AASECT Conference Program Planning Committee

Chris (also known as “Dr. B”; he/him/his) was the 2024 Conference Chair, and will continue to serve as the chair for 2025. Following which, he is excited to transition to Past Chair for the 2026 conference. The former Treasurer of AASECT (2020-2024), he has been an active and engaged member of AASECT since 2015.

Outside of Dr. B’s work with AASECT, he is an Associate Professor and Director of the Couple & Family Therapy Graduate Programs and Services at Purdue University Northwest. He is licensed in multiple states as an LMFT (Systemic Therapist), AAMFT Approved Supervisor, holds dual AASECT Certification as a Sex Therapist and as Sex Educator, as well as having earned many other certifications in education, teaching, gay affirmative psychotherapy, and other advanced trainings. As an academic scholar, clinician, and educator, he has focused his career on sex and sexuality, from an intersectional queer-informed social justice lens. He has published 20+ peer reviewed articles, numerous book chapters, national guidelines (Clinical Guidelines for LGBTQIA Affirming MFT; AAMFT, 2022), and presented at (inter)national conferences over 40 times. In addition to his academic appointment, he is also the Clinical Reviews Editor for the Journal of Sex and Relationship Therapy – an international journal for the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (London, England). He has been described as an outgoing extrovert with a tenacious attitude and a zealous appreciation for organization.

Neil is a person-centered Marriage and Family Therapist, known for his dedication to education, tenured professional experience, and commitment to community involvement. He graduated from Hope International University with his Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2010. Neil’s undergraduate education was in Theatre with an emphasis in Technical Theatre Production from the University of California, Riverside.  His early academic career instilled a passion for the arts and an overall love for all things created in passion.

As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Washington, Idaho, and Florida, Neil supports individuals and relationships along their mental/relational/sexual journey. Additionally he is an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University, teaching a Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy course for PhD students. As of early 2024, Neil also operates the Northwest Institute of Intimacy (NWIOI) and enjoys educational programming that helps a variety of professionals with their professional goals to become AASECT certified sex therapists/counselors. 

 Neil’s professional journey includes leadership roles in various healthcare settings, such as CHI Franciscan Health and MultiCare Health Systems, where he managed programs and services related to mental health and adolescent behavioral health. His expertise extends to areas like social services, care management, and development strategy.

 Neil is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, providing specialized care in intimacy, religious trauma and overall sexual health. He received his training/supervision in Sex Therapy from NWIOI. Neil has also trained in EMDR from The Creative Mindfulness Institute, and trained in Gottman Couples Counseling. 

 Beyond his clinical work, Neil has served in several community initiatives including the Key Free Community Clinic board, the Gig Harbor Arts Commission, and Multicare Bridges Center for Grieving Children. In his personal life he is a dedicated spouse and father, and enjoys working in the yard/garden.

Alex Tatum, Ph.D., (he/him/his) is an Assistant Professor with Ball State University’s Department of Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology, and Counseling. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago with his PhD in Counseling Psychology. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Program in Human Sexuality and is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor (CST-S). He serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Counseling Psychology. He also owns and operates a sex therapy practice in Chicago, IL (Radical Authenticity & Wellness).

Alex’s current research focuses on (a) health outcomes of sexual and gender minority (SGM) employees’ workplace environments, (b) psychosocial outcomes of SGM minority stress processes such as internalized homonegativity/transnegativity, and (c) relational and sexual health in polyamorous and other consensually non-monogamous relationships. He developed and teaches sexuality coursework with Ball State’s sex therapy minor, and he teaches practicum coursework and supervises graduate students in BSU’s counseling and counseling psychology programs. 

 In his free time, Alex enjoys playing video games with friends. His favorite video game series are Danganronpa, AI: The Somnium Files, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney.

Angela is a Keynote Speaker and Author of the books Pre-Marital Counseling: A Guide for Clinicians (2016), Helping Couples Overcome Infidelity: A Therapist’s Manual (2018) and the upcoming “It’s Not a Bomb, It’s Just Sex!” (Expected 2025). She is a Licensed Marriage Therapist in the state of Missouri and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She is also an AAMFT approved Supervisor and soon to be AASECT Approved Sex Therapy Supervisor (2025). Angela Skurtu also has a youtube channel Youtube.com/c/angelaskurtu where she offers free relationship and sexual health skills. 

