Presenter: Brandon Porter

We each come to marriage with our own background, quirks, and ways of doing things. That can mean that on any given day we can have so much about our partner that we love while at the same time having things about them that confuse or frustrate us. In this workshop, we’ll experience the real effects that patience, perspective, and appreciation can have on thriving in a relationship with another imperfect person.

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 19 years and are the parents of 6 kids.

Presenter: Stacy Jones 

Dr. Jones’ presentation is titled “Growing Calm and Connection through Conflict” where you will learn about why your brain and body responds the way it does when it comes to conflict, attachment, and emotion, and how to use this new knowledge to grow emotionally closer with your partner when faced
with conflict!

Dr. Stacy Jones is a marriage and family therapist who has studied trauma for over 15 years and is trained in EMDR Stacy has developed technologies that incorporate bilateral movement into stress management wearables that help calm the brain on the go. She has taught at several universities, including Kansas State University, Brigham Young University, Argosy University, and Utah State University. In regards to clinical practice, Stacy has worked the entire spectrum of care including wilderness therapy, residential treatment centers, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, and outpatient therapy. She is currently the CEO of BrainSculpt and owns TheraTech Tx in Logan, UT.

Presenter: Douglas McPhee

Keeping romance alive in the midst of life’s many stressors can seem near impossible. The beginning of one’s relationship usually features passion, romance, and excitement. As time goes on, however, the fireworks seemingly stop. Inevitably, the nature of love changes and evolves as couples grow through life together; nonetheless, a couple’s spark doesn’t need to die. In this workshop, we will explore ideas to maintain and enhance your relational spark. 

Dr. Douglas McPhee (Doug) is an assistant professor of marriage and family therapy (MFT) at Mount Mercy University, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the state of Iowa. He is the Director of the university’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program and serves as the Clinical Director for MMU’s community therapy clinic, The Gerald & Audrey Olson Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic. Doug is also the owner of Cedarwood Therapy, a Cedar Rapids based therapy practice. Doug received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utah State University. Aggie Blue Mint ice cream, mountains, and the Utah Jazz are still some of his favorite things. 

Presenter: Georgia Anderson

Marriage is a commitment like no other. It’s most likely the longest lasting and most important endeavor of our lives. But sometimes, marriage can become monotonous, routine, or dare I say…boring? This workshop will support couples to revisit, renew, and refine their common values and deepen their connection in the process. Get ready to get curious about yourself and your partner as we strengthen your common “why”! 

Georgia Anderson is a Certified Presence Based Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation.  She is a Gottman-trained Relationship Educator, Board Certified Massage Therapist and Body Worker, and USAID Humanitarian Leadership facilitator.  

She presents and facilitates in the United States and internationally on relationships and leadership development, offers online and in person courses, and coaches individuals, couples and teams using nature as a classroom when possible. 

Georgia loves hiking the mountains and red rock of her home in Utah, doing humanitarian work around the globe with her soul mate, and spoiling 17 grandchildren.  

Presenter: David Johnson

This discussion will take on the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the modern day. Research-backed and clinically based methods for increasing physical, emotional, and digital connection will be addressed. Attendees can expect to come away from the course with skills and talking points to discuss with their partner to work together toward a stronger and more fulfilling relationship.  

Dr. David Johnson is a systemic researcher and educator focused on relationships, technology use, and mental healthcare. His work centers on two broad goals: (1) understanding how technology use can enhance couple and family relationships, and (2) increasing access to high-quality mental and relational healthcare. He tackles these professional goals through clinical research, providing mental and relational healthcare in an Integrated Primary Care clinic, and through his work teaching Family Medicine Residents at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. In his free time Dr. Johnson loves to spend time with his wife and kids, go fishing, and try new recipes in the kitchen.   

Presenter: Jeremy Boden

This presentation will discuss the current research on sexual desire in marriage, what obstacles stand in the way of sexual desire, and what to do about it.  

