Presenter: Brandon Porter

One of the sweet promises of a committed relationship is that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. However, it can sometimes be hard to know the best way to help, as well as to let ourselves be helped. In this workshop, we’ll discuss principles that can guide us in supporting our partner in truly meaningful ways and in allowing ourselves to be supported. We’ll see how we can be stronger together as we face our individual challenges. 

Brandon Porter obtained a master's degree in family and human development and a PhD in education, both from Utah State University. He has developed curriculum for, presented on, and teaches college-level courses in marriage and family relationships. Brandon and his wife, Danielle, have created resources to support partners in deepening their friendship, increasing their harmony, and keeping date night alive. They've been married for 20 years and are the parents of 6 kids.    

 Presenter: Tamara Fackrell

Enhance the quality of your marriage with our engaging class, “Bringing Back the Thrill: 7 Ways to Revitalize Your Marriage.” This course is designed to provide couples with practical tools and strategies to strengthen their relationship. Through interactive discussions, you’ll learn how to improve communication, deepen your intimacy through enhanced emotional and physical connection, and resolve conflicts effectively. Whether you’re newly married or have been together for years, this class offers valuable insights to help you navigate challenges and enrich your partnership. Join us to discover seven impactful ways to build a happier, healthier marriage.  

Tamara Fackrell has been in private family law practice since 1998 and is a law partner at Fackrell & McLean Law in Salt Lake. She graduated cum laude from J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and also has a PhD in marriage, family, and human development. Her distinguished career includes current work serving on the Utah Marriage Commission. She has also been a conference and workshop keynote, a law professor, an author of over 25 books, initiated court mediation programs and received awards and recognition for her important work the past 25 years. Her pastimes include traveling, Ragnar races, and composing music.   

 Presenter: Natasha Dansie

Discover how small shifts in perspective can lead to big transformations in your relationship! In this engaging and interactive session, you’ll explore practical strategies to nurture positivity and optimism in your marriage. Using real-life examples, you’ll learn how to reframe challenges, celebrate the good, and nurture a relationship that thrives. Walk away with actionable tools to bring more joy, gratitude, and connection into your love story. Let’s make your marriage one of the most positive parts of you! 

Natasha Dansie is a Family Life Coach and a Certified Family Life Educator. She has taught relationship education classes through Utah State University for the past 12 years, working with a variety of audiences from high school students to inmates in the maximum-security unit and everything in between. Natasha has a bachelor's degree in Human Services and a Master's degree in Business Administration. She is the co-founder of Arise Workshops, an organization that strengthens families through relationship coaching and specializes in motivational workshops. In addition to relationship education, Natasha is a sought-after public speaker and enjoys connecting with audiences across the United States.  She loves traveling, learning, snuggling, and Sundays. Natasha and her husband, Jeff, are raising five children ages 7-20 alongside a variety of farm animals in Nephi, Utah. 

 Presenter: Chad and Amanda Ford

Are conflicts in your marriage persistent and unresolved? Do you or your partner frequently avoid conflict, resort to yielding, or perceive conflict as a competitive endeavor with each party accumulating scores? This workshop will assist you in becoming more attuned to the conflict styles of both you and your partner, providing you with essential exercises to navigate conflicts in a manner that fosters genuine collaboration within your marriage. 

Chad Ford is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Utah State University, specializing in intercultural and religious peacebuilding. His book, “Dangerous Love: Transforming Fear and Conflict at Home, at Work, and in the World,” has been acclaimed as the “single best book about conflict and peace for a general readership.” He has worked as a peace educator, conflict mediator, and facilitator, mediating and facilitating numerous conflicts in various regions all over the word, including the Middle East Ireland, Cyprus, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Oceania, China, and the United States. 

Amanda Ford is a Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Yoga Instructor. Currently, Amanda serves as an Adjunct Professor of Social Work and a therapist at Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) at Utah State. Amanda’s practice centers on mindfulness, fostering personal and family relationships, and addressing personal conflicts to achieve deeper inner peace. 

Presenter: Ariel Finlinson

You probably heard that sex would be something you would just "figure out" with your spouse. Well ... have you? Is it deeply meaningful and connecting? Do you both desire it? Is it pleasurable for both of you? Or are you still waiting for it to get "figured out"? Lucky for you, I will be teaching you 5 keys to creating the deeply fulfilling and connecting sex life that you desire. One that empowers you, fills you with love, and binds you to your spouse.  

Ariel Finlinson is a women’s sexuality educator and the host of the Ladies Talking Love Podcast. She recently earned her Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University. A native of northern Wisconsin, she can’t get enough of forests or fresh squeaky cheese curds. Her seminars and podcast focus on making the world a better place for female sexuality and empowering women to live up to the joy and fulfillment they deserve in their relationships. She is currently living in Utah with her husband Kyle and their four young children. 

