Best Michael Sonbert Podcasts (2025)

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Evelyn Forde - Making Schools More Equitable 1:19:44

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2M ago1:19:44

1:19:44

In the latest episode of the podcast, we are honoured to have renowned education leader Evelyn Ford, join us for an in-depth discussion about leadership, diversity, and challenges within the educational system. We explore Evelyn's remarkable journey towards becoming a headteacher, including the obstacles she faced due to prejudice in the educationa…

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Resilience Redefined: Balancing Leadership and Well-being 49:06

3M ago49:06

49:06

In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, we explore the importance of understanding not just the skills needed in leadership, but also the essence of being a resilient leader. Joined by Jacqui Frost, we delve into the pressures often felt by headteachers and school leaders, focusing on the personal well-being and self-awareness required to lead…

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Bridging Leadership Gaps with Audrey Pantelis 1:06:28

4M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Audrey Pantelis, ex-headteacher and founder of Elevation Coaching and Consulting. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in educational leadership, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the importance of creat…

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Resilience in Education: Krissi Carter's Journey 1:18:49

6M ago1:18:49

1:18:49

In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I chatted with Krissi Carter, a former headteacher who shares her inspirational story of overcoming mental health challenges. Krissi discusses her experiences with complex PTSD and the journey she undertook to regain her mental fitness, utilising mindfulness, journalling, and the Positive Intelligence pr…

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Innovative Leadership and Well-being in Schools: Insights from Paddy Russell 1:17:20

7M ago1:17:20

1:17:20

For this episode, I interviewed Paddy Russell, the headteacher of Ladybridge High School in Bolton. Paddy shares his passion for innovative education and staff well-being, discussing how his school has embraced co-construction in developing leadership programmes beyond the NPQ. Discover the unique approaches Ladybridge High has implemented, such as…

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Transforming Education with Eli Jones: A Curriculum Revolution 1:07:23

8M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

In this enlightening episode of We Lead Well, we explore the innovative changes happening in middle schools with Eli Jones, the Director of Academic Innovation at Burris Laboratory School. Eli shares his revolutionary approach to curriculum redesign, where traditional teaching boundaries are expanded to meet the individual interests and needs of ea…

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Unlocking Leadership Potential: A Deep Dive into School Improvement with Ben White 1:17:52

9M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I talk to Ben White, the Director of School Improvement for Life Multi-Academy Trusts in Leicestershire. Ben shares his experiences in supporting leaders and headteachers across a diverse group of secondary and primary schools, focusing on enhancing teaching and learning environments. We discussed the si…

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Resilience in Education: Improving wellbeing in Schools 1:06:25

10M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast in which we explore the critical connection between well-being and effective leadership in schools. In this episode, we delve into the topic of resilience in education with special guest Dr. Steph Ainsworth, an expert in teacher resilience research. Discover the insights from Dr. Ainsworth's…

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Season 2, Episode 7 - Melissa Rush/Ashley Higginbotham - Double Trouble (In a Good Way)! 46:35

11M ago46:35

46:35

On this episode, Michael speaks with Melissa Rush and Ashley Higginbotham. Melissa Rush is an adventurer and entrepreneur, co-owning Rush & Company, an Executive Search Firm specializing in Textiles, with her husband Rick. She's trekked iconic trails worldwide, from Patagonia's W Trail to Japan's Kumano Kodo to Tour du Mont Blanc and Nepal's Annapu…

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Celebrating 100 Episodes with Leadership Insights from Michael Sonbert 1:19:18

11M ago1:19:18

1:19:18

Welcome to the 100th episode of the We Lead Well podcast, on which we're joined by special guest Michael Sonbert. Michael is a bestselling author, speaker, performance coach, and founder and CEO of Skyrocket Education and Rebel Culture. In this celebratory episode, Michael shares his journey from teaching to global educational reform and leadership…

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Equity in Education with Lee Elliot Major 1:00:35

