About Marketa

I founded MiniPause to create a nurturing space for women to connect and raise awareness about perimenopause and menopause. My mission is to help women embrace this transformative life stage, even amidst the challenges of hormonal fluctuations and emotional shifts.

My journey began with my own struggle with perimenopausal symptoms for years before discovering the term “perimenopause”, through Dr. Louise Newson’s work. This revelation transformed my understanding and sparked my desire for open dialogue around women’s midlife transitions.

The loss of my parents led me to consciously choose joy and deepen connections with loved ones while appreciating each moment as precious.

My diverse professional background uniquely equips me to support women through MiniPause:

  • As an accountant graduate and a former team administrator of six years with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Prague, and finance administrator at Vodafone’s Head Office in Sydney, I bring organisational clarity and structure to our MiniPause retreats.
  • My three-year study at the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Prague, Czech Republic and Tianjin university, along with my Certificate IV in Remedial Massage and membership in the Australian Traditional Medicine Society since 2005, informs my holistic approach to women’s well-being.
  • Working with the Department for Education supporting children with learning and behavioural challenges has deepened my understanding of how to create inclusive, supportive environments where everyone feels valued.
  • Having lived and worked across Europe and Australia, including studying French for two years, I bring a global perspective to women’s experiences of midlife transitions.
  • My extensive volunteer experience as a fundraising committee member at my children’s school and as a team manager for various sports teams has honed my ability to build supportive communities.

I’m currently training to become a certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher and returning to regular Qigong and Tai Chi practice – ancient movement disciplines that beautifully complement our work at MiniPause.

When not hosting retreats, you’ll find me exploring nature, practising mindfulness, and connecting with kindred spirits.

I draw inspiration from thought-provoking films and non-fiction books – currently, I’m immersed in Pema Chödrön’s “Welcoming the Unwelcome,” which beautifully aligns with our philosophy at Minipause of embracing life’s transitions with courage and grace.