Navigating relationships and dating in your 50s

Dean M.

I’m an executive coach with over 15 years of experience, originally from South Africa, and I’ve lived in New York and London, giving me a broad cultural perspective on relationships. As a queer person, I’ve experienced the complexities of various relationship dynamics, from long-term monogamous partnerships to navigating the challenges of modern dating. My own journey includes an 11-year monogamous partnership in the UK, which, when it ended, felt like a divorce. Now, as someone in their early 50s, I have a unique understanding of how relationships evolve and change over time. I’ve worked with clients facing everything from heartache to infidelity, helping them understand their emotions and find practical, actionable solutions. I’ve also helped others navigate transitions—like encouraging a friend to write a letter to their younger self as a healing exercise. With the rise of dating apps, I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to navigate the modern dating world and all the complexities that come with it. Whether you’re struggling with a breakup, exploring your identity in relationships, or simply trying to navigate dating today, I can offer a safe space to talk it through without judgment.

Making peace with your sexual identity when it doesn't fit in a box

Mardi F.

I’ve been in relationships with both men and women, and for much of my life, I didn’t know how to talk about that. People often wanted me to “pick a side,” but my truth didn’t fit neatly into the categories others expected. I was married to a woman, and when that relationship ended, I grieved more than just the person. I grieved the version of myself I thought I had to be in order to feel accepted. It took time, therapy, and surrounding myself with supportive people to begin feeling whole again. I’ve struggled with mental health and substance use along the way, both of which were tied to the shame and confusion I felt around identity. But those experiences also gave me the tools to listen deeply and support others without judgment. If you’re wrestling with labels, afraid of how others might react, or just feeling alone in the messiness of figuring out who you are, I’m here for that.

Navigating autism, identity, and life transitions with empathy and lived experience

Maya R.

My expertise comes from more than just training—it was forged by navigating a difficult path. I grew up in a traditional, homophobic Latin American household marked by poverty and domestic violence. As a queer person in that environment, I learned firsthand how to survive trauma, carve out my own identity, and fight for a better future on my own terms. That journey is why I’m so committed to this work. My lived experience informs how I help others through their own complex life transitions. It’s why I became a Behavior Interventionist for the autism community and completed 80 hours of Peer Support training—to turn my understanding into practical, effective support. I meet you with the profound empathy that only comes from having walked a similar road, ready to help you find your own path forward.

Navigating recovery as a queer BIPOC teen

Skya F.

Growing up as a queer Black girl, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me talking openly about mental health or recovery. From a young age, I struggled with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD—but I kept it all inside. By 15, I turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the pain and isolation I felt, especially around my identity and not feeling truly seen. I spiraled quickly, and for a few years, I lost myself. No one really talked about healing in my community, let alone from a place that honored who I was. But when I was 18, I finally reached out for help. Therapy gave me tools, and recovery gave me a new version of myself. I’ve been sober since 2019. Today, I’m passionate about holding space for other queer and BIPOC folks who are trying to heal in a world that often overlooks us. I want you to know that your story matters—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.