 Presenter: Todd Spencer

In this class you will learn the science and art of creating daily connection and meaning within your romantic relationship. There will be practical applications and tools on how you can enrich your relationship and an introduction to tools to transform conflict into connection.  

Dr. Todd Spencer has a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and PhD in Human Development. He is an assistant Professor at Utah Valley University where he teaches and conducts research within the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department. He is an owner at Zest for Life Counseling with offices in Holladay, American Fork, Payson, and St. George. His clinical work focuses on marital enrichment, divorce prevention, trauma and grief work. He has been married 14 years and has 4 boys. 

Presenter: Lindsey Robinson

Because the quality of our close relationships is a paramount predictor of our mental health, it makes sense to invest time healing what prevents us from experiencing deeper relational intimacy—especially with our significant others. In this workshop, participants will learn about the science and art of attachment and how our relational past informs and shapes our relational present and future. With a systemic and trauma-informed lens, barriers to secure a satisfying relationship connection will be explored, contextualized, and understood. Participants will leave with practical knowledge and steps to repair their own attachment wounds that may be keeping them from wholehearted connection with loved ones and, most importantly, their partners. 

Lindsey Robinson is a practicing marriage and family therapist who specializes in trauma work, particularly related to unwanted/compulsive sexual behaviors and betrayal in romantic relationships. With an additional background in dietetics, she highly values collaborative, holistic care for clients, assessing lifestyle, physical, and spiritual health in conjunction with mental and relational well-being. Integrating education, nervous system awareness, and other trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches, she finds deep joy in helping others understand and heal themselves and their relationships. 

Presenter: Kaleena Anderson

Parenthood can often feel like an endless marathon—days stretch on, full of chores, responsibilities, and the constant juggling act of keeping everything afloat. But when we look back, it’s easy to feel like time slipped through our fingers, leaving little room for what truly matters: the connection with our children, our spouses, and even ourselves.

In this session, we’ll explore how to navigate the chaotic, fast-paced nature of modern family life with intention. You’ll learn practical, actionable tools for creating space for meaningful connections in your relationships—both as a parent and a partner.

Join us to leave with a renewed sense of purpose, as well as tangible strategies for creating flourishing relationships, even in the midst of life’s busiest seasons.

Kaleena Anderson is a Family Life Educator specializing in healthy relationships with over 13 years of experience at Healthy Relationships Utah and Utah State University Extension. As a dedicated professional, she coordinates programs designed to strengthen relationships and improve communication, including popular courses like How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk, Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, Parenting the Love and Logic Way©️, and The Road to Happiness and Meaning.

Outside of her career, Kaleena is a proud mother of four and has been happily married for 18 years. She has a deep passion for helping families build stronger connections and navigate life's challenges. In her free time, she enjoys vacationing with her family, exploring the great outdoors, and indulging in her love of true crime stories.

With her unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience, Kaleena brings a compassionate, practical approach to relationship education, always with the goal of helping individuals and families lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

Presenter: Kyle Barth

You’ve been working hard to achieve the relationship of your dreams. There are times when your relationship ebbs and flows like a smooth dance. Yet other times it seems like one person is trying to tango and the other is doing a line dance. Now what? In this class we are going to go beneath the surface and explore ways to turn the “stuck” moments into opportunities for curiosity, security, connection, and moving towards the relationship of your dreams. So if you’re ready to shift the focus from "who's right” to learning to dance together you’re in the right place.

Kyle Barth: One of the greatest honors of Kyle’s life is when he sits with people and hears their stories. He has a natural gift of a calm, safe, and non-reactive presence. As a licensed therapist, he obtained a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Oklahoma State University. He has since sought out specialized training in relationship and trauma-based therapy. He runs a private therapy practice, Impactful Counseling, and has have taught graduate level courses in counseling programs, published research, and worked in other professional ventures. He is on a mission to increase connection and help people experience the life and relationships of their dreams.

Presenter: Sheryl Godey

It takes a lot of time to blend a stepfamily, but what about you? Take a moment to hear some ideas about strengthening your remarriage and couple relationship.    

Dr. Sheryl Goodey received her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies in 2019 from Utah State University. Her main research focused on stepfamily relationships. She also managed a statewide relationship education program while at USU that offered stepfamily education to many families across Utah. She is now the Executive Director of The Family Place in Cache Valley where their mission is to strengthen families and protect children.

Presenters: Ashley Yaugher and Alexandrea Sherman

This brief presentation explores strategies for navigating difficult conversations in relationships, focusing on the role of emotional triggers and how to avoid negative patterns of communication. It introduces the Gottman Method, emphasizing the importance of healthy communication, such as using "I" statements and validating your partner’s perspective, to prevent destructive behaviors like criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. By learning to control these "Four Horsemen" and applying positive communication strategies, couples can foster stronger connections, reduce conflict, and build lasting intimacy.

