Meet the team
Following a series of life-changing events after the birth of her son, Emilee made the bold decision to leave her career as an advertising executive to embrace her calling to serve women. Her time at the bedside shaped her understanding of the complex, often under-discussed transitions women face throughout life. She is thrilled to be able to focus on midlife health in order to help women thrive in their 40s and beyond.
Sacred Heart University (Bachelors in Business)
University of Connecticut (CEIN/BS)
Kent State University (MSN, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner)
Outside of work, Emilee finds joy in the everyday chaos with her husband, their two children, and their needy mini poodle, Stuart. A tennis enthusiast, and a recent Mahjong convert, she also loves a good rally.
Emilee Bischof WHNP-BC
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Clinician
Training
Personal Interests
Katherine is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner passionate about enhancing menopause and perimenopause care. She emphasizes compassionate listening and tailored health plans that empower her patients to thrive.
She completed her Masters and Bachelors of Nursing degrees at Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City. She also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She began her clinical career in primary care at Columbia Doctors where she gained a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of providing high quality preventive care in the context of our modern medical system.
Katherine enjoys active outdoor adventures with her husband and two young children. She has a longtime passion for yoga and meditation, loves exploring new places, and unwinds best in her garden or during a vigorous cardio session.
Katherine Clark
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Clinician
Training
Personal Interests
Sarah is dedicated to maternal health, bringing warmth, care, and personalized attention to her patients. Known for her approachable and comforting manner, she prioritizes meaningful connections and high-quality, compassionate care.
She attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield,CT where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. During her time at Sacred Heart
University, she served as President of the Student Nurses’ Association and was named Captain of her soccer team. She is currently in training to become a women's health nurse practitioner in order to lead our programs for our younger patients.
In her downtime, Sarah stays active and rarely turns down an opportunity to visit the beach—especially Cape Cod, where she enjoys lazy afternoons reading rom-com novels. She cherishes moments with her mini goldendoodle, Benson, and loves sharing ice cream nights and great conversation with friends.
Sarah Purcell, RN
Registered Nurse
Training
Personal Interests
Karen brings extensive healthcare expertise, notably in emergency care and labor and delivery, providing essential support and ensuring seamless operations at The Elm. She is driven by her dedication to delivering excellent patient experiences and outstanding clinical support.
Southern Connecticut State University (Bachelor’s in Biology)
Yale-New Haven Hospital (Emergency Technician)
Greenwich Hospital (Certified Nursing Resource Assistant)
Karen enjoys discovering new local restaurants with friends and family and loves cozy evenings at home watching movies. She values the comfort and relaxation that come from sharing good food and laughter with loved ones.
Karen Retana
practice manager
Training
Personal Interests
Since October 2024, Nadia Van der Heyden has served as COO to The Elm Greenwich, a leading concierge gynecology practice founded by Dr. Alicia Robbins. In this role, Nadia has been instrumental in optimizing operations, enhancing the patient experience, and refining clinical workflows, transforming the practice into a gold standard for modern, relationship-driven women’s healthcare.
With a background in clinical care and healthcare systems strategy, Nadia brings a structured, scalable approach to building practices that are as efficient as they are empathetic. Her work at The Elm includes reimagining scheduling and staffing models, tightening operational systems, and designing an experience that prioritizes both patient connection and physician sustainability.
Before her advisory role, Nadia spent nearly two decades as a Paramedic specializing in critical care and aviation retrieval medicine. She also held leadership positions in international emergency response, including medical coordination during Haiti’s 2021 earthquake.
Known for her ability to connect vision with execution, Nadia is a builder and problem-solver passionate about reshaping care delivery from the inside out. She partners closely with physicians to create high-functioning, high-touch practices that honor both clinical excellence and human connection.
Nadia Van der Heyden
cOO, The elm
Dr. Alicia Robbins
Founder & Medical Director
Dr. Robbins is a board-certified OBGYN, Menopause Practitioner, and Lifestyle Medicine physician specializing in proactive women’s health, hormones, and longevity. She founded The Elm to provide ongoing, personalized care for women over 40, blending traditional medicine with innovative therapies for optimal wellness.
Dr. Robbins completed her medical training and residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC. She was full time faculty there before moving to Greenwich and working for 5 years at Greenwich Hospital before opening The Elm. She is a certified Menopause Society practitioner, and diplomat of The American Board of Lifestyle Medicine
Outside the practice, Alicia loves spending quality time with her husband and their three active boys. She’s deeply involved in supporting local female-founded businesses and treasures simple pleasures like leisurely dinners with friends and spending time in the countryside of southern Arizona where she is from.
Training
Personal Interests
diplomas and credentials
