Societal Influences’ Impact on Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Dr. Lyn Behnke is a double-boarded Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.  Her areas of specialty include complex disease management, addictions, management of depression and anxiety, and integrative care.  Her practice has been primarily in rural areas, including Northern Michigan and North of the Arctic Circle.  She is a patient-forward, holistic clinician with extensive experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activities as part of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and the LGBTQIA+ community. As a faculty member at various nursing schools, she has brought forth the challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community, rural health care, and her passion, women’s heart health.  She has published on substance use and misuse, transitions of care, rural and Indigenous vulnerable populations, the danger of under-diagnosing microvascular disease in women, the many facets of heart disease and heart failure, as well as primary care of the aging LGBTQIA adult.  Her research interests include depression, anxiety, support, and advocacy for women with heart disease, especially in rural areas. She is a partner in the development of a patented medical device to replace the dreaded speculum in screening women for cervical cancer.

She is Chair of the Board of Directors of WomenHeart, the National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease.  She is a professional member of the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, The Preventive Cardiology Nurses’ Association, the Psychiatric Nurses Association, the National Association of Detoxification Acupuncture, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty, and her service includes WomenHeart, and the Northeast Michigan Community Service Action Agency where she advocates for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.  During her “Spare” time, she enjoys Yoga, playing with the Tawas Community Concert Band and the Huron Shores Community Choir, bicycling, knitting, traveling, and rock hounding with her wife of 28 years, Anissa.  They have a son, daughter-in-law, and two completely spoiled beabull dogs.

In the 13 years she has worked for The Mended Hearts, Inc., Mandy Sandkuhler has had the opportunity to support and serve volunteers, patients and families affected by heart disease. In her role as Director of Partnerships and Communications, Mandy works with MHI’s partners and sponsors on funding opportunities, program design and deliverables, and advocacy initiatives. Mandy oversees all Mended Hearts®, Young Mended Hearts®, and Mended Little Hearts® chapters and groups, helping them grow and function. Additionally, she manages all communications for the organization, including Heartbeat® Magazine, MHI social media channels, National News, chapter newsletters, and volunteer communications.