2026 Interdisciplinary Perspectives
on Women’s Wellness Summit

Keynote - Dr. Karen Shilvock-Cinefro

Dr. Karen Shilvock‑Cinefro is a social worker, professor, researcher, and writer whose career spans more than four decades of leadership in clinical practice, long‑term care administration, and social work education. She holds a BA in Psychology from North Park University, an MA in Sociology and Gerontology from Roosevelt University, and a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University.

A licensed social worker and licensed nursing home administrator, Dr. Shilvock‑Cinefro has served in diverse agencies, healthcare facilities, and private practice settings, contributing extensive expertise in aging, clinical intervention, and organizational leadership. Her scholarly and pedagogical work reflects a deep commitment to preparing emerging professionals for ethical, compassionate, and evidence‑informed practice.

Dr. Shilvock‑Cinefro’s professional interests center on advancing care and advocacy for vulnerable and marginalized populations. Her applied work includes service on a Reservation in South Dakota, clinical support in Honduras, and international collaborations in South Africa and Nepal. Her global engagement has focused particularly on educational partnerships and on understanding the rehabilitation needs of girls rescued from sex trafficking, with ongoing commitments to community‑based, trauma‑informed approaches.

Across her career, Dr. Shilvock‑Cinefro has been recognized for her dedication to social justice, her interdisciplinary lens, and her ability to bridge clinical practice with community‑driven advocacy and international service.

Heather Leigh

The MS in Professional Counseling Program at Mount Mary University is an NBCC - Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP), provider number: 4529, and may offer NBCC approved log hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. Individuals attending this event who need continuing education credits for disciplines other than counseling will receive a certificate of attendance that can be submitted to their professional licensing board.

Cynthia A. Steinert

Cynthia A. Steinert, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CLT is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Mount Mary University and a practicing clinician with nearly a decade of experience in acute care and school-based settings. Her background includes behavioral health, critical care, oncology, cardiology, neurological rehabilitation, and lymphedema management. A certified Ballroom Basics for Balance instructor, she focuses on fall prevention. Dr. Steinert’s scholarly work centers on the development of leadership in occupational therapy practice and the connection between daily habits, routines, and health outcomes, particularly in women’s health.

Presentation

How did you sleep? An OT Approach to Women’s Sleep Health and Participation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults does not get enough sleep, and up to half will experience symptoms of insomnia during their lifetime. For women, sleep disruption is especially common due to hormonal changes, caregiving demands, stress, and major life transitions such as menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and menopause. These factors create unique challenges that can significantly affect sleep quality across the lifespan.

Poor or insufficient sleep has wide‑ranging consequences, including impaired cognitive function, reduced participation in meaningful daily activities, and increased risk for chronic disease, mental health concerns, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. Because sleep influences mood, metabolism, emotional resilience, and overall well‑being, it must be understood as a vital occupation rather than simply a healthy habit.

This session will examine contributors to sleep dysfunction in women and provide evidence‑informed strategies occupational therapy practitioners can use to support sustainable routines, optimize environments, and improve rest and recovery.

Katherine Drechsler

Katherine Drechsler, DSW, MSW, LCSW-SA, is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Utah and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin, Dr. Drechsler holds a specialty authorization in Substance Abuse as well as a license in School Social Work. With over 30 years of experience in the field, her professional background spans child welfare, juvenile justice, and the treatment of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in an integrated, community-based settings focused on comprehensive care.

Sarah Hessenauer

Sarah Hessenauer, PhD, LCSW, MSW is an Assistant Professor of social work and MSW program coordinator at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She earned her BSW degree in 1990 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, her MSW in 1991 from UW-Milwaukee, and her PhD in 2011 from Loyola University of Chicago. She practiced social work in the fields of substance use disorders, eating disorders, and mental health concerns.

