Presenter: Clair Canfield

Conflict is the place where we sometimes feel at our worst. In this workshop you will learn the perspectives and tools necessary to unlock the transformative potential of conflict to bring out the very best in ourselves, our relationships, and communities.  

Clair Canfield is a principal lecturer at Utah State University with over 25 years of experience teaching, training, and consulting about conflict. Clair believes conflict has the potential to transform who we are, our relationships, communities, and the world around us. 

Presenter: Amberly Lambertsen

Your marriage doesn’t pause when life gets busy, but the fun and connection you share often do. As you partner together through the responsibilities of everyday life, it’s easy for your relationship to slip into “business mode.” 

This session will help you reconnect, laugh more, and rediscover why you chose each other to build a life with in the first place. You’ll leave with simple, practical ways to keep growing the relationship you dream of enjoying in your golden years, while also finding joy, fun, and connection in the seasons of life you’re journeying through together right now. 

Amberly Lambertsen is a Certified Family Life Educator with an educational background in Family Studies, including a Master’s in Education with a Family Life Education emphasis. The heart of her career has been helping others create meaningful connections within their communities, families, and especially their marriages. 

Through A Prioritized Marriage, Amberly combines her professional training with real-life experience to help couples stay connected through the chaos of everyday life, allowing them to rediscover how to play, flirt, and dream together amidst the more serious “business” of life. She shares creative date night solutions, tips for increasing emotional and physical intimacy, ideas for having more fun together, and practical ways couples can make time for their marriage every day, so their relationship feels lighthearted, intimate, and deeply fulfilling in every season of life. 

Presenter: Cameron Brown 

This workshop will explore how each partner’s mental health shapes the emotional climate of the relationship and what couples can do to support both “me” and “we” more effectively. Through guided experiential introspection, participants will reflect on their own patterns and strengths, and then practice simple, yet powerful tools they can take home and use right away to better navigate stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday emotional ups and downs together. Couples will leave with practical strategies, conversation prompts, and small daily habits that build resilience, deepen connection, and help both partners feel more understood and supported. 

Dr. Cam Brown is a licensed marriage and family therapist at Desert Sky Family Therapy where he has had 10+ years of clinical experience and specializes in working with couples. Dr. Brown is also an associate professor at Texas Tech University where he trains the next generation of mental health therapists, researchers, and teachers as well as researches the intersections of our mental, social, and physical well-being.  

 Presenter: Dan Purcell

Sexual intimacy is a very important aspect of a thriving marriage. It's also a private aspect of ourselves that exposes our pains, vulnerabilities, and beauties to our spouse. We all crave a sexual friendship that inspires us, replenishes us, and brings out the best in us. In this upbeat and fun (and a little bit spicy, but not too spicy) presentation, you'll walk away with three solid principles you can implement tonight towards more fire, freedom, and fulfillment in your intimate marriage. 

Dan Purcell and his wife Emily are the founders of Get Your Marriage On. They are on a mission to help millions of couples overcome obstacles to significantly improve sex and intimacy in their marriages by making lovemaking incredibly fun and deeply connecting.   

Dan helps couples improve sex and intimacy in their marriage in the capacity as a professional coach, serving hundreds of couples around the world in his program. He is working on his PhD in Clinical Sexology. 

He is the host of the popular Get Your Marriage On podcast with over 1.7 million listens. He has directly helped thousands of couples enjoy a great sex life and deeper intimacy through his coaching programs, romantic couples retreats, virtual getaways, and workshops. He is also the creator of the popular Intimately Us and Just Between Us apps that are used by over half a million couples around the world to strengthen their marriage intimately. 

Dan and Emily met in middle school and have been married for over 22 years and have 6 kids. Dan loves cracking dad jokes, running marathons, planning the next creative date night with his sweetheart, and enjoys the magnificent outdoors around their St George home. 

Presenter: Dave Schramm

Have you ever felt like your marriage was drifting—like you were living side-by-side but not truly connected? Dr. Dave will dive into the 8 “Ds” of disconnection—common patterns that quietly create distance, loneliness, and emotional isolation if left unaddressed. Then he’ll share his “relationship pool” metaphor and describe how daily acts of kindness and compassion add cups of connection that help couples feel closer.  

Known as “Dr. Dave” on campus and across the country, Dave Schramm is a professor and family life extension specialist at Utah State University in the department of Human Development and Family Studies. From British Columbia to Beijing, China, and from St. Louis to San Diego, Dr. Dave has given over 600 presentations and classes to a variety of audiences, including the United Nations and a TEDx talk in Florida. He married his high school sweetheart Jamie, they have four children and one grandchild, he might have a slight addiction to peanut M&Ms, and the Schramm fam lives in North Logan, Utah. 

Presenter: Kyle Benson

Most couples don’t struggle because they lack love, they struggle because stress, responsibilities, and misunderstandings create emotional distance and disconnect over time. This presentation teaches couples how to strengthen their bond through small, intentional choices rooted in Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), and the Gottman Method.

Kyle Benson, LMFT, is a Certified Sex Therapist and specializes in helping romantic partners feel secure. His invaluable contributions extend to being a trained SPAFF coder at the renowned Gottman Institute's Love Lab. Kyle's passion lies in distilling intricate research findings into practical, actionable strategies for couples and romantic partners through his platform, KyleBenson.net.   

Presenter: Rochelle Allen

In this Bringing Our Best session, we’ll explore how to begin the estate planning process with clarity and confidence. Participants will learn how to start important conversations with loved ones, understand which key documents make up a complete estate plan, and discover how the FREE Estate Planning Toolkit from USU Extension can help them bring their best to planning for life, love, and legacy. 