12M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Welcome to the We Lead Well podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to that Lee Elliot Major, the UK's first Professor of Social Mobility, was able to join us for an insightful and inspirational conversation. Lee discusses his latest book, "Equity in Education," and delves into critical issues surrounding educational inequalities, unconscious bia…

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Kevin Holland: Transformative Coaching 1:16:17

12M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, we welcome Kevin Holland, CEO of Global Spirit Ed, to discuss the transformative power of coaching in education. Kevin shares his extensive journey from being a PE teacher to leading a community interest company that works with schools globally. In our conversation, we explore the impact of coaching on s…

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Shelley Baker: Empowering Female Leadership 59:40

1y ago59:40

59:40

Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, in which I'm joined by Shelley Baker, the head teacher at Varndean School in Brighton. This episode is packed with insights on enhancing well-being and leadership within schools; Shelley shares her career journey, the importance of creating a vibrant school culture, and the unique small sch…

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Neil Jurd - Leadership is Still Easy! 1:08:29

1y ago1:08:29

1:08:29

This episode of the podcast delves into the importance of building strong relationships in educational organisations to foster a positive culture and enhance leadership effectiveness. Reflecting on my journey from teaching to coaching, I share insights on how a supportive network can prevent burnout and help female school leaders achieve their aspi…

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Dr Kulvan Atwal - Embracing Innovative Leadership in Education 1:28:15

1y ago1:28:15

1:28:15

Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast. In partnership with Progressive Masculinity and HeadTeacherChat.com, this episode offers invaluable insights for school leaders in a compelling interview with Dr. Kulvan Atwal, the head teacher of two innovative schools in London. Dr. Atwal discusses his unique and successful approaches to …

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Season 2, Episode 6 - Dawne Hanks - Eliminate Girl Hate 58:14

1y ago58:14

58:14

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dawne Hanks, founder and CEO of Eliminate Girl Hate. With over two decades of experience as a brand and marketing strategist, Dawne has journeyed across the globe, delving into the intricacies of human behavior and gaining a profound global perspective—both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Renowned for aw…

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Yasmin Arrif - Harnessing the Power of Coaching in Education 59:41

1+ y ago59:41

59:41

In this insightful episode of the 'We Lead Well' podcast, I talked with Yasmin Arif, a former teacher and school leader turned coach, recounting her journey from burnout to empowering school leaders. The episode takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by school leaders and how effective coaching can be instrumental in overcoming them. It unders…

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Season 2, Episode 5 - Juliet Starrett - Built to Move 51:55

1+ y ago51:55

51:55

On this episode, Michael speaks to Juliet Starrett. Juliet is the coauthor of NYT Bestseller Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully, as well as the CEO of The Ready State, a multi-million-dollar company that has disrupted the fitness industry with a new market category of movement and mobility content. She fo…

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Bukky Yusuf: Navigating Change - Practical Advice for Everyday Leadership Challenges 1:18:20

1+ y ago1:18:20

1:18:20

Bukky Yusuf is a Deputy Headteacher, Consultant and Qualified Coach. Bukky has worked in education for over two decades and has undertaken a number of leadership roles within mainstream and special schools, centring around professional development programmes, quality first teaching and effective implementations of Educational Technology. As part of…

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Annabel Jeffcoate - In Pursuit of Balance Through Boundaries 1:07:32

1+ y ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Annabel is a work-life balance coach from London. Years ago she would write to-do lists as long as her arm and kick herself each day when she didn't get through them. She would put in the extra hours yet always felt like she was chasing. She was so focused on getting things right that her life was a constant cycle of 'all or nothing'. She felt like…

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Season 2, Episode 4 - Bob Carter - Giving Back 43:53

1+ y ago43:53

43:53

On this episode, Michael speaks with Bob Carter. Bob Carter is a connector and philanthropic visionary who champions creative solutions to institutional strategy and humanitarian challenges worldwide. He's a founding board member of the World Health Organization Foundation and the African American Development Officers Network Board, serves as a boa…

