ABOUT
Gamma represents the life cycle. It is a fundamental belief of the Society that all people are sexual beings from birth through death, each person experiencing and expressing sexuality in all areas of life.Â
Eta represents the energy of joy and love. It is the belief of the Society that joy and love combine in Eros, which is the positive expression of individual sexuality.
Rho represents fluidity. It is the belief of the Society that the growth and development of sexuality is an evolving process. This fluidity leads research and practice into new areas of study while strengthening and growing the field.
OUR STORY
Gamma Eta Rho was begun in 2008 by Dr. Don Dyson and a group of like-minded students and scholars studying Human Sexuality at Widener University. The group, which included Melanie Davis, Joseph Giuffre, Tameca Jackson, Autumn Dae and Timaree Schmit, began researching the history of sexological inquiry. When looking across the multidisciplinary field of Human Sexuality, it was clear that there did not exist a formal society of scholarship dedicated to the academic pursuit of excellence in the field. In addition, the field of Human Sexuality appeared at a crossroad, where a significant number of its scholars and practitioners were calling to focus the field and establish the science of sexology as an independent participant in the broader field of “the sciences." To this end, the founding members of the organization sought to create an academic organization dedicated exclusively to the study and practice of work in Human Sexuality.
JESSICA DUGGAN
President (she/her)
Jess lives with her partner and two cats in Philadelphia where she is finishing her Masters in human sexuality education at Widener University. Her sexuality education interests lie in educating healthcare professions about sexuality topics. This has led her to her current project creating a curriculum to help undergraduate nursing students develop a knowledge base around sexual orientation and gender identity and taking a quality sexual history from patients. She currently works for Planned Parenthood where she counsels and educates patients in abortion care.
DANIELA WEISS-BRONSTEIN
Vice President (she/her)
Dani lives with her family in Westhampton Beach, NY, and serves as Rebbetzin and educator at The Hampton Synagogue. She is a doctoral student at Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is completing a Masters in human sexuality at Widener University. Dani has experience with LGBTQIA+ students, anxiety, anger issues, trauma, and suicidal ideation, and is certified by the Orthodox Union, Rabbinical Council of America, and Nishmat to provide religious premarital counseling. She is a UJA Federation Dressler Fellow focusing on under-served populations in the Jewish community.
ASHLEY EDWARDS
Secretary (she/her)
With over 10 years of public health education experience, Ashley is knowledgeable in the areas of pregnancy prevention, HIV/STIs, and reproductive and sexual health. She has worked primarily in collaboration with community-based organizations, churches, and academic institutions. Ashley is an alumna of North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Department of Public Health Education where she received her bachelor’s degree. During her enrollment at NCCU, Ashley was a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scholarship recipient and obtained her certification in health education. She later attended Strayer University where she earned her first master’s degree in Public Administration. Currently, Ashley is pursuing her second master’s degree from Widener University, Center for Human Sexuality Studies.
MARC MESSNER
Treasurer (he/him)
Marc Messner, BS, currently works as a substance abuse counselor for an all-male level V prison facility in Delaware. Marc has a special interest in mental health, trauma, and substance addiction and is in the process of receiving a trauma certification through Widener University. He was previously employed and served on the Board of Directors of various non-profit organizations in southern Delaware. He also volunteers his time to a number of organizations as a consultant providing information on inclusion and support strategies, and speaking out against bullying. Marc has mentored young people by running groups, and worked to facilitate an inclusive and culturally-diverse health program in the southern Delaware region. He holds an AA in University Studies and a BS in Agriculture and Natural Resources from the University of Delaware. He is currently a full-time graduate student at Widener University and will be completing a dual Master’s program in social work and human sexuality education.
KRISTEN O'GUIN
Historian (she/he/they)
Kristen O’Guin is a Sexuality Educator and Sexual Empowerment Coach, supporting people in the sexual realm since 2005. She has a Master of Education in Human Sexuality. She works with individuals and partners, and teaches workshops and trainings she created. Kristen is queer and agender, and is passionate about social justice issues. Before leaving for grad school, Kristen lived in Hawai’i for 14 years, living off the land and on alternative energy. There she was also an elementary school teacher at alternative schools, as well as working with teens in various capacities.
Kristen currently lives with her partner in Philadelphia, enjoying the city until it's time to move back to the land.
