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Next Summit – August 2027

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An online event so alive, you’ll forget you’re not in the room.

We created WHAES because we were tired of surface-level PD and generic presentations that left us with little we could actually use in clinic.

 

One and a half days of fresh, specific, and seriously useful women’s health PD… comfies encouraged.

The first ever Women’s Health event for Exercise Physiologists By Exercise Physiologists!

8 speakers

Hear from eight leading voices in women’s health, each diving deep into focused, specific topics you won’t find in a standard PD session. No fluff, just the kind of insights that make you rethink your whole approach.

Networking That Works

It’s not just another chat box. Our networking sessions are designed to spark real conversations and connections, so you leave with more than notes, you leave with people you can call on long after WHAES.

A Conference Without the Cost

No flights. No hotels. No days lost to travel. Just one and a half days of high-quality professional development you can join from anywhere, even your couch.

Meet the Presenters

Rachel Tidy
Rachel is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a dedicated focus on women’s mental health. Practising with a trauma-informed and inclusive approach, she supports clients to build safe and positive relationships with their bodies and movement. Rachel specialises in working with complex physical health conditions alongside psychological illness or trauma, including ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, persistent pain, FND, EDS, and POTS. She has also undertaken additional training in disordered eating and unhelpful exercise behaviours, bringing a compassionate, evidence-based approach to her work.
Samantha Cameron
Sam is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Yoga Teacher/Trainer, and founder of Sama Wellbeing. She merges western science with eastern practices to deliver accessible care through evidence-based exercise, yoga therapy, and education. With a strong focus on mental wellbeing and person-centred care, Sam supports people living with invisible illness, musculoskeletal challenges, and yoga practitioners seeking a balanced, proactive approach to rehabilitation.
Kathy Balson
With over 20 years as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, she now runs two female-only clinics in the Blue Mountains alongside online consultations. Having reached menopause herself, she is passionate about supporting women in mid-life, improving health, function, and longevity, and delivers her own menopause education programs to help women and health professionals navigate this stage with confidence.
Meredith Woolsey
Meredith is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and the founder of Move to Live in Adelaide, a size-inclusive, LGBTIQA+ affirming, and neurodivergent-affirming practice. She has special interests in eating disorders, size-inclusive healthcare, persistent pain, POTS, invisible illnesses, and mental health, often alongside her therapy dog, MacDuff. Beyond her clinical work, Meredith is passionate about mentoring and education, lecturing on eating disorders and inclusive care, presenting at conferences, and co-chairing the SA Size Inclusive Health Chapter to support more person-centred and affirming healthcare.
Nicola Begely
Nicola is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and the owner of The Active Studio. With a Master’s in Exercise Medicine (Oncology) and extensive training in women’s health, osteoporosis, bone health, chronic fatigue, and exercise oncology, she is passionate about using exercise as medicine across the lifespan. Nicola’s approach combines clinical expertise with compassion, empowering people to move well, feel strong, and live healthier at every stage of life.
Dr Kassia Beetham
Dr Kassia Beetham is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, and is the course coordinator for the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU’s Brisbane Campus. Kassia’s research investigates the physiology of exercise in pregnancy and postpartum. Kassia’s program of research focuses on the cardiovascular changes in both the mum, fetus and placenta in response to exercise from conception through to birth, and in the first year postpartum.
Tanisha Hatchman
Tanisha is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a special focus on women’s and pelvic health. She supports women in resolving pelvic floor dysfunction, rebuilding strength, and restoring confidence through an active, whole-body approach. As co-creator and host of the Women’s Health and Exercise Summit (WHAES), Tanisha is passionate about empowering both women in their recovery and clinicians in delivering high-quality women’s health care.
Courtenay Polock
Courtenay is the founder of HER Education and HER Exercise Physiology, two platforms dedicated to advancing women’s health through expert exercise physiology care and professional development. As a women’s health Exercise Physiologist, she is passionate about supporting women across the lifespan while also equipping clinicians with the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality care. Through her work, Courtenay is committed to growing the reputation of exercise physiology in women’s health and positioning the profession as a first-choice provider in this space.
  • Live online access to one and a half days of the Women’s Health and Exercise Summit (no travel needed!)
  • 8 inspiring, evidence-based presentations (up to 9 hours of CPD learning) from leaders in the industry.
  • Live networking evening to connect with clinicians across Australia
  • 3 months access to all summit recordings so you can re-watch and catch up anytime
  • Accompanying learning manuals for every presentation
  • Access to the HER Education Super Community. Stay connected, ask questions, and keep learning long after the event
  • Exclusive WHAES goodie bag
  • Ability to interact, ask questions, and engage directly with speakers
  • The chance to be part of a revolutionary event shaping the future of women’s health