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Phil Denton - Self-evaluation Simplified 1:15:19

1+ y ago1:15:19

1:15:19

After many years in school leadership including positions as Headteacher, Deputy Head, Assistant Head and Head of History, Phil is now a leader for education companies based in Manchester and London. He speaks widely to education, public sector and corporate audiences working with teams to create impactful plans that realise ambitious priorities. H…

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Dave Keeling - On being happy: creating positivity and wellbeing in the workplace 1:16:08

1+ y ago1:16:08

1:16:08

In this episode of the podcast, I chatted with Lead Happiness Consultant, Dave ‘Billy Elliot’ Keeling. Dave grew up in a pit village in Nottinghamshire and was tap dancing three times a week by the age of ten. Never one to shy away from challenge and risk, he then moved into the world of acting and trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music…

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David Harkin - Finding Balance 1:11:10

1+ y ago1:11:10

1:11:10

In this episode, I talked with David Harking of 8 Billionideas. David is the Founder and CEO of this EdTech and services company and is on a mission to give every student the skills and belief to change the world. Centred around five pillars, 8billionideas focuses on teaching entrepreneurship, career education, wellbeing, health and performance, as…

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Season 2, Episode 3 - Bryan Maher - Vision Quest 40:48

1+ y ago40:48

40:48

On this episode, Michael speaks with Bryan Maher. Bryan is a songwriter, music producer, and new dad. He's also the lead signer of the band, Black Suit Youth. Black Suit Youth is a four piece DIY rock band from, New York. Currently signed to 59X Records, they have been self-releasing albums and EPs and booking their own tours for years. They have p…

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Michelle Hague - How do you get it right from the start? Best practice in the EYFS 1:12:26

1+ y ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Michelle Hague is the Founder of HEYD. She is an accomplished and inspirational school leader with a track record of developing high-performing cultures, systems, and strategies to enhance academic standards. With experience as a Rapid School Improvement Partner, Head of School Development, Head of an outstanding school, Teaching School Alliance, I…

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Keren Mitchell Superkind: Empowering Children to Shape a Better World 43:05

1+ y ago43:05

43:05

SuperKind is an award-winning, free platform for schools to bring social action and philanthropy into the classroom. Their website and free resources can help you to create the next generation of change-makers in the easiest and most engaging way. Superkind's Co-founder Keren Mitchell joined us for this episode to tell us about the ways in which Su…

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John Cosgrove - Humans First: A Compassionate Approach to Leadership 1:19:32

2y ago1:19:32

1:19:32

In this episode of the show I'm joined by the brilliant John Cosgrove. After almost 40 years’ teaching John retired in the summer of 2019. He still contributes significantly to the world of education and has so much to share and teach about the importance of compassion in leadership. John is a firm believer in inclusion, having taught pupils of all…

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Season 2, Episode 2 - Christine Astarita - The 100 Mile Journey 51:36

2y ago51:36

51:36

On this episode, Michael speaks with Christine Astarita. Christine is the owner and founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT, an organization focused on helping kids and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, to improve the quality of their lives. She is also an endurance athlete, using her mission at Breakthrough to fuel purpose behind h…

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Liz Robinson - Nurturing Head, Heart and Hand in Values-led Education 1:06:24

2y ago1:06:24

1:06:24

In this episode of the podcast it was a pleasure and a privilege to interview the CEO of Big Education, Liz Robinson. Liz’s motivation comes from a profound belief that schools can play a transformative role in children’s lives, but also in shaping whole communities. Social justice and wider change underpin her views that school simply must be abou…

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Season 2, Episode 1 - Rebecca Rusch - Nothing Is Impossible 45:22

2y ago45:22

45:22

On the first episode of Season 2, Michael speaks with Rebecca Rusch. Rebecca is a world-class explorer, professional athlete, acclaimed speaker and author who brings her wilderness wisdom to top trailblazers to reach the heights of human performance in leadership, business, and life. Rebecca launched three thriving organizations: Rusch Ventures, Th…

