At Effica, our clinicians are the heart of everything we do. They're the listeners, educators, and advocates guiding women through one of life's most transformative chapters — helping them make sense of what's happening, what to expect, and what to do next. This inaugural group of clinicians marks the beginning of something extraordinary: a growing network of health practitioners dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that restores confidence and agency. In this issue of Threaded, we're proud to introduce the people who are bringing Effica's vision to life — four of our exceptional clinicians whose expertise, empathy, and commitment to women's midlife health are setting the foundation for what's to come.
FEATURE INTERVIEW
Breaking the Silence
Lunda Mbesha, MHS RN
Collaborative Care Practitioner | OntarioWith more than a decade of experience across acute care, seniors care, and community mental health, Lunda Mbesha brings both depth and heart to her role as a Collaborative Care Practitioner at Effica.
With more than a decade of experience across acute care, seniors care, and community mental health, Lunda
Mbesha brings both depth and heart to her role as a Collaborative Care Practitioner at Effica. A
Registered Nurse with a Master of Health Studies, Lunda merges clinical expertise with quality improvement
to create care that's consistent, compassionate, and grounded in evidence.
Her journey into healthcare was shaped by a deep commitment to understanding people holistically—not just
their symptoms, but their stories, cultures, and contexts. That lens has guided her work in mental health,
gerontology, and now, women's midlife care.
At Effica, Lunda collaborates closely with the clinical team to ensure every woman receives coordinated,
personalized support. She's passionate about creating systems that work for women, not the other way
around—and believes that when care is approached with empathy and structure, transformation becomes
possible.
Dyan Eybergen, BA, RN, GCert-PM
Collaborative Care Practitioner | OntarioWith over 25 years of experience in healthcare, Dyan Eybergen brings both clinical expertise and behavioral health insight to her work as a Collaborative Care Practitioner at Effica.
With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, Dyan Eybergen brings both clinical expertise and
behavioral health insight to her work as a Collaborative Care Practitioner at Effica. A Registered Nurse
and Behavioural Health Specialist, Dyan has spent her career helping individuals achieve wellness through
evidence-based, compassionate care.
Her background spans mental health, addictions, chronic disease management, and health coaching—all areas
that inform her approach to midlife care. Dyan understands that women's health journeys are rarely linear,
and that lasting change requires support that's both clinical and deeply human.
At Effica, Dyan works to ensure women receive integrated, individualized care that addresses not only
their physical symptoms, but also the emotional and behavioral dimensions of midlife transition. She's
committed to empowering women with tools, insights, and confidence to navigate this stage with agency and
grace.
Ashley Chartier, BSc. Pharm, Additional Prescribing Authorization
Collaborative Care Practitioner | AlbertaAshley Chartier is a Collaborative Care Practitioner and licensed pharmacist based in Alberta, bringing both expertise and empathy to women's midlife care.
Ashley Chartier is a Collaborative Care Practitioner and licensed pharmacist based in Alberta, bringing
both expertise and empathy to women's midlife care. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from
the University of Alberta in 2011 and obtaining her Additional Prescribing Authorization in 2019, Ashley
spent years supporting women in community pharmacy — where she noticed a recurring gap in care. Too often,
patients received prescriptions for individual symptoms, without anyone stepping back to see the whole
picture. That experience sparked her passion for women's health and her commitment to helping women feel
heard, informed, and supported in their healthcare decisions. At Effica, Ashley is dedicated to providing
compassionate, patient-centered care that empowers women to take an active role in their health journey.
Q&A with Ashley Chartier
What's a common menopause or midlife myth you wish you could bust?
That menopause symptoms can't be treated — that it's something you just have to "suffer through." There
are many treatment options available for all symptoms related to menopause and perimenopause.
How would you describe your approach to care in one word — and why?
Empathetic. I'm here to listen to my patients and help them make informed choices that are best for them.
What's something that brings you joy outside of work?
My two golden retrievers, Jackson and Barkley.
Sarah Palen, BScPhm
Collaborative Care Practitioner | OntarioSarah Palen is a licensed pharmacist and strategic healthcare leader with more than a decade of experience designing and leading cross-functional programs that improve patient care.
Sarah Palen is a licensed pharmacist and strategic healthcare leader with more than a decade of experience
designing and leading cross-functional programs that improve patient care. Skilled in aligning clinical
initiatives with organizational goals, Sarah combines data-driven decision-making with a collaborative
approach to achieve meaningful outcomes. Her passion for women's health grew out of curiosity — and a
realization that women in midlife deserve more comprehensive, connected care than the system often
provides. What began as professional interest has become personal purpose: advancing women's midlife
health through informed, compassionate, and collaborative solutions. At Effica, Sarah is focused on
ensuring that every woman feels supported and empowered as she navigates change.
Q&A with Sarah Palen
What's a common menopause or midlife myth you wish you could bust?
That menopausal symptoms are just something women have to go through, no matter how bad they are or how
much they affect daily life. No one should suffer just because changes are happening in their body. Help
is out there!
How would you describe your approach to care in one word — and why?
Informed. I love a good puzzle, and providing care options is often like putting one together. I'm here to
share information that helps us connect the pieces and find a solution that fits.
What's something that brings you joy outside of work?
I love sports — watching, playing, or helping with a team — it all brings me joy.
These voices represent just a fraction of the passionate team working to transform women's healthcare. Each perspective enriches our collective mission: to give women the agency, support, and respect they deserve.