. She was an active member of Michelle Obama’s Chef’s Move to Schools program as an Executive Chef and continues her work in schools as a credentialed ROP teacher in Culinary Arts. Jackie is part of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps. and actively promotes sustainable practices in all aspects of work and play.
Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California and received her culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France.
April Patterson, PT, MSPT is the owner of Whole Body Physical Therapy in Studio City, CA, a private practice specializing in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy for all sexes and gender identities. April has over 19 years of experience as a licensed physical therapist, receiving her master’s degree in physical therapy from Northeastern University in 2003. She later became board certified in orthopedics, and then 10 years ago, shifted her practice to focus primarily on treating those with pelvic floor dysfunction. This move into pelvic floor physical therapy was prompted by her own journey in healing from years of pelvic pain and then experiencing pelvic floor related issues during her pregnancies and post-partum. April was inspired to bring what she had learned through extensive continuing education in pelvic floor physical therapy and manual therapy to serve others experiencing symptoms of pelvic, genital, and sexual pain, incontinence, prolapse, and common issues experienced during pregnancy, post-partum, and menopause. Her goal with each patient is to help determine root causes of symptoms with their healthcare team and provide the utmost in quality physical therapy treatment to help them return to their optimal function.
April is a patient consultant for The Center of Excellence for Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesias in San Diego, CA. She is a teaching assistant for Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehab Institute’s Visceral Mobilization Courses. She is also a consultant for Soul Source Therapeutic Devices, providing pelvic health education for various projects. April is a member of The Academy of Pelvic Health Section of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association), a member of ISSWSH (International Society of the Study of Women’s Sexual health), and of ISSM (International Society of Sexual Medicine). April is also passionate about improving pelvic floor therapy care of patients through education. She has delivered presentations at ISSWSH conferences and webinars on physical therapy treatment for PGAD/GPD, as well as on telehealth for sexual pain. April is a co-author of the ISSWSH manuscript, “International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Review of Epidemiology and Pathophysiology, and a Consensus Nomenclature and Process of Care for the Management of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD)”.
April enjoys the hiking the trails of Los Angeles, exercise, cooking, and spending time with her husband and 2 children.
Dr. LaReesa Ferdinand is a board-certified OB/GYN, women's hormone health expert, and the Founder and CEO of The Estrogen Doctor Company, LLC. She believes every woman deserves to live a healthy, beautiful life and age gracefully doing so. Dr LaReesa helps women improve hormone balance to live more productive, powerful, and performance-driven lives through perimenopause and beyond.
Dr. LaReesa has been in private practice for nearly two decades serving women along their reproductive lifespan. In 2020, she was named one of the top OB/GYN Physicians in the Orlando Family Magazine. She is a best-selling contributing author of the Codes of Longevity - Be Ageless- Live Limitless, and currently serves as Women’s Health Advisor to Bossa Bars, Inc.
She integrates her traditional medical background with advanced anti-aging, femtech health tools to create personalized and results-driven solutions for women in the 40 and beyond club. Dr. LaReesa’s experience and clinical skills extends also into “femhealth” industry consulting, to better serve women and diversify insights required for improved innovations within emerging markets.
She is a partner and collaborator with women who are the CEO in the bedroom, boardroom, or home who want to improve their vitality to thrive beyond the typical office setting. Her passion is to impact and create a transformative experience for women by connecting the dots of the whole body connection and hormone optimization. This is a foundational component of her signature Future Female Power Reset Program.
She lives in the Sunshine state of Florida but her heart still beats for her native state of Louisiana. She is married with one child and enjoys relaxing with family, reading, traveling, and mentoring young women.
For over three decades Julie has been working with individuals of all ages to help find the root of their health ailments, and treat them naturally. An anti-aging expert, Julie has reversed her telomeres & cellular health to that of a 12 year old. Her international practice includes parents, kids, pets and celebrity athletes. On her website and her social media she educates us on her secrets to health including unique tips such as how to care for your assembly line.
Ana Netanel is an international wellness practitioner and instructor, specializing in the restorative and healing power of sound frequency and vibration. With over 20 years of experience studying, guiding and teaching Sound Healing, Sound Baths, Kundalini Yoga and Meditation, her approach is personal, empowering and uplifting. Ana recently shared Sound Healing on MTV and Grey’s Anatomy. She also facilitated Sound Healing at the Girl Boss Rally in LA for international women leaders.