Presenter Bios:

Dr. Ashley Yaugher is a Professional Practice Extension Associate Professor of Health and Wellness at Utah State University Extension, serving Carbon and Emery Counties, through the Health Extension: Advocacy, Research & Teaching (HEART) Initiative. With a focus on mental health programming and addressing opioid use disorder prevention, she combines her expertise in clinical psychology with a commitment to community outreach and collaboration. Dr. Yaugher earned her MS and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University and is passionate about advancing mental health and wellness through both teaching and advocacy for evidence-based treatment.

Alexandrea Sherman, BS is a Mining and Mental Health Intern with Utah State University Extension, serving Carbon and Emery Counties, through the Health Extension: Advocacy, Research & Teaching (HEART) Initiative. She earned her BS in Sociology with minors in Psychology and English from Utah State University. With focus on social research, data analytics, social psychology & mental illness, and environmental & natural resources, Alexandrea utilizes her expertise and passion for community service to advance awareness and solutions in areas of mental health and natural resource dependency & wellbeing.

Presenter: Christina Pay

This presentation explores how couples can use the empty nest phase to strengthen their bond. It addresses common challenges, highlights the importance of emotional, physical, and spiritual intimacy, and offers practical tips like open communication, shared interests, and setting new goals. The talk ends with an encouraging reminder to embrace this stage as an opportunity to reconnect and deepen the relationship. 

Presenter Bio:  

Christina Pay is an Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences with Utah State University (USU) Extension. She is dedicated to fostering education that creates positive life changes. Christina's work focuses on strengthening families, promoting healthy lifestyles, and empowering youth through 4-H programming. Her initiatives aim to address intergenerational poverty and build resilient communities in Carbon County, Utah.  Christina is passionate about crafting experiences that foster growth, confidence, and community connection. She holds a belief in lifelong learning, enjoys reading, traveling, spending time in nature, and cherishes moments with her family. 

Presenter: Troy Allan

Navigating life transitions can strain even the strongest relationships, challenging connection and shared purpose. This presentation offers insights into recognizing change, creating meaningful traditions, and fostering a shared vision to strengthen bonds and build resilience through life’s evolving chapters. 

Presenter Bio: 

Dr. Troy Allan, a retired US Army Clinical Chaplain and Assistant Professor at USU Extension, focuses on mental health education and innovative strategies for fostering resilience in rural, teen, and veteran populations. Through approaches like equine-assisted learning and awe-based interventions, he empowers individuals and communities to navigate life's challenges with purpose and well-being. 

Presenter: Amy Torres

Fall in love with the perfectly imperfect! Discover how those charming quirks in your partner can enhance your relationship. We'll share fun, practical tips for turning everyday eye rolls into moments of laughter and deeper connection. Embrace the uniqueness and craft a love story that’s delightfully yours! 

Presenter Bio: 

Amy Torres is a Program Coordinator and Prevention Specialist at Utah State University Extension, with a Bachelor's in Marriage and Family Studies and additional certifications in Home and Family Studies. Her work is centered around family engagement, advocacy, and adolescent development. Amy's insights are enriched by her own 23 years of marriage, which she draws upon to deepen her understanding of family dynamics in her professional role. 

Presenter: Lisa Schainker

Many people have heard the term co-dependence, but they don’t really know what it means, what it looks like in a relationship, or how it can negatively impact a person’s emotional well-being. In this presentation, we will provide a high-level overview of the common signs and key characteristics of this unhealthy relationship dynamic that may be happening without you even knowing it. 

Presenter Bio:  

Dr. Schainker works for Utah State University as an Extension Assistant Professor based in Salt Lake County. She has a PhD in Lifespan Developmental Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Public Health. Her major interest areas center around enhancing social and emotional well-being, strengthening romantic and parent-child relationships, and promoting positive youth development. Her work is designed to help people become the best version of themselves through self-reflection, identifying opportunities for growth, and providing strategies for changing negative behavior patterns. 

Presenter: Jared Hawkins

Quality time as a couple can increase happiness and relationship quality, but dozens of obstacles can get in the way of finding and enjoying time together. This presentation provides 7 steps to help couples overcome these obstacles and find enjoyable ways to connect.   

Presenter Bio: 

Jared Hawkins is an Extension Assistant Professor at Utah State University in Summit County. He is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Level Up Therapy PLLC. Jared graduated with a master’s degree from BYU and a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University in Marriage and Family Therapy. 

Presenter: Anna Medina-Gilliam

Your day is likely filled with countless tasks and routines that require a lot of time and energy. With all these things filling up your schedule, it can be hard to find time for meaningful connections with your partner. In this presentation, we will discuss 2 "magic tricks" you can use to make the limited minutes you have with your partner more magical. 

Presenter Bio: 

Anna Gilliam is a Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor in Sevier County with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. What started as a passion for educating children turned into a passion for educating families as a whole. Anna has worked for USU for a year now and she loves being engaged in her community and meeting the needs of the families she serves. Her marriage of eight years has been full of connection and disconnection, agreements and disagreements, and lots of messes along the way, plus two beautiful daughters.