The Intimacy Professional Summit

Elizabeth Jebran

Abbey Crowley

Business Representative for Discrimination and Harassment @Actor's Equity Association

Abbey Crowley (she/her) is the Business Representative for Discrimination and Harassment at Actors' Equity Association, the labor union representing stage actors and stage managers in the United States. In Abbey's role, she speaks to members and non-members about contractual concerns related to harassment, discrimination, bullying, hostile work environments, and retaliation. Abbey also staffs Equity's Intimacy Working Group, a team of member experts currently drafting intimacy language for negotiation teams. Abbey is excited to learn from those who practice this work!

Alexandria Wailes

Director of American Sign Language

Alexandria Wailes (she/her) received a 2020 Obie Citation for Sustained Excellence as an Artist and Advocate and a Lortel nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play For Colored Girls.. at The Public. Broadway: Deaf West’s Spring Awakening, Big River (Tony Honoree for Ensemble). Off Broadway: Playwright Horizon’s I Was Most Alive with You, A Kind Of Alaska, Film: The Hyperglot; TV: Law & Order: Criminal Intent, High Maintenance, Little America, Nurse Jackie. Alexandria is an actor, director, dancer, choreographer, and director of artistic sign language. She has worked on stage, in front of the camera and behind the scenes on numerous on and off Broadway and regional theatres, television and film. She worked with Deaf West Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Playwrights Horizon, The Public, Pasadena Playhouse, City Center NY, Ars Nova and more. As director of artistic sign language, she worked on the revival of Broadway’s Children of a Lesser God and King Lear; This Close S.1 & 2, Quantico S.3, A Quiet Place 1 & 2, Wonderstruck and 2021’s Sundance Film Festival darling, CODA. Over the years she has worked as an advisor for ASL theatre interpreted teams for on and off Broadway with Hands On and TDF, as a teaching artist bringing theatre into classrooms, and is an educator at several museums in NYC- notably the Whitney Museum, The Jewish Museum, and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. She danced and performed with the Heidi Latsky Dance company. She is a co-founder of BHo5.org and a member of the Forest of Arden company. Ms. Wailes has spent many years advocating for Deaf and disability rights within the performing arts. She currently serves on the Dance/NYC disability taskforce. She received a Tony Honoree for Ensemble in the Deaf West revival of Big River along with numerous nominations and accolades. A proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA & the SDC.

Alexis Black

Alexis Black is a fight, movement and intimacy director, performer and theatre educator. She is a certified intimacy director and instructor with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, a certified teacher in the Michael Chekhov and Margolis Methods, and an Assistant Professor of Movement at Michigan State University. As a fight or intimacy director she has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally. As a professional actor and member of AEA, she has worked with regional theaters, on international tours and Off-Broadway. She leads staged intimacy and staged violence workshops at universities across the U.S., and is the co-author of Supporting Staged Intimacy: A Practical Guide for Theatre Creatives, Managers and Crew (with Tina M Newhauser, Routledge Publications 2022).

Amanda Edwards

Association of Mental Health Coordiantors

Amanda was born into the world of music, dance, and theatre thanks to parents in the performing arts. Having spent her childhood in the studios of New Jersey Ballet, Amanda studied dance, theater, choreography and education while appearing onstage at the Oriental Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, and internationally at the Fringe Festival. While in college, Amanda pursued mental healthcare, obtaining a Masters of Science degree in Counseling. In 2020, Amanda decided to unite her love of acting and choreography with her expertise in trauma, somatic awareness, the body and its boundaries, and client advocacy to embrace the role of Intimacy Professional, later pioneering the role of Mental Health Coordinator for film and theatre.

Amy Northup

Amy Northup is a seasoned IC who specializes in LGBTQ+ intimacy, and scenes of sexual violence. In addition to her on-set work, she creates and facilitates trainings on sexual violence prevention, bystander intervention, and harm response for NYC nightlife. She was awarded the first ever “Emerging Leader in Sexual Violence Prevention in NYC” by the NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault. She currently sits on the Manhattan Sexual Assault Task Force, and is a trained rape crisis advocate. She recently contributed to the “Intimacy Coordinators Guidebook” (Routledge; 1st Addition; editor: Brooke M. Haney), writing the chapter on approaching scenes of sexual violence.

Cara Rawlings

Cara Rawlings (she/her) is an intimacy and fight director and theatre movement educator based in Southwest Virginia where she is Associate Professor of Movement and Acting at Virginia Tech. An IDC Certified Intimacy Director and former Teaching Artist and SAFD Certified Stage Combat Instructor, Rawlings has directed intimacy, fights, and movement for more than 100 productions in professional and academic theatre. Her research is focused on gender issues in stage combat; fall prevention through stage combat fall training; a unique psychophysical approach to actor training based on contemporary violence choreography methodologies; and consent-based approaches to teaching in K-12 arts programs and in stage combat training, choreography, and performance.

Danielle Boyd

Justice, Equity & Belonging Program Manager @ YWCA - Columbia

Danielle Boyd, MSSA, is a social worker, cultural architect, and community advocate who values connecting individuals, groups, and communities with tools and resources needed to overcome barriers and foster a stronger sense of belonging. She works to create communities of equity, respect, and engagement. Danielle specializes in restorative practices, facilitation, and appreciative inquiry, equipping individuals, organizations, and communities with strategies for meaningful social change.

A proud graduate of Spelman College and Case Western Reserve University, Danielle has 15 years of experience in macro social work, education, and advocacy. She has worked across sectors to support equitable policies, organizational transformation, and community-driven initiatives. Committed to restoration, accountability, and collective care, Danielle applies an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to systems change and policy development. She ensures diversity, equity, and belonging are embedded in practice, not just ideals, and fosters sustainable, inclusive communities where all voices are valued.”

