About Us

WE’RE A BOUTIQUE GROUP PRACTICE OF HIGHLY-TRAINED RELATIONSHIP AND SEX THERAPISTS.
WE ARE LOVERS OF CONNECTION, PROPONENTS OF PLEASURE,
AND STRONG BELIEVERS IN THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

Our mission is to embolden our clients to radically rewrite the stories that hold them back – moving forward into a new lifestyle with sex and relationships that deeply fulfill.

OUR VALUES



CURIOSITY

We’re forever curious about the value systems and beliefs that guide you, gently digging into what makes you “you”, where that comes from and whether or not it’s serving you.

COMPASSION

You’re beautifully human. Not only do we see that, it’s simply a fact. You deserve experiences that fulfill, excite and allow you to embrace every ounce of your perfectly imperfect Self.

CREATIVITY

Hope and creativity are a stunning duo, ideating new paths that once seemed impossible. When we put our brains together, we can turn what feels risky into reality.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Intersectionality is a top priority for us in how we approach our work. Social justice, both in and out of our practice, is an essential part of our values system. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming, anti-racist, and honoring of all different identities.

PLEASURE

Life without pleasure? Couldn’t be us. In a world where being frazzled has (sadly) become normalized, we reject the notion and choose to regard feeling good as a basic right – not a reward. And we’ll cheers to that, over and over.

OUR THERAPISTS



  • LENA ELKHATIB, LMFT, CST (she/her)

    FOUNDER OF AVID INTIMACY
    RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    lena@avidintimacy.com

    I work with people craving intimacy. People yearning for, looking for, and ready to reconnect with themselves, their partners, and their sexuality in a deeper, more authentic, more vibrant way. I work with people that simply won’t settle for a life that is anything short of turned on.

  • RACHEL SCHWARTZ, AMFT (she/her)

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    rachel@avidintimacy.com

    As a Couple & Family Therapist, my goal is to help you live your most authentic and intentional life. In our work, we will dive into the experiences and emotions that have shaped you while understanding the patterns and process to create change. Using humor and warmth in each session, together we will pave the way towards your ideal life.

  • ROSS MONDSCHAIN, LPC, CST (he/him)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    ross@avidintimacy.com

    Our quality of life improves dramatically as we learn to show up more authentically in our personal relationships. We can always cultivate more meaningful connections, whether in an intimate partnership, biological or chosen family, or friendships. I understand how creating change can feel daunting or overwhelming and is best navigated with intentionality and solid support.

  • Headshot of therapist Rachel Zar Smiling

    RACHEL ZAR, PhD, LMFT, CST (she/her)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST
    CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

    rachel.zar@avidintimacy.com

    Sex and relationships can be among the most difficult topics to talk about. You deserve a safe, non-judgmental space to have these intimate and essential conversations. You deserve a therapist who’s truly curious about your perspective, your struggles, and your strengths—and who doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff.

  • MORGAN FILMER, LMFT (she/her)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST EMDR TRAINED THERAPIST

    morgan@avidintimacy.com

    Shame and stigma can permeate every aspect of our lives and make pleasure, love and connection challenging, painful and debilitating. Shame and stigma often mask something special and remarkable about a person; talents, identities, ways of living or loving that are unappreciated, misunderstood and even repudiated. I find that what sets us apart can also be our greatest strength.

  • Headshot of Sara Marsha Sara Marsha, MA, NCC, LPC

    SARA MARSHA. NCC, LPC

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST EMDR TRAINED THERAPIST

    sara@avidintimacy.com

    Seeking support to heal painful parts of ourselves can make us feel alone and filled with shame. It is heavily stigmatized to ask for help, and stigmas can follow us like a shadow in every step we take. However, one of our first steps towards healing is to feel safe to share our pain. Together, we can dismantle the stigmas, pains, traumas, and the shadow of shame that follow you, and help cultivate a life of healing, joy, and community.

  • Headshot of therapist Fareaba Moriadhani

    FAREABA MORADIAHANI, AMFT (she/her)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    fareaba@avidintimacy.com

    As a clinician trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy, I will be your guide as you navigate how your relationships and circumstances have impacted you. We will look at all of the varying parts of ourselves and how they interact with the parts of others through our therapeutic relationship. This includes facing our deepest selves with compassion, care, and empathy.

  • Layla Tahmassebi

    LAYLA TAHMASSEBI, MA (they/them)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    layla@avidintimacy.com

    In our world, there is no shortage of messaging telling us how we should look, feel, speak, act, and be in relationship to others. Being a part of a community and engaging with the perspectives of others is essential, and so is understanding and honoring your own needs and desires. Let’s co-create a space where “should” is not invited, and be curious about what feels good and true for you.

  • Kelsey Baldwin, MFT

    KELSEY BALDWIN, MFT (she/her)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    kelsey@avidintimacy.com

    Healing is not a destination, but rather a practice, and a place to return to again and again with new insights and meaning at each phase of life. In our work together, we will untangle what feels unmanageable, and in that process, create room for greater authenticity and access to your fullest expression of self.

  • headshot of therpaist Jennifer Mende smiling at camera.

    JENNIFER MENDE, MA (she/they)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    jennifer@avidintimacy.com

    As your therapist, you can expect a warm presence that will be endlessly curious about your experience and perspective. I always lead with compassion and you can also expect that I will challenge the patterns and ideas that keep you feeling stuck (while also acknowledging that we live in systems that are often designed to keep us feeling stuck).

  • Headshot of Therapist Yedidia Hubbard Smiling At Camera

    YEDIDIA HUBBARD, MFT (she/her)

    INDIVIUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    yedidia@avidintimacy.com

    Our interactions and relationships can be important to our sense of self, belonging, and fulfillment. We can practice what it looks like to show up in ways that bring a sense of ease and satisfaction to your life.

  • Headshot of Charles Kimball, a white man, smiling at camera in navy blue blazer

    CHARLES KIMBALL, MFT (he/him)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    charles@avidintimacy.com

    None of us desire and love in quite the same way, and I welcome all that you bring to each session. We will listen to what your words, actions, and your body tell you about where you are coming from and what change you want. Our sessions will be grounded in the connection we form, finding what helps you show up as your authentic self.

  • Mirsadies Raber-Dunning Headshot

    MIRSADIES RABER-DUNNING, MFT (she/they)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP & SEX THERAPIST

    mirsadies@avidintimacy.com

    Our relationships, both with others and ourselves, shape so much of who we are. In therapy, I strive to create a space where you can explore these connections in a way that feels true to you—whether that means deepening intimacy, addressing communication challenges, navigating sexual and identity concerns, or simply finding a place to be yourself without judgment.

  • Sophie Tobin headshot smiling at camera wearing glasses and a brown blazer

    SOPHIE TOBIN, MFT (she/her)

    INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP AND SEX THERAPIST

    sophie@avidintimacy.com

    Starting therapy can be an incredibly daunting process, and I am here to help you through it. I acknowledge the bravery and vulnerability it takes to step into this space, and being chosen as your therapist is a privilege that I do not take lightly. In my therapeutic practice, there is room for tears, laughter, and even silence. It is an honor to hold space for all of these feelings and moments with my clients. 

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call to learn more about our people and our process.


We welcome clients of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as gender identities and expression, and sexual and affectional orientations. We are proudly LGBTQIA+ inclusive, kink and BDSM positive, and poly-friendly.