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Testimonials
Professional Development — Healthcare
“Everyone loved your lecture. Doctors need to know this!” — Judi Gerardis, MD, President, New Jersey Obstetrical & Gynecological Society
“The feedback on your program was VERY positive. One resident told me she felt empowered to ask questions regarding the sexual history because now she knew why she was asking. Along the same line, a resident stated that she could answer the patient if the patient asked ‘Why are you asking me this?’ The lead ins to questions were a big help too. Eric [Garrison] did a great job with his demonstration of phrasing questions. The residents thought it was a wonderful way make the patients feel more comfortable discussing topics. They also said they’ve learned to watch their body language during patient interviews – not just while taking a sexual history.” Carol Gagliardi, MD, FACOG, OB/Gyn Program Director, Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City, NJ
“Thank you for the presentation on ‘Patient Sexuality Education from the Physician’s Perspective’ that you gave at our Medicine Grand Rounds on January 13, 2011. The evaluations from your talk were excellent, and the information you presented was of value to members of our staff.” – Cindy York, CME Assistant, Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, NJ
“I appreciated that Melanie taught about sexuality so honestly and openly and that she told us how to refer and where to refer patients in need of sexual health services.” – Registered nurse, after “Sex Education Skills for Nurses and Health Teachers”
Professional Development — Education
“Melanie’s training session enabled me to evaluate and analyze our current programs.” – Public school health teacher, after “Sex Education Skills for Nurses and Health Teachers,” Piscataway Public Schools, Piscataway Twp, NJ
“During the workshop, I learned to listen to the question the student is really asking and answer it honestly.” – Health educator, after “TV & Bananagrams: Great Ways to Get Families Talking about Sex” 2009 Center for Family Life Education Conference, Somerset, NJ
“This program was valuable for both my professional and personal life.” Educator, after “TV & Bananagrams: Great Ways to Get Families Talking about Sex,” 2009 Center for Family Life Education Conference, Somerset, NJ
“I’ve done sex therapy with cancer survivors for years, and yet I learned a great deal from Dr. Davis’ workshop today. I will be using a lot of her suggestions in the future” – Psychotherapist, after “How to Teach about Intimacy After Cancer,” 2010 Center for Family Life Education Conference, Somerset, NJ
Medical Student Education
“On behalf of the AMSA National Sexual Health Scholars Program, we would like to thank you for your lecture on adult and elderly sexuality. It was so kind of you to offer your time and expertise, and it is a real testament to your dedication to and support for our mission to bring sexual health education to medical students.” — Perry Tsai, American Medical Student Association
“Melanie Davis’ workshop, “This Will Only Hurt a Little: Taking the Pain out of Talking about Sex” was both a fun and educational exercise that was extremely helpful in making us comfortable enough to talk about this touchy subject with our patients. The entire experience has made a lasting impression on how I will see and treat my patients.” -Gladston Hackett, 2nd year medical student, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
“Drs. Davis and Hersh: Thank you so much for teaching us on Tuesday night. We sent out an evaluation after the session, and I thought you would enjoy the following comments: ‘These two women did such an incredible job! They managed to contribute to each others’ talks without talking over each other or repeating info. SO informative and well put together! I really appreciated the respect they clearly had for one another.’ and ‘I thought these were two of the best large group facilitators we’ve had. I like how they played off one another.’” Rebecca Bak, American Medical Student Association
Sexuality Education Programs & Consulting for Consumers
“I now have the freedom to talk and think openly about this cultural black hole subject that has stolen our spontaneity. I’m going to talk to my patner about this workshop and how good it feels to know we all have needs that don’t need to be repressed.” – Robert, participant in “Sex and Aging: Changing for the Better,” hosted by the Enriching Retirement program, Princeton, NJ
“Your program on sex and aging made me realize there is hope.” – R., participant in “Sex and Aging: Changing for the Better,” hosted by the Enriching Retirement program, Princeton, NJ
“I just wanted to let you know that your advice about getting the kids out of our bed made us fall in love all over again. Yay! Thanks!” – Young mom, following a consultation
“I truly appreciate and admire your work. It has a tremendous, positive impact in providing adults raising children with the tools and confidence to address sexuality education in healthy, constructive ways. Thank you!” – Trish Brandon, Director of Religious Growth & Learning, Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, PA
