Can you please tell us a bit about yourself personally?
I’m a mom to two wonderful daughters, Charlotte (6) and Amelie (2). They’re my miracle babies after 10 rounds of IVF, a surrogacy loss, and multiple surgeries for advanced endometriosis. My husband, Eric, is from LA, and I’m originally from the South. I grew up internationally and I’ve been living on the East Coast since my college years.
What made you choose Greenwich as the location for your new office?
Layla introduced me to the beautiful space on North Street, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was ideal for an integrative wellness practice. The serene drive, surrounded by nature, immediately brings a sense of calm, and the peaceful outdoor area feels like a retreat—for both my patients and myself. It’s a welcoming space designed to foster healing, connection, and personalized care, exactly the kind of environment I dreamed of creating.
Please tell us about Esse Care and your integrated approach to medicine?
Esse Care is a boutique practice dedicated to restorative gynecologic surgery and wellness, offering a personalized approach to care that’s grounded in both expertise and empathy. As a minimally invasive surgeon specializing in endometriosis and complex pelvic conditions, my work is deeply personal. I’ve been in the patient’s seat—diagnosed with ovarian failure at 30, endometriosis at 31, and later navigating adenomyosis and menopause after a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. I know how overwhelming these challenges can feel, and my goal is to share the same resources and care that were pivotal in my own healing journey.
Our main services include advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery for conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and adenomyosis, with a focus on precise techniques to restore health and preserve fertility. We also offer in-depth evaluations and treatments for infertility and recurrent miscarriage, working closely with top fertility specialists to help patients achieve their dreams. For those not pursuing surgery, we provide hormone management, personalized wellness plans, and non-invasive solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.
Beyond medical care, we embrace a holistic approach to wellness. Our team includes Lisa Lisiewski for nutrition guidance, Lida Ahmady for acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and Junod for hypnotherapy. We also collaborate with experts in pelvic floor therapy and personalized Pilates to support recovery and overall health.
At Esse Care, we’re more than a medical practice—we’re a sanctuary for healing, designed to help you feel empowered, supported, and truly well.
How did you start Esse Care? What is your professional background?
I started Esse Care in 2023 after spending years performing endometriosis surgery in a practice that was solely focused on the surgical aspect of care. While surgery is an essential tool, I saw in myself—and in my patients—a need for something more holistic. True healing requires more than just addressing the physical; it’s about providing resources and support for the whole person.
My own journey has shaped the way I practice medicine. I started in pre-med but ultimately graduated with a double major in studio art and Latin American literature. Growing up overseas and traveling extensively throughout my 20s broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of different approaches to wellness. My osteopathic medical training reinforced the belief that the body is an integrated system, and I’ve always carried that philosophy into patient care.
Over the years, I found myself instinctively connecting patients with other practitioners, sharing low-inflammatory diets, recommending vitamins, and creating care plans that extended far beyond the operating room. I dreamed of building a space where this kind of holistic, personalized care could flourish—a sanctuary for healing.
The space on North Street embodies that dream for me. It’s not just a practice; it’s a reflection of everything I’ve envisioned. I love driving through the back country roads, soaking in the calm of nature, and sitting in my office—even on days when I’m not seeing patients. My family played a huge role in helping me start this practice, and so many dear friends have supported and collaborated to make Esse Care what it is today.
Esse Care is truly a heart project, created to offer a place where patients feel seen, supported, and empowered on their journey to wellness.
You also specialize in Teenage introductions to Gynecology – what is the best way to start to have conversations with our children early to prepare them?
Periods should never be debilitating. Missing school because of period pain, bowel symptoms, or other issues is not normal, and it’s so important that teens understand this. I’m passionate about providing baseline education to help young people recognize what’s normal and what’s not, all in a safe, comfortable space where they can talk openly and feel truly heard.
For teens struggling with menstrual health issues, there are many supportive options—from diet changes, therapies, and supplements to lifestyle adjustments and, if needed, medications or surgery. The goal is always to empower them with strategies that work for their unique needs, without fear or pressure. Everything is approached thoughtfully and at their own pace.
We can arrange imaging, like transabdominal ultrasounds, ahead of time if necessary, and there’s absolutely no requirement for a pelvic exam. More than anything, it’s about having a meaningful conversation with someone who’s a mom to two little girls and who brings years of experience treating a wide range of menstrual health challenges. It’s about creating a supportive environment where teens feel safe, informed, and cared for.
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the past 5-10 years in women’s healthcare?
In just the past five years, there’s been a much-needed shift toward recognizing and discussing once-taboo topics like endometriosis and menopause. These are conditions I work with every day, and I’ve seen firsthand how they often parallel each other in the gaslighting and dismissal patients frequently experience. For far too long, individuals facing these challenges were left feeling unheard and invalidated.
Now, patients are more educated, and society is finally starting to bring these conversations into the mainstream. It’s exciting and empowering to witness this change, to be part of a movement that validates concerns and helps people heal—not just physically, but from years of medical trauma. Being able to listen, affirm their experiences, and offer real solutions is what drives me every day. It’s an honor to help patients feel seen and supported in ways that may have been missing for far too long.
What are the top reasons that patients come to Esse Care?
At Esse Care, we’ve created a sanctuary—a boutique health space where patients feel truly seen, heard, and supported. It’s a place where providers listen deeply, collaborate fully, and work alongside the patient, their family, and other practitioners to create a personalized path to wellness.
Here, you’ll meet a doctor who doesn’t just understand your struggles but has lived them. I share my story because I know how isolating and overwhelming pelvic health challenges can feel. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood and empowered, knowing we’ll work together on a holistic plan that goes far beyond addressing symptoms.