Angela on a personal level: I love this work. Every day, I am privileged to walk with couples in their time of need and help sexually empower them. For many of the couples I work with, sex is mired in shame. Instead of feeling comfortable in their body, sex is scary, lonely, and creates anxiety. My work with couples is all about helping them find their own creative sexual style and become their authentic sexual selves. When someone comes to me and says, “I am not a sexual person,” that has more to do with what society has taught them about what it means to be sexual then who they actually are as a sexual person. My passion is to help individuals find their sexual voice and their personal sexual identity. I’m Angela Skurtu and I open bedroom doors!

Jacqueline Mendez is a bilingual (English-Spanish) and bicultural Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AASECT-certified sex Therapist, and AASECT-certified sex Therapy Supervisor. Licensed in California, she brings over two decades of experience to her transformative work with individuals, couples, and communities. Jacqueline holds Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and Spiritual Psychology, blending evidence-based practices with spiritual and embodied approaches to healing. Her additional studies in somatic, embodiment, and Tantra practices enrich her holistic and decolonizing framework for care. 

Jacqueline founded the Center for Relationship and Intimacy Well-Being (CRIWB), where she and her team collaborate with a multidisciplinary network of experts, including pelvic floor specialists, doulas, and medical professionals. Her practice specializes in supporting clients through trauma, sexuality, intimacy, and transitions such as perimenopause and menopause, viewing these life changes as opportunities for more profound self-discovery and spiritual transformation. 

Jacqueline is opening A Healing Place, a nonprofit that provides culturally inclusive, trauma-informed, and integrative care for underserved communities. This initiative reflects her commitment to fostering healing and connection beyond the therapy room. 

An experienced trainer and supervisor, Jacqueline offers guidance to therapists and coaches pursuing AASECT certification, emphasizing a somatic, sex-positive, and intersectional lens. She also facilitates programs and support groups, including bicultural and sex-positive spaces for the Latinx community, creating healing conversations around cultural taboos, intimacy, and relational dynamics. 

An experienced trainer and supervisor, Jacqueline provides mentorship to therapists and coaches pursuing AASECT certification, offering guidance grounded in a somatic, sex-positive, and intersectional lens. She has presented at the AASECT Annual Conference, sharing her expertise in holistic, movement, and somatic approaches to sexual health and therapy. Jacqueline also facilitates transformative programs and support groups, including bicultural and sex-positive spaces for the Latine community, creating healing conversations around cultural taboos, intimacy, and relational dynamics. 

Jacqueline is a sought-after speaker and media consultant, contributing to outlets such as Telemundo, Univision, and The New York Times. She is also writing a book exploring the intersections of Latinidad, spirituality, and sexuality. When not working, Jacqueline enjoys the company of her beloved animals, connecting with nature, and embracing life’s sacred moments.

Kristen Lilla LCSW, CST-S, CSE-S (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, and AASECT Certified Supervisor (for both therapists and educators). Kristen is a queer therapist working in private practice and serving clients in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Vermont. She currently serves as the AASECT Mid-Continent Section Leader for the state of Nebraska and holds a position as the Education Auditor for the Conference Committee for the national AASECT organization. Kristen is an international speaker and has spoken at conferences worldwide including the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS), National Sex Education Conference (CSE), Bangladesh Sex Therapy Training, and AASECT Annual Conference. 

In 2020, Kristen Lilla won the AASECT Sexuality Educator award and in 2023, won the AASECT Book Award for Children under 18. In addition to their numerous accomplishments Kristen Lilla has published three books; Boxes and How We Fill Them: A Basic Guide to Sexual Awareness, Vaginas and Periods 101: A Pop-Up Book, and Colors of You: Lesson Plans for Teachers and Parents about Sex Education and Identity. She was published in the 4th edition of Unequal Partners: Teaching About Power, Consent, and Healthy Relationships as well as Orientation: Teaching About Identity, Attraction, and Behavior, both published by the Center for Sex Education. Kristen is frequently quoted in articles for prominent websites including Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, and CNN. She loves to travel, drink lattes, and buy slow fashion. 

Markie L. C. Twist, was born and raised in a small village on the road-system in the state of Alaxsxaq (Alaska), and currently resides in what colonizers call, “Las Vegas, Nevada,” but was and is Nuwu (Southern Paiute) land. dr. Markie is Teaching Faculty and the Graduate Student Research Chairperson in the Doctoral and Masters Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) programs at Antioch University (New England campus) in the Division of Relational Therapies in the Graduate School of Counseling, Therapy, and Psychology and is also the Director of Outcomes and Accreditation in the Masters in CFT program at Antioch University Seattle. dr. Markie is also the Session Instructor in the University of Guelph Professional Sexuality Practices Clinical Training Program.