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Jenny Bowers -The Essentials of Safeguarding: What you need to know 1:16:18

2y ago1:16:18

1:16:18

In this episode, I talk to Jenny Bowers, supervisor and safeguarding expert and CEO of Purplemoon. Jenny has worked in numerous leadership roles in which she has been responsible for safeguarding and SEN. Her expertise has been developed over many years and she shares this with us in the episode. If you're responsible for safeguarding or you want t…

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Kate Owbridge - So you don’t want to be a headteacher? 1:12:57

2y ago1:12:57

1:12:57

Kate has been in primary teaching since 1993, and leadership since 1997. She first became a head in 2004, and has now been head in three schools, an executive head in a fourth, and supported two others in an interim capacity, both Church and Community schools, across four different LAs, and three Dioceses. From inner city Lambeth and Southwark to t…

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Ruth Kudzi - Coaching: Is it worth it? 1:09:44

2y ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Ruth is an MCC (Master) level coach with over 10,000 hours of coaching experience with a wide variety of clients. She left her role as a high school deputy headteacher and set up Optimus Coach Academy where she trains people to become professional coaches alongside running her own private coaching practice. Ruth is a twice best-selling author and p…

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Stephanie Shaldas - How can you be more inclusive? 1:11:18

2y ago1:11:18

1:11:18

Stephanie Shaldas is a Deputy Headteacher in a secondary school in South East London with 20 years experience in education. She is a French and Spanish teacher who has been Head of Department, Head of Year and an Assistant Headteacher in a variety of schools across Essex and East London. In her current role, she is responsible for all things inclus…

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Emma Sheppard - Being life friendly - supporting parents in schools 1:05:43

2y ago1:05:43

1:05:43

In this episode, I talked to Emma Sheppard who founded The Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher (MTPT) Project, the UK's charity for parent-teachers, whilst on maternity leave with her son in 2016. Having trained through Teach First as an English teacher in 2010, she continued to teach in the British International School, Ho Chi Minh, acting as Head…

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Catrina Lowri - Embracing neurodivergence:Perspectives and Insights 1:09:58

2y ago1:09:58

1:09:58

In this episode, I speak with Catrina Lowri the founder of Neuroteachers. Catrina is a neurodivergent teacher with dyslexia and bipolar condition. She has over 20 years experience as a SENCO and special needs teacher. Catrina is passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people, and adults with Autism and neurodiversity. She works with…

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Stephanie Miller - Metacognition: Process Over Performance 1:09:12

2y ago1:09:12

1:09:12

With over 12 years of experience in educational leadership positions in the UK and overseas, Stephanie is committed to fostering a whole-school approach to the development of process over performance, in order for students and staff to thrive. Through her work on mindset and metacognition in her early career she has embedded this into her classroom…

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Ben Hobbis - How to become a school leader: unlocking leadership opportunities in schools 1:04:31

2y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

After four years in Retail Management, Ben graduated from Birmingham City University with a first-class honours degree in Primary Education. With a background in retail management and a deep passion for education, Ben has since held various roles, including learning mentor, unqualified teacher, class teacher, and middle leader. Ben is passionate ab…

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TIA Episode 21 - Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert, Mama Bear 55:21

2y ago55:21

55:21

On the season one finale, Michael speaks to his wife, Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert. Gina is a former music publicist turned psychologist, autism advocate, author, and business owner. On this episode, Gina and Michael talk about reality TV, walking away from something that no longer serves you (even when you're really successful at it), and raising child…

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TIA Episode 20 - Mark Anthony, The 7-Figure Club 40:30

2+ y ago40:30

40:30

On this episode, Michael speaks with Mark Anthony. Mark Anthony is an international speaker and business advisor. He has lectured as well as trained and coached business professionals on six of the seven continents. At the age of nineteen, Mark started his first business and in only a few short years, had clients coast to coast. In his thirties, he…

