2023 Participant Biographies

Rabbi Dr. Levi Ethan Alter is an Orthodox Jewish rabbi. He is the spiritual leader of his congregation of Holocaust survivors and the CEO of a healthcare corporation. His previous professional experiences include being on the clinical faculty of UCLA Medical Center and a university department chairman. The Alexander hasidic (pietist) movement was founded in Poland in 1880 in Aleksandrow, it was the second largest hasidic group in Poland after Ger. The shtiebl (hasidic synagogue) of the Alexander hasidim in Ostrolenka was the house of Lewtan the baker. Every member of our family but seven, along with the rest of the six thousand Jews of Ostroleka, were lost in the Holocaust.

Levi is married to Rebbetzin Dr. Yona Ruth Alter, a physician, Rabbi Alter is the fourth generation of intersex individuals in his family. An internationally sought-after expert on intersex concerns, he has been called upon on a regular basis to advise physicians concerning the treatment of intersex newborns and is involved with policy making at the international level. His current work for trans inclusion in religion, health care and other fields includes being a keynote speaker and organizer for major conferences and events, interviews on LOGO, MTV, MSNBC, Newsweek, BBC Radio and many other documentaries and media appearances. He is the President of FTM International, spanning more than twenty countries and over thirty years building FTM lives, families and communities (www.FTMI.org). He was honored with the Icon Award from Trans Unity Pride for lifetime service to the transgender community.




Dr. Michele Angello works with gender variant youth and adults. She offers individual, group and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues of sexuality and has presented internationally on her work with trans-youth and working with children of transitioning parents. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth and parents. Dr. Angello is often called on to speak as an expert on transgender issues to universities, corporations and the media. She has appeared on Larry King Live, the Tyra Banks Show, and various documentaries. She base her practice in Paoli, PA.




Mister Cris Avery is a passionate and seasoned community advocate/educator. Mister Cris has done extensive advocacy work around access to transition related care using insurance. Mister Cris has been an integral part in insurance access in the United states and has done surgical billing for several trans affirming surgeons throughout the US. He has helped start up and expand capacity for several trans healthcare programs throughout the United states. He is a National trainer providing trainings to further cultural competency for providers and promote overall wellness. Mister Cris does trainings on removing barriers to care, cultural competency, sexual health, trans surgical procedures, insurance coding/ billing for providers, gender politics and more. He is a member of WPATH as well as other committees and organizations dedicated to trans issues and HIV prevention. Mister Cris is a published author and released a 3 part book series called “Jamaican Fruit” in Summer 2018 about the life of a Jamaican American Man of Trans experience. Here is the link to the book https://www.amazon.com/Jamaican-Fruit-1-Cris-Avery/dp/0692142479




Arin Ayala is a transgender voice-specialized Speech-Language Pathologist and Singing Voice Specialist in the Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA. He holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. Arin earned his Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Georgia State University in 2017 and his Master of Vocal Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in 2022. Arin's professional services include videostroboscopy (direct visualization of the vocal folds), voice evaluation, and voice therapy. While he works with a wide range of vocal issues and symptoms, he specializes in working with transgender and/or non-binary patients for gender-affirming voice care, as well as working with singers and the injured voice. Arin is a trained singer who has performed in professional and community musical theatre for over 20 years and continues to perform locally. He is an active member of the Voice and Upper Airway Disorders Special Interest Group of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and frequently presents on topics related to the voice and voice disorders.




Karyn Bello is a fashion designer who founded Zhe by Karyn Elizabeth, an inclusive lingerie label that serves the needs of transgender women. After spending more than 20 years as a stay at home mom, Karyn followed her childhood dreams and took Continuing Education classes at Parsons School of Design. While there, one of her children disclosed that she was transgender, it was during her daughters transition that Karyn realized the lack of beautiful lingerie options for the community. Karyn is an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community, with strong ties to the Pride Center in her hometown of Staten Island. She is specifically passionate about inclusiveness in the fashion industry.




Since completing her cosmetology license, Genna Betros has been a makeup artists in New Jersey for over six years. She caters to a diverse range of incredible and beautiful clients. She is currently the head make up artist at Glamour Boutique in Fairfield NJ and has had the pleasure of working with hundreds of clients. Sharing a special bond with each unique client allows her to tailor the make overs specific to each client's personalities and desires. She feels pure joy every time she see her clients reaction of their inner beauty shining through and looks forward to turning many more chairs around to show clients their gorgeous selves.




Susan is a Licensed Social Worker and Clinical Acupuncturist with a background in managing large project teams. She is widowed, and was married to Judith (Jude) Bienvenu, who transitioned in 2009. Susan and Jude gave a presentation that describes communication methods for partners progressing through transition for several years at Keystone, and Susan is continuing that workshop. Susan is willing to be contacted for discussions with SOs outside of the workshop setting and can meet in the SO Sanctuary during the conference or via email individually.