Dr. Hope is a psychologist and sex therapist who treats a variety of mental health issues. As a sexuality expert, she provides tailored comprehensive assessments and plans for individuals and couples which address a broad spectrum of issues related to sexuality including sexual orientation, sexual dysfunction, sexual and physical trauma, and marriage difficulties. This ensures that each client is provided a comfortable and safe environment to explore and discuss the full range of psychological and physiological contributors to their concerns. Dr. Hope was born and raised in New York City. She graduated from Columbia University in 2004 with a Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. Prior to attending Columbia, Dr. Hope graduated from New York University with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social work and a Master’s Degree in Human Sexuality. In 2000, she opened her practice in New York City specializing in sexuality and relationship issues. In 2008, Dr. Hope moved to Atlanta and joined the faculty at the Morehouse School of Medicine where she was dually appointed as Assistant Professor in the Departments of OBGYN and Psychiatry. In 2015, Dr. Ashby left Morehouse School of Medicine to fully devote her time to her thriving practice, The Hope Center of Georgia located in Alpharetta, GA. Dr. Hope has also been a consultant to many agencies and companies. She has been a consultant to Johnson Publishing, specifically Ebony Magazine. In this capacity, Dr. Hope has written various articles around Black female sexuality and developed an international survey for the magazine on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of Black women. She has been featured on various radio talk shows around the country, including Michael Baisden, Jennifer Keitt, and Rickie Smiley. Dr. Hope served as the Executive Director of the Foundation for the Scientific Study of Sexuality from 1998- 2000 and has served on a panel of experts for the Women’s Mental Health Consortium under the Office of Women’s Health in Washington, DC.
www.thehopecenterofgeorgia.com
Raea Brauer is a 500-hr Yoga Alliance registered yoga instructor and fitness coach based out of Los Angeles, CA. Her teaching style is centered around mindfulness, and incorporates subtle body energy release, meditation, mobility work, and strength training for a fully integrated practice. As an advocate for mental and physical health and wellness, Rae hopes to shed light on the interconnectedness of the layers of mind, body, and spirit, while also encouraging the empowerment of collective consciousness. Her current offerings include: yoga instruction, guided meditation, sound healing, and plant-based cooking demos/meal prep.
Dr. S. Saul Lahijani is the lead Plastic Surgeon at Beverly Hills Institute of Plastic Surgery. He grew up in Southern California. In 1996 he began his medical education at the University of Southern California. In 2002 he graduated from medical school among the top of his class. Following medical school, Dr. Lahijani began his surgical internship at St. John’s Hospital. Following his internship, he continued on to Yale University, where he served as Chief Resident from 2003-2004. In 2004 Dr. Saul went on to do another fellowship in Burn and Reconstructive surgery, at Vanderbilt University, which is considered one of the top cosmetic surgical programs in the country.
His passion for cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery led him to a third plastic surgery residency at Vanderbilt University. Throughout this residency, he had the opportunity to work with some of the top plastic surgeons, including: Dr. Bruce, Shack, Dr. Kevin Kelly (President of the MaxilloFacial Society), Dr. Kevin Hagen and Dr. James Madden. Dr. Saul also has the opportunity to learn from internationally recognized break surgeons such as Dr. Jack Fisher and Dr. Patrick Maxwell. He further expanded his studies internationally by attending a cosmetic plastic surgery fellowship in Barcelona, Spain, under Dr. Javier De Benito, who is considered to be one of the top cosmetic surgeons in all of Europe.
Dr. Soheil Saul Lahijani has combined his skill and years of study and practice, to provide his patients with world-class care and exceptional results.
Dr. Babak Mikhak graduated from UCLA with bachelor's degree in chemistry with concentration in physical biochemistry and minored in Italian Literature. He then received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from UCLA School of Dentistry with advanced training in Cosmtic Dentistry.
In addition to being a clinical instructor and lecturer at UCLA School of dentistry for over 7 years, Dr. Mikhak stays current with the latest dental technology by attending seminars all over United States. He has been an associate in Brentwood and Beverly Hills and is currently practicing in Woodland Hills and Los Angeles. Dr. Mikhak's practice is focused on Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, Full mouth reconstruction and no prep veneers using the latest technology.