Jeremy Boden, PhD, LMFT, is an associate professor at Utah Valley University where he teaches courses in marriage and relationship development, human sexuality, and couples therapy course in the marriage and family therapy program. He is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and specializes in working with married and premarital couples. He is a frequent presenter in the community on relationship enhancement and sexuality in marriage. He has also presented his research at local, national, and international professional conferences and published in scholarly journals and books. Dr. Boden is also the owner and director of the Center for Marriage Preparation which is dedicated to helping premarital and newlywed couples prepare for marriage. He and his beautiful and supportive wife, Daria, are the parents of four children. 

Presenter: Terri Orbuch

Happy relationships shouldn’t be hard work! That’s one of the upbeat findings from my landmark study of marriage, which has been following 373 married couples since 1986. Here’s more good news for lovebirds: If you’re in a happy marriage, you can keep it that way or make it even better by introducing a few new behaviors and small changes into the relationship.

In this engaging and fun class, Dr. Terri Orbuch (aka, The Love Doctor®) shares how to take your marriage from good to great. Come learn simple, practical strategies to identify your relationships expectations; give support to each other; resolve disagreements; add fun, excitement, and passion to the relationship; and model what a healthy relationship looks like for your children.

Dr. Terri Orbuch (aka The Love Doctor®) is a world-renowned relationship expert, author, speaker, professor, research scientist, and media personality, whose science-based advice has helped thousands of people find and create the loving relationships they deserve.

She is also the director of a landmark study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she has been following the same couples for over three decades. Dr. Orbuch has been featured in such publications as, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, Women’s Health, and TIME magazine and has appeared on The Today Show, MSNBC, ESPN, HuffPost Live, and CNN. Go to: DrTerriTheLoveDoctor.com.

Presenters: Vincenza Vicari-Bentley & Rochelle Allen  

Does the thought of talking about finances with your significant other deflate your heart? Not anymore! Understanding our habits and attitudes relating to money provide the keys to our financial and life success. Join us to learn how to find out what your money personality is and how that can help you achieve financial goals together. Join our experts to learn about: 

1. Identifying spending habits 
2. Understanding your personal money history 
3. What is your unique money personality? 

Rochelle Allen is a program coordinator for the Empowering Financial Wellness program at Utah State University-Extension, based in Washington County. She is an active member of the American Quarter Horse Association, and holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from USU. With a fervent passion for financial wellness, Rochelle is committed to assisting others in mastering their finances to achieve their personal aspirations. (I’ve attached her headshot) 

Vincenza Vicari-Bentley is an Accredited Financial Counselor and lead program coordinator for the Empowering Financial Wellness program with USU-Extension based in Salt Lake County. Vincenza earned her MBA with a focus on Marketing and Finance. She is a proud military spouse who is passionate about helping others and empowering them to understand and improve their finances. 

Presenter: Kyle Benson

Are disagreements in your relationship causing distress? Discover the key to deeper connection and a stronger marriage through constructive conflict. 
 
Learn how attachment styles impact communication during conflicts and uncover the power of creating attachment security before seeking solutions. Through engaging exercises, explore ways to create attachment security and negotiation skills that foster empathy, understanding, and optimization for win-win solutions. 
 
Whether you're navigating differences or seeking to strengthen your bond, this workshop offers invaluable insights into fostering emotional safety and effective communication. Join us on this journey toward a more resilient, fulfilling marriage. Unlock the secrets to productive conflict and deeper connection. 

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.  

Presenters: Cami Horrocks & Clover Noel

In your relationship, do you ever feel stuck and find yourself wondering, “Why do I do that? and Why does my partner do that?" This course will address these questions, and also uncover what you can do to develop a more secure relationship with your partner. During this workshop, you will learn about attachment styles and gain some helpful tools to strengthen the meaningful connection within your relationship. 
   
Cami Horrocks, LMFT, specializes in couples therapy and her approach to therapy is based in Attachment Theory. She has advanced training in couples therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction and is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), the Utah Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (UAMFT), and the International Center for Excellence in EFT (ICEEFT). She is passionate about people and their journey toward health, as individuals and in relationships, and values being honest, culturally sensitive, hopeful, and humorous! In her free time, Cami loves to watch and play sports, go boating with her family, and play with her dog Chewie. 
   
