Zhana Vrangalova, PhD, is a NYC-based sex and relationships consultant, speaker, and writer focusing on sexually adventurous lifestyles. She holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Cornell University, teaches Human Sexuality courses at New York University, and has published academic research on casual sex, sexual orientation. Dr. Zhana is the creator of Uncensored with Dr. Zhana, a unique format for open, honest conversations about sexuality and relationships in a globalized world. She recently launched Open Smarter, an online course helping people make smarter decisions about their relationship choices using their unique personality. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook as @DrZhana.

Jen Meyer is the owner and founder of Jen Meyer Therapy, LLC, a private therapy practice in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. As a highly sought-after sex therapist who works with a wide variety of concerns related to sex, intimacy and relationships, Jen strives to provide every client with effective therapy treatment in an affirming and compassionate environment that gives them the greatest opportunity to travel the path towards their best self.. As a highly-motivated professional dedicated to perfecting her craft, Jen travels frequently to obtain training on the latest therapy tools and trends from the best and most well-known minds in the sex therapy world. She is also active within and has been asked to present to various profession organizations both locally and nationally that help maintain her integrated network of healthcare professionals for her clients benefit, including the following: Sexual Health Alliance (SHA), American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT),  Denver Sexual Medical Alliance (DSMA) and Colorado Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (COAMFT). Jen has also pursued a number of professional certifications along the way, including her CST, LMFT and LPC. She obtained a Masters of Art (MA) in Counseling from Oakland University, a fully accredited program by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and has completed a one-year program Sexual Health Certificate Program. Jen takes pride in being surrounded by some of the best sexologists and healthcare professionals in her field, many of whom continue to be dear friends, along with many others who continue to inspire her and make her a better person and therapist.

Melinda Porter, MA, LPC-S, CST, CCTP is a therapist in Carrollton, Texas and is also a licensed LPC in Colorado.  Melinda began her career in education, obtaining a Bachelor Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement degree. She then went on to obtain a Master of Professional Counseling degree from Texas Wesleyan University. While her teaching career was fruitful and encompassed 13 years, she decided to venture into counseling – an endeavor that would allow her to work with individuals and their families as a unit. She opened MCP Counseling in 2014 and has been providing care for clients in all communities since that time. 

As a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and with the Sexual Health Alliance as well as Certified Non-Monogamy Therapist with the Sexual Health Alliance, Melinda provides services to couples and individuals with diverse sexuality concerns, including – but not limited to – loss of desire, discrepancies in desire between couples, erection or ejaculation difficulties, fetishism, issues of gender identity, issues pertaining to sexual identity and sexual orientation, challenges around orgasm, Genitopelvic Pain / Penetration Disorder, sexuality and chronic illness, sexuality and physical ability, polyamory, and sexual trauma.  

Melinda is also a trained EMDR therapist. She uses EMDR to help clients move through trauma and places they feel stuck and teaches skills to stabilize and process from a secure place. Melinda is invested in helping clients move at their own pace and is committed to being supportive and present with clients in sessions. Melinda is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). 

Melinda has also worked in the queer community since 2012, working with children, teens, individuals, couples, and families to process sexuality and gender questions and/or transitioning. She provides safe space and education on the journey to congruency. Her goal to help her clients find self-understanding and skills to be present in the moment. 

Rachel Zar is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, and Clinical Sexologist who specializes in relationship and sex therapy. She also holds certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education. Dr. Zar sees individuals and couples and provides clinical supervision at Avid Intimacy, a private group therapy practice in Chicago. Dr. Zar is proudly an LGBTQ-, kink-, and poly- affirmative clinician. Dr. Zar is passionate about educating and mentoring other clinicians, and she frequently lectures, writes, and provide expert interviews for the media on myriad sex and relationship topics.

Dr. Dana Weiser is Chairperson of the Human Development and Family Sciences department at Texas Tech University. She earned her Ph.D. from the Interdisciplinary Social Psychology program at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her program of research mainly focuses on how family experiences shape adults' relationship experiences and sexual behaviors. Her work explores how parents communicate and model behaviors which later influence individuals as they enter their own relationships and become sexually active. She studies how and what families teach us about infidelity, sexual health, and sexual violence as well as predictors of and reactions to infidelity. Her work utilizes a variety of perspectives, including feminist theories and social cognitive theory.

