Community Leadership & Women’s Health Advocacy in Connecticut
Community impact is central to the mission of Milford Med Spa & Wellness. We believe healthcare leadership extends beyond clinical practice into education, advocacy, mentorship, and systems-level change. Through public events, professional collaboration, and strategic partnerships, we work to expand access to evidence-based hormone care, advance women’s health outcomes, and strengthen the next generation of healthcare leaders in Connecticut.
Community Leadership & Public Health Events
The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause
In March 2025, Dr. Courtney Holmes, APRN brought The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause to Milford, CT hosting a free community screening and expert-led discussion focused on menopause awareness, advocacy, and evidence-based hormone care. The event was hosted at the Milford Arts Council, whose generous donation of space made this important public health conversation accessible to all.
The launch was organized in collaboration with Life Story, owned by Laura Dostilio, and supported by a network of local women-owned businesses who amplified outreach and contributed raffle prizes. Partners included Achieve Independence, Just Be Yoga & Wellness, At Sangha Yoga, and other community-based businesses committed to women’s health and empowerment.
More than 50 local women and healthcare providers attended, creating an engaged audience focused on improving women’s health in our region. Following the screening, Dr. Holmes and her two LPNs, both certified menopause coaches, led a live panel discussion and open Q&A addressing hormone therapy, cardiovascular risk, bone health, cognitive changes, and treatment safety. Primary care providers in attendance have since become trusted referral sources, strengthening collaborative care networks and increasing access to menopause-informed care for women throughout the community.
This initiative directly reflects Dr. Holmes’ “Change the Statistic” mission. Nationally, only 5% to 10% of eligible women receive hormone therapy despite strong evidence supporting its role in symptom relief, cardiovascular protection, bone preservation, and long-term health outcomes. By bringing The M Factor to Milford, Milford Med Spa advanced education, reduced stigma, strengthened interdisciplinary relationships, and positioned menopause care as essential preventative medicine.
Hosting The M Factor was more than an event; it was healthcare leadership in action. Through advocacy, collaboration, and evidence-based dialogue, Milford Med Spa continues working to close gaps in women’s healthcare and elevate the standard of hormone-informed care in Connecticut.
To learn more about evidence-based hormone care at Milford Med Spa, including support from our Spanish-speaking APRN, visit our Menopause and Perimenopause Care page.
American Heart Association, Go Red for Women & STEM Goes Red at SCSU
Milford Med Spa proudly supports the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative and the STEM Goes Red program at SCSU. As a 2026 donor to the Greater New Haven Go Red for Women campaign and a STEM mentor, Dr. Courtney Holmes will mentor two cohorts of 20 high school women, guiding them toward careers in science, technology, engineering, and medicine while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. This commitment is deeply personal. After losing her mother to heart disease at just 68, Dr. Holmes has dedicated part of her work to advancing women’s cardiovascular health awareness and education. Supporting Go Red for Women and mentoring future healthcare leaders reflects our broader mission: closing gaps in women’s health outcomes and empowering the next generation to lead with knowledge, courage, and evidence-based care.
Manifest Beauty, Public Health & Women’s Wellness Education
For three consecutive years, Dr. Courtney Holmes has served as both a featured speaker and major sponsor of Manifest Beauty, an annual women-centered event founded by Sonja Denyse that brings together entrepreneurs, wellness leaders, and community members for education and empowerment. Over the years, Dr. Holmes’ talks have evolved alongside her mission. She has spoken on building a purpose-driven healthcare business and entrepreneurship, on redefining beauty from the inside out, and most recently on evidence-based hormone health and menopause education. Through these presentations, she translates complex medical science into accessible knowledge, equipping women with practical tools to advocate for their health, longevity, and well-being. As a major sponsor, Milford Med Spa has also provided financial support to ensure the continued growth and accessibility of this community event. This sustained involvement reflects our belief that public education is essential to closing gaps in women’s healthcare and advancing informed, preventative medicine in Connecticut.
