Updated October 2015

SUMMARY

With over five years experience in spiritually-based counseling, a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and several years in private practice as a therapist, I now offer services as a relationship coach/consultant and sexuality educator to those living or curious about alternative lifestyles. I work with sexual minority populations and I specialize in the sexual and relational problems experienced by those in non-traditional relationships and sexualities, such as: multi-partner (i.e., polyamorous and swingers), those in BDSM relationships, people with alternative forms of sexual expression, and those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities (LGBT), and incorporating pertinent religious or spiritual considerations.

EXPERIENCE

Private Practice Therapist with Wellspring Counseling Center, supervised by Dr. Tom Query, Atlanta, GA, January 2012-July 2014

Independent Clergy Counseling, supervised by Reverend James Miller, ULC & Church of All Worlds – 2003-2012 (approximately 80 contact hours)

Independent Clergy Counseling, supervised by Reverend Donna Thompson, Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary – 2007-2012 (approximately 20 contact hours)

Peer Counseling, Resident Adviser, Slippery Rock University, supervised by Angela Todaro – 1993-1994

EDUCATION

MS in Marital & Family Therapy

Certificate in Marital & Family Therapy

Capella University, Minneapolis, MN

December 2012, GPA: 4.0

BA in Spanish

Minor in Communications/Journalism

Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

December 1994, Cum Laude, GPA: 4.3

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Clinical Sexology week-long intensive, presented by Dr. Patti Britton through The Institute for Sexual Self Realization, July 2012

SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment & Restructuring), presented by Dr. Patti Britton and Dr. Robert Dunlap, through the Institute for Sexual Self Realization, July 2012 

Emotionally Focused Therapy Four Day Externship, presented by Dr. Michael Barnett at Argosy University, February 2011 

“A Bridging of Gottman & Johnson,” presented at AAMFT Annual Conference, September 2010

“Building Resilience in Same-Sex Marriages,” presented at AAMFT Annual Conference, September 2010

“Couple Therapy with Gay Male Fathers,” presented at AAMFT Annual Conference, September 2010

“Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence,” presented at AAMFT Annual Conference, September 2010

“Sexual Desire,” presented at AAMFT Annual Conference, September 2010

“Creating Connection in Couples Therapy: The New Science of Love and Bonding,” presented by Sue Johnson, through the Atlanta Center for EFT, Mercer University, and the LPCA of GA, will complete 3 hours of training, October 2010

“Affairs and Erotic Recovery Teleseminar,” presented by Dr. Tammy Nelson, completed 2 hours of training, August 2010

“Sex and Erotic Recovery Teleseminar,” presented by Dr. Tammy Nelson, completed 2 hours of training, June 2010

“The New Monogamy: Negotiating Love, Sex, & Infidelity Teleseminar, Part 3” presented by Dr. Tammy Nelson and Esther Perel, completed 4 hours of training, May 2010

“Return of Desire – Getting the Sex You Want Teleseminar, Part 4,” presented by Dr. Gina Ogden and Tammy Nelson, completed 6 hrs training, May 2010

“Sexual Addiction: Differential Diagnosis, Treatment, and Erotic Recovery Teleseminar,” presented by Dr. Tammy Nelson and Dr. Joe Kort, completed 4 hours of training, May 2010

“Sexual Dependency Syndrome Teleseminar,” presented by Dr. Tammy Nelson and Dr. Joe Kort, completed 4 hours of training, February 2010

“Women's Sexual Stories: What They Teach Us,” keynote presentation by Gina Ogden, for the GA Psychological Association Women’s Conference, completed 1 hour of training, January 2010

“Sexuality, Spirituality and Culture Panel,” featuring Gina Ogden, Ph.D., Faughn Adams, Psy.D., Pamela Thompson, Psy.D., & Anneliese Singh, Psy.D., for the GA Psychological Association Women’s Conference, completed 2 hours of training, January 2010

“Sexual Intimacy for Women: Special Issues in Same-Sex Relationships,” presented by Glenda Corwin, Ph.D., for the GA Psychological Association Women’s Conference, completed 2 hours of training, January 2010

“Compulsive Sexual Behaviors and their Treatment, Part 1: Pornography Addiction Teleseminar,” presented by Dr. Tammy Nelson and Dr. Joe Kort, completed 1 hour of training, December 2009

“The New Monogamy: Negotiating Love, Sex, & Infidelity Teleseminar, Part 2” presented by Dr. Tammy Nelson and Esther Perel, completed 4 hours of training, November 2009

“Return of Desire – Getting the Sex You Want Teleseminar, Part 3” presented by Dr. Gina Ogden and Tammy Nelson, completed 6 hrs training, October 2009