Ariel (Arik) Shoikhedbrod is a senior doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at York University. Arik has provided psychological services across various hospital, community, and private practice settings including practicum placements through the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in the University Health Network. Through these experiences, Arik gained specialized training in assessing and treating sexuality-related OCD and supporting individuals and couples experiencing sexual health difficulties from chronic and severe medical issues (i.e., cancer, pain). Arik currently works in private practice as a psychotherapist at Ontario Sex Therapy. Arik’s clinical interests are influenced by his doctoral research on sexual motivation, exploring how the reasons why people have sex can predict the maintenance of desire and satisfaction in romantic relationships over time. He remains informed by contemporary research and evidence-based practices through affiliations with the Canadian Sex Research Forum and the Society for Sex Therapy and Research.

Dr. Andrea Meltzer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Florida State University. Her program of research integrates relationship science and evolutionary psychology to examine the implications of evolved processes for established relationships. More specifically, Dr. Meltzer conducts longitudinal research to examine changes in established long-term relationships such as marriage.

Uzma S. Rehman, Ph.D., C. Psych., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo. Her research lies at the intersection of intimate relationships and sexuality. In her program of research, she investigates sexual communication, sexual desire discrepancies, and sexual well-being using a variety of methods, including self-report, interview, partner reports, and observational methods. Dr. Rehman’s research has been funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Charlie Glickman is a Sex & relationship coach, a sexuality educator, a sexological bodyworker, and an internationally acclaimed speaker. He’s been working in this field for over 25 years, and some of his areas of focus include sex & shame, sex-positivity, queer issues, masculinity & gender, communities of erotic affiliation, and many sexual & relationship practices. Charlie is also the co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Prostate Pleasure: Erotic Exploration for Men and Their Partners. Find out more about him on his website or on Twitter and Facebook. For Charlie’s sex coaching services, visit Make Sex Easy.

Known for her incredible educational and informative books such as Come As You Are and Burnout: the secret to unlocking the stress cycle. Emily is a renowned author, sex educator, and researcher. She received her Ph.D. in Health Behavior with a concentration in human sexuality for Indiana University. After a career teaching human sexuality, relationships and communication, stress management, and sex education to both graduates and undergrads at her alma mater, she moved on to become the Director of Wellness Education at Smith College. Today Emily is a full time author and public speaker, spreading her message of living confidently and joyfully in the body we are in.

Peggy J. Kleinplatz, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Director of Sex and Couples Therapy Training at the University of Ottawa.

She is a clinical psychologist, Board Certified in Sex Education, and a Diplomate and Supervisor of Sex Therapy. She was awarded the Prix d’Excellence in 2000 for her teaching of Human Sexuality. She is Director of the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team of the University of Ottawa and has a particular interest in sexual health in the elderly, disabled, and marginalized populations. Kleinplatz has edited four books, notably New Directions in Sex Therapy: Innovations and Alternatives, (Routledge, 2nd Edition), winner of the AASECT 2013 Book Award, Sadomasochism: Powerful Pleasures with Dr. Charles Moser (2006), and Sexuality and Aging (2015) with Dr. Walter Bouman. In 2015, Kleinplatz received the Professional Standard of Excellence Award from the American Association of Sexuality Editors, Counsellors, and Therapists. Her clinical work focuses on eroticism and transformation. Her research, writing, teaching, and clinical work have been intended to challenge, expand and diversify the field of sex therapy.

Dr. Anna Randall is a member of TASHA - The Alternative Sexualities Health Research Alliance. She is a sex therapist in the state of California, alongside her role as both a presenter and a researcher on sexuality-related issues. Dr. Randall currently teaches at Widener University in the school of social work and sexuality.

Toronto-based, Jess O’Reilly began working as a sexuality counselor in 2001. Alongside her academic and television credits, Dr. Jess is also an accomplished author with three best-selling titles. Her latest, The New Sex Bible, has received rave reviews from professionals and clients alike, and her first book Hot Sex Tips, Tricks and Licks is in its fourth print! Look for her monthly column in Post City or catch her on Tuesday mornings on Global TV’s The Morning Show, Wednesdays on 102.1 The Edge, and Saturdays on PlayboyTV. Canadian-born and Chinese-Jamaican and Irish by descent, Dr. Jess loves ultimate frisbee, crab, airplane turbulence, cheese, and red wine. Makes perfect sense, right?