Professional Healthcare Memberships & Affiliations
Connecticut Health, Athletic, and Mental Performance (CHAMP) Center at Southern Connecticut State University
Milford Med Spa collaborates with the CHAMP Center at Southern Connecticut State University to expand access to advanced body composition and bone density testing, including DEXA scans. Through this partnership, we improve access to DEXA screening outside the traditional health insurance model, removing barriers to preventative care. DEXA provides essential data on bone density, visceral fat, lean muscle mass, and metabolic health, critical for patients navigating perimenopause, menopause, osteoporosis prevention, weight management, and hormone optimization. By combining objective data with evidence-based hormone care, we help patients take a proactive approach to long-term skeletal, cardiovascular, and metabolic health.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce works to enhance opportunities, empower businesses, and influence economic growth throughout Milford, Connecticut. Milford Med Spa is an active member of the Chamber’s Health & Wellness Council, a collaborative initiative uniting medical providers, HR leaders, health professionals, and industry partners to strengthen workplace wellness and community health.
In addition to council participation, Dr. Courtney Holmes, APRN sponsored the first three years of the Regional Bridal Expo, supporting local small businesses and women entrepreneurs while expanding community visibility for preventative health and aesthetic care. This sustained involvement reflects Milford Med Spa’s commitment not only to healthcare leadership, but to the vitality and economic growth of our local business community.
American Nurses Association & Connecticut Nurses Association
Milford Med Spa maintains professional membership with the American Nurses Association (ANA) and its state affiliate, the Connecticut Nurses Association (CNA). These organizations advance nursing practice, healthcare policy, and professional standards at both national and state levels. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice–led organization, our membership reflects a commitment not only to clinical excellence and ethical leadership, but to shaping evidence-based healthcare delivery within our Connecticut community and beyond.
Connecticut Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Society
CT APRN Society is the professional organization representing APRNs across the state. Through this membership, we stay engaged in legislative advocacy, scope-of-practice developments, and evidence-based clinical standards that support safe, autonomous, and high-quality advanced practice nursing in Connecticut.
American Academy of Facial Esthetics
Milford Med Spa maintains membership and advanced training affiliation with the AAFE, a leading educational organization dedicated to safe, evidence-based injectable and facial aesthetic techniques. Through AAFE, we pursue ongoing clinical education to refine advanced injection skills, facial anatomy expertise, and patient safety standards, ensuring natural, precise, and medically sound aesthetic outcomes.
The Menopause Society
The Menopause Society is a nonprofit organization with the mission of empowering healthcare professionals and providing them with the tools and resources they need to improve the health of women during the menopause transition and beyond.
American Medical Spa Association
AmSpa is a national organization dedicated to advancing excellence, safety, and compliance within the medical aesthetics industry. Through AmSpa, we stay informed on evolving regulations, best practices, and industry standards to ensure our patients receive safe, ethical, and evidence-based aesthetic care.
Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber (CTGLC)
The CTGLC is committed to promoting and supporting our members and providing an inclusive business environment for Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies. To do so, we connect LGBTQ+ businesses, entrepreneurs, and allies with opportunities to network, engage, and collaborate.
GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities and equality for LGBTQ+ health professionals in their work and learning environments. To achieve this mission, GLMA utilizes the scientific expertise of its diverse multidisciplinary membership to inform and drive advocacy, education, and research.
Community Partnerships & Philanthropy
Milford Med Spa was proud to sponsor New Haven Pride as a $1,000 supporter in 2023 and a $1,250 sponsor in 2024, contributing to one of Connecticut’s most visible celebrations of LGBTQ+ community, advocacy, and inclusion.
While New Haven Pride recently announced its closure due to financial challenges, we remain grateful for the impact the organization had in fostering visibility, connection, and belonging across the region. Our sponsorship reflected our commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ equity, affirming healthcare access, and safe community spaces for all.
We honor the work that was done and remain dedicated to advancing inclusive care and community engagement moving forward.
Milford Pride
Milford Med Spa proudly sponsored the 2024 Milford Pride Ball with a $1,000 contribution in support of local LGBTQ+ visibility, celebration, and community advocacy. The Pride Ball serves as an important annual event uplifting inclusion, equality, and connection within Milford and the surrounding region. Our sponsorship reflects an ongoing commitment to creating safe, affirming healthcare spaces and supporting initiatives that promote dignity, access, and representation for LGBTQ+ individuals in our community.
Academy of Our Lady of Mercy (Lauralton Hall)
Dr. Courtney Holmes is a proud alumna of Lauralton Hall, where her education was shaped by the Sisters of Mercy and their enduring commitment to service, leadership, intellectual rigor, and social responsibility. The Mercy tradition’s emphasis on compassion, justice, and educating women to lead with purpose continues to influence the mission of Milford Med Spa. The foundation of critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community service cultivated at Lauralton Hall remains central to how we practice — blending science, advocacy, and care in service of women and our broader community.
