Hot Springs Women Leadership Alliance
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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Sponsored by

Renee Warford, MD

Dr. Warford is an Arkansas native who grew up in Little Rock. She graduated summa cum laude from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While there, she competed in three events waterskiing on a scholarship. She then obtained a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Mississippi College. She received her medical degree at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where she graduated with honors and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, a national honor medical society. She completed her five-year urologic surgery residency training at UAMS and has been practicing in Hot Springs since then. Dr. Warford is Board certified by the American Board of Urology. She practices general urology and has special interests in robotic surgery, incontinence, kidney stones and enlarged prostates.

Marleigh Leek, DPT

Dr. Marleigh Leek is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation. She is passionate about helping women better understand their bodies through education, evidence-based care, and compassionate support. Her mission is to empower women with the knowledge and confidence they need to take an active role in their health and well-being.


As a pelvic floor specialist, Dr. Leek works with women across all stages of life, helping them navigate concerns related to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, incontinence, and overall pelvic health. She believes that education is one of the most powerful tools in healthcare and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where women feel heard, informed, and empowered.


Outside of her professional life, she is a devoted wife, proud mother, loyal friend, and avid tennis player. These roles continually shape her perspective and deepen her commitment to helping women live healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.

Mandy Burton, APRN

Mandy Burton, APRN

Mandy Burton, APRN

Mandy Burton, APRN, MSCP has over 28 years of dedicated experience in women’s health and brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to patient care. Her career began in labor and delivery, where she served as an L&D nurse, flight nurse, charge nurse, and preceptor—roles that provided a strong foundation in acute obstetric care and leadership.

For the past 4 years, she has practiced as a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in urogynecology. Since obtaining her APRN degree, she has become a Certified Menopause Practitioner through The Menopause Society, one of only 20 currently certified in the state of Arkansas.


A lifelong learner, she has pursued numerous advanced educational opportunities to deepen her expertise in midlife women’s health, including specialized training in hormone therapy prescribing, musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, testosterone therapy, and hormone management after gynecologic cancers.


She is an active member of The Menopause Society, ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health), and AUGS (American Urogynecologic Society), and has attended multiple national conferences hosted by these organizations to stay at the forefront of evolving evidence-based care.


Her passion lies in supporting women through every phase of life, especially during the complex and often underserved menopausal transition, delivering personalized, informed, and empowering care.

Mandy Rice, DO

Mandy Burton, APRN

Mandy Burton, APRN

Dr. Mandy Rice is a dual board-certified General Surgeon and Trauma/Surgical Critical Care physician, as well as a Menopause Society–certified practitioner dedicated to transforming women’s health in our community.


As Medical Director of the Women’s Health Expo + Retail Therapy, Dr. Rice brings both surgical excellence and deep compassion to this annual event. Partnering with the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance (HSWLA) for the second year, she is passionate about empowering women through education, lifestyle medicine, and evidence-based hormone therapy, addressing the often-overlooked needs of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.


Together with her husband, Dr. M. Todd Rice, an anesthesiologist, she owns and operates Direct Surgical Care of Hot Springs and the newly opened Direct Integrative Health of Hot Springs (Suite 274, Rix Professional Building). Their patient-centered practices blend advanced robotic-assisted surgery, trauma expertise, and holistic midlife care. Dr. Rice provides surgical services at National Park Medical Center, Pain Treatment Centers of America, and South Central GI Endoscopy, while continuing to serve monthly in high-acuity Level I Trauma, Emergency General Surgery, and Trauma ICU roles in the Dallas metroplex. A Texas native who fell in love with Hot Springs after relocating here with her family in July 2022, Dr. Rice is frequently joined at the clinic by Ayva, the eldest of their three well-behaved Boxers and self-appointed Queen of Clinic Support Staff.


Driven by a clear vision, to dramatically improve both health span and lifespan for the women of our community, Dr. Rice is a tireless advocate, mentor, and healer. Through her clinical work, the Women’s Health Expo, and her broader mission, she continues to inspire women to reclaim vitality, purpose, and joy at every stage of life.

Movement, Mental Wellbeing, Nutrition: Sponsored by

Lingyi Chen, MD

Trisha Willis, LCSW, SEP

Lingyi Chen is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology at the Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute. A native of Arkansas,

Dr. Chen, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville before receiving her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock in 2002.


She received training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, in 2004, followed by an internal medicine residency and a

fellowship in hematology and oncology at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, which she completed in 2010.