“The New Monogamy: Negotiating Love, Sex, & Infidelity Teleseminar, Part 1” presented by Dr. Tammy Nelson and Esther Perel, completed 4 hours of training, September 2009

“Supporting the Family System through Collaborative Divorce,” presented by Robert D. Bordett, CFP, CDFA, Amy Waggoner, JD, & Marsha Schechtman, LCSW, through the GAMFT, completed 2 hrs training, August 2009

“Empowering Families and Communities to Prevent the Sexual Abuse of Children,” presented by Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, completed 5 hrs training, September 2008

“‘Mom, Dad, I’m Gay’: Helping Families who are struggling with a Teen’s Sexuality,” presented by Dee Desnoyers, through GAMFT, completed 2 hrs training, December 2008

“Therapeutic Quickies: A Relational Approach to Brief Sex Therapy,” presented by Douglas Flemons & Shelley Green, through GAMFT, completed 6 hrs training, February 2009

“Return of Desire – Getting the Sex You Want, Part 2 Teleseminar,” presented by Dr. Gina Ogden and Dr. Tammy Nelson, completed 6 hrs training, May 2009

“Group Process,” presented by Eric Eldritch, through Pagan Leadership Skills Conference, completed 16 hrs training, July 2006

“Clergy Counseling,” presented by Judy Harrow, completed 12 hrs training, July 2005

PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS

"Negotiating a Scene," co-presenter, Consent Kansas City BDSM club meeting, Kansas City, MO -- May 2015

"Creating a Consent-Based Pagan Culture," Heartland Spirit Festival, Camp Gaea, KS -- May 2015

"Risk, Safety, and Consent: The Difference Between SSC and RACK," Wichita, SICK-U BDSM club meeting, Wichita, KS -- Mar 2015

"Non-Polyamory Roundtable," Atlanta Polyamory Weekend Conference, Atlanta, GA -- Jun 2014

"Sacred Dominance & Submission," 1763 Educational Forum, Atlanta, GA -- May 2014

"BDSM 101," expert panelist for daylong session sponsored by the Consent Kansas City BDSM club, Kansas City, MO -- Apr 2014

"Kinky & Codependent," 1763 Educational Forum, Atlanta, GA -- April 2014

"Codependence & Polyamory," Atlanta Polyamory Weekend Conference, Atlanta, GA -- Jun 2013

"Sex, Power, & Privilege in Polyamory," Atlanta Polyamory Weekend Conference, Atlanta, GA -- Jun 2013

"How to Make Love to a Transgender Person," panelist, Frolicon, Atlanta, GA -- Apr 2013

"Exploring Sacred Sexuality & Introduction to the Qadishtu Path," presentation at Occult Bookstore, Chicago, IL -- Oct 2010

"Online Sex Coaching and Educating," Sex 2.0 Conference, Seattle, WA -- May 2010

“Polyamory: Safari of the Heart Teleseminar,” six one-hour lectures, presented in collaboration with Sarah D. Olivia, July – Oct 2010

“Healing with Sacred Eros Teleseminar for Professionals,” nine one-hour lectures, presented in collaboration with Francesca Gentille, July – Oct 2009

“Introduction to Sacred Sexuality,” one-hour workshop presented:

·         June 2004 – Dreaming Earth Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Sept 2004 – Fall Fling Pagan Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Oct 2004 – FireDance Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Feb 2005 – DayDreaming: Greenwood Seminar, Woodstock, GA

·         Feb 2005 – BorderPagans Discussion Group, Marietta, GA

·         May 2005 – Moondance Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         June 2005 – Dreaming Earth Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         July 2005 – Dionysus Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Jan 2006 – Bio-Buzz Botanicals Shop, Columbus, GA

·         Oct 2006 – Fall Fling Pagan Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         May 2006 – Moondance Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         May 2006 – RowanFest Pagan Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Aug 2006 – Lammas Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Oct 2006 – Chattanooga Pagans Community Gathering, Chattanooga, TN

·         Sept 2007 – Books, Beans, & Candles Metaphysical Shop, Birmingham, AL

“Embracing Sacred Sexuality,” one-hour workshop:

·         Jan 2006 – Bio-Buzz Botanicals Shop, Columbus, GA

·         May 2006 – Moondance Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Aug 2006 – Lammas Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Oct 2006 – Chattanooga Pagans Community Gathering, Chattanooga, TN

·         May 2007 – Georgia Pagan Gatherings Beltane, Carrolton, GA

·         May 2007 – Moondance Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Sept 2007 – Books, Beans, & Candles Metaphysical Shop, Birmingham, AL

 “Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Practical Sexuality Education for Teens,” one-hour workshop presented:

·         June 2004 – Dreaming Earth Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Oct 2004 – FireDance Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         July 2005 – Dionysus Festival, Carrolton, GA