“Thank you so much for your workshop, “Sex & Your Cancer Experience.” We have had wonderful feedback on it. The participants said it was very informative and that you created a very comfortable atmosphere in which to ask questions and discuss sensitive issues. We look forward to having you return as part of our Sexuality lecture series this fall.” – Stephanie Buonarota, Program Manager, Gilda’s Club of Northern New Jersey
“You and Dr. Hersh did a really nice job on last night’s workshop. You work well together and created a comfortable environment for people to learn!” – Vivian, participant in “Loving the Skin You’re In” hosted by the New Jersey Center for Sexual Wellness
“The most important thing I learned is not to focus on what I once had sexually. It’s what I have now that matters, and I can take small steps toward improvement.” – Participant, after “Sex & Your Cancer Experience” for Atlantic Health Systems
“Excellent, concise, thoughtful review that compels reader to read the book, yet addresses relevant shortcomings. Examples reviewer chose made me smile, feel and think, and brought the book to life.” — Peer reviewer for a book review published in the American Journal of Sexuality Education
Speaking
“People remarked how much they learned about themselves and that you pushed their comfort zones — good for you! It was just great.” — Rev. Beverly Dale, Chair, Young Christians in the Hook-Up Culture Conference, University of Pennsylvania Christian Association, Philadelphia, PA
“It was a pleasure having you as a presenter with Eric Garrison on ‘Finding Your Link on the Sexological Chain.” I found your session to be wonderful and learned a great deal from it about looping my career within the context of those who went before me. ” – Heather Charboneau, Chair, 2011 Careers in Sexuality Professional Skills Conference, Widener University, Chester, PA
“I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful presentation on Menopause 101 last night. The attendees LOVED every minute of the night. I hope you enjoyed the night as well. Melanie, that box of sexual toys and tricks was hilarious!!! I know that everyone really got a kick out of the items you brought.” – Natalie Holden, Marketing VP, Care One, Morristown, NJ
“Fantastic work last night. You created some great, meaningful discourse.” – David D. Hall, EdD note to Melanie and Eli R. Green, co-guest lecturers on Reproductive Ethics at Widener University
Sexuality Education Consulting for Organizations & Schools
“I attended the first offering of the Building Sexually Healthy Communities…Thanks for doing such a great job in developing this workshop. You have provided us with a solid structure we can adapt to meet the specific needs of our target audiences” – Fred Vasapolli, NJ Dept. of Health & Senior Services Div. of HIV/AIDS Services, Prevention and Education
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with Melanie. She has a strength and calmness that allowed me to feel confident in my role as Sexuality Policy Committee chair. Throughout the process she continually gave me information and support, and she was an absolute pleasure to work with. Melanie is very passionate about her work and wanting others to know more about the subject as well. I would highly recommend her to any school, private or public or as a conference or assembly speaker. She is such a wealth of knowledge that any institution or organization would benefit from her knowledge.” – Annette Miller, Dean of Students, Solebury School, New Hope, PA
“You quickly understood our requirements, you were responsive to changes, and you met or beat our deadlines. We were very impressed with your efficiency, reliability and ability to convey important patient education themes in a consumer-friendly style.” – Vice president, strategic health education company, Westfield, NJ
“You have been an amazing resource for the Consortium – the breadth of your knowledge and experience has been a wonder to me…and your willingness and generosity to share your knowledge and time have been SO VERY beneficial to me and others. What you have done and accomplished in behalf of the Consortium has been way ‘above and beyond the call of duty.’ Your energy and professionalism have truly made a difference to this organization, and we are all the stronger for it. ” Anita P. Hoffer, sexologist/reproductive biologist and member, Sexuality and Aging Consortium at Widener University, Chester, PA
“You know how folks are often saying that what they need is a wife? Well, what I need in my life is a Melanie! You have done much more than getting the Consortium off the ground — you have given it wings.” Joan Garrity, healthcare/education trainer and member, Sexuality and Aging Consortium at Widener University, Chest, PA
Marketing Consulting for Sexology Professionals
“What has been so fabulous about working with Melanie is her combined expertise in marketing and sexology–she instantly gets what I’m trying to convey. Before she came into my life, my desk was a welter of Post-It-additions to my e-mail lists, website, newsletter and on and on. Melanie’s organizational skills and gentle guidance have reduced the clutter, and I now breathe much easier when I think about getting my work out to the public. Did I say she’s fun to work with, too?” – -Gina Ogden, PhD, LMFT, Author of Women Who Love Sex, The Heart and Soul of Sex, and The Return of Desire.
