My first formal experience teaching about sexuality came later, as a science teacher in the Peace Corps in Samoa. Sexual anatomy was part of the biology curriculum, but my students wanted more—real conversations about gender, sex, and relationships. Their questions were earnest and brave. Connecting with their questions sparked something deep in me: a sense of care, honesty, and responsibility to offer solid information to people who didn’t know where else to go.

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When I returned to the United States, I committed myself fully to this work. I earned a Master of Arts in Human Sexuality from New York University, where I became especially drawn to the relationship between mood, mental health, and sexual behaviour. I noticed that many people use sex not only for pleasure, but also as a way to cope with difficult emotions. I wanted to understand the emotional and neurological “why” behind this. That curiosity led me to Rutgers University, where I completed a Master of Science in Molecular and Behavioural Neuroscience to explore how sex and fantasy can soothe emotional pain.

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Although New York City was an incredible place to study sexuality, the academic world in the mid‑1990s wasn’t always welcoming to my questions, especially around the functions of sexual fantasy. I eventually returned to teaching and spent a number of years in international schools, including the United Nations School. But throughout my life—whether with students, friends, or colleagues—there has been a consistent theme: I was the person people confided in when they had issues around sex, sexuality and relationships.

With more life experience and far less fear of stigma, I returned to my original passion and became a sex therapist. Today, I specialise in helping people who feel their sexual behaviours have become problematic or confusing.

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What I want you to know is this: you are not alone. Many people struggle with sexual behaviours that don’t make sense to them. Many feel ashamed, worried, or unsure where to turn. Sexuality is deeply human, sometimes it becomes hidden rather than private, and is sometimes complicated and confusing—but it is something we can talk about. There are people, like me, who understand this landscape, who will listen without judgment, and who want to help you feel more confident, comfortable, and connected to your sexual self.

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​If you’re struggling with your sexual behaviours, or those of someone you love, and feel ready to talk with someone who truly gets it, contact me.