Francesca (Cessa) Betancourt

Francesca Betancourt aka Cessa (she.her.hers) Cessa is an actor, intimacy director, facilitator, and co-artistic producer of ART PARTY festival and residencies. She holds two BAs from Western Washington University in Theatre (acting, directing) and Sociology (social injustice, intimate relationships) and has trained in applied theatre at City University of New York. She has worked in theatre, dance, and arts education in Ireland, India, the Philippines, New York, Florida, Wisconsin, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Washington. She has been certified in intimacy direction at IDC, trained at multiple other intimacy institutions, and is a founding member of Pacific Northwest Theatrical Intimacy (a regional collective). Cessa currently directs a program in anti-racist and culturally sustaining arts education in the Seattle public school system. Her work is based in trauma conscious social/emotional arts practice, agency, whimsy, and physical storytelling. Her fight and intimacy choreography can be seen most recently at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Waitress (March 2025, Seattle, WA).

IDC Staff

Jessica Johnson

Director, Entertainment Contracts @ SAG-AFTRA

Jessica Johnson is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of Business and Pepperdine University's Caruso School of Law. Upon graduation, Jessica began her career as an associate at a boutique law firm specializing in production legal services. In 2014, she began working in the SAG-AFTRA Residuals Claims department. Shortly thereafter, she moved to the SAG-AFTRA Theatrical Contracts department and was tasked with conducting audits in connection with initial compensation claims thereby becoming very conversant in the various SAG-AFTRA entertainment contracts. In July 2018, Jessica became a manager in the SAG-AFTRA Entertainment Contracts department, overseeing contract enforcement for television and new media contracts. She later became a director in the same department and now serves as national director in the same group.

Juri Ito

Juri (she/her) is a Tokyo-based Intimacy Director, the first in Japan certified for live performance. With a cross-cultural background in Japan and the US, she has worked as a devised theatre director and provided cultural insight for projects with AMC Network and NHK. Juri began her intimacy direction training in 2019 and completed IDC Level 3 training in New York in Summer 2023.

She has collaborated on productions in Tokyo, including with Tokyo International Players, Japan’s largest English-language theatre, and in the Philippines with CAST. Juri is dedicated to fostering a community of consent-forward artists in Japan, Asia, and beyond.

Maggie Russell-Brown

National Director, Organizing @ SAG-AFTRA

Maggie has been a union organizer for over 20 years and joined the SAG-AFTRA family in 2018. She has led successful organizing campaigns for SAG-AFTRA in entertainment and broadcast journalism and most recently helped guide Intimacy Coordinators in their campaign to win union representation on AMPTP productions in the United States. Maggie is based in New York City.

Matt Denny

Consent Creatives of Arizona

Matt Denney (he/him) is a mixed race Filipino-American Educator and Recruitment Professional. A previous High School Drama Teacher, he joined the College of Fine Arts in 2023. His work with drama education, recruitment, and college student development has been seen by many organizations such as the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. He currently is studying for his PhD in Higher Education emphasizing in “Theatre for Social Change” at the University of Arizona. He also co-founded the organization Consent Creatives of Arizona which works to build better and more ethical rehearsal rooms and filming sets and has received grants from the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. He is deeply passionate about Equity, BIPOC Representation & Liberation, Community-Engagement in the Arts, and Ethical Recruitment Strategies. Outside of work, he enjoys tacos from Tacos Apson, Banh Mi from Banhdicted, and Red Bean Brioche Donuts from his favorite coffee shop: HeeMee. He is also a fan of comic books, R&B Music, Anime, RomComs, and bike-riding. He has an open-door policy and would love to share space with anyone who has the time and energy. His office is in Slonaker 107 for whomever would like to stop by! Maraming Salamat (Thank you very much!)

Megan McDermott

Megan McDermott (she/her) is an actress, singer, and playwright with a background in opera. In her career, she has performed numerous scenes of Intimacy, many of them prior to having the collaboration of an intimacy professional. Her musical training, voiceover work, and experience with dialects and “character vocal choice” has led to a curiosity about connecting physical vocabulary during intimate scenes with vocal expression. She has worked regionally and Off-Broadway, specializing in combining the visceral and the poetic; valuing curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. www.megan-mcdermott.com

Missy Maramara

Missy Maramara is an actor, director, Intimacy coordinator, improviser, and educator. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Drama (Performance) from the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) through the International Fulbright Scholarship Program. She is also trained in mask work and silent play from the L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, Moment Work from Tectonic Theater Project in New York City, and Intimacy Work from Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) in New York City. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fine Arts and English Department of the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Arts, a Master of Arts in English Literature and Cultural Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy in English Language and Literature. She is a proud member of SPIT Manila, Southeast Asia’s premier Improvisational theater company, and a teacher in Third World Improv. She is currently the president of the Philippine Theater Actors Guild (TAG Ph).

Phyl Flanagan

Justice, Equity & Belonging Program Manager @ YWCA

Phyl grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio among their large extended and multicultural family. Their academic and professional background includes health & wellness, human development, embodied activism, restorative practices and macro social work. Phyl spent over a decade working in early childhood education and development, as well as direct social service before transitioning into social justice and community Develpment. Phyl studied at The Ohio State University, International Institute of Restorative Practices, Boston University and The Embody Lab. Phyl founded The Reconnection Circle consulting firm in 2023 and currently serves as a Justice, Equity & Belonging Program Manager at YWCA Columbus (OH).

Randy Anderson

Deputy Director @ SDC

As Deputy Director of SDC, Randy manages the daily operations of the Union. Working closely with the Executive Director he helps to shape strategy and support the continued growth of SDC. He is responsible for overseeing Union-wide initiatives, implementing strategies for better oversight and enforcement of employment contracts and designing improvements that will benefit the Membership. Having been with SDC since 2006, Randy has had an impact on every Union Agreement, worked with employers around the country, and supported the ever-growing membership. He has been an integral part of negotiations in every jurisdiction and led, with his colleagues, multiple successful organizing campaigns. Randy represents SDC at the Coalition of Broadway and Union Guilds (COBUG), the Department of Professional Employees (AFL-CIO) and the New York City Central Labor Council. He is a graduate of Chapman University in Orange County, California. In his free time he likes to write and has five novels under his belt thus far.