“Melanie is a marketing dynamo for her clients and an endless source of wisdom and thoughtful leads for her networking colleagues – not to mention a genuinely caring person in all of her professional relationships. She has clear command of myriad marketing and promotional formats from print to multi-media as well as an intuitive sense, honed by years of hands-on experience, for what will best serve her clients’ needs and objectives. She is both comfortable and competent in synthesizing concepts, developing strategies and writing to promote client agendas effectively. At the same time, she readily provides referrals when she feels that clients would be better served by professionals with different expertise than her own. Melanie’s standard of excellence manifests in both her product and her relationships.” – Daryl English, Cutlass Communications, Kennelon, NJ
Congregational Programs
“How much did I love your service yesterday? Let me count the ways: 1) Fantastic music; 2) Great use of a Bible reading–I was so glad you included it; 3) Inspiring sermon; everyone felt uplifted, hopeful, and thoughtful — just what I look for in a sermon. Kudos, kudos, kudos. What a great day to have had so many visitors. Thank you so much.” — Laura Meerovich, UU Congregation of Somerset Hills, Somerville, NJ
“Thank you for being with us today!! What a treat. Your music was beautiful and your message inspirational. After service I heard many people remarking on your sermon and using some of your thoughts and concepts.” –Bill Stroup, UU Fellowship of Lower Bucks, Fairless Hills, PA
“I was a guest last week and came back to hear you speak about Inherent Worth and Dignity. I have a lot of things to heal from, and your rules for self-talk have given me a lot to think about.” Visitor, UU Fellowship of Lower Bucks, Fairless Hills, PA
“Every line you spoke had meaning for me today. I have a lot to think about.” — Jenny, visitor, UU Congregation of Somerset Hills, Somerville, NJ
“You offered a magical package: beautiful songs, both touching and uplifting; a great story for the kids (you are a gifted story teller); and an inspiring sermon that was really worth hearing and remembering.” – Jack Drucker, Unitarian Church of Montclair, Montclair, NJ
“Melanie looks at things in a new way and delivers a message that is accessible to everyone. She was also very easy to work with: She prepares complete services but was very flexible regarding our congregation’s needs.” – Kelly Jin-Hendel, UU Congregation of Queens, Flushing, NY
“I just wanted to thank you again for your beautiful service last Sunday. Our Fellowship loved your heartfelt message, your singing, and your vibrant personality.” – Jim Ellasenar, UU Congregation of the Poconos, Stroudsburg, PA
“You really changed my way of thinking about faith. I do have so much faith. I have faith in the power of love and caring we give and receive. I have a faith that the next generation will carry on and change the world for the better. I felt blessed hearing you on Sunday.” – Linda Darks, Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, Bellingham, WA
Academia
“Dr. Davis was my professor during the spring semester of 2011 in a course entitled, History and Ethics of Human Sexuality in Widener University’s Graduate Program in Human Sexuality. Dr. Davis is one of the best professors I have had as a graduate student, and I would recommend her highly for any position in which one would be asked to show compassion, resourcefulness, and creativity.” Jane Fleishman, Principal, Speaking About Sex, an education, policy, and research consulting firm
“Thank you for this class. I can never really fully explain what it has done for me.” Undergraduate, Human Sexuality course, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
“It’s clear that many students enjoyed your course and benefitted from it, and by being a human sexuality professor, especially on this campus, you’re already doing something extremely necessary, valuable, pertinent, and radical. So, thank you.” Undergraduate, Human Sexuality course, Marymount Manhattan College, NYC
“I cannot begin to explain to you how much it means to me to know there are professors like you who truly care. I can say, you are truly an extraordinary women and I am so glad that I had you as a professor this semester.” Undergraduate, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
“I just want to thank you because a lot of things that I had learned in class really helped me get through rough patches in my relationship. I really appreciate the comments and recommendations you gave in my experiential paper, which really helped me understand and priortize different things in my relationship. I cannot say thank you enough.” Undergraduate, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
“She was extremely respectful and easy to approach, along with being funny. Those are great qualities in a professor.”— Undergraduate, Marymount Manhattan College, NYC
