PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Board certified sexologist and AASECT certified sexuality educator Megan Andelloux has promoted former Program Director Kira Manser to the role of interim executive director of the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health.
Manser’s first public obligation in her new position will be to speak with customers at the upcoming International Lingerie Show (ILS) in Las Vegas, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, at the booth of distributor Eldorado Trading.
“Kira Manser is not only a brilliant and warm sexuality educator, but is someone who holds very similar values to me; creating engaging and energizing learning opportunities for adults, promoting pleasure as a component of health and cultivating strong partnerships within the vast field of sexuality, medicine, pleasure, and advocacy,” Andelloux said. “With our five-year anniversary coming up, this is the perfect time for The CSPH to have a fresh perspective, from someone I wholeheartedly trust. Kira Manser has challenged me to think forward, and I know she will do just that for The CSPH.”
Manser earned a clinical Master’s of Social Worker and a Masters in Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University. She is also ABD on her Doctorate in Human Sexuality from Widener University, examining the experience of gender identity development for neurodiverse individuals.
Manser has worked as a sexuality educator in a range of settings, from middle schools to medical schools, for more than a decade. While in Philadelphia, she started the formal professional development program “The Mazzoni Center,” organized the 13th Annual Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, and co-founded the sex education collaborative ScrewSmart. Manser is currently working on the RI Trans Health Initiative, to create systemic change in support of accessible and sustainable health care for trans Rhode Islanders.
"I am thrilled and honored to take on this new role at The CSPH,” Manser said. “This is my dream job and organization within the field. I have been lucky to work with Megan [Andelloux] for the last 10 years, and will continue her legacy at The CSPH by advocating fiercely for the importance of including pleasure in conversations about sexual health. I feel confident stepping into this role, because our staff is a badass team of smart and ambitious folks who I know will carry The CSPH as we continue to grow. I am excited to continue the development and reach of The CSPH, while also focusing on building a strong connection to our local Rhode Island community and beyond."
Eldorado and The CSPH have partnered since 2014 for a series of educational opportunities available to Eldorado retail partners. The CSPH says it provides valuable information to assist Eldorado’s retail partners lead conversations with customers, to assist them with finding the best products for their needs.
"Eldorado is thrilled to have forged such a great partnership with The CSPH,” said Larry Garland, CEO of Eldorado Trading. “They have been a valuable resource to our retailers, giving them the education and know-how to be sexual health resources in their communities, as well as speaking with end consumers about their product needs. Having The CSPH in our booth during ILS is another great opportunity for our customers to speak with the CSPH about their top toy picks and the benefits of using pleasure products. We look forward to our continued partnership with The CSPH!"
Manser will be in Eldorado’s booth to showcase the CSPH’s top toy picks with retailers, featuring items from Spareparts, Sportsheets, We-Vibe, Je Joue, Oxballs, and more. She will be explaining the benefits of using sexual enhancement devices from a pleasure and health perspective; to meet with Manser, visit Eldorado Trading at booth 347-550.