Stephanie Feyne

Tina Newhauser

Tina M. Newhauser, In her 30+ year professional career working as stage, Production, and general manager, Tina’s experiences range from Broadway, Regional, touring, and summer stock productions to showcalling and room-producing large-scale corporate events. In 2012, she joined the faculty at Michigan State University where she launched and continues to manage the BFA Stage Management Program. In 2019, she partnered with friend and colleague Alexis Black to explore the intersection of staged intimacy with stage management, that joint venture resulted in them co-authoring the book "Supporting Staged Intimacy, A Practical Guide for Theatre Creatives, Managers, and Crew" released in 2022. They continue to actively advocate for consensual theatrical working practices through the teaching of workshops based on the content covered in their book.

Yehuda Duenyas

Co-Founder, Intimacy Coordinator, Lead Instructor @ Cintima

Yehuda Duenyas (he/they) is a transdisciplinary artist working at the intersections of Intimacy Coordination, Experiential Design, Performance, Film, and Sound. Beginning their intimacy work in New York’s performance scene in 2007, Yehuda proudly represents the LGBTQIA+ community, bringing a deeply personal voice to their practice. As a SAG-AFTRA accredited Intimacy Coordination trainer, they co-run CINTIMA.CO, a pioneering program for marginalized identities entering the field.Their Film & TV credits include I Want Your Sex (Blackbear/Gregg Araki), MONSTER: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix), Westworld S4 (HBO), The Afterparty S2 (Apple TV+), and American Gigolo (Showtime). Intimacy for Performance credits include Weathering (Faye Driscoll), The Beautiful People (Rogue Machine, LA), and Fulfillment (The Flea, NYC).Yehuda is also a Primetime Emmy Award-winning experiential director with a focus on immersive new media, storytelling, and technology. They have created experiences for Spotify, Netflix, Google, HBO, Walt Disney Imagineering, and others.

Aimy Tien

Aimy Tien (she/they) is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist. As a queer Vietnamese Chinese American actor, writer, intimacy coordinator, and producer, Aimy is driven by narrative plenitude, bringing the stories of people of color and historically excluded groups to the page, stage, and screen.Aimy is an IDC-certified intimacy coordinator who has worked with HBO, Apple TV+, Showtime, and independent television series and films. She is the founder of tinheart productions where they are developing narrative projects centered on the intersections of race, healing, and sexuality.Outside of their film and stage work, Aimy facilitates conversations and workshops around the world on storytelling, queer advocacy, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Learn more about them at AimyTien.com.

Alicia Rodis

Alicia Rodis pioneered the role of intimacy coordinator in the United States. She serves as the intimacy coordinator for HBO studios, consulting on their policies and protocols as well as training and vetting the IC's working on HBO sets. She is a co-founder of Intimacy Directors International (IDI) and is a part of the executive team behind the new company Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) which specializes in training performers and industry professionals to better approach intimate scenes, as well as trains and certifies intimacy coordinators for film and intimacy directors and choreographers for theatre.

Amanda Rue | Rev. Rucifer

Amanda Rue (she/they) is an intimacy expert and pleasure coach who specializes in creating safe, authentic, and nuanced approaches to intimacy. Through her alter ego, Rev. Rucifer, Amanda explores the expansive power of sacred sexuality and BDSM, helping individuals and professionals embrace deeper connections to pleasure and healing.Having helped thousands of people learn about consent practices, energetics and power dynamics, Amanda equips intimacy professionals with tools to craft authentic, emotionally rich portrayals of intimacy and BDSM for film, TV, and theater. Featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and Sex Life (EPIX), Amanda is passionate about breaking stereotypes and helping stories resonate with humanity and truth.

Ariel Reich

Ariel is an NYC based Actor, Director, and Mindfulness Artist with a background in Arts in Medicine and focus on Disability Arts. She recently made history as the first ever Accessibility Liaison for HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO on Broadway, for which she also worked on the Directing team. Ariel was last seen on stage in the Tony Award winning show, THE BAND’S VISIT. As an artistic leader, Ariel aims to curate consent-forward and accessibility-driven creative spaces rooted in compassion that foster community care, empathy, and empowerment. She loves hats.. and wears many

Avery Vonn Kenyatta

Avery Vonn Kenyatta is a Houston, TX based actor and Intimacy Director. He has a passion for actor advocacy and is extremely grateful to use his gift of storytelling in multiple ways. He is a certified Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors and has choreographed such shows as Black Super Hero Magic Mama at Stages Theatre in Houston. He holds a BFA from Western Michigan University and an MFA from the University of Houston's Professional Actor Training Program.

Casey Hudecki

Intimacy Coordinators Canada

Casey Hudecki (she/her) is a Partner of Intimacy Coordinators Canada and a certified professional through Intimacy Directors & Coordinators. Certified as both an Intimacy Coordinator and Intimacy Director in 2019, Casey was part of the first wave of Intimacy Coordinators, helping to establish the role and set the standard for safe practices in the industry. Casey Hudecki has worked professionally for over twenty-five years in film, television and theatre. She is a choreographer, educator and has worked in front and behind the camera as an actress, stunt performer, stunt coordinator and intimacy coordinator. Casey has worked on a wide variety of sex parties including Herogasm (S3E6) on The Boys, American Gods (S3E8), scenes from Jezebels on The Handmaids Tale, and her scariest orgy Infinity Pool to name a few.

Catherine Weidner

Ithaca College

Catherine Weidner is a director, actor, teacher, consent-forward artist. Member AEA/SDC. BFA/Acting Ithaca College, MFA/Directing, Minnesota; Trained at: Complicite/London, The Second City/Chicago and The Neighborhood Playhouse/New York. Her public-speaking portfolio includes law firms, non-profits, professional organizations, individuals and government agencies, helping improve communication, self-awareness, and dynamics among groups since 1997. She taught Public Speaking for the Smithsonian for many years, and is a frequent guest at professional conferences offering workshops on public speaking, conflict resolution, and improving one-on-one communication. Her clients include the Center for Disease Control, the AARP Foundation, Hogan & Hartson, Covington & Burling, Emergency Medical Physicians, the Department of Justice.

Chels Morgan

Intimacy & Cultural Competency Professional

Chels Morgan, MFA, CSE (pronouns: they / them / elle) - is a Black & Dominican, AuDHD, and Queer multi-hyphenate creative with a passion for curating inclusive and representative media. They work in multiple sectors as a filmmaker, photographer, sexuality and social justice educator, cultural competency specialist, and intimacy director & coordinator. Their intimacy choreography and cultural competency work has been featured at the New York Theatre Workshop (Off-Broadway), the Old Globe Theatre, the University of Michigan - School of Music, Theatre and Dance as well as at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) and on the AllBlk Streaming Platform (an AMC Network).