What do I get with a WHAES 2025 ticket?

Join the 2027 waitlist

What's Happening at WHAES?

8 presentations delivered by leaders in their field

Tanisha Hatchman

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgeries and Return to Exercise Considerations

About this session

Returning to exercise after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery is often surrounded by uncertainty, outdated advice, and fear. Many women are told to avoid lifting altogether, which can limit confidence and create unhelpful pelvic floor strategies. For a population at higher risk of depression, osteopenia, and osteoporosis, safe access to exercise is vital for both health and wellbeing. In this presentation, Tanisha Hatchman will outline POP surgeries and key considerations for exercise professionals. Attendees will learn practical strategies, from load management and breathing to education and case studies, to deliver safe, person-centred rehabilitation beyond blanket restrictions.

Courtenay Polock

Pelvic Floor Foundations for Every Dysfunction

About this session

Pelvic floor dysfunction is rarely isolated. Breath mechanics, rib mobility, and pelvic and hip position all play a role in how the pelvic floor functions and fails. This practical workshop takes you beyond theory and into your own body, exploring the foundations of breath, connection, thoracic mobility, and hip mobility. You’ll discover how these elements shape pressure, load, and coordination, and why they matter across type of pelvic floor dysfunctions as well as presentations of pelvic pain, tailbone pain, low back pain and hip pain. Attendees will leave with deeper insight into the drivers of dysfunction and simple strategies to apply in clinic immediately.

Meredith Woolsey

Understanding Eating Disorders in Exercise Physiology

About this session

Eating disorders don’t always look the way we expect, and they appear in exercise settings more often than many clinicians realise. In this session, Meredith will explore eating disorders through the lens of exercise physiology, covering statistics, risk factors, comorbidities, and the impact of weight stigma. Case studies will highlight red flags, harm minimisation, and the role of multidisciplinary teamwork. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, greater awareness, and inclusive approaches to support clients in everyday clinical practice.

Dr Kassia Beetham

Exercise and Fetal Growth: Impacts, Mechanisms, and Guidelines

About this session

Exercise during pregnancy supports maternal health while also shaping fetal growth and long-term outcomes. This session will explore how exercise enhances placental function, regulates metabolism, and reduces risks such as fetal growth restriction and macrosomia. Attendees will gain insight into mechanisms like oxygen and nutrient delivery, hormonal balance, and reduced inflammation. The presentation will also cover safe practices, potential risks, and long-term benefits, equipping exercise professionals to deliver evidence-based, impactful antenatal care.

Rachel Tidy

Premenstrual Influences and Implications for Mental Health Conditions.

About this session

Premenstrual exacerbations and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are powerful yet under-recognised influences on mental health. In this session, Rachel will explore how hormonal fluctuations, can intensify mood shifts, heighten symptoms of existing conditions, and contribute to severe presentations such as PMDD. Attendees will learn to recognise cyclical patterns, validate client experiences, and understand why the menstrual cycle is a critical consideration in care. With a focus on practical strategies, Rachel will highlight how exercise professionals can support clients experiencing PME or PMDD by tailoring exercise across the cycle.

