HERHealth Conference
October 24, 2026
DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton
6301 State Route 298, East Syracuse​​
​
Program of Events
8:45 - 9:15 am
9:15 - 10:00 am
10:00 - 10:50 am
10:50 - 11:10 am
11:10 am - 12:00 pm
12:00 - 1:00 pm
1:00 - 1:50 pm
1:50 - 2:10 pm
2:10 - 3:00 pm
3:00 - 3:45 pm
Arrival & Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Session I
Coffee & Vendor Market
Session II
Lunch
Session III
Coffee & Vendor Market
Session IV​​
Panel Session
9:15 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Amy Robbins, 93Q
We are honored to have Amy Robbins join us to kick off our day of women’s wellness. Amy has spent decades building a legacy of connection and service. A recipient of the Susan G. Komen "Pink Hero" award and the Jill Jorolemon Legacy of Commitment Award, her heart for philanthropy is as recognizable as her voice.
Attendees will choose one activity per session
Session I
10:00 am - 10:50 am
​Menopause
​​
​
Room 1
Dr. Michelle Auerbach, DO
Associates for Women's Medicine
Join a leading OB/GYN for an informative session on perimenopause and menopause, two natural yet often misunderstood stages of a woman’s health journey. This session will provide a clear, evidence-based overview of the hormonal changes that occur during this transition and how they impact the body and mind. You will gain insight into common symptoms, explore a range of treatment options, and understand what may be appropriate for different individuals. Grounded in the latest research and clinical guidelines, this session aims to demystify menopause, address common misconceptions, and equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health.
Conscious Connected Breathwork: For Release & Renewal
Room 3
Melissa Jacobs
Owner, Harvesting Sage​
Conscious Connected Breathwork is an active breathing practice that can support meaningful release- physically, mentally, and emotionally. This session offers a space to let go of built-up tension, reconnect with your body, and experience a sense of reset and renewal. This session is for adults 18 and older and is conducted lying down on a mat. Contraindications: -Breathwork may result in an intense physical and emotional release, and it NOT advised for people with a history or cardiovascular disease, including angina or heart attack, high blood pressure that is not controlled, glaucoma, retinal detachment, extreme osteoporosis, or any significant recent physical injuries or surgeries. -Conscious Connected Breathwork is NOT advised for anyone with severe mental illness or seizure disorders, or for those on major medication or with a history of aneurysms. -Pregnant women are advised to consult with their physician before starting Breathwork.
Session II
11:10 am - 12:00 pm
Health, Hormones & Weight Loss
Room 1
Maria Gigante-Baggett, RN, MSN, NP
Crouse Medical Practice
Discover the science of vitality in this deep dive into the roles of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and GLP-1s in women's health. We will debunk common myths and explore how hormone replacement therapy and metabolic support can relieve symptoms and promote long-term wellness.
Breast Cancer
​
Room 2
Rachel Osiecki
SUNY Upstate Medical University
​
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, making early detection through mammography a vital tool for health, increasing survival rates to 93% when caught early. In this session, hosted by She Matters® at Upstate Cancer Center, Rachel covers the essentials of screening, risk prevention, and understanding your family history.
Session III
1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Strong Body, Strong Mind and Strong Spirit
Room 2
.png)
Kate Flannery
Executive Director, Upstate NY Chapters with the Alzheimer's Association
Kate will address the science behind cognitive shifts in your 40s and 50s, offering actionable strategies to sharpen focus and support long-term neurological wellness.
Session IV
2:10 pm - 3:00 pm
Menopause
Room 1
Associates for Women's Medicine
Join a leading OB/GYN for an informative session on perimenopause and menopause, two natural yet often misunderstood stages of a woman’s health journey. This session will provide a clear, evidence-based overview of the hormonal changes that occur during this transition and how they impact the body and mind. You will gain insight into common symptoms, explore a range of treatment options, and understand what may be appropriate for different individuals. Grounded in the latest research and clinical guidelines, this session aims to demystify menopause, address common misconceptions, and equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health.
Physical Therapy
Room 2
Brandi Brown, PT, MSPT, ATC
Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
During periods of declining estrogen, there is also a decrease in collagen, bone density, and muscle mass which can present in many different ways. Join Brandi for an informative session discussing common PT issues such as postural changes, decreased mobility and joint stiffness and takeaway easy to implement everyday exercises to address and/or prevent these issues.
Nutrition
Room 3
Dietitians of Northern New York
This session is ideal for women looking to better understand their bodies, support gut and metabolic health, and feel more confident making food choices that align with their changing needs. Nutrition can feel increasingly complicated as our bodies change - but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, registered dietitian Laura McManus helps women better understand the hormonal shifts that influence body image, weight changes, cravings, metabolism, and gut health during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Attendees will explore how fluctuating hormones impact appetite regulation, digestion, and energy needs - and why many traditional nutrition strategies stop working during this stage of life. The session will also highlight the critical role of protein and fiber in everyday nutrition, including how they support satiety, gut health, blood sugar balance, and metabolic resilience. With a strong emphasis on food relationship and body respect, Laura addresses common frustrations around weight and body image while offering realistic, research‑backed guidance. Participants will walk away with simple, practical, nutrition upgrades they can apply immediately - small changes that fit into real life and make healthy, nourishing eating feel achievable, not overwhelming.