Rochelle Allen is an Accredited Financial Counselor and Program Coordinator for USU Extension’s Empowering Financial Wellness program. She helps make personal finance approachable, empowering people to feel confident and celebrate their “money wins.” 

Presenter: Jeff Tesch

Research consistently shows that relationship satisfaction often dips when couples transition into parenthood. For many, joy and connection only rebound years later—after children leave home. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  In this session, you’ll discover practical strategies to maintain emotional and physical connection with your partner, prioritize your marriage alongside parenting responsibilities and team together to raise children without sacrificing your bond.  Whether you’re expecting your first child or already navigating family life, this workshop will equip you with tools to strengthen your relationship while parenting effectively. 

Jeff Tesch, “The Parent Coach,”  has been practicing marriage and family therapy for nearly 30 years.  He has specialized in parenting and marriage satisfaction.  He taught at WSU for 15 years in the Child & Family Studies Department.  He has been married for 35 years and has 6 adopted children.  He and his wife also fostered 29 children

Presenter: Hugh Pinnock

This class helps couples explore how personal choices and emotions impact their relationship. Through discussions and interactive exercises, participants will learn tools for better communication, emotional awareness, and intentional decision-making to strengthen their connection.

Hugh Pinnock was born and raised in Utah and spent most of his life there. He lived in the Washington, D.C., area for six years, where he obtained his license as a marriage and family therapist. He works daily with couples to strengthen their relationships and navigate important decisions about their relationship future. Currently, he is a therapist at Connections Counseling Services and the Family Advocacy Center. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog, Joey, exploring new restaurants and travel destinations, and researching movies. 

Presenter:  Jared Hawkins

Discover how to deepen connection through sensate focus—a mindful, step-by-step approach that helps couples shift from performance to presence. Learn how slowing down, communicating openly, and exploring nonsexual and sexual touch can strengthen both emotional and physical closeness.

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 Gilliam

In dual-income households, and even in single-income households, balancing work and family life is a daily challenge. This session explores how shared responsibilities, perceived fairness, and simple appreciation can strengthen marital satisfaction. 

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. 

Presenter: Bailee Plumb

Many people want to connect deeply with their partner but may struggle to express their feelings or let themselves be vulnerable. In this video, we will explore how to break down emotional walls, communicate honestly, and strengthen emotional intimacy by being more open and emotionally supportive. 

Bailee Plumb is an Extension intern working on her Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies. She spends a lot of time learning about relationship dynamics and emotional communication. She believes that no matter how much we know, there is always room for growth, and being in this field allows her to strengthen her understanding and her personal connections.

Presenter: Troy Allan

Sometimes the way back to each other begins with rediscovering wonder. Join Dr. Troy Allan for a heartfelt video exploring how moments of awe, quiet, simple, and often overlooked, can bring couples closer, deepen empathy, and help marriage feel alive again. 

Dr. Troy D. Allan is a retired U.S. Army Chaplain and Utah State University Extension Assistant Professor whose work explores awe, mental wellness, and the relationships that shape our lives. He blends research, storytelling, and nature-based practices to help couples build resilience, compassion, and deeper connection in marriage. 

Presenter: Christina Pay

In a world overflowing with busyness and digital noise, maintaining closeness in marriage takes more than love, it takes intention. In this video, we'll look at how couples can strengthen connection by practicing R.E.A.L. Love: creating Rituals, showing Empathy, expressing Appreciation, and finding Laughter together. Sharing research, relatable stories, and practical strategies we will look at simple ways to move from distracted living to intentional loving. 

Christina Pay is an Associate Professor with Utah State University Extension, where she focuses on strengthening family relationships and promoting healthy lifestyles through community-based programs. She leads initiatives that help families and individuals build confidence, deepen connection, and thrive together. Christina is passionate about making research-based tools practical, fun, and accessible for everyday life. 

Presenter: Lisa Schainker

All relationships will experience their share of ups and downs, but when your partner seems emotionally distant and unwilling or unable to let you in, it can leave you feeling lonely, confused, and hurt. In this video, we’ll cover some strategies to try when you feel your partner has pulled away and you aren’t sure how to reconnect. 

Lisa Schainker is a Utah State University Extension Associate Professor based in Salt Lake County. She has a PhD in Lifespan Developmental Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Public Health. Her work centers around enhancing social and emotional well-being, strengthening relationships, and promoting positive youth development. Lisa’s 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: Ashley Yaugher & Josie Hatch

If you’ve ever disagreed with your partner about something parenting-related, you’re not alone! Conflicts over child-rearing are common and happen in nearly every relationship where kids are part of the equation. If these conflicting viewpoints and practices aren’t addressed, they can create significant tension impacting not only the marriage relationship, but the wellbeing of children and the entire family. In this brief video, we'll discuss five proven strategies for addressing parenting-related conflict while building connection between partners and strengthening overall family relationships. 

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. 

Josie Hatch is a Health and Wellness Prevention Coordinator for the Be Epic, Escape the Vape youth vaping prevention program and the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative Liaison at USU Extension. She holds a bachelor's degree in Family Studies from Utah State University and is deeply committed to strengthening children, youth, and families through prevention initiatives and community education. She especially enjoys engaging directly with parents and youth through afterschool youth programs, parenting workshops, and volunteer work in her community. Josie lives in Price, Utah with her husband and 5 children where she loves attending book club, mountain biking, and playing board games with her family.