Sex Therapy & Climate Psychology Alumni Panel

Ask our alumni!

Discover the benefits of the Sex Therapy and Climate Psychology trainings at CIIS and hear real-life career outcomes. 

Join our alumni panel to meet several accomplished graduates of the certificate to learn about their work in the field after earning the certificate. This event is open to everyone.

Meet the Panelists

Image

Debbie Gioia, Climate Psychology Alum 
Debbie Gioia, PhD., LCSW-C, started at UMBSSW in August 2006 as part of a large cohort of new faculty under the leadership of newly appointed Dean Rick Barth. Prior to coming to UMB she started her academic teaching career at University of Michigan in 2001. For both positions she was seeking a working alliance with others interested in schizophrenia research which was both her clinical and research training. University of Maryland had some of the most recognized schizophrenia researchers in the country – Dr. Bellack, Dixon and Buchanan – to name a few. She was privileged to work with and interact with all of them. Dr. Gioia has received NIMH and VA funding over the years. She co-published a book on mixed methods, Watkins, D & Gioia, D. (2015). Mixed Methods in Social Work. Oxford University Press. She has been the editor of Social Work in Mental Health for the past decade. Currently she teaches mindfulness to MSW students and enjoys and benefits from these practices herself! 

Image

Lauren Cona, Climate Psychology Alum 
Lauren is an LCSW based in Los Angeles with over 15 years of experience in community mental health and private practice as a therapist, supervisor, and program director. She specializes in working with young adults. She is a therapist at NYU's Los Angeles campus where she provides mental health support for college students pursuing careers in film, tv, music, and media. She has a small private practice as well. Lauren is a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance - North America where she is on the Social Justice, Intersectionality, and Climate Mental Health committee. She is also involved in mutual aid work in her community.  

Image

Sarah Tasker, Sex Therapy Alum 
Sarah Tasker is a Licensed MFT in CA and WI and has been supporting individuals, couples, and families for over a decade. I work with people navigating parenting challenges, relationship struggles, anxiety and stress, sexual concerns and major life transitions. I received my degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I developed a deep appreciation for compassionate, soul-centered work. My training included working at the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco, an experience that offered invaluable hands-on learning and shaped my real-world approach to healing. I began my career with S.A.Y., supporting high school students who needed therapeutic care in environments where mental health and advocacy were still growing, From there, I worked in Napa in a Special Day Class with dually diagnosed elementary-aged children, and later led after school programs for middle school girls centered on confidence and women's empowerment. After having children, I served as the school counselor at the Presentation School. Recently, I completed the Sex Therapy Certificate Program through CIIS. Each step of this journey has deepened my sense of purpose and refined my belief in warm, attentive, human-centered care.   

Reserve Your Spot