Jonathan Law High School
Milford Med Spa participated in Jonathan Law High School’s Senior Internship Program, which allows graduating seniors to complete real-world internships in their chosen field during the final weeks of high school. Dr. Courtney Holmes mentored a senior pursuing nursing and future APRN studies, providing exposure to advanced practice nursing, clinical workflow, and team-based healthcare. This experience reflects our commitment to supporting future nurse practitioners and strengthening the next generation of healthcare professionals in our community.
Walk Milford Challenge
Founded in 2014, the Walk Milford Challenge raises awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, with over 150 routes spanning all of Milford.
The Reach Fund
The Reach Fund works directly with Connecticut abortion providers to help those who cannot afford it, and fiercely advocates abortion access for everybody.
Planned Parenthood
With 15 locations in Connecticut, Planned Parenthood provides affordable, comprehensive, and high quality reproductive health care.
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund
The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is committed to ending discrimination based upon gender identity and expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, and public policy efforts.
Transanta
Transanta is a project that connects trans youth that are without housing or in foster care with anonymous gift givers to show they are supported by people around the world.
The Cure Starts Now CT
The Cure Starts Now fights for the elimination of cancer as a whole. They believe that in order to truly cure cancer you have to focus on those cancers that are immune to treatment and affetc children.
Get In Touch Foundation
The Get In Touch Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on providing accessible and free information about breast health, as well as making it easy and routine.
The Tommy Fund
The Tommy Fund is all about supporting the emotional and medical needs of children with cancer and their families through fundraising and awareness raising activities all over Connecticut.
Boys and Girls CLub of Milford
The Boys and Girls Club of Milford workes to ensure children of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and religion reach their potential as caring, productive, and responsible adults.
Keeping Milford Warm
Located in Milford, CT, Keeping Milford Warm is dedicated to serving families and individuals in need in the community. By raising funds to purchase heat, we’re able to help our community stay warm and safe all year long.
Milford United Way
The United Way works with local communities to address critical needs and create a community where every person is healthy, safe, and economically secure.
Ride for Hope
Ride for Hope is an event hosted by the Milford Prevention Council that focuses on spreading overdose awareness.
Devon Rotary Club
The Devon Rotary Club of Connecticut is a volunteer organization of business and professional women and men who want to make a positive difference in the community. They donate over $25,000 annually to local charities and organizations.
Fun Girls Night Out
Fun Girls Night Out works with many local businesses to make a fun, informative, and interactive even for women throughout New York, Boston, Long Island, and Connecticut.
Precious Blood Parish
Precious Blood Parish is a Roman Catholic community of faith in Milford, Connecticut rooted in the Word of God and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Milford Duck Race
The Milford United Way Duck Race is an annual fundraiser that raises funds for the United Way to give disaster relief, emergency funds, diapers, and school supplies to those in need.
Joseph A. Foran High School
Milford Med Spa has supported Joseph A. Foran High School through sponsorship of athletic program schedule cards. Both of Dr. Courtney Holmes’ children attended Foran, and she has also participated in adult continuing education courses there, reflecting an ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and local education.
Bridgeport Pride
In 2025, Milford Med Spa made a financial contribution in support of a Bridgeport Pride fundraising event, helping advance local efforts that promote LGBTQ+ visibility, advocacy, and community connection. Supporting Pride initiatives reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusive, affirming healthcare and to strengthening spaces where individuals of all identities feel seen, respected, and empowered.
Milford Performing Arts Center Dance
Milford Med Spa has supported fundraising efforts for the Milford Performing Arts Center Dance program, helping sustain opportunities for young dancers to train and perform. Dance was foundational in Dr. Courtney Holmes’ own appreciation of the arts and in developing a lifelong commitment to caring for her body — values that continue to influence our holistic approach to health and wellness. The MPAC provides a nurturing environment for all of their students, boys and girls. They offer many classes including Gymnastics, Musical Theatre, Modeling Hop Hip, Lyrical Pointe, Ballet Vocal, and Jazz Tap.
Why This Matters
Healthcare transformation happens when clinicians stay engaged beyond their own practice. By supporting organizations that prioritize education, equity, and research, Milford Med Spa ensures our patients receive care rooted in current science, inclusion, and community connection.