Hello! I’m Shasta, a sex and relationship coach with a diverse and unique life journey that allows me to deeply connect with people from all walks of life. My path to becoming a coach wasn’t one I expected, but it has been a deeply fulfilling and transformative experience that has brought me to this place of service.
I was raised as a typical boy in a small Midwestern town, where hard work was the backbone of life. I began working at 14, developing a strong work ethic that has stayed with me throughout my life. After high school, I joined the US Marine Corps, where I served for 10 years, developing leadership, resilience, and a sense of duty. I went on to have a 27-year marriage and helped raise three incredible daughters. But it wasn’t until I was 50 that I fully understood my inner challenges—those I had hidden from everyone. After transitioning, I embraced my identity as a transsexual, which reshaped the way I see the world and my place within it.
Throughout my life, I’ve always been deeply interested in relationships. From my first love in high school to the many years of raising a family, I’ve constantly sought to understand and try to “do it right” when it comes to connecting with others. I heard countless times, “You’re not like any man I’ve ever met.” While that puzzled me for years, I eventually realized that it wasn’t just about being “different”—it was about understanding myself more fully and embracing the unique way I was wired. My transition at 50 gave me the language and context to understand the deep-seated truths I had always known: I was always more aligned with women than with men. Living life as a man, I didn’t believe I was strong enough to live the life women led in our world.
I’ve lived on both sides of the gender fence—experiencing the world through the lenses of both testosterone and estrogen. This dual perspective has given me an unmatched ability to empathize with both men and women, and to help bridge the gaps between them. I often feel like a translator, helping partners understand each other and creating the space for deeper connection. Whether you’re trying to understand why your partner does what they do or figuring out how to communicate your own needs, I bring a unique perspective that can help you navigate the complexities of intimate relationships.
Beyond my personal experiences, I’ve always been a lifelong learner, exploring different fields and always striving for growth. I trained professionally as a boudoir photographer, a world where I learned to appreciate the inherent beauty in every person and the deep connection that can come from owning one’s body. The experience reshaped my view of body image, sexuality, and the importance of self-acceptance—lessons that have been crucial in my work as a coach.
I’ve seen firsthand how the rapid-fire world of social media and "soundbite" advice has left many people feeling confused, disconnected, and doubtful about relationships. One-size-fits-all advice simply doesn’t work in the complex world of human intimacy. That’s why I offer bespoke coaching services tailored to each person and couple I work with. My focus is on sexual expression and relationship wellness—helping individuals and couples understand their own needs, communicate them effectively, and cultivate stronger, healthier relationships.
Through my work and training at the Somatica® Institute, I learned a somatic approach to coaching—one that emphasizes embodiment, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. I’ve walked this path myself, experiencing the transformation that comes from truly understanding your body, your pleasure, and your desires. I don’t just tell my clients about honest, boundaried, authentic relationships—I engage with them and show them how to live it. I create a space of mutual trust, acceptance, and safety, where all can show up and share fully and confidently. In this space, clients can explore emotional and erotic intimacy and learn how pleasure is the best tool for transformation we have.
Why coaching? Growing up, I witnessed the struggles of many people around me, especially women. My mother, for instance, didn’t realize that women could even experience orgasms until after she had three children. I’ve seen the scars of sexual assault and the lifelong struggles of those who had no real resources to help them heal. I’ve seen men—many of whom had no real guidance about relationships—trying to navigate life with little more than their high school experiences and failed relationships to guide them. I’ve watched as societal conditioning—especially for men and those within religious circles—left deep deficits in understanding how to truly connect with another person in intimate relationships. All these experiences have led me to the firm belief that we can do better. That’s why I became a coach: to find better ways forward and share them with others.
When I work with clients, I don’t just focus on the “problem” they think they have. Often, the issue they’re facing is just the surface manifestation of something deeper. I take the time to listen, uncover the real issues, and work toward resolutions that impact many aspects of life. It’s not just about fixing a relationship—it’s about deepening self-understanding, reconnecting with desires, and cultivating a healthy, resilient mindset that carries into all areas of life. Watching someone reclaim their body and their pleasure is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
My approach is simple yet profound: I’m here to help you see new options that fit your unique life and relationship goals. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore, understand, and heal. I help you tap into your inner wisdom and move forward with confidence, self-compassion, and clarity. This isn’t a cookie-cutter process—it’s about meeting you where you are and helping you see new ways to move forward that are authentic to who you are.
I’m here to guide you, but more importantly, I’m here to walk alongside you as you discover your own power in relationships—with yourself and others. Whether you’re navigating a sexless marriage, struggling with past trauma, or simply looking to strengthen your connection with yourself and your partner, together, we can unravel the complexities of intimacy, embrace a healthier approach to relationships, and create the life and love you deserve.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Let’s get started on this journey together.