Claire Warden

Director of Advanced Training @ Intimacy Directors and Coordinators

Claire is a certified Intimacy Director and Coordinator and is one of the co-leaders of the Intimacy Direction movement across the industry. She is also the Director of Advanced Training at https://www.idcprofessionals.com/ Claire works as an intimacy coordinator and consultant on numerous television productions under various studios including HBO, Hulu, Amazon, Showtime, as well major motion picture studios such as Sony and 20th Century Fox. She has worked as the intimacy coordinator for Mrs Fletcher, Gossip Girl (2021), Dickinson, Billions, And Just Like That (S2), Harlan Cobens’s Shelter (S1), Your Honor, Looking for Alaska, and the feature films West Side Story (dir. Steven Spielberg) and A Journal for Jordan (dir. Denzel Washington). She has just finished filming the TV series of "Three Women” on Showtime in which she was the intimacy coordinator and part of the creative team. She is also part of the collaboration team advising SAG-AFTRA on their effort to standardize, codify and implement guidelines for on-set intimacy coordinators. Claire made history as the first intimacy director on a Broadway production, for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, with Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon and has since worked on numerous other Broadway shows, including Slave Play, Death of a Salesman, The Notebook, Jagged Little Pill, The Inheritance, Company, West Side Story along with the national tours of Waitress, Les Misérables and Company and the recent ART/STC production of Evita. Claire is a Fight Director and has choreographed stage violence both on and off Broadway as well regionally. Originally from the tiny, beautiful island of https://www.visitguernsey.com/, Claire began her career in the UK and has worked throughout the British Isles, Europe, Australia and across America.

Colleen Hughes

Colleen Hughes (she/her): As an intimacy director and coordinator, Colleen brings a trauma-informed and human-first approach to scenes of simulated sex, nudity, and hyperexposure. Through her collaboration with trusted colleagues, she is at the vanguard of a movement to bring increased agency and transparency to the entertainment industry. She has collaborated with artists from around the globe, including Maya Hawke on the official music video for Thérèse, with over 5 million views on YouTube; Samantha Shay at Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch in Germany; and immersive work with Virgin Atlantic’s cruise line in the Mediterranean, and Punkdrunk’s ‘Sleep No More’ in NYC.

DaiAwen Cynfamau

DaiAwen is a trans non-binary Intimacy Coordinator & Director from Cymru (Wales), based in New York City. Their art embodies their queerness, explores the magic of mythology and questions the “truths” of hegemony. DaiAwen sees art as a reflection of the world we know and portals to the ones we hope to see. Their films were selected for festivals such as BFI Film Festival (London) REC Film Festival (Berlin) and FEST (Portugal). Intimacy Coordinator credits include: AMC’s American Horror Story and Burn by José Manuel Vélez. Intimacy Director credits include: Angels in America (Redhouse Art Centre) and Cabaret (LeMoyne College).

David Thackeray

Intimacy Coordinator

David trained as an actor for five years, graduating from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, after which he went into directing for screen and stage.In 2017, David ventured into Intimacy Coordination, a field still in its infancy in the UK at the time. Since then, he has contributed to an array of productions across various platforms, including Sex Education, Heartstopper, The Crown, The Day of the Jackal, Black Doves, Industry and 3 Body Problem.

Doug Scholz Carlson

Intimacy Director @ The Metropolitan Opera

Doug Scholz-Carlson is a stage director, fight choreographer and the first intimacy director at the Metropolitan Opera for productions including Grounded. Fire Shut Up in my Bones, Dead Man Walking, Medea, and Rosenkavalier. Stage Directing credits include Minnesota Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Austin Opera, Kansas City Lyric Opera, Madison Opera and Great River Shakespeare Festival. Intimacy direction includes Minnesota Opera, San Diego Opera, San Antonio Opera and the Guthrie Theater and teaching workshops including Opera America national conference, Julliard, and Minnesota Opera. Doug is certified by IDC and trained with Tonia Sina, Alicia Rodis, Claire Warden, and Jessica Steinrock

Dr. Ayshia Mackie-Stephenson

Certified Intimacy Director @ Salem State University

Dr. Ayshia Mackie-Stephenson is an actor, scholar, activist, (intimacy) director, dancer, poet and award-winning writer from Brooklyn, NY. With an MFA from CalArts and a PhD from UMass Amherst, she uses theatre and performance to investigate pleasure, sexuality, and human rights. Her critical and creative work appears in Black Camera, Qualitative Inquiry, Clarion (by Boston University Press), International Review of Qualitative Research, Theatre Topics, Howlround and Research in Drama Education. Dr. Ayshia has directed or intimacy directed productions at The Huntington, Fresh Ink Theatre, Jewel Box Theatre in NYC, UMass Fine Arts Center, and the DC Black Theatre & Arts Festival. Dr. Ayshia’s most recent publication, Intimacy Directing for Theatre: Creating a Culture of Consent in the Classroom and Beyond, was released by Routledge in August 2023 and is the first intimacy directing textbook for teachers. She is an Assistant Professor of Performance Studies and Women’s Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Ayshia also hosts a Youtube channel, Dr. AyshiaTV, and is Co-Founder of Performing Fusion Theatre.

Dr. Dionne Mahaffey

Psychologist & Licensed Professional @ Roots to Branches WellnessCounselor

Dr. Dionne Mahaffey is a multifaceted entrepreneur, business consultant, and psychologist. Shehas a background in technology, mental health, journalism, and entrepreneurship. She hasworked in various roles in the tech industry and entertainment industries. Recently she receivedthe Inc. Magazine Female Founders 200 award and the Forbes 50 over 50 award.

Dr. Jasmine Ross

Dr. Jasmine Ross is a licensed psychologist and founder of Essence Psychological Health Services, PLLC, where she provides culturally sensitive care tailored to women’s mental health and intersectional experiences. As a storytelling consultant, Dr. Ross works through her brand, Dr. Jasmine Ross Storytelling Consulting, helping filmmakers, writers, and producers craft accurate and nuanced portrayals of mental health, trauma, and marginalized identities in film and television. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field and a passion for narrative psychology, Dr. Ross brings expertise in trauma-informed practices and character development to support emotionally complex and realistic storytelling.