Dr. Chen is widely recognized for her compassionate, patient-centered approach to care and her commitment to building meaningful relationships with patients and families

throughout their treatment journey. In recognition of her exceptional dedication and attentive care, she was honored with a Service Hero Award after being nominated by a

grateful patient who commended her outstanding listening skills and unwavering support.


She is an active member of the American Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Society of Hematology. In addition to English, Dr. Chen is fluent in Mandarin/Chinese, allowing her to serve a diverse patient population with personalized and culturally responsive care.

Trisha Willis, LCSW, SEP

Trisha Willis, LCSW, SEP

Trisha Willis, LCSW, SEP is a Licensed Certified Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience as a licensed mental health professional and over 20 years in the helping profession. Since beginning her career in 2004, she has been dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey toward healing, personal growth, and overall well-being.


Trisha earned her Master of Social Work degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2011. In February 2025, she completed the three-year Somatic Experiencing® Professional Training Program through Somatic Experiencing International. She has advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).


In addition to her clinical expertise, Trisha is a Registered Yoga Teacher and holds certifications in Yin Yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork. Her integrative approach combines evidence-based therapeutic modalities with body-centered practices to support lasting healing and resilience.


Trisha is passionate about helping adults heal from the impact of past experiences and develop the skills necessary to regulate their nervous systems, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves. She believes meaningful healing occurs when individuals gain a deeper understanding of their bodies, emotions, and behavioral patterns within a safe and supportive environment.


Her mission is to educate, empower, and support clients as they move toward greater self-awareness, emotional well-being, and sustainable personal growth. She is committed to helping individuals cultivate healthier, more authentic, and fulfilling lives.


Trisha believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. She provides a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.


Through a collaborative, client-centered approach, Trisha offers the guidance, education, and support needed to help individuals better understand and heal their nervous systems, strengthen their capacity for connection, and create meaningful, lasting change.

MJ Sy, PT

BIO

TJ Griffith, Personal Trainer

TJ Griffith, Personal Trainer

BIO

Haley Gonzales, RD

TJ Griffith, Personal Trainer

Haley Gonzales, RD

Haley Gonzalez is a Registered Dietitian and owner of a private practice in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Harding University and chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Kinesiology rather than a traditional master’s in nutrition, giving her a unique perspective on metabolism, exercise physiology, and overall health.

Haley spent 10 years working in local hospitals, building a strong foundation in medical nutrition therapy and clinical care. Her additional training in kinesiology allows her to better understand how metabolism and physical activity interact to influence long-term health outcomes.

She is passionate about helping others translate evidence-based nutrition into real-life strategies. Haley is excited to share how nutrition can impact menopause and support women through this important stage of life. 

HRT 1: Sponsored by

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Dr. Nicquel Gordon is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with more than 20 years of experience caring for women across all stages of life. She has practiced at the CHI Women’s Center for 21 years, where she provides comprehensive care ranging from contraception and preventative health to minimally invasive surgery, prolapse and incontinence treatment, hormone therapy, menopausal care, and adolescent gynecology.


In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Gordon serves as the Medical Director of Unique Skin, where she has spent the last decade integrating aesthetics and advanced laser therapy into women’s health and wellness. She completed her medical degree and residency training at the University of Oklahoma, building the foundation for a career dedicated to empowering women through compassionate, individualized care.


Dr. Gordon is passionate about helping women feel their best—inside and out—and is known for her approachable, patient-centered style.

Mary Thaxton, MD

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Smiling woman with blonde hair and leaf-shaped earrings.

Dr. Mary Thaxton, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with CHI St. Vincent Women’s Clinic in Hot Springs. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Thaxton provides comprehensive care ranging from preventive screenings to advanced gynecologic services.  

Mandy Rice, DO

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Dr. Mandy Rice is a dual board-certified General Surgeon and Trauma/Surgical Critical Care physician, as well as a Menopause Society–certified practitioner dedicated to transforming women’s health in our community.


As Medical Director of the Women’s Health Expo + Retail Therapy, Dr. Rice brings both surgical excellence and deep compassion to this annual event. Partnering with the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance (HSWLA) for the second year, she is passionate about empowering women through education, lifestyle medicine, and evidence-based hormone therapy, addressing the often-overlooked needs of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.


Together with her husband, Dr. M. Todd Rice, an anesthesiologist, she owns and operates Direct Surgical Care of Hot Springs and the newly opened Direct Integrative Health of Hot Springs (Suite 274, Rix Professional Building). Their patient-centered practices blend advanced robotic-assisted surgery, trauma expertise, and holistic midlife care. Dr. Rice provides surgical services at National Park Medical Center, Pain Treatment Centers of America, and South Central GI Endoscopy, while continuing to serve monthly in high-acuity Level I Trauma, Emergency General Surgery, and Trauma ICU roles in the Dallas metroplex. A Texas native who fell in love with Hot Springs after relocating here with her family in July 2022, Dr. Rice is frequently joined at the clinic by Ayva, the eldest of their three well-behaved Boxers and self-appointed Queen of Clinic Support Staff.