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TIA Episode 19 - Dr. Amber Langley-Gill, Family, Flexibility, and Mental Fortitude 59:34

2+ y ago59:34

59:34

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dr. Amber Langley-Gill. Amber is an author, founder of Biohacker Babe Academy, and a content strategist. Formerly an emergency/critical care veterinarian, she quickly shifted her focus from veterinary medicine to brain + gut health when her twins were born prematurely. As she embarked on a personal mission to he…

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Catherine Hulme - From Potential to Performance: Transforming outcomes in schools through coaching 1:12:41

2+ y ago1:12:41

1:12:41

Catherine Hulme is an accomplished educator, leadership coach, and the CEO of Leadership Edge, an organisation dedicated to transforming education through coaching. With over two decades of experience in the field, Catherine is passionate about empowering students and educators to reach their full potential. Catherine works tirelessly to promote th…

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TIA Episode 18 - Dave Lubelczyk, There's No Such Thing As Work/Life Balance 43:47

2+ y ago43:47

43:47

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dave Lubelczyk - AKA, The Brain For Rent. A former branding columnist, business author, brand strategist, idea incubation consultant, and President of the branding firm IMAGEidentity, LTD. he has provided creative and consultation services to large corporations, non-profits, and small start-ups for over thirty y…

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Patrick Ottley-O’Connor - Leading with the heart: empowering educators, nurturing wellbeing 1:18:57

2+ y ago1:18:57

1:18:57

Patrick Ottley-O’Connor is a coach and education guru. He was a teacher for more than 34 years, including 27 years as a senior leader, and 17 years as a headteacher. Patrick coaches many aspiring, new and experienced headteachers and CEOs, particularly those facing significant challenge both in the UK and internationally. He leads and facilitates a…

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TIA Episode 17 - Jenn Jordan, From Pain to Power 46:00

2+ y ago46:00

46:00

On this episode, Michael speaks to Jenn Jordan. Jenn is a healthcare attorney, a mom of three, a wellness coach focused on women's growth, and an endurance athlete. On this episode, Jenn and Michael talk about the importance of challenging oneself, embracing pain, and Jenn's super-human endurance feats. Enjoy!…

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Episode 16 - Melissa Finkelstein, From Attorney to Author 34:54

2+ y ago34:54

34:54

On this episode, Michael speaks to Melissa Finkelstein. Melissa is a New Jersey-based author, lawyer, and proud mom of three. Since she was a young girl, Melissa has loved creating stories and poems. She began her career as a litigator in Manhattan but craved a more creative and whimsical outlet. Once she had her son (7), and twin daughters (5), Me…

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TIA Episode 15 - Noah Pines, The Kyle Pease Foundation 44:51

2+ y ago44:51

44:51

On this episode, Michael speaks with Noah Pines. Noah is a criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta and a frequent guest commentator on Court TV. A partner at Ross & Pines, he's known for his willingness to tackle tough cases. He also talks to teens to offer guidance about real-life legal issues they need to know the repercussions of including fake IDS, …

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Episode 14 - Leo Chan, Anyone Can Innovate 45:44

2+ y ago45:44

45:44

On this episode, Michael speaks with Leo Chan. Leo is the founder of Abound Innovation Inc., former Senior Innovation Lead at Chick-fil-A, and former innovator at State Farm Insurance. He believes a work culture that empowers innovators creates a thriving atmosphere for meaningful, fulfilling work with exponential impact. Leo is a named inventor on…

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TIA Episode 13 - Kimberly King, A Person on a Mission 46:28

2+ y ago46:28

46:28

Kimberly King is an award-winning author, teacher, and authority on sexual abuse prevention. A survivor of sexual assault turned advocate and educator, Kimberly started her work with sexual abuse prevention as a women’s health Peer Counselor and Human Sexuality teaching assistant to the renowned Dr. Sandra Caron. After more than a decade of teachin…