Emilio Rodriguez

Black and Brown Theatre

Emilio is the Artist Director of Black and Brown Theatre, a Detroit based theatre focusing on creating opportunities for theatre artists of color and their communities through live performances, workshops, digital media, classes, and other events. He is also an actor, director, producer, teaching artist, and playwright whose plays have been read and performed in various cities and at the 2015 Latino Theatre Commons Carnaval Festival of New Plays. In his work, he seeks to create three dimensional roles for Latinos and actors of color in order to give these actors a chance to showcase their true talents and to make the theatre community better aware of the fact that all of our experiences have commonalities regardless of race. When not creating theatre, Emilio can be found teaching theatre at a variety of venues from preschools to senior centers.

Erin Wehrenberg

Erin Wehrenberg is a clinical mental health counselor, educator, facilitator, and writer with a specialization in mental health, systemic oppression and well-being, intercultural communication, social justice, and substance use. With master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Higher Education, she has counseled, taught, and/or facilitated both inside and outside of the traditional classroom setting around the world. Her counseling style focuses on personal empowerment while also considering systemic factors as supports and barriers to overall wellness. Her facilitation and teaching style focus on making tangible the ways intercultural communication and social justice play out in all of our lives and how we can be better advocates for change.

Evelyn Fogelman

Evelyn Fogleman (she/her) is an Intimacy Coordinator based in NYC. She specializes in equipping actors, directors, and crew members with practical, grounded tools and techniques for crafting intimate scenes that are as safe as they are sexy. Prior to her current role as an IC, she worked as an Assistant Director for notable productions such as Jackie (20th Century Fox) and Eighth Grade (A24), as well as a Stunt Department Assistant for various projects for Marvel and DC Comics. This background has given her an in-depth understanding of the nuances of crew collaboration and communication and how the success of nearly any scene hinges on both.

Gaby Labotka

Gaby Labotka [she/they/anything respectful] (Certified Intimacy Director, Certification Pending Intimacy Coordinator) is a Puerto Rican-American, multi-disciplinary artist who works as an actor, director, intimacy director, fight director, playwright, intimacy coordinator, and choreographer across the country. She is a fierce advocate for respect, empathy, representation, inclusion, and safety in the theatre, and they are dedicated to making art that reflects those values. Selected Recent Intimacy Credits include: Fat Ham (Goodman Theatre and Definition Theatre); Almost, Maine (Next Act Theatre); Mothers (The Gift); Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); The First Deep Breath (Victory Gardens); House of Joy (Repertory Theatre St. Louis); Becky Nurse of Salem and A View from the Bridge (Shattered Globe); Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon (Lookingglass); The Writer, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Steep Theatre); Paradise Square (Broadway); After: A Love Story (Divisionist); and CHHAYA (Cheese Dosa Productions). Awards: 3Arts Award Nominee 2024, ALTA Award for Outstanding Fight Choreography and/or Intimacy Design 2018 and 2019. Training: Intimacy Directors & Coordinators, Society of American Fight Directors, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), Pig Iron Advanced Performer Training, Illinois State University (BA, Acting and Directing with Exceptional Merit in the Arts). Educator: Intimacy Directors & Coordinators, University of Illinois Chicago, DePaul University. www.gabylabotka.com @theatre_warrior

Greg Eldridge

Freelance Director

Greg Eldridge is an award-winning Australian director specialising in operatic theatre. He was worked on over 80 productions across 13 countries, including at some of the world's most famous theatres. He has previously served on the board of the British directing union Stage Directors UK, as Executive Director of Opera Project Columbus, and as Professor of Directing at CCM in Ohio. He has consulted on matters of equity, access, and contextualised programming for companies including Scottish Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

Ian Bond

Co-Founder @ PNW Theatrical Intimacy

Ian Bond is a Seattle based fight and intimacy director, actor, and educator. His fight and intimacy direction has been seen at the 5th Avenue Theatre (Beauty and the Beast), Seattle Rep (Teenage Dick), Sound Theatre (Gaslight), Seattle Pacific University (Big Love), University of Washington (Monstrosity), Washington Ensemble (Feathers and Teeth, Is God Is), Taproot Theatre (See How They Run), The Shattered Glass Project (Ghosts: An Original Festival of One Act Plays), Book-It Repertory (Behold the Dreamers), Seattle Shakespeare (Comedy of Errors), and ACT Theatre (Hotter Than Egypt). He has performed locally with Sound Theatre Company (Holiday of Errors), Seattle Children’s Theatre (The Diary of Anne Frank), Seattle Public Theatre (Bad Jews), Taproot Theatre (Jeeves Intervenes, Diana of Dobson’s), Seattle Shakespeare Company (Titus Andronicus, Troilus and Cressida), Book-It Repertory Theatre (American Junkie, Jane Eyre, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Treasure Island, Frankenstein), Washington Ensemble Theatre (Teh Internet is Serious Business, The Things Are Against Us), The Horse in Motion (Hamlet), and ACT (A Christmas Carol). Ian is also a co-founder of PNW Theatrical Intimacy (https://www.pnwtheatricalintimacy.com/), a motion capture artist who recently worked on the hit game Ghost of Tsushima, and a professional Game Master specializing in Dungeons & Dragons. http://www.ianbond.org/

Jamie Monahan

Intimacy Coordinator | Intimacy Director

Jamie Monahan is an award-winning filmmaker, director, actress, and certified intimacy coordinator. Jamie completed IDC’s Intimacy Coordinator training, fostering intimate safe spaces for performers. She is currently listed on the SAG-AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator Pre-Registry. Jamie intimacy coordinated the short films: ONLY THE DEAD, IN THE NIGHT, HEALING TREE, BETTY BITES BACK, and THE BIG 3-OH to name a few. She also intimacy coordinated the award-winning feature film ESCAPING OHIO, and I’LL FIND YOU. Jamie intimacy directed POWERHOUSE Off-Broadway in October 2022 and she is going into her third year at Fairfield University as resident intimacy director and adjunct professor for their 2024-2025 season.

