About Sisterhood Charlotte
Sisterhood Charlotte is the umbrella organization uniting Girlhood Charlotte and Womanhood Charlotte. Founded in 2024 by Dr. Diep Nguyen and Mary Queen, RN, Girlhood Charlotte is the first in-home puberty education program for preteen girls and their mothers in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Two years later, Womanhood Charlotte was developed as Girlhood Charlotte's "big sister" program, offering in-home menopause education led by Dr. Astrid Jain and Anna Smith, RN, and designed to provide a similar interactive experience.
Through both programs, Sisterhood Charlotte aims to empower girls and women with trusted education, meaningful connections, and the confidence to thrive in every stage of life, from puberty through midlife and beyond. We believe life transitions should be embraced, not feared. By understanding their bodies, girls and women can cut through the noise of misinformation and confidently advocate for themselves with accurate, evidence-based knowledge. What sets us apart is our unique educational model. Each program brings these transformative conversations out of classrooms and exam rooms and into your living rooms.
In our Girlhood Charlotte program, modeled as a "puberty party," moms and daughters gather in a comfortable setting and the puberty education is brought directly to one's home. Medical professionals provide a comprehensive overview of the physical and emotional changes through engaging, interactive, and hands-on discussions. Armed with fact-based information, girls are better equipped to navigate this pivotal stage of life with confidence and self-assurance.
Rather than the time constraints of a medical office or virtual visit, Womanhood Charlotte provides personalized menopause-focused conversations alongside your friends with experienced medical experts in the comfort of your home. Women enjoy two hours of dedicated attention from trusted professionals who are specially trained to help women navigate midlife. These in-home discussions provide ample time to share experiences, learn from one another, and ask important questions. By gaining valuable knowledge, women can confidently decide the holistic and medical treatment options available to meet their unique needs in perimenopause and beyond.
Sisterhood Charlotte also celebrates women-led partners within the Charlotte community.
Learn more about our local “sisters,” each of whom share a passion to empower girls and women.
Empowering Women. Nurturing Girls. Together.
Conversations Tailored to Meet Your Needs
Meet the Sisterhood Team
Diep Nguyen, MD, FAAP Lead Pediatric Expert
Diep Nguyen, MD, FAAP Lead Pediatric Expert
Diep Nguyen, MD, FAAP Lead Pediatric Expert
Dr. Nguyen is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of clinical experience and proud mom of two. She is currently practicing in the Charlotte area and has the privilege of guiding patients through childhood & beyond. In her work with families, she realized there was a need for puberty education that extended beyond the
Dr. Nguyen is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of clinical experience and proud mom of two. She is currently practicing in the Charlotte area and has the privilege of guiding patients through childhood & beyond. In her work with families, she realized there was a need for puberty education that extended beyond the exam room.
In 2024, she co-founded Girlhood Charlotte to bring puberty education through interactive classes directed for girls and their mothers into their homes. As it grew, she discovered that women wanted a similar experience to learn about their changing bodies, leading to the creation of Womanhood Charlotte in early 2026. Together, these two innovative programs are the foundation of Sisterhood Charlotte.
Education & Training:
- University of Virginia, BA of Arts & Science in Biology with High Honors
- George Washington University, Medical Degree
- Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, Pediatric Internship
- Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC, Pediatric Residency & Chief Resident Year
Professional & Community Affiliations:
- Board Certification, American Board of Pediatrics, 2005-Present
- Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2005-Present
- Board Member, Baby Bundles, a Charlotte-based non-profit organization supporting underserved families with newborns, 2020-present
- Physician Advisor, Charlotte Latin School Physician Advisory Group, 2020-present
- Scholar, National Health Service Corps, 1998-2008
Mary Queen, RN, CPT Lead Pediatric Nurse Expert
Diep Nguyen, MD, FAAP Lead Pediatric Expert
Diep Nguyen, MD, FAAP Lead Pediatric Expert
Mary Queen is a practicing a postpartum nurse and has the privilege of supporting women through one of the most transformative seasons of their lives, childbirth. In her role as a nurse, providing compassionate care while encouraging them to trust their bodies and themselves has given her a valuable perspective on the strength of a woma
Mary Queen is a practicing a postpartum nurse and has the privilege of supporting women through one of the most transformative seasons of their lives, childbirth. In her role as a nurse, providing compassionate care while encouraging them to trust their bodies and themselves has given her a valuable perspective on the strength of a woman's' body and courage. She is passionate about empowering women to embrace their strength, prioritize their well-being, and build lives filled with confidence and purpose.