Presentation

Wearing Two Hats: Navigating Dual Roles as Social Workers and Caregivers with Katherine Drechsler & Sarah Hessenauer

This session will explore the complex emotional and ethical terrain that arises when professional responsibilities intersect with personal caregiving roles—such as providing care to aging parents. This training delves into the identity tensions and role conflicts that emerge when professional expertise meets intimate, emotionally charged caregiving situations. Participants will examine the psychological impact of balancing these dual roles, including compassion fatigue and strained family dynamics, while also considering the advantages and limitations of applying social work training in personal contexts. The training highlights the ways social workers navigate boundaries, make ethical decisions, and advocate for others and themselves.

Bethany Waala

Bethany Waala RD, CD has been a dietitian for nearly a decade. Previously, Bethany has worked as the Community Network Dietitian for the Hunger Task Force and as a Director of Dining Services with Chartwells K12 for two Lake Country school districts. Bethany currently works at Rogers Behavioral Health as a clinical float dietitian and has been in this setting for the past 2.5 years. She has a passion for helping those with disordered eating/eating disorders get back to living their values and she recently founded Root to Rise Nutrition Counseling, LLC to do just that in the outpatient setting. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her husband and toddler and baking sourdough goodies.

Presentation

Connecting the Dots: How Eating Disorders Help Modern Adolescents Cope

During this presentation, we will briefly define the most common eating disorders, share current eating disorder statistics, and explore developmental stages and social determinants of health specifically for the child/adolescent population. We will then focus on binge eating disorder (BED) in today's youth and take a closer look at diagnostic criteria for BED, medical consequences, and evidence-based intervention and prevention strategies using a weight inclusive and strengths-based approach.

Chiến Binh Nhỏ Sơn

Chiến Binh Nhỏ Sơn, BA, Psych/Soc (she/her) is a May 2026 graduate of Mount Mary University and holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling, specializing in clinical mental health counseling. Chiến Binh’s research focuses on critical adoption studies, racial and historical trauma, and disability justice. Chiến Binh’s clinical work has consisted of treating OCD and anxiety disorders for the past eight years and working in outpatient and higher level of care. Chiến Binh’s will be pursuing her PhD at the University of Kentucky in counseling psychology, utilizing a decolonial and liberational framework through her training. Chiến Binh is a first-generation Vietnamese, lesbian, transracial adoptee.

The MS in Professional Counseling Program at Mount Mary University is an NBCC - Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP), provider number: 4529, and may offer NBCC approved log hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. Individuals attending this event who need continuing education credits for disciplines other than counseling will receive a certificate of attendance that can be submitted to their professional licensing board.

Presentation

Are we over-pathologizing transracial/transnational adoptees?: The application of decolonial theory in clinical practice

This session introduces the core concept of decolonization in the context of counseling, paired with a concise historical grounding in how and why transracial and transnational adoption exists. Using a strengths-based, decolonial framework, experiences of transracial and transnational adoptees, particularly those who also identify as LGBTQ+, will be explored and why decolonial praxis is essential in therapeutic work with marginalized communities highlighted. The session concludes with a case study of a young adult that allows participants to apply these concepts and examine how decolonial approaches can reduce the over‑pathologizing of adoptees.

Rita Burlingame-Toppen

Rita Burlingame-Toppen, OTD, OTR/L, PCES, CYT is an assistant professor in the occupational therapy department at Mount Mary University, specializing in adult physical rehabilitation. She is committed to fostering students' clinical excellence through evidence-based, client-centered care, with a focus on integrative health and wellness. She is a certified as a perinatal corrective exercise specialist, yoga and meditation teacher, Pilates instructor, and practitioner of myofascial release. Beyond academia, Rita offers wellness workshops both locally and online.

Presentation

Preventing Leaks: Exercise Modifications for Life Long Pelvic Health

Did you know that up to 50% of women in perimenopause experience pelvic floor dysfunction? About half of athletes report pelvic pain or occasional leaking during exercise. Prenatal and postpartum population, too. Nearly 50% of women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their lives. The good news? Simple changes to how we move and exercise can prevent (and treat!) pelvic floor dysfunction.