Jessica Erin Bennett

COO @ Intimacy Professionals Education Collective

Jessica Erin Bennett is an Atlanta based Stunt Professional & Intimacy Director & Coordinator with credits such as: Stunt Doubling Billie Eilish on Swarm, Intimacy Coordinating shows such as The Big Door Prize, Swarm, & The Idea of You, Intimacy Direction for Nashville Rep's Fences and Nashville Symphony's The Jonah People, & Stunt Coordinating the Never Hike Alone Series & You're Killing Me on Showtime. Jessica is also a founding member & COO with Intimacy Professionals Education Collective (http://ipecintimacy.com/) where they offer movement-based training for Intimacy Directors, Coordinators looking for accreditation, and continued education. You can connect with Jessica on Instagram @jessicaebennett. Jessica is represented by Tanisha Whiting with United Talent for Stunt & Intimacy Coordination and managed by Matt Chassin.

Jill Matarelli Carlson

Professor @ East Carolina University

Jill Matarelli Carlson (she/her) is a movement specialist, actor, and educator who is dedicated to advocating for performer safety. Jill is a Professor at East Carolina University School of Theatre and Dance, an Intimacy Director with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, and a Certified Teacher with The Society of American Fight Directors. Most recently, she staged the violence and intimacy for the Cape Fear Regional Theatre productions of Wait Until Dark, Peter & The Starcatcher, Music City, Memphis, Clue, Jelly’s Last Jam, The Addams Family, Sister Act, and Footloose. Jill lives in Greenville with her husband, John, and doggie, Beanie.

Kanak Garg

Intimacy Coordinator | Actor @ Brave Spaces India

Kanak Garg (She/They) has been working in India as a Fashion Model, Actor and Intimacy Coordinator. Trained in Intimacy Coordination by Neha Vyaso at BraveSpaces Creative India, Kanak is carving out a distinct space by their nuanced portrayal of Intimacy. Their training in traditional Indian art forms like Navrasa and Kalaripayattu combined with their on-set experience both as a performer and an Intimacy Coordinator, is gradually making them a vital force in the field. Kanak’s collaboration with Neha and their independent releases underline their commitment to exploring and expanding the boundaries of intimacy work in India.

Kandace Crystal

Kandace Crystal (she/her) is a multi-hyphenate theatremaker who graduated with a BFA in Acting from Florida State University, a San Diego based Intimacy Professional, and Teaching Artist. Kandace was a 2023-2024 Dea Hurston Directing Fellow at New Village Arts and 2024 Classical Directing Fellow with The Old Globe. Her mission is to create safe spaces for historically marginalized groups while making intimacy more accessible through a budget friendly approach for students. Select intimacy credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Old Globe), Ripped (Loud Fridge Theatre Group), Murder on the Orient Express (Coronado Playhouse). She hopes to continue advocating for safe spaces and reducing harm in our industry. Feel free to keep up with her journey on social media, @KandaceCrystal on all platforms.

Katherine Carter

Intimacy Director @ Metropolitan Opera

Katherine M. Carter is a stage director and intimacy director based in NYC. As Intimacy Director; Metropolitan Opera; revival of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Il Trovatore, and the new productions of Champion, Don Giovanni, Carmen, Anthony and Cleopatra, Salome, On Site Opera; Il Tabarro. Workshops; Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, National Opera Convention, Spotlight Arts, and Mannes. Stage Director credits include Canadian Opera Company, Houston Grand Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Montana, On Site Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Manhattan School of Music. Katherine is certified with IDC and trained with Cha Ramos, Alicia Rodis, Sasha Smith, and Claire Warden.

Katherine Kadler

Certified Intimacy Coordinator / Medical Consultant & Technician / Certified Mental Health Coordinator

Katherine comes to the film & television industry with an abundance of education, life skills and experience. As a former Nurse Educator, Tennis Event Coordinator/ Program Developer/ Coach & Official and behind the scenes Supervisor for Vancouver Queer Film Festival/ Out in Schools program, she is known for her enthusiams and team approach to work. Prior to building her Intimacy, Medical and Mental Health specialties, Katherine entered the industry as an Actor and also has crewed in First Aid, Properties, Set Decorating, SFX and Script Supervising departments. When not working she enjoys time with her partner at the gym and on the pickleball courts, is an avid tennis player, walker/hiker and travels whenever the opportunity arises.

Kirsten Baity

Lucia Shapiro

Covvier

With 15 years of experience as set costumers and wardrobe supervisors, Lucia Shapiro and Taylor Smith-Giresi launched Covvier to address the challenges actors face in intimate scenes, especially before the role of intimacy coordinators became standard practice. Covvier’s protective modesty garments, available in six skin tones and inclusive sizes, are designed to ensure actors feel comfortable, confident, and protected during intimate scenes.Lucia and Taylor’s mission with Covvier is to elevate the standards for actor safety and comfort in the film industry. By providing essential, standardized modesty garments, Covvier contributes to a cultural shift in how intimate scenes are approached, creating a safer and more supportive environment for actors.

Luis Cortes

Lead Presentation Specialist @ Cortes&Coyotl

As a performer Luis has toured with The Second City Theatricals aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines, The National Theater for Children, and the musical improv team, Baby Wants Candy. Since 2006 he’s taught for organizations and Fortune 500 companies like IBM, Coca-Cola, and Walt Disney Company. He’s hosted events for SalesForce, Wells Fargo Home Lending, Takeda Medical, and Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken. Also AD’ed the ETC revues: “Eat Pray Bigfoot in Love” and “Oh the Places You’ll Glow”, 2024 Bob Curry Fellowship, and directed the SNL Scholarship Showcase for Second City. He now works as an independent D&I contractor updating work culture with his company, Cortes&Coyotl.

Marcus Watson

Marcus Watson is an intimacy coordinator, intimacy director, fight director, actor, movement specialist, and teaching artist located in NYC. He has worked on HULU, Netflix, STARZ, Showtime, Miramax, The CW, and HBO productions; as well as, on Broadway. Notable Intimacy Coordination credits include Maestro, Bros, American Horror Story, Don’t Look Up, among others.

