Mercer Island is home to a remarkable network of women’s health providers offering care that goes far beyond the basics. With expertise in nutrition, sports coaching, fertility and IVF, menopause, bone density, aesthetic dermatology, dentistry, orthodontia, and the healing arts, this vibrant community of professionals embraces a holistic approach to well-being. Together, they’re redefining what it means to experience the true wealth of good health.
Maria Amadi, PA-C
Co-Founder Amadi Aesthetics Plastic Surgery & Medspa
Maria Amadi, PA-C, is a nationally certified physician associate and co-founder of Amadi Aesthetics Plastic Surgery and Medspa on Mercer Island. With a background in medical and aesthetic dermatology, Maria is passionate about helping women feel confident in their skin at every stage of life. Her approach blends artistry with science, focusing on natural-looking results that enhance—not change—her patients’ unique features.
For Maria, aesthetic care is deeply connected to women’s overall wellness. “When women feel good about how they look, it often empowers them in other areas of their lives—personally and professionally,” she says. Her treatments go beyond the surface, taking into account lifestyle, hormonal changes, and skin health as women age.
Maria emphasizes education and long-term care over quick fixes. She and her team take time to listen, educate, and customize treatments ranging from medical-grade skincare to injectables and non-invasive rejuvenation. “Our goal is to support healthy, confident aging,” she shares.
As a mother and clinician, Maria understands the pressures women face and is committed to creating a supportive, welcoming space where self-care is celebrated. “Investing in yourself isn’t vanity—it’s vitality.”
Ashley Besecker, RDN
RDN and Nutrigenomics Specialist
Ashley Besecker is a registered dietitian nutritionist and lectures at universities and conferences around the country about personalized nutrition and the science behind it. A recent study published in Neurology suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help protect against cognitive decline in midlife. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed data from over 10,000 participants in the Framingham Heart Study, following them for an average of 20 years. They found that individuals with higher levels of omega-3s in their blood were significantly less likely to experience memory and thinking problems over time—even after accounting for factors like age, education, and smoking.
Researchers believe omega-3s may reduce brain inflammation—a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Beyond brain health, omega-3s have also been linked to lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and even some cancers.
To boost your omega-3 intake, incorporate wild fish, nuts, and seeds into your diet, or consider supplements. Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any supplement routine.
Dr. Alissa Borda, DMD, MPH, MS
Owner Islander Orthodontics
Dr. Alissa Borda, founder Islander Orthodontics, is proud to bring her expertise—and her heart—back to her hometown. A Mercer Island native and MIHS alumna, Dr. Borda has returned to the community where she grew up to open her orthodontic practice and raise her family.
Dr. Borda emphasizes that orthodontics is about more than straight teeth—it’s about long-term oral health, function, and self-esteem. Her practice is designed to be welcoming and accessible with flexible scheduling and a community-first mindset.
Dr. Borda works with girls during their formative years to guide jaw development and prevent more complex issues later. For adult women, she provides discreet treatment options like clear aligners, helping address both functional concerns and confidence in their smile. “I love helping women and girls feel confident, healthy, and supported through every stage of life,” she says. “It’s more than orthodontics—it’s whole-person care.”
An active member of the Mercer Island community, Dr. Borda is passionate about creating lasting relationships with her patients and helping them feel at home in the dental chair. “It’s an honor to care for the next generation of Islanders,” she says, “and to be part of their smile journey from start to finish.”
Dr. Lauren Hagel, DDS, MSD
Mercer Island Orthodontics
Dr. Lauren Hagel, a respected orthodontist serving the Mercer Island community, believes orthodontic care is about much more than just straight teeth—it’s a vital part of lifelong health and wellness, especially for women. From adolescence through menopause, women face unique dental challenges influenced by hormones, bone density changes, and overall oral health.
“Proper alignment isn’t just cosmetic,” Dr. Hagel explains. “It can dramatically improve bite function, reduce jaw pain, prevent tooth wear, and make daily hygiene more effective—especially as we age.” With options like clear aligners and low-profile braces, adult orthodontics has become more accessible and discreet, helping women feel confident while addressing long-term dental health.
Dr. Hagel also sees a growing number of women seeking orthodontic treatment to manage issues like TMJ, clenching and grinding, and difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to crowding. These treatments can prevent future complications, reduce the risk of gum disease, and even improve sleep and digestion.
Passionate about patient education and comfort, Dr. Hagel creates personalized treatment plans for women of all ages. “Orthodontics isn’t just for teens,” she says. “It’s never too late to invest in your health, function, and smile.”
Dr. Julie Hsieh, MD
Founder, Yuan Ru Gallery & Art Center
Julie Yuan-Ru Hsieh, MD, is an abstract artist based on Mercer Island and the founder of Yuan Ru Gallery in Bellevue and Taipei. While her initial career was in medicine—earning a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University and a medical doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine—creative arts have always been central to her identity. Since transitioning into the art world in 2017, Julie has flourished as an artist, art patron, and gallerist. She believes, "Art is an expression of our humanity, with limitless potential to connect people across different backgrounds and cultures. It transcends boundaries, offering the power to heal, inspire, and foster empathy."
For Julie, art and wellness are deeply intertwined, nurturing both the mind and the soul. She believes that engaging with art, whether through creating or experiencing it, can foster emotional healing, reduce stress, and promote inner peace. This connection between art and wellness forms the foundation of her work.
With her background in medicine and a deep understanding of the human experience, Julie brings a unique perspective to her artistic practice, where creativity and healing merge seamlessly. As she continues to grow as both an artist and a gallerist, her work remains a testament to the power of art to inspire and transform lives.
