Panel Discussion: Building Confidence, Inclusivity and Community in the Outdoors for Peri and Post-menopausal Women - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

6:00-8:00pm PST at the Seattle Program Center in Cascade A/B and via Zoom Meeting
Meeting link will be sent to registered attendees the day of the session.

“women are not small men” – Dr. Stacy Sims

Along with Asian elephants, killer whales and the Japanese aphid, humans are one of only four (!!!) species where females can survive long past their reproductive life years. This is rare biologically and can be a gift, despite challenges we go through during intense physiological changes.

Mountaineer leaders have an opportunity to build knowledge, support and community for people who menstruate and are moving through this transition phase. Join us, in person at the Seattle Program Center (and on zoom) for this interactive moderated panel presentation and group discussion will focus on supporting peri and post-menopausal women who recreate in the outdoors.

Panelist will share stories and provide concrete examples of how to support mountaineers who are going through peri and post menopause to ensure inclusive activities, where everyone feels welcomed and able to participate.  

The panel will be moderated by Nomi Rachel Fuchs. Panelists include: Nina Crampton (Seattle Branch Leader) and Gen Dron-Smith (Kaf Adventures Guide). Topics will include sharing of personal experiences supporting peri and post-menopausal women in the outdoors, how changes in our own bodies impact activity levels, psychological support for those who are experiencing changes, and tips to support recreating outdoors with confidence.

This panel is part of a sub-series of sessions focused on supporting individuals who menstruate, are peri or post menopause (PPM).

The intention of this panel is to create a safe space for all involved to share personal experiences, learn and build community together.

Light refreshments will be provided.

resources

• Dr. Stacy Sims | Female Physiology and Nutrition Science (drstacysims.com)
•  Lisa Mosconi: "Menopause brain" is a real thing. Here's what to do about it. : NPR
• Top 10 Menopause Myths - Busted! - Women’s Health Network (womenshealthnetwork.com)
•  Perimenopause: Why Doctors Often Miss The Diagnosis | The 'Pause Blog – The 'Pause Life by Dr. Mary Claire Haver (thepauselife.com)

Presenters

Nomi Rachel Fuchs has over 26 years of working in international health and development with a focus on gender equity, sexual reproductive health and rights and sustainability. In 2015, Nomi moved to Seattle with her two boys and fell in love with the beauty of the PNW. New to hiking, she began to explore various trails and outdoor activities, leading to longer trails such as Enchantments through-hike and the Wonderland Trail. While she thought that mountaineering was out of scope for someone of her age and limited experience, in 2022 she was overjoyed to complete her first glacier climb summitting Mt. Koma Kulshan (Mt Baker) with Alpine Ascents International all women’s group. The following year, she joined AAI for a Mt Shuksan bid, but the group was unfortunately smoked out. In 2024, Nomi joined the Mountaineers, completed the scrambling course, climbed Mt Hood, Mt St. Helens and returned for a successful climb of Mt. Shuksan. Nomi also serves as a WTA Ambassador, began rock-climbing two years ago and adores every precious moment in nature. As a post-menopausal woman, Nomi is interested in supporting inclusive outdoor experiences for women as they age, particularly as our bodies change during this monumental transition period in our life.

Nina Crampton joined The Mountaineers in 2011 taking the Alpine Scramble Course. She went on to enjoy Glacier Travel, Basic Alpine Rock and more recently Bikepacking. A Super Volunteer for 10 straight years, Nina has embraced the Mountaineers ethic of paying it forward to assist hundreds of folks with Navigation skills, learning to travel safely on rock, glaciers and snow and to love and respect our beautiful Pacific Northwest. An educationalist by profession, Nina seeks to instill and build confidence for everyone seeking to travel through our outdoor terrains. She aims to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment and loves telling stories that inspire laughter and joy. This past Summer, Nina cycled over 1000 miles navigating The Iceland Divide, The Pictish Trail in Scotland and 2 back-to-back Bikepacking adventures in Oregon. 

Dr. Naomi Busch is a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner. She is also a board-certified Family Medicine physician. She graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University and then went on to Tufts Medical School in Boston. Dr. Busch completed her Family Medicine Residency training at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington.
Dr. Naomi Busch, MD opened Seattle Menopause Medicine in 2023 to guide women through perimenopause and into the menopause transition. Dr Busch is passionate about educating and empowering women to make the best decision for themselves when it comes to their health and wellness. She believes in the power of listening to her patients, remaining open and curious about their experiences.
Since becoming a physician in 2001, she has been dedicated to the treatment of people who have been marginalized or otherwise forgotten by the medical community. She started her career in community health, later focused on transgender care, and most recently worked in the medical management of eating disorders. Dr. Busch strongly believes in providing weight inclusive, evidence based, compassionate care to every patient.

Yu-chin Chen grew up in various cities around the world and discovered mountaineering late in life, though fortunately, not too late. Since she stumbled upon the scrambling course in 2018 (without knowing what it was), she's been trying to soak up as much mountaineering knowledge as she could to make up for lost time. She's volunteered to help with instructions in various courses with different branches first as a way to make sure her newly acquired knowledge does not escape the old mind, but also because the sharing/receiving of skills and knowledge is what she enjoys most about being part of the Mountaineers. It's been a fascinating and educational journey on many fronts.