Constance Avery-Clark, PhD is Co-Director of the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training, an AASECT-Certified Diplomate in Sex Therapy, and a Licensed Psychologist. With two Ph.D.s (in Clinical Psychology and the Psychology of Jungian Studies), she has been in private practice for 30 years in Florida. She is a CE Provider through APA and AASECT, presents nationally on the subject of intimacy, relationships, and meaningfulness, has published numerous articles and, together with her long-time colleague and friend from Masters & Johnson Institute, has a book coming out this year entitled Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual.

Joshua Grubbs is an associate professor in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Grubbs’s research program generally focuses on behavioral addictions and the social context of addiction. Additionally, Dr. Grubbs researches the intersection of values and behaviors in determining how people perceive their own actions. Dr. Grubbs has published over 80 peer-reviewed academic articles on topics related to addiction, sexuality, morality, religion, and personality. Dr. Grubbs has also authored over 10 book chapters and has had his worked featured in various media outlets in print, audio, and television formats.

Dr. Chris Quinn-Nilas is an Assistant Professor of Social Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the director of the Love Lab. His research focuses on romantic relationships and sexuality, employing quantitative methods to examine the complex dynamics of these partnerships. With a diverse array of research interests, his group investigates topics ranging from the influence of past traumas on relationship and sexual outcomes to the significance of mindfulness and self-compassion in improving relationship and sexual quality. Alongside his academic pursuits, Dr. Quinn-Nilas has experience as a methods and statistics consultant, and he teaches graduate courses in statistics as well as courses on relationships and sexuality. In his spare time, you can find him whale watching or playing with his dog, Murphy.

Lauren Streicher, MD is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, a certified menopause practitioner of The Menopause Society, and the founding Medical Director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. She is a Senior Research Fellow of the Kinsey Institute of Indiana University and the Medical Director of Patient Education and Community Outreach for Midi Health.

In addition to her academic appointment at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Dr. Streicher is on the faculty of Northwestern University’s Graduate Program in Reproductive Science and Medicine for students pursuing a Master of Science degree in medical research.She is also the Faculty Advisor for The Medical Student Forum on Female Sexual Dysfunction, an organization to facilitate Chicago area medical students to collaborate, learn, and educate their academic peers about female sexual medicine. Dr. Streicher serves on many advisory boards including The Kinsey Institute, Let’s Talk Menopause, Let’s All Talk Menopause, Tell, LUWI, and Midi Health.

Dr. Rena Malik is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology) and Sexual Medicine. She is also a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Her practice, Rena Malik, MD, offers patient-focused, individualized care in bladder health, sexual dysfunction, hormone management, and the compassionate management of non-narcotic pelvic pain. This includes conditions such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, low libido, low testosterone, perimenopause and menopause, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinenice. Dr. Malik has a talent for dispelling medical misinformation, discussing intimate topics, and educating the general public. With over 300 million views and nearly 2 million subscribers, her YouTube channel Rena Malik, M.D. has become a go-to destination for frank, evidence-based discussions of taboo topics.

Dr. Laurie Mintz is an author, therapist, professor, and speaker dedicated to enhancing sexual well-being and authentic living. A Fellow of the American Psychological Association, she has published over 50 scholarly articles and six academic book chapters, earning national recognition, including Forbes’ "50 Over 50" innovators in 2023.

As an Emeritus Professor at the University of Florida, Dr. Mintz has taught Psychology of Human Sexuality to hundreds of students. She is the author of two acclaimed books: Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex, both backed by research on their effectiveness in empowering women’s sexual health.

A sought-after expert, Dr. Mintz delivers TEDx talks, workshops, and media interviews to promote evidence-based, sex-positive education. She also maintains a private practice, helping individuals and couples navigate intimacy, desire, and relationship challenges.

