MEET YOUR LEAD INSTRUCTOR:

ELLE MENDOZA-STAATS, MA, LMFT-S, CST-S

Hello! I'm Ashley Blu Staats but please call me "Elle."

I have taught the past 3 sessions for the National Sex Therapy Institute and I couldn't be more excited! I actually completed this very same training course in 2016 and found the experience to be foundational to my work with individuals and couples. For the past 10 years I've been in private practice in Austin, TX where I specialize in Sex Therapy. Last year, I became the Clinical Director at Capital Area Counseling where I also did my internship in 2009. It's funny how life can sometimes take you in circles.

Since entering this field, I knew I wanted to teach. That dream led me to Texas Tech where I'm a PhD Candidate in their Counselor Education and Supervision program. I will be defending my dissertation later this year on Counselor Educators and Supervisors Comfort with and Knowledge of Sex and Sexuality. 

Sex Therapy training is fundamental to competent work with couples and any individual seeking help with a sex-related issue. I am dedicated to your education as Sex Therapists and helping each of my students gain competence. I love teaching for National Sex Therapy Institute and am eager and welcoming of all future Sex Therapists! Like the rest of my NSTI family, I stay busy! Between teaching, my practice, and my research, I make time for my two kiddos (and one on the way!) and husband, who's dedication to our family makes my hustle possible.