Get to Know your Care Team: Bionic Advisors

You may already recognize our Advisors if you’re a member or follow us on social media, but who really is your Advisor Care Team? It’s time to get to know Anna and Kelly!

‍

Tell us about yourself! Give us your brief personal and professional background, why you are with Bionic, etc.

• Anna: Hi, I’m Anna! I’m a NASM certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, a WellCoaches certified health coach, and I have 7 years of experience working in coaching and fitness through a combination of 1:1 and group training. I received my undergraduate degree in Human Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go heels!) and I’m passionate about helping others reach their full potential while finding balance in health and wellness. At UNC, I got connected to Bionic after taking Dr. Abbie-Smith Ryan’s Sports Nutrition course, just months into the launch of the company. I appreciate Bionic’s holistic outlook for promoting longevity and taking such a deep and individual look into each of our members' health, while leveraging the power of lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise on lasting wellness. Our physicians care so much about each of our members, and I get excited everyday to help our members take steps to optimize their health!
• Kelly: Hey! My name is Kelly Joniak and I’m proud to be one of your Bionic Advisors! I joined Bionic as a contractor while finishing my Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before joining as a full time employee. My advisor, Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan, introduced me to Dr. Jared Pelo and I was instantly excited about the Bionic Health mission to promote optimal health for all. Jared and the Bionic Health team work tirelessly to integrate all aspects of health and wellness to provide the best member care possible, which is why I wanted to join the team! I’m pleased to contribute to the mission and my member care by utilizing the skills and knowledge earned from my undergraduate and master’s programs in addition to my time at EXOS as a strength and conditioning and nutrition intern and with the Chicago Bears Football Club as a sport science and nutrition intern. 

‍

Favorite way to get moving?

• Anna: I love hypertrophy-style strength training, and a push-pull-legs split is my tried and true. I’ve been consistently strength training for about 3.5 years and I do enjoy running as well - I ran my first half-marathon in October 2023. I will say my motivation to run admittedly comes and goes, but a nice run always makes me feel great. Lastly, if I could hike or at least go on a long walk every single day, I would! We are getting our money’s worth out of the walking treadmills at the office.
• Kelly: My favorite way to get moving is to train and compete in Olympic Weightlifting! I started training about 3 years ago and would train every day if I could! When I’m not training, I enjoy doing yoga with friends to improve my mobility. I also love hiking and biking to enjoy the outdoors and see more of the world. You will likely find me working on a walking pad in the office or taking a midday walk with fellow advisor, Anna Simmons as well. 

‍

What is your favorite wearable device/tracker and why?

• Anna: I currently have a Garmin Venu 3S, and I love how it’s a fitness tracker with smart watch functionality. I mostly use it to track my steps, workouts (runs and strength training sessions), sleep, and my menstrual cycle. I’d highly recommend it and I’m happy to answer any questions about my experience with it!
• Kelly: I’m currently exploring different wearable devices. I have been experimenting with a fitbit and enjoy seeing my step count and heart rate while exercising but would love to try an Oura ring or Polar watch next! At a minimum, a simple polar heart rate strap is a great place to start to ensure I achieve adequate heart rate goals while doing interval training. 

‍

Snack and beverage of choice?

• Anna: Right now I’ve been loving chia seed pudding as my morning meal or snack, I’m having it every single day lately. It tastes like a dessert and it’s packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3 fats. Here is the recipe I use. I’m a big beverage fan and often bring 3-4 different drinks in the office. If I had to pick my favorite it would definitely be some form of coffee (on a cold brew and iced latte kick right now!). Although, I also love kombucha and matcha. The more beverages the better.
• Kelly: Recently, my favorite snack has been turkey jerky with fruit (I’m always prioritizing protein and fiber intake)! My favorite beverages day to day include iced tea, black coffee (hot or iced), and spindrift. 

‍

Fun fact

• Anna: When I was in 4th grade my best friend and I created a recipe book with our favorite homemade recipes, and I was convinced I was going to be a professional chef one day. Needless to say that has not happened (yet), but I have been a foodie since the beginning.
• Kelly: A fun fact about me is that I played the cello in 4th and 5th grade. I even won first place in a trio competition. The most-known fact about me amongst my friends and family is that I am a die-hard Dave Matthew Band fan. I have attended 22 shows across 7 states and have streamed countless hours of concerts. 

‍

Favorite health myth to debunk?

• Anna: My favorite question I get from our members is “how do I eat more protein?”. Creating high protein recipes is a personal hobby at this point, and I have firsthand seen the benefits of prioritizing protein on my energy, strength, and recovery. In general, I am passionate about helping women unlearn the lies that “lifting weights will make me bulky” and “I can’t go to the free weight section of my gym”. I believed all of these at one point too, and once I discovered how fun and approachable fitness can be I made it my career! Whether it’s getting women in the gym or finding practical ways to eat more nutritious meals, helping people make health approachable and attainable is what I love.
• Kelly: My favorite health myth to debunk is that lifting weights will make women and girls “bulky”. I love when females feel empowered to be strong as I have seen firsthand how it can increase confidence and overall well-being. One day I would love to help coach young female athletes in Weightlifting because, as my friend, the late Clyde Emrich always told me, “you can always do more than you think you can”. 

‍

Introducing our Women's Health Advisor – Mary Jane Minkin, MD (a.k.a., Madame Ovary)

We are thrilled to announce that Mary Jane Minkin, MD (a.k.a Madame Ovary), the esteemed clinical professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University's New Haven Hospital has joined Bionic Health as our Women's Health Advisor.

Dr. Minkin brings over four decades of experience in women's health to our team. As a board-certified OB-GYN and a North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner, she is uniquely positioned to guide our approach to women's health, particularly in the areas of menopause and hormone therapy.

Known for her expertise in menopause management, Dr. Minkin has been at the forefront of discussions about hormone therapy. In a recent New York Times article, she emphasized the importance of informed decision-making regarding hormone therapy, stating, "I sigh," when patients express concerns about hormones being dangerous. Her approach aligns perfectly with Bionic Health's commitment to providing personalized, evidence-based care.

Dr. Minkin's impressive credentials include:

- Clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine
- Director of the Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause clinic at Yale New Haven Hospital
- Author of seven books on women's health (find them here on Amazon!)
- Host of the "Lady Parts" Podcast- Author of numerous peer-reviewed journal publications

At Bionic Health, Dr. Minkin will play a crucial role in shaping our women's health programs, ensuring that we offer the most up-to-date, comprehensive care for our patients. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop innovative solutions for women navigating menopause and other health transitions.

We're excited to have "Madame Ovary" on board and look forward to the positive impact her knowledge and experience will bring to our patients and our team!

Anna Simmons is an advisor at Bionic Health. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Human Development and is a certified health coach, personal trainer, and nutrition coach. With seven years of experience in coaching and fitness, she is passionate about helping others reach their potential.

At Bionic Health, Anna appreciates the individualized approach to care, which is distinct from traditional healthcare. Members have quick access to their physician and a comprehensive view of their health in a preventative and proactive manner. Bionic Health’s use of modern technology makes this advanced healthcare accessible to everyone.

Anna’s journey into coaching began at 16 when she worked as a gymnastics coach for young kids, sparking her love for promoting wellness. Among the modules at Bionic Health, she finds the performance module the most exciting. As a personal trainer, she has seen exercise drastically improve her quality of life and is thrilled to help others experience the same benefits. Working alongside members to enhance their health, fitness, and strength is incredibly rewarding and exciting for her.

‍

‍