In this active workshop, rehab professionals will learn how to modify exercise for women’s health, while all participants will discover strategies for lifelong well-being. You’ll be guided through a pelvic health exercise program featuring yoga, mat Pilates, functional movement, and gentle strengthening using everyday household items. The movement practice will focus on improving hip mobility, core strength, reducing back pain, and learning to breathe and brace for lifting anything from barbells to children to groceries.

These practical skills can be integrated into any exercise routine or used to improve movement for daily life. Accessible modifications will be provided. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in!

Dr. Colleen Galambos

Colleen Galambos, PhD, LCSW, Helen Bader Endowed Chair in Applied Gerontology; Interim Head of School and Associate Dean, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Presentation

Women, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders: A Lifespan Perspective

Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from mood disorders, with up to one-quarter of all women experiencing depression in their lifetime. Additionally, women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. These disorders are driven by biological, social, and structural factors. This workshop will examine biological factors such as reproductive hormonal shifts (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), and social factors that uniquely impact women including excessive caregiving burdens, stigma and stereotypes. Additionally, structural factors such as economic inequality, gender-based violence, discriminatory policies, limited healthcare access, and intersectional oppression that create the conditions driving mental health disparities will be discussed. Addressing women’s mental health requires not only education and clinical care but also systemic changes to policy, culture, and resource distribution. Solutions to reduce barriers require tailored, life-span focused healthcare services and proactive strategies to elevate women’s mental health.

Kate Peterson

Kate Peterson, RD is a registered dietitian, recipe development expert and regular solo-eater (if you don’t count her dog begging for bites). She focuses on a food freedom and all foods fit approach to diet and cooking. She is passionate about sharing ways to eat the foods you love free from the guilt and making cooking simple and fun. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @KatePetersonNutrition

Presentation

From ‘Just Me’ to ‘Just Right’: Rethinking Solo Eating Together

We’ll explore how to reframe eating alone as an opportunity for nourishment, autonomy, and enjoyment, rather than loneliness. This presentation takes a dive into the latest research on social connection, food behaviors and well-being and blends practical nutrition strategies with behavior and mindset shifts to help individuals build satisfying and low-effort (but highly satisfying!) meals. Attendees will leave with simple, actionable ideas to make solo eating feel intentional, enjoyable and truly “just right.

Claire Whetter

Claire Whetter, MS, LPC-IT, NCC is an assistant professor in the Professional Counseling program at Mount Mary University. She received her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mount Mary University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin. She is trained as a mental health counselor and her clinical focus areas include perinatal mental health, mood disorders, and interpersonal trauma. Her current research focuses on perinatal mental health, life satisfaction, social support, and sense of belonging in higher education settings.

Megan Bielinski

Milwaukee Community Acupuncture

Megan Bielinski, L.Ac., MSTOM first experienced the benefits of acupuncture as a patient seeking relief from severe migraines when Western treatments fell short. Her success led her to pursue a master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine at Pacific College of Health Sciences in Chicago. During clinical training at the Chicago Women’s Health Center and Wellspring Acupuncture, she developed a strong commitment to women’s health. Since 2015, Megan has practiced at Milwaukee Community Acupuncture, a nonprofit clinic dedicated to accessible care. She is deeply committed to advocacy, serving as past president and leader within the Wisconsin Society of Acupuncturists.

Virginia Mull

Virginia Mull, RDN, CD, is a healthcare nutrition leader with extensive experience in clinical dietetics, foodservice management, and team development across long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospitality settings. With a strong foundation in both nutrition science and business management, she is known for building high-performing teams, improving operational efficiency, and advancing patient-centered care.

Virginia earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Mount Mary University and an Associate degree in Business Management from Milwaukee Area Technical College. She currently serves as Treasurer for the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Virginia brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, operational leadership, and passion for improving lives through nutrition.