Driven by a clear vision, to dramatically improve both health span and lifespan for the women of our community, Dr. Rice is a tireless advocate, mentor, and healer. Through her clinical work, the Women’s Health Expo, and her broader mission, she continues to inspire women to reclaim vitality, purpose, and joy at every stage of life.

Mandy Burton, APRN

Mandy Burton, APRN, MSCP has over 28 years of dedicated experience in women’s health and brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to patient care. Her career began in labor and delivery, where she served as an L&D nurse, flight nurse, charge nurse, and preceptor—roles that provided a strong foundation in acute obstetric care and leadership.

For the past 4 years, she has practiced as a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in urogynecology. Since obtaining her APRN degree, she has become a Certified Menopause Practitioner through The Menopause Society, one of only 20 currently certified in the state of Arkansas.


A lifelong learner, she has pursued numerous advanced educational opportunities to deepen her expertise in midlife women’s health, including specialized training in hormone therapy prescribing, musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, testosterone therapy, and hormone management after gynecologic cancers.


She is an active member of The Menopause Society, ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health), and AUGS (American Urogynecologic Society), and has attended multiple national conferences hosted by these organizations to stay at the forefront of evolving evidence-based care.


Her passion lies in supporting women through every phase of life, especially during the complex and often underserved menopausal transition, delivering personalized, informed, and empowering care

Bethany Lucas, PA-C

Bethany Lucas, PA-C

With 29 years of healthcare experience and 18 years as a Physician Associate, Bethany Lucas, PA-C has dedicated her career to helping patients live healthier, stronger lives. Her journey began in nursing as a medic in the United States Air Force, where she developed a passion for serving others and a commitment to excellence in patient care.


Bethany earned her Physician Assistant education from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and has built a diverse clinical career spanning internal medicine, cardiology, urgent care, emergency medicine, and orthopedic surgery. Her broad experience gives her a unique perspective on the health challenges women face throughout every stage of life.


Today, Bethany's passion is empowering women to take control of their health—especially when it comes to bone health, osteoporosis prevention, mobility, and healthy aging. She believes that too many women are never taught how critical bone health is until after a fracture or diagnosis. Her mission is to change that conversation through education, prevention, and practical strategies that help women stay active, independent, and thriving for years to come.

Known for her engaging style, real-world approach, and ability to make complex medical topics easy to understand, Bethany inspires women to become advocates for their own health and to invest in themselves long before problems arise.


Her message is simple: the choices women make today can profoundly impact their strength, mobility, and quality of life tomorrow. "Strong bones are the foundation of a strong future.”

Talk: Sponsored by

Lauren Hollenbach, MD

Lauren Hollenbach, MD

Lauren Hollenbach, MD

 Dr. Laura L. Hollenbach is an Associate Professor in the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She practices at UAMS Health’s Women’s Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2008 and completed her residency in the UAMS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2012. During her residency, she was named Administrative Chief Resident. She completed a two-year fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.


Her commitment to research was recognized with the Willis Brown Resident Research Award and her dedication to teaching was recognized with the Outstanding Resident Teaching Award. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Jessica Cannon, MD

Lauren Hollenbach, MD

Lauren Hollenbach, MD

Dr. Cannon moved to Hot Springs in 2016 from Washington, D.C. She is originally from Austin, TX, completed her undergraduate degree at Cornell University, and then accepted a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy. After finishing her service to our country, she stayed in San Diego, CA and worked in biomedical research. She studied heart disease at The Scripps Research Institute and figured out quickly that she was suited for medicine. She went to medical school and chose to dedicate her life to keeping children healthy. She finished her residency at the Children's Hospital of New York in New York City and then moved to rural South Carolina with the National Health Service Corps. She married her U.S. Army veteran husband, Chris, and they eventually moved to Washington, D.C. where he worked as a military legislative assistant to members of the U.S. Senate. After several years there, the Cannons longed for a smaller town to raise their children. They settled in Hot Springs, having fallen in love with its beauty and charm. Dr. Cannon took over as the owner of the Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic in the summer of 2022 and has made it her mission to raise the bar of health standards for the children in central Arkansas.  