Prior to clinical nursing, Mary worked as a fitness instructor, where she discovered the powerful connection between physical health, mental wellness, and self-confidence. That experience continues to shape her belief that true wellness extends beyond exercise—it's about creating sustainable habits, nurturing your mind and body, and showing up for yourself every day.
Mary's mission is to inspire women to invest in their health, embrace their unique journeys, and uplift one another through community, encouragement, and authentic connection. She believes that when women support women, we create a ripple effect of strength, resilience, and lasting impact for generations to come. She imparts this passion as a co-founder
of Girlhood Charlotte & Sisterhood Charlotte.
Education & Certifications:
- College of Charleston, BS in psychology
- Collegiate swimmer
- UNC-Greensboro, BS in Nursing
- American Nurses Association, member of ANA
- Certified Personal Trainer, ACSM
- Certified Menopausal Coaching Specialist, GGS
Community Affiliations:
- Volunteer, Young Life Capernaum
- Past Board and Founding Member, Bethany’s Butterflies Foundation
- Childcare Volunteer, Hope Community Church
- Volunteer, Braveworks Non-Profit
Astrid Jain, MD, FACOG Lead menopause Expert
Anna Smith, BSN, RN Lead Nutrition & Healthy Aging Expert
Anna Smith, BSN, RN Lead Nutrition & Healthy Aging Expert
Dr Jain is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist with over 33 years of experience. She is a fellow of the American College of Ob/Gyn and a Menopause Society certified physician.
She has proudly practiced at Eastover Ob/Gyn, Atrium Health for the entirety of her career, enabling her to provide the highest level of care to her patie
Dr Jain is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist with over 33 years of experience. She is a fellow of the American College of Ob/Gyn and a Menopause Society certified physician.
She has proudly practiced at Eastover Ob/Gyn, Atrium Health for the entirety of her career, enabling her to provide the highest level of care to her patients from puberty through menopause and beyond. Dr Jain has enjoyed establishing close and long-lasting relationships with her patients, fostering trust and helping them to feel comfortable.
She is passionate about educating women about their gynecologic health, helping them to feel safe, empowered and able to express their questions and concerns.
Her focus aligns with the mission of Womanhood Charlotte where she seeks to not only educate but to provide women with the tools to thrive during their perimenopausal and menopausal years.
Dr Jain is the proud mother of her daughter, Alexa and pug, Lucy.
Education & Training:
- Brown University, Sc.B. Neuroscience
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, MD
- Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, Ob/Gyn Residency
Professional & Community Affiliations:
- Fellow, American College of Ob/Gyn,
- Member, NC Ob/Gyn Society
- Member, Southeastern Ob/Gyn Society
- Menopause Society Certified
- Charlotte Magazine’s Top Doctor, Recognition in Ob/Gyn for over 20 years
- Charlotte Smarty Pants Best Ob/Gyn, 2011
- Board member and Medical Director, The Center for Women’s Aesthetics, 2021-2025
- Vice Chief, Department of Ob/Gyn, Carolinas Medical Center, 2003-2006
- Chair, Department of Ob/Gyn, Carolina's Medical Center, Quality Assurance Committee, 2003-2006
- Parent Board Member and Lead of volunteers and social media, Myers Park High School- Women’s Lacrosse, 2020-2024
- Dilworth Elementary School, PTSA, 2011-2017
Anna Smith, BSN, RN Lead Nutrition & Healthy Aging Expert
Anna Smith, BSN, RN Lead Nutrition & Healthy Aging Expert
Anna Smith, BSN, RN Lead Nutrition & Healthy Aging Expert
Anna Smith graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism (Ad/PR) and spent her early career working in the marketing department at Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation in Memphis. Writing about cutting-edge procedures and compelling patient stories for corporate publications and the media led to her keen inter
Anna Smith graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism (Ad/PR) and spent her early career working in the marketing department at Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation in Memphis. Writing about cutting-edge procedures and compelling patient stories for corporate publications and the media led to her keen interest in the clinical aspects of healthcare.
After raising her three children, she went back to school at Queens University to pursue her nursing degree, graduating with her BSN in 2022. Her passion as a nurse was patient education because of its long lasting impact on the people in her care.
Today, her passion continues to be patient education and advocacy. Since graduation, she has dedicated many hours to continuing education in the areas of nutrition and healthy aging and is in the process of becoming a Certified Personal Trainer with specializations in Nutrition and Menopause Coaching. She is excited to partner with women to help them live their best lives as they age.
