Jody Potiker

Social & Travel Director

Jody is a lesbian community-builder, retreat leader and trained Conscious Girlfriend Coach who leads life-changing lesbian Sacred Roots trips to Greece, as well as many social gatherings online and in Southern California, and many Conscious Girlfriend collaborations.

Maxwell Pearl

Wheel of Consent Specialist

Max is a former neuroscientist and Hampshire College professor, a published science fiction author, a Buddhist practitioner for 35+ years, and certifed in the Wheel of Consent. Prior to his gender transition, Max lived as Michelle Murrain, co-founded Conscious Girlfriend, and co-directed our work from 2014-2017.

Julie Bjelland,

High Sensitivity & Neurodivergence Specialist 

Julie is the founder and director of Sensitive Empowerment, a global community for highly sensitive people and/or autistic women, helping us lead our best lives with our unique brains and gifts. Julie will offer a free Conscious Girlfriend class in 2024.

Kai Wu,

Trauma & Embodiment Specialist 

As a faculty member at the Somatica Institute, Kai trains sex and intimacy coaches worldwide. Her many certifications include Conscious Girlfriend Coaching, Somatic Experiencing, and Somatic Sex Education. Kai co-taught the Academy's 6-week Lesbian Erotic Liberation class in 2023.

Darshana Avila,

Intimacy, Relationship and Erotic Embodiment Expert  

Darshana impacted millions of people when her erotic coaching with a lesbian couple was featured in the Netflix series Sex, Love & Goop. Her trauma-informed, experiential coaching and Pathways to Pleasure group are for women and couples.  Darshana will offer a free CGA class in 2024.

Mimi Gonzalez,

Comedian & Writer

A favorite performer on Olivia vacations for many years, Mimi also organizes GoGirl Saugatuck, the best lesbian weekend at the largest LGBTQ resort in the Midwest. Conscious Girlfriend will be featured at GoGirl 2024, May 31-June 2. Mimi may also offer some writing classes in the Academy! 

Ouida Joi,

Interfaith Minister   

Ouida pioneered Conscious Girlfriend groups for Lesbians of Color in 2023. Her spiritual practices embrace many of the world spiritual traditions, including Christianity, New Thought, Buddhism, Yoruba, and Indigenous traditions, and she is Senior Minister and the Center for Spiritual Living in Baltimore.