HRT 2: Sponsored by

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Dr. Nicquel Gordon is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with more than 20 years of experience caring for women across all stages of life. She has practiced at the CHI Women’s Center for 21 years, where she provides comprehensive care ranging from contraception and preventative health to minimally invasive surgery, prolapse and incontinence treatment, hormone therapy, menopausal care, and adolescent gynecology.


In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Gordon serves as the Medical Director of Unique Skin, where she has spent the last decade integrating aesthetics and advanced laser therapy into women’s health and wellness. She completed her medical degree and residency training at the University of Oklahoma, building the foundation for a career dedicated to empowering women through compassionate, individualized care.


Dr. Gordon is passionate about helping women feel their best—inside and out—and is known for her approachable, patient-centered style.

Mary Thaxton, MD

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Smiling woman with blonde hair and leaf-shaped earrings.

Dr. Mary Thaxton, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with CHI St. Vincent Women’s Clinic in Hot Springs. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Thaxton provides comprehensive care ranging from preventive screenings to advanced gynecologic services.  

Mandy Rice, DO

Nicquel Gordon, MD

Mandy Rice, DO

Dr. Mandy Rice is a dual board-certified General Surgeon and Trauma/Surgical Critical Care physician, as well as a Menopause Society–certified practitioner dedicated to transforming women’s health in our community.


As Medical Director of the Women’s Health Expo + Retail Therapy, Dr. Rice brings both surgical excellence and deep compassion to this annual event. Partnering with the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance (HSWLA) for the second year, she is passionate about empowering women through education, lifestyle medicine, and evidence-based hormone therapy, addressing the often-overlooked needs of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.


Together with her husband, Dr. M. Todd Rice, an anesthesiologist, she owns and operates Direct Surgical Care of Hot Springs and the newly opened Direct Integrative Health of Hot Springs (Suite 274, Rix Professional Building). Their patient-centered practices blend advanced robotic-assisted surgery, trauma expertise, and holistic midlife care. Dr. Rice provides surgical services at National Park Medical Center, Pain Treatment Centers of America, and South Central GI Endoscopy, while continuing to serve monthly in high-acuity Level I Trauma, Emergency General Surgery, and Trauma ICU roles in the Dallas metroplex. A Texas native who fell in love with Hot Springs after relocating here with her family in July 2022, Dr. Rice is frequently joined at the clinic by Ayva, the eldest of their three well-behaved Boxers and self-appointed Queen of Clinic Support Staff.


Driven by a clear vision, to dramatically improve both health span and lifespan for the women of our community, Dr. Rice is a tireless advocate, mentor, and healer. Through her clinical work, the Women’s Health Expo, and her broader mission, she continues to inspire women to reclaim vitality, purpose, and joy at every stage of life.

Kara Way, MD

Mandy Rice, DO

Dr. Way is a Board-certified neurologist and owner of New Way Neurology in Hot Springs, AR where her focus is on delivering high-quality, personalized neurological care and ensuring patients feel informed and supported every step of the way. She earned her medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her residency at UAMS as part of the Neurology Residency Program. Before attending medical school, Dr. Way worked as a registered nurse.

 

Dr. Way provides a wide range of neurological services to her patients, with a focus on outpatient neurological care. Her special interests include chronic migraine, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.

 

She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and an advisory council member on Southern Legacy of Life. She also serves as a member of the Speaker’s Bureau for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, providing educational lectures.

Mandy Burton, APRN

Mandy Burton, APRN

Mandy Burton, APRN, MSCP has over 28 years of dedicated experience in women’s health and brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to patient care. Her career began in labor and delivery, where she served as an L&D nurse, flight nurse, charge nurse, and preceptor—roles that provided a strong foundation in acute obstetric care and leadership.


For the past 4 years, she has practiced as a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in urogynecology. Since obtaining her APRN degree, she has become a Certified Menopause Practitioner through The Menopause Society, one of only 20 currently certified in the state of Arkansas.


A lifelong learner, she has pursued numerous advanced educational opportunities to deepen her expertise in midlife women’s health, including specialized training in hormone therapy prescribing, musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, testosterone therapy, and hormone management after gynecologic cancers.


She is an active member of The Menopause Society, ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health), and AUGS (American Urogynecologic Society), and has attended multiple national conferences hosted by these organizations to stay at the forefront of evolving evidence-based care.


Her passion lies in supporting women through every phase of life, especially during the complex and often underserved menopausal transition, delivering personalized, informed, and empowering care

The Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance Coalition is a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the State of Arkansas and recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.


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We do not sell or share your personal information. Data collected through this site is used only for communication and event purposes. 


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