MockTails & Menopause Speaker Bios and Event Details
- Sharetha Davis
- Sep 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 13
Are you ready to meet the experts who will guide us through an afternoon of knowledge, connection, and renewal? We are thrilled to introduce our incredible speakers and give you a glimpse of what’s in store.
Join us for an uplifting event where we’ll explore everything you need to know about perimenopause, menopause the hormonal shifts men may experience too, often referred to as andropause. All while sipping on refreshing, alcohol-free mocktails. Whether you’re experiencing menopause yourself or supporting a loved one, this event is designed to educate, inspire, and foster meaningful connections.
In this session, you’ll get to know our speakers, discover the topics they’ll cover, and learn what to expect from this engaging experience. From practical tips and personal insights to lively discussions and community connection, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re a seasoned professional or simply curious to learn more.
Meet Your Moderator:
Background: With over two decades in radio, media, and public speaking, Nikijha “Niki” Lynch - known to many as “First Lady Niki” has mastered the art of connection. As a seasoned broadcaster and community voice, she’s led countless conversations that inform, inspire, and ignite change. Niki’s natural curiosity, humor, and ability to make people feel seen make her a standout moderator who knows how to draw the best out of every panel and keep audiences engaged. Whether she’s on air or on stage, she brings her signature blend of authenticity, warmth, and insight to every dialogue.
Meet Your Speakers
"Transforming health through lifestyle, compassion, and care"
Background: Dr. Alyson Sanchious is triple board-certified in Family Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine, with over a decade of experience caring for patients in Fort Myers. A graduate of the University of Florida and Florida State University College of Medicine, she trained at Lee Health, serving as chief resident, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She is the founder of Thrive Direct Primary Care, where she focuses on primary care, women’s health, and weight management. Dr. Sanchious is passionate about helping people take control of their health through sustainable, personalized care.
What She Will Cover: Dr. Sanchious will explore how nutrition and movement how they impact energy, mood, and hormone balance. She will share simple lifestyle strategies to help you feel stronger, improve focus, and thrive every day.
Why You Should Attend: Join this session to learn practical ways to build vitality, boost confidence, and create lasting wellness.
"Because menopause is more than physical it’s emotional too."
Background: Dr. RoseAnne Illes is a board-certified clinical health psychologist with over 15 years of experience helping people connect mind and body for better well-being. A proud Latina and Clinical Associate Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine, she specializes in women’s health, lifestyle medicine, stress, resilience, and the emotional changes that come with life transitions like menopause. Her work is rooted in inclusivity, cultural awareness, and empowering individuals to thrive.
What She Will Cover: Mental Health & Mindset Session
Menopause isn’t just about hot flashes it can bring rage, anxiety, disconnection, and relationship strain. Dr. Illes will share practical strategies to help you reclaim your identity, find calm in the chaos, and open up honest conversations with loved ones.
Why You Should Attend: Join this session to gain tools that reduce stress, improve communication, and remind you that this stage of life is not the end but a powerful transformation.
Speaker 3:
Dr. Eeka Marshall
“Beyond Hot Flashes: Understanding Menopause, Treatment Options, and the Journey for Women—and Men.”
Background: In this session, Dr. Eeka Marshall will break down menopause in a way that’s easy to understand. She’ll explain the differences between perimenopause, menopause, post menopause and andropause (men), what actually marks the start of menopause, and how shifts in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect the body. She’ll also cover surgical or medical menopause and why timing and symptoms can vary so much.
What She Will Cover: Understanding the Symptoms
Menopause is about far more than hot flashes. Dr. Marshall will highlight 30+ possible symptoms—physical, emotional, mental, and sexual—while debunking myths and addressing the medical blind spots that often leave women feeling unheard or dismissed.
Why You Should Attend: Menopause affects every woman, yet many still feel unprepared and unsupported when it arrives. This session will give you clarity, confidence, and practical tools to better understand your body and your options.
And because men also go through hormonal changes, Dr. Marshall will touch on andropause (“male menopause”), helping partners and families support each other through this life stage.
Meet Your Visionary
Torena
Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Torena is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend with a heart for people and a love for diversity and connection. Her life was forever changed when Dr. Marshall introduced her to hormone therapy — an experience that opened her eyes to the truth that women no longer have to suffer in silence through the challenges of menopause.
What began as a personal journey soon ignited an unexpected passion in Torena to share what she learned and help others reclaim their confidence, balance, and joy. She brought her idea for Mocktails & Menopause to Sharetha, whose vision and influence in the Fort Myers community helped expand it into something even greater.
Together, and with the support of our incredible clinicians, they are creating a safe and empowering space for women and men to learn, heal, and grow. The event features informative presentations and an open panel for live questions and answers — ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern addressed.
Torena believes this conversation doesn’t end here; Mocktails & Menopause is just the beginning of an ongoing movement to educate, uplift, and remind others that no one should have to walk this journey alone.
Event Details
Date and Time
Mark your calendars!
The event will take place on January 31, 2026, from 1:30PM to 5 PM
Agenda:
1:30pm-2:30pm- Sip, Bite, Visit and network
2:30pm-5:00pm- Disscussion
Location
Join us at the Harbor Plaza, located at 17650 S Tamiami Trail #207, Fort Myers, Fl 33908 . This venue offers a comfortable and accessible space for all attendees.
Registration
To secure your spot, please register online at our Events. Tickets are available until January 28, 2026.
Why Attend & What to Expect
Join us for an uplifting afternoon of knowledge, connection, and renewal! This event is designed to educate, inspire, and provide a supportive space for everyone navigating perimenopause or menopause or supporting someone who is.
Why Attend:
Learn from Experts: Gain practical tips, personal insights, and the latest information from wellness professionals and menopause experts.
Connect with Community: Meet others on the same journey, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships.
Refresh & Recharge: Enjoy alcohol-free mocktails, light refreshments, and an uplifting atmosphere.
What to Expect:
Engaging Presentations & Panel Discussions: Learn strategies and insights directly from our speakers.
Connect with vendors: Explore resources and offerings from local health and wellness vendors
Interactive Q&A Sessions: Get your questions answered and receive guidance on topics that matter most.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and wellness professionals in a supportive, welcoming space.
Experience learning, laughter, and renewal — all while sipping on refreshing mocktails and connecting with your community!
Tips for Making the Most of the Event
To ensure you have a rewarding experience, consider these tips:
Prepare Questions: Think about what you want to learn from each speaker.
Bring Business Cards: Networking is key, so have your cards ready to share.
Stay Engaged: Participate in discussions and workshops to maximize your learning.
Final Glow
We’re thrilled to bring together an inspiring lineup of speakers for this empowering afternoon of conversation, education, and self-care. Each expert will share real stories, practical insights, and guidance to help you embrace your perimenopause and menopause journey with confidence and grace.
Whether you’re seeking to learn more about your body, connect with others on a similar path, explore local wellness resources, or simply enjoy a refreshing mocktail in a supportive community this is for you.
Don’t miss this opportunity to pour into yourself, celebrate womanhood, and rediscover your inner glow.
Reserve your spot today—space is limited! We can’t wait to welcome you for an afternoon of learning, laughter, and light. 🌷
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