Allen Mallory is an assistant professor at The Ohio State University in the Department of Human Sciences. Allen received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in Human Development and Family Sciences where he was also a trainee at the University of Texas Population Research Center. He earned his M.S. in Couple in Family Therapy from Kansas State University and B.A. in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University. Allen’s research takes an intersectional approach to understanding the health and well-being of sexual and gender diverse youth and adults. Specifically, he studies how health disparities related to substance use, mental health, and sexual health vary among sexual and gender diverse people and in comparison to heterosexual/cisgender people across multiple marginalized identities as well as how risk and protective factors tied to multiple identities, such as interpersonal stigma and structural inequality, intersect to affect health. Allen’s second area of research focuses on sexual communication and understanding its benefits for relationship outcomes. He is particularly interested in understanding the components of sexual communication that most benefit relationships, and the different contexts that it has weaker and stronger associations with relational and sexual well-being.

Dr. Jaclyn Siegel is a feminist social psychologist whose research focuses on the ways in which social forces influence body- and eating-related attitudes and behaviors. She has published nearly 30 empirical articles on topics related to body image, eating disorders, gender, and sexuality, and she has taught Psychology of Human Sexual Behavior at San Diego State University to over 700 students. She sits on the editorial boards at Psychology of Women Quarterly, Body Image, Sex Roles, Psychology of Men and Masculinities, and Frontiers in Social Psychology. She is presently a Research Scientist in the Department of Public Health at NORC at the University of Chicago, where she works on various sexual and intimate partner violence prevention projects. In her free time, she enjoys running, musical theatre, and talking to any person who will listen to her about sexuality and/or body image.

Dr. Lucia O’Sullivan is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology at the University of New Brunswick, Canada, specializing in social psychology and sexual health research.

With over 140 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. O’Sullivan’s research focuses on attraction, intimate relationships, sexual health access, and communication. Her recent work explores technology and social media’s impact on relationships, covering topics such as infidelity, fandom, romantic scripts, pornography, oral sex, rough sex, and kissing.

Dr. O’Sullivan is a co-author of Janet Hyde’s sexuality textbook (Canadian edition) and co-editor of a book on sexual coercion in dating relationships. She serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Sex Research and sits on ten editorial boards. Her research has been supported by millions in federal and private grants across the US, Canada, and UK.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Melissa received both her BA and MA in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia. While attending, her studies centered on human sexuality and sex therapy. Melissa specializes in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, personality disorders, and anxiety-related disorders. In her private practice located in Chicago, IL. she works with individuals, couples, sex workers, and those practicing a kink or polyamory lifestyle. On top of all this, she is also an adjunct professor teaching Human Sexuality Across the Lifespan and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) at the University of Chicago.

N. Jasmine Johnson, MSW, MA, LCSW AKA Jet Setting Jasmine, is a licensed clinical therapist and owner of virtual mental health practice Blue Pearl Therapy LLC. She has a strong therapeutic emphasis on Intimacy Post Injury & Illness, Trauma, Drama and Kink, and Sex-Positive Parenting. Jasmine offers her expertise to train other therapists and professionals on the use of erotica in practice and also to create safe spaces for Sex Workers, Kinksters, and Alternative Lifestylers to engage in stigma and bias-free therapy.

Jasmine is the co-owner of Royal Fetish Films and Jet Setting Jasmine LLC where the love of the arts, film, and sex education are combined to produce content that stimulates and engages the audience to push their sexual boundaries. Jasmine shares more than 20 years of experience, with partner King Noire as Adult Entertainers, Educators, and Master Fetish Trainers. The duo are award-winning adult film stars and have dedicated their craft to creating a more inclusive and ethically sound adult entertainment industry.

Dr. Brown is a licensed marriage and family therapist with both her M.A. and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her clinical training began nearly thirty years ago where her studies included a concentration on working with systems while addressing issues of power, privilege, and oppression. After completing her master’s degree, she began working in child welfare in long term foster care. While in this position, she witnessed the trauma children experienced both within their homes and at the point of being removed from their families. She collaborated to develop models for what is now called concurrent planning in foster care. She later became a foster care placement specialist. Prior to completing her doctorate, Dr. Brown held several positions at Denver Children’s Home, a treatment center for traumatized children and families. In her initial work as a residential therapist, she was trained by the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) to work with sex offending youth. She also participated in training and case consultation with the Child Trauma Center where she learned to work with families using trauma informed treatment. She transitioned to work in community organizing as the Site Coordinator for the East Denver Collaborative of Family to Family. Through these experiences, she maintained her focus on highlighting the importance of understanding cultural norms and differences in marginalized communities.