Marie Percy

Chief Creative Officer @ IDC

Marie C. Percy is an Intimacy Director, Laban Certified Movement Analyst, Registered Yoga Teacher, Choreographer, and Movement Specialist based in Connecticut. She is currently an Assistant Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut where she teaches movement for actors in the BFA and MFA acting programs. She is the resident Intimacy Director and Movement Coach at Connecticut Repertory Theater, has worked at a variety of University and Regional theaters, and is excited to bring Intimacy Direction to Connecticut and beyond. Marie is deeply committed to empowering actors and students to do their most dynamic work by teaching consent, acting as an advocate, and collaborating to create compelling choreography. Marie earned an MFA in Theater Pedagogy and Movement Direction from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BA in Theater from the University of Florida. She studied Laban Movement Analysis in depth at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute for Movement Studies. In addition to her creative training, Marie was a nationally ranked competitive gymnast as a teenager and has extensive experience performing and coaching gymnastics and acrobatics.

Maybe Burke

Believe in Maybe

Maybe Burke (she/her) is an award winning writer, speaker, and consultant with over a decade of experience changing and opening minds through storytelling. She is interested in telling the stories that haven’t been told, and passionate about helping people unlearn the ways they’ve been taught to think. She is the co-author of I ❤ ️ Orgasms, the latest gender expansive sex ed book on pleasure and intimacy. Maybe's consulting practice, Believe in Maybe, provides identity-based education and gender affirming practices for organizations and companies across the world. This work has taken her from TEDx to Broadway, from High Schools to Universities, and from small nonprofits to large corporations. As an actor, she has been seen on Netflix, Hulu, and Comedy Central; and at 54 Below, Joe's Pub, Lincoln Center, and more. Maybe currently serves on the Advisory Board of PlayPenn, as the Gender Consultant for Maestra Music, and the Gender & Belonging Partner for the Broadway and National Tour companies of & Juliet. @believeinmaybe maybeburke.com

Neha Vyaso

Managing Director @ BraveSpaces Creative India LLP

Neha Vyaso (she/they) is a pioneering certified Intimacy Professional inIndia and founder of BraveSpaces Creative India. Their vibrant acting careeris complemented by training in the Eric Morris System under Daminee BennyBasu, Clowning, and Psychophysical Acting. Neha's time at the PragueShakespeare Company deepened their appreciation of Shakespeare andintroduced them to intimacy work. Certified with IDC, Neha has since broughtculturally contextualised intimacy work to India, focusing on nuancedportrayals of gender, sex, and sexuality. They also develop educationaltoolkits on these themes for practitioners across screen and stage.

Nicole Perry

Director of Praxis @ Intimacy Professionals Education Collective

Nicole Perry, MFA, CLMA, CID/C is a 2-time Silver Palm award-winning intimacy director, as well as an intimacy coordinator and dance choreographer in South Florida. Career highlights include 3 Broward County Artist Investment Grants for dance, intimacy coordination for God Forbid (Hulu), and being the Miami Unit Intimacy Coordinator for three 2024-25 TV series filmed in South Florida. She is on the SAG-AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator pre-registry, with 25+ days of eligible work. Nicole is the Director of Praxis at the Intimacy Professionals Education Collective . Nicole has taught movement and dance for several South Florida institutions including the Palm Beach County School District and the University of Miami. With Momentum Stage, she is a recipient of the Doris Duke Foundation Performing Arts and Technologies Grant. Her book on consent in movement pedagogy will be published by Routledge in 2026.

Rachel Lee Flesher

IPEC

Rachel Lee Flesher (they/she/he) is a fight director, intimacy director, intimacy coordinator, SAG-AFTRA stunt performer, actor, director, gender and sexuality educator, and teacher.Rachel is passionately engaged in making safer sets and stages around the world by helping to produce best practices and procedures for Intimate and hyper-exposed content in multiple areas of film, tv, theatre, and education. Currently Rachel is part of the collaboration team advising SAG-AFTRA on their effort to standardize, codify and implement guidelines for on-set intimacy coordinators. You can see Flesher's Intimacy Coordination on over 30 shows on HULU, FX, FOX, CBS, SHOWTIME, NETFLIX, HBO, Apple, and more.Rachel is a Certified Fight Director and Certified Fight Instructor with the Fight Directors Canada, an Instructor with Tactics on Set, an Intimacy Coordinator, and Intimacy Director with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators. Rachel’s Fight Direction and Intimacy Direction have been featured at Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Shakespeare Dallas, Steppenwolf for Young Adults, and many more.

Renee Redding Jones

Workshop Instructor

Renee Redding Jones is a teacher of dance and movement, a Certified Laban Movement Analyst, Choreographer, Contemplative Psychotherapist, Registered Yoga Teacher and a New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Award winning performer. As a teacher and choreographer, Renee has enjoyed a long tenure at NYU/Tisch School of the Arts in the undergraduate drama department with both the Classical Studio and The Atlantic Acting School, in addition to serving several years as an Assistant Arts Professor in the dance department. Renee earned her MFA in Dance from Sarah Lawrence College and her BS in Physical Education/Dance from Morgan State University. Bringing together her skills in the arts and advocacy, Renee is committed to assisting IDC in the fulfillment of their mission and vision and is honored to be working with the organization in various capacities.

Robert O'Hara

ROBERT O’HARA is the Tony-nominated director of SLAVE PLAY, and is currently working on several film, television, and Broadway projects. He’s a two-time Obie Award winner and two-time NAACP Award winner whose work has been seen around the country.

Samantha Egle

Samantha Egle (she/her) is a movement director and instructor based in Colorado specializing in dramatic combat and intimacy for the stage. All her work is developed to be safe, sustainable, and story driven and is curated from the belief that creativity abounds within boundaries. In addition to being a Certified Intimacy Director with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, she is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, Advanced Actor Combatant with Fight Directors Canada, was a Resident Artist as an Intimacy Director at Arena Stage, an apprentice with Intimacy Directors International, and has studied with Theatrical Intimacy Education. Her work has been seen on the stages of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Opera Colorado, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Phamaly Theatre Company, Colorado Springs Fire Arts Center, Theatreworks at UCCS, Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, Denver Children’s Theatre, Athena Project Festival, Lagoon Theme Park, Upstart Crow, New York Fringe Festival, The BiTSY Stage, Mizel Center for Arts and Culture, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado Boulder, and numerous other educational institutions in Colorado. She is the co-workshop coordinator of the Paddy Crean International Workshop and producer of the Virtual Paddy Crean Workshop and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the International Order of the Sword and the Pen and. She is the founder of Humble Warrior Movement Arts and consistently works supporting productions across the Rocky Mountain Front Range and facilitating in-person and virtual educational experiences.