Samantha Cameron

Yoga as a Therapeutic Modality for Women's Health and Invisible Illness

About this session

In this practical session, Sam will guide you through yoga as a therapeutic tool for clients living with invisible illnesses. Be prepared to get on the floor and experience the practice as your clients would, gaining a first-hand understanding of its restorative potential. Together, you’ll explore the types of yoga best suited to rehabilitation, how to merge clinical knowledge with yoga principles, and practical ways to integrate yoga into your practice. The session will also address when yoga may not be appropriate, helping you apply it safely and effectively within a clinical framework.

Nicola Begely

Practical Exercise Prescription in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

About this session

Lymphedema is a chronic and often misunderstood condition that affects many cancer survivors, with important implications for exercise professionals. This session will provide a comprehensive and practical overview of lymphedema, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to safely and effectively support clients. Key topics will include risk factors, safe exercise prescription, collaboration with lymphedema-trained therapists, and symptom monitoring. The presentation will also explore the underlying pathophysiology, treatment considerations, current evidence, and red flags, brought to life through case-based examples for real-world application.

Kathy Balson

The Key Cellular Changes During Menopause and How to Screen Well

About this session

Menopause is more than hot flushes and hormone shifts, it’s a complex transition with wide-ranging implications for women’s health. This session will take attendees beyond the basics, exploring the different stages and types of menopause, why education in this area is vital, and how hormonal and cellular changes influence symptoms and long-term health risks. Importantly, the presentation will focus on screening: how to move beyond standard tools to identify key changes that matter for exercise prescription. By the end, clinicians will be equipped with practical strategies for more person-centred care and better outcomes for women navigating menopause.

Beyond the Presentations

Plus, unique experiences to connect and move

SATURDAY MORNING PILATES

About this session

Start your day with a refreshing Pilates session led by Nicola from the Active Education Program. This live, guided class is designed to gently wake up the body, improve mobility, and set the tone for a focused and energised day ahead. Nicola will take attendees through a series of movements that support posture, core strength, and body awareness.


No prior Pilates experience is needed, this session is suitable for all levels and offers the perfect opportunity to connect with your body before diving into the rest of the WHAES program.


NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Networking Night

Join us for an evening designed to connect, collaborate, and unwind. This virtual networking session recreates the feel of an in-person meet and greet, giving you the chance to chat with fellow attendees, share experiences, and build new professional relationships. Whether you’re here to expand your network, spark collaborations, or simply enjoy good conversation, this relaxed session is the perfect way to round out the day.


Lunch Time Connect & Reset

On Saturday, we’ll open a casual lunch-time Zoom room so you can connect and reset between sessions. Take the opportunity to stretch, meet fellow attendees, and enjoy informal conversations that help you recharge before diving back into the afternoon program.

FAQ

Your questions
answered

Yes! All sessions will be recorded and you’ll have 3 months of access after the summit to re-watch or catch up on anything you miss.

Yes. You can claim CPD for each learning hour. WHAES includes 7.5 hours of presentations plus 2 hours of networking opportunities. To claim CPD, you’ll need to complete a self-assessment evaluation form in line with ESSA requirements.

No — attendance isn’t mandatory. However, we highly encourage it! The networking evening is one of the most valuable parts of WHAES, giving you the chance to connect with like-minded colleagues, share insights, and build your professional support network.

Not at all — but we strongly recommend it! We know sitting all day can be a challenge for exercise professionals, so we’ve built in this session to help you move your body and experience an energising class led by our major sponsor before diving into a day of learning.

Absolutely! WHAES is a fully virtual summit, so you can join from anywhere in the world. All sessions are streamed live online, and you’ll also get 3 months of access to the recordings so you can watch them at a time that works best for your timezone.

Yes! WHAES is designed for all levels of experience, from students just starting out to highly experienced clinicians. As a student, you’ll gain exposure to the latest evidence, practical strategies, and insights from leaders in women’s health, knowledge that can give you a head start in your career.

Yes! While WHAES is designed with Exercise Physiologists in mind, we welcome all health and fitness professionals with an interest in women’s health. The sessions are practical, evidence-based, and relevant for a wide range of clinicians, so you’ll walk away with valuable knowledge you can apply in your own practice.

Don’t miss out on this one of a kind event!

AUGUST 2027

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