the mark of a
good woman
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O R N I N I TA LY and raised in New
York City, Catharina Hettiarachchi, practice manager for Charlotte Center for Pelvic Health, has a unique blend of family history. The first in her family to graduate college, she also has the mark of a good leader, mother, and mentor.
“My mother is a Dutch immigrant from the Netherlands,” Catharina says, “and came to this country with only a 5th-grade education. She taught herself how to read and write English. My father is American born and raised of Irish/Italian descent. He travelled for work and met my mother in Holland. During the summers as a child, I visited my Dutch relatives frequently, which gave me a love for travel. I enjoy learning about and experiencing new cultures, and it gives me a unique ability to understand others’ perspectives.” Catharina graduated from Bronx High School of Science and attended Lehman College. She earned a degree in nutritional science and completed her master’s degree from New York University in dietetics, food, and nutrition. She met her husband, Dr. John Hettiarachchi, lead physician at the Center, in school as an undergraduate. “Because I was the first in my family to attend college, I refused to date until my studies were complete,” Catharina continues. “On the last day of finals, John and I sold our books so we could go on our first date. We fell in love and have been happily married for over 26 years.” The Hettiarachchis have been blessed with four children: Alexander, 19; Olivia, 18; Lara, 14; and Robaer, 13. Inspired by her children, Catharina says each has inherited her husband’s caring traits. She tells of Alexander who saved a friend’s life, pulling him from the lake and rushing him to the hospital; and of daughter, Olivia, who stood up to another student who was physically threatening a teacher.
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20 LKN
| MARCH 2017
Catharina Hettiarachchi CHARLOTTE CENTER FOR PELVIC HEALTH CORNELIUS, NC
“I’m so proud of them all,” she grins. “Our other daughter, Lara, gets involved in every cause to help people, especially women and children, volunteering at church and battered women shelters; and Robaer, our compassionate little competitor, recently helped up a child from the opposing team who had fallen, foregoing his scoring goal. Their courage and kindness inspire me daily.” The family moved to North Carolina 14 years ago so that her husband could open his urology practice. While Catharina had a successful career in medical nutrition therapy, specializing in oncology, she welcomed the move—and the opportunity to stay at home and raise the children. About six years ago, her husband asked her to join the Charlotte practice as office manager. The practice has grown, and they have recently opened another office in Cornelius. Catharina explains that there are many nonsurgical options for female pelvic health and sexual function, but that most women shy away from this topic—as do their physicians, because many don’t know what treatments exist. “We are here to guide women in their decisions with the many treatment options,” Catharina says. “I’m so inspired by my husband who works endlessly, caring for his patients as if each were his own family member. I can’t begin to tell you how many times patients have said to me, ‘Your husband saved my life.’” By: Leslie Ogle | Photography By: Chelsea Bren