She joined the counseling center at the University of Colorado Denver where she returned to clinical work, supervision and training in 2011. In 2019, she joined the Counseling Program at CU Denver specializing in couple and family therapy through a multicultural lens. She maintains a private practice offering consultation, clinical supervision, and individual, couple, and family therapy.

Dr. Brown is a clinical fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She presents and trains both locally and nationally on clinical supervision through a social justice lens and on the complexities of working with oppressed and marginalized communities.

Sally Valentine, PhD, FAACS holds a doctorate in clinical sexology, is a licensed clinical social worker, certified sex therapist, certified EMDR therapist, certified hypnotherapist, certified Imago Relationship Therapist, and a registered Sivananda yoga teacher. She has extensive training in sex therapy, hypnotherapy, EMDR, trauma resolution and tantric mind-body therapy. Sally has a private practice in Boca Raton, FL and specializes in relationship/intimacy issues, sexuality concerns, trauma and life stressors. Additionally, Sally is an AASECT Certified Supervisor for Sex Therapists and a state approved Clinical Supervisor for Licensees of Clinical Social Work. Dr. Valentine is a national and international presenter and workshop facilitator. She teaches in areas of enhancing sexuality, tantra sexuality, healing the mind-body connection of trauma, and personal growth transformation. Sally is a fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists and a Diplomate of the American Board of Sexology. She is an active member of the American Association of Sexual Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, National Association of Social Workers, Imago Relational Therapy International, Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy Association and EMDR International Association. 

Jamila Dawson is an LMFT and sex therapist in California with her private practice Fire and Flow Therapy and has presented at many major conferences like Sex Down South. She is also listed on Pineapple Support where they provide mental health services to sex workers in their area. Jamila heavily focuses on social justice practices while she works in the field of human sexuality. 

Renée (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist & Approved Clinical Supervisor. Working as a psychotherapist for 14 years, Renée began her professional career focusing on family therapy. In 2011, her focus shifted to include sexual health. Renée is passionate about providing a safe and supportive clinical space for the community to address and discuss all areas of sex, sexual health, and relationship diversity. Renée has been a clinical supervisor since 2011 and founded the Clinical Supervisor Academy with colleague Dr. Leandrea Romero, with the support of the Southwest Family Guidance Center & Institute. Renee worked with Southwest Family for 13 years, ending her tenure as its Clinical Director in 2021 to expand her organization. She is a doctoral candidate in Behavioral Health Leadership & is the founding director of Albuquerque Sex Therapy and its guiding organization, the Clinical Assessment Group

Cynthia Graham is currently a Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute and a Professor of Gender Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. She has been Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sex Research since 2009. Her current research focuses on male condom use, hormonal contraceptives, women’s sexuality, women’s sexual pleasure, sexual problems and sexual health among older adults.

She has been a member of the Kinsey Institute Condom Use Research Team since 2000. Her research has been funded by the UK Medical Research Council and the National Institute of Health Research. 

Cynthia was a member of the DSM-5 Workgroup on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders. In 2023, she won the Masters and Johnson Award from the Society for Sex Therapy and Research. In 2016 she was awarded the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award and in 2019 the Distinguished Service to SSSS Award by the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. In 2009 she was elected president of the International Academy of Sex Research.

Dr. Maria Uloko is a board certified urologist specializing in comprehensive sexual health, reconstruction and prosthesis. Uniquely, she is recognized as one of the seven urologists globally providing the surgical and medical management of sexual dysfunction of all genders. With vast expertise in treating a myriad of conditions such as vulvar sexual dysfunction, sexual pain, low libido, erectile dysfunction treatments, symptomatic menopause, atrophic vaginitis, urologic prosthetic surgery, Peyronie’s disease, and hormone replacement therapy, she provides exceptional care to patients across all gender spectrums. She is a strong advocate of improving the quality of life of her patients by providing a comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive approach to often stigmatized subjects. She believes in empowering her patients to take ownership of their sexual health by providing a shame-free space to ask questions and share their stories. She seeks to close gaps in disparities of care and implement systems that promote diversity and inclusivity.