Anna has been married to her husband and best friend, Mark, for almost 30 years. In addition to their three children, they also have an an English Springer Spaniel named Betsy.
Education:
- University of Georgia Henry W. Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication, ABJ (Ad/PR)
- Queens University, BSN
Professional Work:
- Public Relations Specialist, Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation, Memphis, TN
- Clinical Nurse, Thrive Carolinas, Charlotte, NC
Community Affiliations:
- MOSAIC Summit facilitator, 2026
- Mitchell's Fund Board Member, 2023-2025
- Samaritan's Purse: Hurricane Helene disaster relief volunteer in Arden, NC, 2024
- 100 Women Who Care Charlotte, Founding Member, 2023-present
- The Nest Academy, Health Teacher (volunteer), 2022-2023
- Charlotte Country Day School Parents' Association, various positions including Lower School Board Member and Executive Board Member, 2005-2021
- Sedgefield Elementary School, Reading Tutor & Mentor, 2018
Learn More About Us
*Discover Girlhood Charlotte:
At-home Puberty Party | Girlhood Charlotte
Questions?
Email us at: Girlhoodcharlotte@gmail.com
*Discover Womanhood Charlotte:
Questions?
Email us at: Womanhood.charlotte@gmail.com
Within Our Community
Spreading the word about our mission while supporting health and wellness initiatives at the Levine Jewish Community Center- Women's Wellness Fair
Spring 2026
Dr. Jain and Mary Queen presented an interactive talk called "The Collision of Hormones" to a group of women at the inaugural Mosaic Summit in Charlotte. They shared science-based information along with practical tips on how to handle the emotional challenges when hormones collide between moms and daughters in the same household.
Mosaic Summit, Spring 2026
Celebrating the launch of Sisterhood Charlotte with a group of our VIP supporters. A complimentary Womanhood Charlotte talk was led by Dr. Jain and Anna Smith while appetizers, desserts and wine was served. We gathered in Sisterhood style.
Spring 2026
Sisterhood Supports Local Sisters
The MomDryMat Podcast
About the Podcast
The MomDryMat is a place to air it all out—no fabric softener required. From motherhood, marriage, work life, kindergarten to middle school drama, special needs parenting, relationships and aging parents to friendships and the emotional baggage we all carry, nothing is off-limits. This is a space where we want to build community and inspire everyone to find what is important to them. We sort through the messy, honest chaos of midlife and family life—one load at a time.
Founder, Theresa Henderson
Listen & Learn More:
Growing Our Girls
Growing Our Girls' mission is to curate experiences that nurture mental health, connection, and community through workshops, relationship building experiences, and community events. Growing Our Girls aims to give girls the tools to grow whole and resilient authentically, and the women raising them the support they need along the way.
Founder, Kristin Mountcastle
Learn more:
Pangea's Plate
Pangea’s Plate was created from a deep belief that women deserve to feel vibrant, clear, and supported in every season of life.
You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Small, incremental shifts and steps, compounded over time, will lead to big results! You just need the right guidance, the right structure, and someone in your corner to help hold you accountable to take care of YOU!
Founder, Lisa Passehl
Learn more:
Built Girl Movement
Dr. Irm R. Bellavia is a board-certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with more than two decades of experience helping children, adolescents, and their families navigate the challenges of growing up. After nearly three decades in psychiatry, she became convinced that one of the greatest opportunities to improve mental health begins long before a child ever needs psychiatric care.
That belief inspired Built Girl™, a prevention-focused educational movement that brings the science of emotional well-being beyond the psychiatrist’s office and into everyday life. Through practical neuroscience, psychology, and personal development, Dr. Bellavia helps girls, and the parents raising them, better understand the developing brain, build healthy habits, and strengthen emotional resilience.
She believes every girl deserves this knowledge before she needs it. Her mission is to equip girls and the adults who love them with the understanding and practical tools to navigate life’s inevitable challenges with curiosity, resilience, confidence, and hope. More details to come!
Founder, Dr. Irm Bellavia
Mosaic Summit
MOSAIC is a nonprofit organization empowering girls and their moms to step into their full potential by building resilience, owning their self-worth, and developing a strong, confident voice through mentorship, meaningful connection, access to local experts, and a supportive community.
Founders
Kristy Boyles, Kristin Mountcastle and Brittany Pasut
Learn more:
MOSAIC | A summit for girls and the women who raise them—Join Now