Presenter: Dr. Duana Welch (pronounced DWAY-nah) is author of the Love Factually books, known for using social science to solve real-life relationship issues. She taught psychology across 20 years at the University of Florida; Cal State Fullerton; St. Edwards University; Southwestern University; and Austin Community College. Her teaching garnered awards at Cal State (Professor of the Year, 2000 and 2001) and ACC (NISOD and Outstanding Service Award, both 2012). She has contributed to NPR, PBS, Psychology Today, and numerous other outlets, podcasts, and videos. Her books are now out globally in five languages; all rely on science rather than opinion to help men and women of any age, sexual, or gender orientation find and keep the right partner. Her client practice is global, via Zoom and other technologies.

Presenter: David Cooley’s journey towards developing the Restorative Relationship Conversation model began in the field of Restorative Justice. As a professional Restorative Circle facilitator and trainer, he had the privilege of helping individuals resolve their interpersonal conflicts together, instead of resorting to the traditional court system. In the course of his work with Restorative Justice, he also received training for working with victims of crime (including trauma informed care), Cultural & Gender sensitivity & awareness, Non violent Communication, as well as Cultural Brokering. Beyond the context of RJ, he has also been trained in several modalities including Mindfulness Based Practices, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Work, and Attachment Theory. After leaving the world of Restorative Justice, he decided to use the restorative conflict model and re-image it as a tool for helping individuals learn healthier models of conflict resolution, particularly in the context of intimate relationships. He currently offers the Restorative Relationship Conversation process to private clients looking for new and effective ways to address interpersonal conflict and transform it into deeper connection and intimacy.

You can connect with him and SwirlBaby LLC 

YouTube: Rocky and Sarah

Instagram @therockyandsarah

Presenter: Rocky Lane he/him is a media creator, entrepreneur, and community engagement and advocacy consultant who specializes in wellness access. He has studied at the ACC paramedic program, Lauterstein-Conway (TLC) Massage School, and waking yoga 200 hour trauma informed teacher training, with a focus in underserved populations.

Over the last few years Rocky has been working as a local wellness provider and has been supporting advocacy and community based teams as the regional co-leader for Texas TransFORWARD. Before that he served on the board of TENT (transgender education network of texas) and he recently launched SwirlBaby LLC with partner Sarah in 2021. 

His goal in consulting is to help guide community stakeholders in the process of building better relationships through media and creative solutions. He hopes to help the central Texas region create a stronger and more diverse community voice in the design and development of our thriving community future. 

People often describe him as focused, energetic, knowledgeable, attentive, and possibly magical.

David Cooley’s journey towards developing the Restorative Relationship Conversation model began in the field of Restorative Justice. As a professional Restorative Circle facilitator and trainer, he had the privilege of helping individuals resolve their interpersonal conflicts together instead of resorting to the traditional court system. In the course of his work with Restorative Justice, he also received training for working with victims of crime (including trauma-informed care), Cultural & Gender sensitivity & awareness, Non-violent Communication, as well as Cultural Brokering. Beyond the context of RJ, he has also been trained in several modalities including Mindfulness-Based Practices, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Work, and Attachment Theory. After leaving the world of Restorative Justice, he decided to use the restorative conflict model and re-image it as a tool for helping individuals learn healthier models of conflict resolution, particularly in the context of intimate relationships. He currently offers the Restorative Relationship Conversation process to private clients looking for new and effective ways to address interpersonal conflict and transform it into deeper connection and intimacy.

If you would like to get in touch with JP you may contact them here:
Website: www.healthandhealinghub.com
Phone: 512.524.3796

JP Cardenas, they/them, LPC-A, Supervised by Melody Palmer-Arizola LPC-S, is the Owner + Therapist of Health and Healing Hub, a new private practice here in Austin, Texas. JP has been a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate for almost a year now and has worked in mental health for over eight years. JP works with individuals and couples in the LGBTQ+ community on issues like: depression, gender identity, anxiety, sexuality, body image, transitioning (FTM or MTF), sex, and relationships. JP is a trained EMDR therapist, is sex positive, kink friendly/knowledgeable, takes a holistic approach towards health and healing, poly-friendly/knowledgeable, and is unapologetically Queer, Fat, Mexican American, and Genderqueer! When JP isn’t practicing therapy, they are spending time with their pets (two cats, one dog), binging sci-fi/fantasy movies/shows, going to local coffee shops with friends, getting more tattoos, and most importantly continuing their own journey with health and healing in a variety of ways!

Alicia is the Founder and Visionary of BeFree Wellness Education and Consulting, LLC, based in Eastern North Carolina. Known as the “Public Health Sexologist,” Alicia intersects her love and expertise in public health and sexuality education. Her educational career extends from North Carolina Central University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health; to Widener University, obtaining a Master of Education, specializing in human sexuality studies. She has been serving vulnerable populations in the fields of public and sexual health for 15 years and counting. Alicia’s experience range includes designing and facilitating sexuality education lessons, curricula, and sexuality-related professional development opportunities; and coordinating community education programs, sexual health conferences, and other community-wide social-public health community events. Alicia has worked with professionals in interdisciplinary fields who work with young people, university and community college populations, pre-adolescent youth and young adults, in community and faith-based settings. Currently, she serves as an Independent Sexuality Educator and Public Health Consultant, serving rural areas and beyond, working to normalize and expand wholistic and positive sexuality, health and wellness education for all. Alicia believes freedom lies in the power of communication and knowledge.