Dr. Susan Kleiner, PhD Nutrition and Human Performance
Founder High Performance Nutrition
Fueling Women's Health Through Science and Strength
Dr. Susan Kleiner, PhD, RD, is a renowned nutritionist, author, and performance coach who brings a science-backed, empowering approach to women's health and nutrition. With decades of experience working with everyone from elite athletes to everyday women, Dr. Kleiner believes that optimal nutrition is foundational to thriving-not just surviving.
Her philosophy challenges restrictive diets and outdated norms. "Women are often taught to eat less and shrink themselves," she says. "But real vitality comes from nourishing your body, building strength, and fueling your goals." Through personalized coaching, she helps women understand how their nutritional needs shift with age, hormones, activity, and stress.
Dr. Kleiner's work focuses on sustainable strategies-balancing performance, energy, mood, and long-term health. Whether supporting women through perimenopause, intense training, or demanding careers, she champions a strength-first mindset. Her coaching emphasizes food as a powerful tool for building resilience and confidence.
As a pioneer in the field of sports nutrition, Dr. Kleiner is also an advocate for evidence-based information in a world full of wellness noise. "There's power in understanding your body," she says. "And nutrition is one of the most effective ways to take charge of your health."
Dr. Julie Lamb, MD
Physician and Medical Director Pacific Northwest Fertility and IVF Specialists
Dr. Julie Lamb is a nationally recognized fertility expert and advocate working to expand access to care and normalize conversations around reproductive health. In her Seattle practice, she sees many women—especially in communities like Mercer Island—who delay childbearing due to career, life circumstances, or not yet finding the right partner. But with age, fertility declines, and many need help to conceive. “We’ve shifted from having children in our 20s to our late 30s and 40s in just one generation,” she says. “And even many physicians don’t fully understand how hard it can be.”
Dr. Lamb champions fertility preservation—such as egg or embryo freezing—as a key option for women planning for the future, especially those with medical conditions like endometriosis, cancer, or genetic risks. Despite being recognized as a disease, infertility treatments are often considered elective and excluded from insurance coverage.
Through policy advocacy at the state and national level, Dr. Lamb is fighting to make fertility care accessible to all, not just the privileged few. “Access to care shouldn’t be a luxury,” she says. “Women need to understand their options, advocate for themselves, and feel empowered to talk about fertility—without shame or stigma.”
Dr. Paramita Mukherjee, MD PhD
Nephrologist UW Medicine, Northwest Kidney Center
Bone health is an important aspect of women’s health in order to stay active and agile. Osteoporosis is a disease caused by loss in bone mineral density (BMD) associated with decreased bone strength and increased fracture risk and is more common in women than men. Common osteoporotic fracture sites are spine, hip, and wrist.
Osteoporosis has no signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs. Low trauma fractures that occur spontaneously or from trauma that would not ordinarily result in fracture ( fragility fracture) is usually due to osteoporosis.
Weight-bearing and muscle strengthening physical activity reduces risk of falls. A diet rich in vitamins and calcium, and taking calcium and vitamin D supplement is helpful. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is the most widely used method for measuring BMD. DEXA scan is recommended for all women 65 or older. For women in 50-64 age group, DEXA scan is recommended for women with family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, early menopause, history of fragility fracture, steroid use, smoking or heavy alcohol consumption. At your next annual health visit, ask your doctor if you need a DEXA scan to screen for osteoporosis.
Stacey Ulacia
Co-Founder HotPause Health
HotPause Health: the future of menopause care is here. For too long, menopause has been misunderstood, dismissed, and simply ignored. At HotPause Health, we’re changing that. Founded by Melissa Oliveira and Stacey Ulacia, HotPause Health is a digital platform designed to give women the support, education, and medical resources they deserve during perimenopause and menopause.
HotPause Health was born from frustration—too many women struggling with life-altering symptoms, misdiagnoses, gaslighting, and a healthcare system that isn’t keeping up. It's estimated that 85% of perimenopausal and menopausal women experience symptoms impacting their quality of life, with 60% seeking clinical help, but 75% of those women subsequently go untreated.
We’re here to change that. HotPause Health offers the most comprehensive menopause provider directory in the U.S., expert-reviewed treatment information, symptom overviews, and peer-reviewed products. We’re putting science, specialists, and solutions back into the hands of the women who need them, so they can live better, healthier lives.
Perimenopause and menopause deserve science-backed support and solutions. Visit hotpausehealth.com to get the answers and care you need.
Dr. Carrie York & Dr. Allena Novak, DDS
Dental health is closely connected to overall well-being—and for women, hormonal changes throughout life can significantly impact oral care needs. Local dental providers are seeing more conversations around pregnancy gingivitis, which arises from increased inflammation during pregnancy and requires diligent home care. Later in life, menopause often brings dry mouth, a common side effect of medications and reduced salivary gland function. Autoimmune conditions, which affect women at higher rates, can also contribute to dry mouth and increased risk of cavities.
As people age, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can make daily dental care more difficult. More frequent visits, specialized treatments to prevent decay, and in-office support can help maintain oral health during these progressive diseases.
Women also frequently ask about home care tools—from electric toothbrushes to water flossers—and personalized recommendations during dental visits can make a big difference. Cosmetic and preventive options like whitening and clear aligners are now more accessible and comfortable for patients of all ages, including older adults looking to improve both function and appearance.
With more women entering the dental field, patients often appreciate the attention to both clinical care and emotional well-being. “We’re treating the whole person, not just the teeth,” one provider shared.