Kat is currently completing the PhD Social and Personality Psychology program at York University. She holds a Masters of Science Degree in Couple & Family Therapy Program from the University of Guelph, an Honours BA Degree in Psychology from York University and a Certificate in Sexuality Studies from York University. She is an Associate Member of ASTO (Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario, formerly BESTCO) and specializes in sex and relationship therapy. Her academic research has been published in the Journal of Sex Research and Current Opinion in Psychology, and she has presented her research at The International Association for Relationship Research, The Canadian Psychological Association, The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, SEXposium, and gave an award-winning talk on her research at the Canadian Sex Research Forum conference in 2022.

She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness approaches, and embodied experiential dreamwork practices. She is the Clinic Director and a Clinical Supervisor at Kat Kova Therapy, a boutique psychotherapy clinic founded by Kat in 2018 that is home to a tight-knit team of 10 practitioners and support staff.

Dr. Jessica Maxwell is an Assistant Professor in the Social Psychology Program and the Department of Health, Aging & Society at McMaster University, specializing in interpersonal relationships and sexuality.

She earned her PhD at the University of Toronto, researching how a growth mindset in sex and relationships enhances intimacy. She later completed a SSHRC postdoctoral fellowship at Florida State University, studying how conflict impacts newlyweds' sex lives. Previously, she was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland (2019-2022), focusing on romantic relationship dynamics.

Dr. Maxwell's research explores how expectations, perceptions, and insecurities influence sexual and relationship well-being. She examines topics such as sexual satisfaction, partner perception accuracy, attachment styles, and perfectionism’s impact on relationships. Her work employs longitudinal studies, dyadic research, experience sampling, speed-dating, and eye-tracking methodologies.

Currently, she is leading an SSHRC-funded study on older adults' sexual mindsets, contributing to a deeper understanding of sexuality across the lifespan.

Dr. Shari M. Blumenstock is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. After her original training in mechanical engineering, Shari began pursuing a career studying romantic and sexual relationships, receiving her PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Human Development and Family Studies in 2019 and postdoctoral training at the Kinsey Institute from 2020-2022. Her research focuses on sexual experiences and well-being within the context of intimate relationships, as well as the psychophysiological components of sexual arousal and desire, with an emphasis on pleasure, causal mechanisms underlying sexual desire, attachment, and partner influences. Shari is also passionate about using science to help others improve their romantic and sexual relationships. One of her overarching goals is to help others become more empowered and intentional in their relationships, particularly when it comes to sex.

Internationally known spiritual and erotic authenticity educator, gender explorer, eclectic artist and award-winning author and editor on erotic and sacred experience. Lee has taught at several universities, sexuality conferences, and within alternate sexuality communities across the United States, and throughout the world. He has taught over 900 classes throughout his career on topics from effective speaking skills to erotic authenticity, rope bondage to safer magical sex, gender paradigms to dominant/submissive power exchange within culture at large.

Lee is the only author to win the Geoff Mains award for excellence in non-fiction sexuality writing not one but three times. In addition to his writing and teaching, Lee is the host of the Passion And Soul Podcast, which covers topics on the intersection of sacred sex, kink, and life exploration as a multifaceted soul.

Sex therapist, relationship therapist, and sexual medicine specialist — has dedicated his entire career to helping individuals and couples with sex and relationship concerns. Over 30+ years, he’s helped over 1,500 individuals and couples regain closeness and satisfaction in their relationships.

Dr. Snyder is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City and the author of one of the most acclaimed sex and relationship books of our time, LOVE WORTH MAKING: How to Have Ridiculously Great Sex in a Long-Lasting Relationship (St Martin’s Press, 2018).

As an MD sex therapist, Dr. Snyder has a unique combination of skills that enables him to handle the most complex, difficult situations. He received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (M.D. 1983), trained in internal medicine at Mt Zion Medical Center in San Francisco (1983-84), then in psychiatry at the Payne Whitney Clinic, New York Hospital / Cornell University Medical Center (1984-87) and as a Fellow in Behavioral Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC (1987-89).