We look at the whole picture—your pelvic health, lifestyle, stress environment, approaches to pain, and overall wellness. We aim to complement your unique needs and provide tools that align with your goals. Every aspect of our care is designed to feel personal, supportive, and connected, treating you not just as a patient but as part of our family.
Please demystify endometriosis for us – what do we need to know?
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those that line the uterus grow in places they don’t belong. These cells can implant almost anywhere in the abdomen—on the bowel, bladder, ovaries, appendix, diaphragm, and, in rare cases, even in distant areas like the lungs. The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely, ranging from “silent” cases with no obvious signs to debilitating pain, and the severity of symptoms doesn’t always correlate with the depth or extent of the disease.
In the early stages, all imaging and testing may come back normal, which is why I often rely on a patient’s history and symptoms to guide my suspicion of endometriosis. While an MRI can provide useful information, it is not diagnostic. The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through exploratory surgery with excision, allowing the tissue to be examined under a microscope.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 8–10 women or individuals born with a uterus and is responsible for over 50% of unexplained infertility. Despite its prevalence, the journey to diagnosis can be long—often taking 10 years or more—due to widespread under-recognition and gaslighting of symptoms. It can begin with painful, debilitating periods or severe bowel and pelvic symptoms, leaving patients feeling dismissed and overwhelmed.
But endometriosis doesn’t have to take over your life. With expert treatment, including surgical excision, and complementary therapies like diet, pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture, and stress management, patients can reclaim their health and quality of life. Early recognition and proper care make all the difference, and I’m here to help patients find answers and support.
Can you share a bit more about hormone balancing?
I provide hormone replacement therapy for menopause as well as hormone balancing throughout different stages of life. Every patient has a unique story, and by listening closely to their symptoms and concerns, I work to uncover what’s out of balance and how we can help them feel their best. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to birth control, perimenopause, or menopause. It’s all about tailoring care to each individual’s needs and goals.
Even if a patient feels great at 38, it’s a good idea to establish baseline labs before hormones begin to shift significantly. This proactive approach helps us create a customized plan when the time comes to address changes. Whether it’s managing perimenopause, optimizing hormonal health, or navigating menopause, I work with patients to create solutions that fit their preferences and lifestyle.
At Esse Care, I offer a range of options—from traditional birth control and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to holistic approaches and supplements. The goal is to provide support that feels right for each person, empowering them to take control of their health and feel their absolute best.
What fertility consulting services do you offer?
At Esse Care, we take a comprehensive approach to the fertility journey, looking at the entire picture of what’s happening and what’s needed. We collaborate with the top fertility experts across the U.S. to create a plan that’s tailored to your experiences and goals. Sometimes that means offering protocol advice for patients with endometriosis, and other times it involves fertility-restorative surgery or endometrial biopsies to uncover critical answers.
With 50% of unexplained infertility linked to endometriosis, addressing it can be a key part of the process. Having gone through IVF myself, I know how valuable it is to get second opinions, have access to resources, and find a trusted sounding board during such a complex and emotional time. At Esse, we strive to be that supportive presence for our patients, meeting them where they are and providing what they need to feel informed, empowered, and cared for.
How do you balance work and being a parent?
It’s always a juggling act, but it’s the most important one—and my greatest! One of the main reasons I started Esse was to be closer to home and more present for my little ones. Spending so much time commuting into Manhattan meant missing so many precious moments with the miracles I fought so hard to have, and that was tough to reconcile.
Now, I’m so grateful for the incredible nanny and village around me that helps make life work. Having the office less than 30 minutes from home has been a game-changer, and I try to keep as many activities nearby as possible. My goal is always to be home well before dinner time, though surgery days can sometimes run late. But no matter what, the girls know mama always comes home to snuggle them—and weekends are all theirs.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another parent?
Hug them and don’t let go until they do—that’s my mantra. Sometimes I think about how big my kids are getting, but then I look closer and realize my little one is still just a baby, and my 6-year-old is still such a little girl. They both love to cuddle me so much, and while I hope it will always be this way, I know these moments are fleeting and so precious.
Those tight hugs in the morning aren’t just about connection—they help ground them and set a calm, loving tone for the day. I also make an effort to get down on their level and see the world through their eyes. Their sense of wonder is contagious, and it helps me navigate even the frustrating moments. Taking a step back and seeing things from their perspective makes all the difference—it’s a daily reminder of how magical these little years are.
What do you like to do to relax/have fun for yourself and as a family?
Exercise has always been an important part of my life, but there was a time when it slipped away—daily commutes just got too long, and my focus shifted. Now, I’m so excited to make it a priority again, putting health and wellness above traffic and busy schedules. It feels incredible to carve out that time for myself and reconnect with movement.
Our family loves to keep things fun and relaxed too. Saturday mornings are often for pajamas and lizard yoga—our playful way of staying active together. We also love to travel and explore new places, from unique houses to vibrant cities. It’s all about balancing wellness, connection, and adventure in a way that feels joyful and fulfilling.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Answering these questions was such a fun experience! Greenwich is such an exciting and collaborative place to be—it has this incredible energy that inspires connection and growth.
We love to support local businesses. What are your fave places when you are in Greenwich to:
Grab coffee: Back country Country market
Workout: Core Pilates: North Greenwich
Go on a date night: Bedford Post Inn Tavern
Go out for a girls night: I’ve hosted several girls nights already at the firepit outside our office 😉 Hormones, cocktails and camaraderie.
Go out to dinner as a family: Elm Street Oyster House
Get your hair done: Maison Alexander
Get your nails done: Posh Nail Salon
Have fun as a family: The Bruce museum or park across the street!