Samantha Kaufman

Samantha Kaufman (she/her) is an intimacy director, fight director, actor, director, and teaching artist. She is based in Chicago and works internationally. She is a resident artist at Prague Shakespeare Company. Other companies she has worked with are Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Cleveland Play House, among others.

Stephanie Fenye

Sandra Carbonell

Intimacy Coordinator Mexico

Sandra Carbonell is a pioneering Mexican-Salvadoran intimacy coordinator, actress, and film production professional, recognized as the first certified intimacy coordinator in Mexico and Latin America through IDC Professionals (SAG-AFTRA). With over 15 years of experience in theentertainment industry, Sandra has worked on a wide array of international productions, collaborating with diverse teams and talent from Mexico, the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering safe and creative environments on set, particularly when handling intimate scenes.Sandra’s expertise lies in navigating the complexities of intimacy across different cultural contexts, making her a vital asset to multicultural productions. Her role as a coordinator extends beyond ensuring physical safety; she focuses on clear communication, consent, and respect, working closely with various departments to help craft scenes that serve both the story and the actors’ well-being. Sandra is passionate about storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera, and is always eager to contribute her knowledge to enhance the creative process.Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Entertainment Management from Escuela Bancaria y Comercial in Mexico City, and a Film Production diploma from the prestigious Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica (CCC). Sandra is currently furthering her studies in Creative Arts at Yorkville University in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to expand her understanding of intercultural contexts in the entertainment industry.Sandra has worked on notable productions for Netflix, MGM, Disney, and Sony Pictures, including Man on Fire (Netflix), Hotel Cocaine (MGM+), Blink Twice (MGM), and The Gringo HuntersNetflix). Her multicultural experience has given her the ability to navigate diverse sets and ensure that actors feel safe, respected, and empowered, regardless of their cultural background.

Sara E Widzer

Intimacy and Consent Consultant @ LA Opera

Sara E. Widzer is a Stage Director, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and the Intimacy and Consent Consultant for LA Opera. Productions for LAO include Don Giovanni, Highway 1 USA, La traviata, Madama Butterfly, Roméo et Juliette, and the remainder of the 2024-25 season. Intimacy direction for Washington National Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, and Antaeus Theatre Company. Workshops include: Opera America national conference, UCLA, and CU Boulder. Stage Direction credits include; LA Opera, Virginia Opera, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Opera Orlando, Opera Santa Barbara, Opera Birmingham, Chautauqua Opera, and Music Academy. She has trained with Claire Warden, Mitch McCoy, Sasha Smith, Dan Granke, and Doug Scholz-Carlson.

Sona Kaur

Senior Manager of Consulting @ RAINN

Dr. Sona Kaur is an anti-sexual violence consultant and scholar in the field of gender-based violence. In her role at RAINN, she works with clients to develop and implement victim-centered, trauma-informed policies and training and education that highlight the complexities of sexual misconduct and consent and facilitate organizational responses that center the needs of survivors. At RAINN, Dr. Kaur also co-leads the development and implementation of entertainment industry-specific support during the pre- and in-production process, all geared towards creating safer and healthier sets and trauma-informed entertainment for audiences. She holds a PhD in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

Stephanie Sutherland

Stephanie Sutherland is an IDC certified Intimacy Professional working in the fields of theater, opera, film, dance, and music videos. She is currently the lead Intimacy Director with Manhattan School of Music and Fordham University in NYC, where she has personally developed the intimacy standards and protocols used in the theater and opera departments. She is a regular guest lecturer at Fordham, and serves as a consultant for numerous film & theater directors, production and dance companies, and theater departments throughout NYC. In addition to her IP work, Stephanie is also a Movement Director, Choreographer, dancer, and actor with 20+ years of professional experience

Tanya Rawal

Director of Consulting @ RAINN

Tanya is a strategic and creative leader in public health and social change and an interdisciplinary scholar focused on building healthy communities free from violence and exploitation. Prior to joining RAINN, Tanya held leadership roles for grassroots nonprofit organizations, provided consulting services for nonprofit and government organizations, and held teaching positions at various universities. She has extensive experience working in crisis and disaster zones including Afghanistan, India, Brazil, and Louisiana. Tanya holds a doctorate in Comparative Literature with specializations in Gender Studies and Sustainability Studies from the University of California, Riverside.

Talya Klein

Visiting Assistant Professor and Professional Intimacy Coordinator @ Pomona College

Talya Klein is a Los Angeles-based director, teacher and Intimacy Coordinator. Originally from NYC, she holds a specialized Bachelor’s degree in “Theatre and Social Struggle” from Duke University and an MFA in Directing from Brown University/Trinity Rep. In addition to training as an IC with IDC, Talya is also a certified instructor of Respectful Confrontation through The Weston Network, a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Theatre Department at Pomona College, and a passionate champion of authentic, brave and collaborative artistic work.

Taylor Smith Giresi

Covvier

With 15 years of experience as set costumers and wardrobe supervisors, Lucia Shapiro and Taylor Smith-Giresi launched Covvier to address the challenges actors face in intimate scenes, especially before the role of intimacy coordinators became standard practice. Covvier’s protective modesty garments, available in six skin tones and inclusive sizes, are designed to ensure actors feel comfortable, confident, and protected during intimate scenes.Lucia and Taylor’s mission with Covvier is to elevate the standards for actor safety and comfort in the film industry. By providing essential, standardized modesty garments, Covvier contributes to a cultural shift in how intimate scenes are approached, creating a safer and more supportive environment for actors.

Renee Redding Jones

Workshop Instructor

Nhychelle Lowe

The Intimacy Professional Summit

Speakers