 “How to Talk to Your Pagan Kids about Sex,” one-hour workshop presented:

·         May 2007 – Georgia Pagan Gatherings Beltane, Carrolton, GA

·         May 2007 – Moondance Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         May 2007 – Dreaming Earth Festival, Carrolton, GA

 “Sacred Sex for the Single’s Soul,” one-hour workshop presented:

·         May 2007 – Georgia Pagan Gatherings Beltane, Carrolton, GA

·         May 2007 – Moondance Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         May 2007 – Dreaming Earth Festival, Carrolton, GA

·         Sept 2007 – Books, Beans, & Candles Metaphysical Shop, Birmingham, AL

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Independent Virtual Assistant to Sex & Relationship Counseling Professionals:

June 2008 – present

Task Examples:

·         Designing and distributing online newsletters

·         Scheduling client appointments

·         Scheduling interviews for online radio shows and podcasts

·         Maintaining social and professional networking sites

·         Updating professional websites

·         Contact management

·         Organizing teleseminars

·         Editing and proofing books and other publications

·         Online research

·         Writing marketing copy

·         Designing brochures, fliers, websites

Client base: Dr. Patti Britton, Tammy Nelson, Dr. Gina Ogden, Francesca Gentille, Dr. Linda Savage, Esther Perel, Chelsea Wakefield, and others

Sales Assistant, PhotoBooks, Inc., Atlanta, GA

May 2004 - Sept 2008 – Managed printer and binder quotation process. Created formal proposals and contracts for clients. Designed marketing material and trade show exhibits. Designed PowerPoint presentations and altered as necessary for particular clients. Performed data entry on contacts and clients. Organized the mailing of samples and other marketing material. Processed incoming product. Restructured library of samples and assisted in the compiling of a library database to maintain current inventory. Maintained stock of marketing material and placed orders for additional materials, as necessary. Assisted entire executive team with administrative tasks as necessary.

Writer, Editor & Desktop Publisher, Freelance

Jan 1995 – May 2004 - Wrote, edited and/or designed diverse projects for various individuals and organizations, such as:

·    Edited, wrote and designed 64-page magazine called The Common People

·    Compiled, edited and designed 30-page registration and information packet for religious organization’s annual retreat, two years in a row

·    Designed multiple fliers for Waldenbooks autographing events

·    Wrote/designed formal invitations for benefit dinner for AIDS Community Alliance of Harrisburg

·    Edited a software manual for Harrisburg Area Community College Distance Education Department

·    Wrote and designed contract and addendum for independent construction contractor

·    Edited and designed promotional brochure, letterhead and business card for educator

·    Edited novel length and short story manuscripts for fiction writer

·    Designed promotional flyer for local sports bar

Assistant Sales Manager, Waldenbooks, Atlanta, GA

Oct 1998 - Jun 2003 - Assisted store manager in all aspects of daily operation of the store. Interviewed, hired and trained staff. Evaluated staff performance, both through observation and by analyzing sales numbers, and conducted reviews to improve performance. Ensured store met all merchandising, shelving and discounting directives from Home Office. Increased store traffic by catering to the Hispanic and African American customer base. Organized book signings and designed fliers to advertise events. Ensured all staff were properly trained on customer service, cash handling, merchandising and paperwork standards. Assisted store manager in reducing theft and other areas of loss prevention.

District Manager Assistant (seasonal), Waldenbooks, Atlanta, GA

Aug 2002 - Jan 2003 - Oversaw the installation and operation of eleven Day-By-Day Calendar Co. kiosks throughout the district. Interviewed and hired staff, and advised store managers regarding hiring and training of staff. Conducted visits to ascertain compliance with merchandising, customer service, cash handling and paperwork standards. Monitored sales and worked with store managers to increase sales and units sold per transaction. Organized several district-wide contests to inspire and motivate staff.

Marketing Support Coordinator, Investors Title Insurance Company, Chapel Hill, NC

Jan 1998 - Jun 2001 - Managed the production and distribution of 40+ company manuals, which included coordinating research, arranging assembly, editing text, maintaining company standards in layout and design, overseeing all updates and revisions. Designed marketing material and external newsletter; developed and coordinated staff-written publications and magazine articles. Coordinated advertising efforts.

PROFESSIONAL AND SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy / Georgia Chapter, Student Member, January 2008-July 2014

GAMFT-NW Chapter Secretary, Jan 2012 - Jan 2014 

Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities, Member, since May 2009

United States Association of Body Psychotherapists, Student Member, since May 2008

ADDITIONAL CREDENTIALS

Ordained Minister, through Universal Life Church, Modesto, CA, ordained April 5, 2006