Markie is a trustee member and registered member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT), a licensed marriage and family therapist (IA, NV) and mental health counselor (IA), as well as a clinical fellow and approved supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and certified sexuality educator and supervisor through the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).

Markie is co-author of the books, The Internet Family: Technology in Couple and Family Relationships, The Couple and Family Technology Framework: Intimate Relationships in a Digital Age, and Focused Genograms: Attachment Focused Intergenerational Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families (2nd ed.) dr. Markie serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Sexual and Relationship Therapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice and is coeditor of the book, Eco-Informed Practice: Family Therapy in an Age of Ecological Peril. 

 Some of Dr. Markie’s honors include being the recipient of: the 2020 Wisconsin Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT) Carl Whitaker Award, a 2019 University of Wisconsin (UW) System Honoree of the Dr. P. B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People, the 2018 Delta Kappa Zeta Chapter Charles Cole Outstanding Professional Development Award, and a 2017 Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Rising Scholar Emerging Professional Award. dr. Markie’s recent coawards include the 2023 Antioch University CFT Programs 3rd Annual Virtual Research and Professional Conference Best Session Award for the session, “Exploring age gap relationships: Implications for psychosexual and systemic relational therapy practices” and the 2021 Sexual and Relationship Therapy Best Article of the Year Award–Honourable Mention for the peer-reviewed scholarly article, “We are naked waitresses who deliver sex: A phenomenological study of circumstantial sex workers’ lives.”

Markie regularly consults, engages in scholarship, presents, and clinically works in the areas of eco-informed family therapy, tantra-informed communication practices, digihealth, digiattachment, and digisexuality, and gender, sexual, erotic, and relational diversity (GSERD). You can learn more about dr. Markie at https://drmarkie.com/ or follow them at Instagram/Threads @dr_markie or Facebook @drmarkietwist.

Lexx Brown-James, PhD, LMFT, CSE, CSES (She|Her|Dr) is a Black, fat, pansexual, southern, parent. She is one of 3 sexuality educators of color supervisors and has worked on AASECT’s Bylaws, Conference Planning, Certification Task Force, and Board for the past 8 years. As an educator, Lexx guest lectures, and collaborates with organizations to perpetuate shame-free sex education from womb to tomb. Lexx is also an LMFT sex therapist, who runs The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC where she primarily supports others to build, create, maintain, and perpetuate intimacy. Lexx also volunteers time as a mentor and colleague in the field to various sexuality professionals. Her passion is to remove obstacles that have kept people from accessing education, experience, position, and pleasure. She hopes to continue to remove obstacles and build more opportunities at AASECT for all.

Dr. Tanya Bass, MS, MEd, PhD, CSE, CHES (she/her/goddess) currently serves as the Vice President of Membership for AASECT. With a deep commitment to advancing the field of sexuality education, she has served as the AASECT Conference Chair and Co-Chair. Tanya has served as the Volunteer Coordinator and conference planning team member since 2018. Dr. Bass is celebrated for her commitment to advancing inclusive and culturally responsive sexuality education. She has authored Representation in Sex Education: Cultivating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. The book explores the crucial role of diverse and inclusive representations in sex education, aiming to enhance cultural competency and support equitable learning environments.

She is the Founder of the NC Sexual Health Conference, the only conference in the state that supports sexuality education across the lifespan for professionals and community members. She is the Clinical Instructor in the Department of Public Health Education at her alma mater NC Central University. She serves as the faculty lead for the Certificate in Sex Education and Social Justice for the Sex Ed Lecture Series/Mercy University.

Eliza Boquin (she/her) is the founder of the Flow & Ease Healing Center, Inc. in Houston, Texas, where she specializes in guiding individuals through the complexities of shame and trauma towards healthier, more pleasure-filled lives. She is also the co-founder of Melanin & Mental Health, LLC, which is deeply dedicated to breaking down barriers to mental wellness in Black/Brown communities. Eliza is passionate about assisting individuals to reclaim their narratives and pursue paths toward healing and liberation. She is committed to fostering safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces where all individuals can thrive.