Clover Noel, LMFT, specializes in trauma, attachment styles, and relational healing with self and others. She has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman (Level I and Level II), Lifespan Integration (LI), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and is trained and certified in EMDR. She specializes in treating adults experiencing anxious/avoidant attachment styles, low self-worth, anxiety, depression, infidelity, divorce, infertility, grief and loss. Additionally, she specializes in treating individuals who are recovering from PTSD, Complex PTSD, betrayal trauma, or narcissistic relationships. In her spare time, Clover enjoys cooking with her hubby, nature walks, and identifying attachment styles in love songs on the car radio. 

Presenter: Elizabeth Davis

This brief video reviews Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own love languages and gain insights into improving communication and connection in their relationships.  

Presenter: Eva Timothy

Join us for an enlightening presentation dedicated to fostering connections within couples of all personality types. Relationships are a beautiful blend of individual quirks, preferences, and temperaments, and understanding how to bridge the gap between introversion, ambiversion, and extroversion can be the key to lasting harmony. This discussion will help empower couples to build lasting connections that thrive on understanding, acceptance, and love. 

Presenter: Lisa Schainker

Do you and your spouse or partner find yourself wishing you had more couple friends to do things with, or maybe you are always trying to decide whether you should make plans with your friends or their friends and it turns into an argument? In this short video, you will learn some ideas on ways to find and make new friends as a couple, so you will both have more people you can refer to as “our” friends. 

Lisa Schainker  is a USU Extension assistant professor based in Salt Lake County. She has a Ph.D.in lifespan developmental psychology and a master’s degree in public health. Her major interest areas center around enhancing physical and emotional well-being in adults and promoting positive adolescent development through family skill-building and parent education. She is a contributor to Extension's relationship website and conducts personal and professional development workshops that focus on helping people become the best version of themselves.  

Presenter: Jared Hawkins

Couples often struggle to make sense of their emotions and communicate their needs to their partners. This presentation will help participants know how to tune into their body’s emotional messages so they can identify their relationship needs and know what to communicate to their partner.

Jared Hawkins is a Utah State University Extension Professor in Summit County. Jared graduated with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University. He is a licensed associate marriage and family therapist and enjoys helping couples deepen their relationships.  

Presenter: April Lichtford

Embark on a journey to make healthy behavior changes as a couple, navigating the unique challenges that arise from personalities, opinions, habits, and the dynamics of your relationship. Backed by research, this presentation emphasizes the profound impact of partnering in behavior change, not only for individual well-being but also for the strength of your relationship. April Litchford, a seasoned Assistant Professor and registered dietitian nutritionist, brings her expertise to guide you through fostering autonomy, building healthy habits together, and providing invaluable tips for a successful journey. 

April Litchford, PhD, RDN, an Assistant Professor at Utah State University Extension, combines her passion for nutrition science with a wealth of experience in general nutrition counseling, child and family nutrition, and diabetes management. As a devoted wife and mother of five, April understands the significance of health within the context of a family. Her love for food is evident in her enthusiasm for teaching cooking classes and helping others explore new food experiences. 

Presenter: Christina Pay

This presentation explores the unique dynamics of grandparents assuming the role of parents and provides valuable insights into maintaining a strong and resilient marital bond throughout this journey. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and joys associated with raising grandchildren, as well as practical tips for preserving and enhancing their relationship with their spouse.

Presenter: Amy Torres

In this brief video you will gain practical tips to enhance harmony and support within your marriage or relationship as you navigate the sometimes-tricky family dynamics related to getting along with your partner’s parents. Learn key strategies such as setting healthy boundaries, fostering a common understanding, and effective communication. 

Amy Torres is a Program Coordinator and Prevention Specialist at Utah State University Extension, with a bachelor's degree in Marriage and Family Studies and additional certifications in Home and Family Studies. Her work centers around family engagement, advocacy, and positive youth development. Amy's insights are enriched by her own 22 years of marriage. Passionate about making a positive impact, Amy is also actively involved in community activities and values spending time with her family. She looks forward to inspiring and fostering stronger, healthier family relationships.