Dr. Snyder was Director of the Psychiatric Consultation Service at Mount Sinai Medical Center from 1990-2000. Since 2000, he has been in full-time private practice in Manhattan, specializing in sex and relationship concerns.

Dr. Snyder is an active member of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR); has been a presenter, workshop leader, and discussant at the Society’s national meetings; and has served on its Professional Book Award Committee and as Chairman of its Consumer Book Award committee.

He lives in New York City with his wife and children, and spends way too much time on Twitter @SexualityToday.

Dr. Hernando Chaves holds a B.A. in psychology from University of California Santa Barbara, a M.A. in marital and family therapy from University of San Diego, and a D.H.S. doctorate in human sexuality from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing with working with sexual minorities (kink, fetish, sex work, nonmonogamy), intimacy/relational difficulties, and sexual concerns/dysfunctions. Dr. Chaves is a psychology and sexuality professor at Orange Coast College and Pepperdine University, presented at various academic institutions including Alliant, Cal Lutheran, CSULB, NYU, USC, and USD. conferences/shows such as AVN/AEE, AASECT, Catalystcon, SSSS, and SHE, and a Western Region past president for the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. He has written and/or consulted for 14 instructional sex education projects, co-host for Penthouse's Sex Academy instructional series, and consultant for BaDoinkVR virtual reality sex therapy instructional video. Dr. Chaves has written for Sexpert.com, AskMen.com, a contributing author to the International Encyclopedia of Human Sexuality, and been featured in publications such as Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Bustle, Vice, Maxim, The Daily Star, Esquire, and Alternet. 

Tristan Taormino is an award-winning author, columnist, editor, and sex educator. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with her Bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Wesleyan University in 1993. She is the author of True Lust: Adventures in Sex, Porn and Perversion, Down and Dirty Sex Secrets, The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women and editor of the Lambda Literary Award-winning anthology series Best Lesbian Erotica. Her popular Village Voice column “Pucker Up” is nationally syndicated. She runs her own adult film production company, Smart Ass Productions, and is currently an exclusive director for Vivid Entertainment. For Vivid, she directs a reality series called Chemistry, winner of several awards, including the 2007 AVN Award for Best Gonzo Release. She also helms Vivid’s sex education imprint, Vivid-Ed, for which she has written, produced and directed several titles. Tristan has been featured in over 250 publications including The New York Times, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Entertainment Weekly, Details, New York Magazine, Men’s Health, and Playboy. She has appeared on HBO’s Real Sex, The Howard Stern Show, Loveline, Ricki Lake, and on CNN, MTV, and The Discovery Channel. She lectures at top colleges and universities, where she speaks on gay and lesbian issues, sexuality and gender, alternative relationships, and feminism. She teaches sex and relationship workshops around the world. 

Linda Weiner, MSW, LCSW is Co-Director of the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training, an Adjunct Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, a supervisor, speaker, workshop presenter and author. Training  together and working at Masters & Johnson Institute, she and Constance became colleagues and lifelong friends. The two of us recently collaborated on the publication of the first illustrated manual detailing the use of Sensate Focus in sex therapy and updating this foundational technique for diverse clients.  

Kaya Cassard is an LMFT, Sex Therapist, and Pelvic Pain Relief Expert in Venice, CA. She has over 14 years of experience in the field! Kayna works with both individuals and couples to explore their sexuality and issues that surround their lives outside of the bedroom as well. Kayna is the founder of Intuitive Sensuality which provides therapy and education for sexuality issues.

Nicoletta Heidegger is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#110256) and award nominated Sexologist practicing in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in sex therapy as well as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). Nicoletta received her BA in Psychology from Stanford University, her MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and her Masters of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University. She sees therapy clients (CA residents only) virtually and at her unique ranch office in Los Angeles. She also provides coaching, consulting, education, and retreats to folks around the world. When not seeing clients, Nicoletta creates weekly content via her hit show Sluts and Scholars: a sex positive, shame-free, educational podcast for professionals who prioritize pleasure. Nicoletta contributes regularly to a variety of columns, podcasts, classrooms, and blogs about sex, relationships, and mental health.