Michelle is a professional trainer in the art of personal defense. She is also an expert witness in the state of VA and has testified in felony cases on behalf of the defense. Michelle's testimony was key to the verdict of not guilty for the cases she worked. Michelle has been training individuals in the art of personal defense since 1979, has traveled all over the USA training students, has trained private security teams, and has a 100% safety record. Michelle will provide an informative, practical, instructional, and meaningful presentation for all who attend. Michelle will impart her knowledge, practices, and principles to the attendees presented in a way that will allow each person to immediately utilize the information in their daily lives. Michelle will present information regarding personal defense best practices, most effective tools, threat identification and avoidance, legalities of self-defense, the victorious mindset, the victim mindset, the criminal mindset, the victim selection process of violent criminals, use of force and probable outcomes, how to engage with LEO's when necessary, and, most importantly, how to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime and live your life in peace. Michelle will also discuss some of the tools that are available to women for defense and will show which tools are effective and which tools are not recommended.




Mary Braasch is a queer, neurodivergent, jack-of-all-trades who has extensive experience working in early education, spiritual/ritualistic arts, classical voice performance, and various other alternative therapies. At Alder health they work 1 on 1 with individuals and families, many of whom struggle with navigating society as trans, autistic, or other similar minority statuses. Growing up in the Harrisburg area, Mary was homeschooled and attended Elizabethtown college for theater, and Shippensburg University for a Social Work Masters. Currently they are enrolled in a post-master’s Expressive Arts program at Millersville University. Mary also serves on the education and outreach committee for the Neurodivergent Network of Harrisburg. In their spare time Mary volunteers with local tabletop role playing and board gaming groups, is starting the process of becoming ordained in the Buddhist tradition, and spends lots of time with her two cats Isthar, and Leonardo De’ Catrio.




Joanne M. Carroll is the Executive Director of Trans Advocacy Pennsylvania; a former Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs; Past President of TransCentralPA, and is the Past President and Past Vice President of EqualityPA. She serves as a Consultant to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and served as a member of the Governors’ LGBT Working Group, the Millersville University - President’s Commission on Gender and Sexual Diversity, and is a member of the Transgender American Veterans Association and is the Co-Chair of the Keystone Conference, “A Celebration of Gender Diversity”. She is an active member of the Penn Central Conference, UCC (United Church of Christ) - Open and Affirming Ministry Team, and is an active member of Christ Church United Church of Christ where she serves as the President of Consistory (Leadership Council) in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. She is an active member of Lancaster County Embrace, a group providing support to congregations that affirm LGBTQ persons of faith, and by the way, she is an ordained Minister and has preached in multiple venues in Pennsylvania and routinely serves as a wedding officiant.




Becky Cox-Davenport was born in Pittsburgh and moved to eastern Pennsylvania six years ago. She graduated from Millersville University with a family nurse practitioner post-masters certificate in 2021. Her other degrees in nursing include a Ph.D. in Nursing from UNLV, a Master's degree in Nursing Education from Waynesburg University, a BSN from the University of Pittsburgh, and a diploma from Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing. Becky has been volunteering with the teens in the Common Roads program for the LGBT Center of Central PA since 2017, and as a volunteer nurse with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) of Lebanon County since 2019. Prior to Alder health, Becky had been teaching nursing, and has also taught middle and high school sexual health education classes, and worked as a nurse in a teen outreach.




Rev Cross serves as Pastor at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. She is an Associate Minister at Tapestry Ministries, and also the Northern California-Nevada Women's Ministries of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Monica is a log-term transgender activist, educator, writer, planner, social justice advocate, and public speaker. She has was the Past Co-Chair of the Community Collaborative Planning Council (CCPC) and a Past Board Member United Church of Christ (UCC), Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns where she helped develop various models for the maintenance and inclusion of LGBTQIA2+ persons in the DOC and UCC. Monica has worked with the Human Rights Campaign as a writer for “Out In Season” as well as the National Center for Transgender Education (NCTE). Monica has two published books, Reflections of a Prophet Without Honor (Amazon) and Authenticity and Imagination in the Face of Oppression (WIPF&Stock).




Janelle Kayla Crossley is a sole advocate for gender identity in Central, Pa. and surrounding areas for 13+ years. Her passion is bringing visibility, awareness and education of gender identity to society in hopes of gaining equality for all. Since her transition 13 years ago she became a volunteer with many organizations within her community including becoming a Big Sister of Big Brothers/Big Sisters as well as serving on their newly created JEDI Committee, also has seats on local boards for organizations that are bettering our communities, as in The Cumberland County Round Table. Janelle has worked with the Amish community, as in helping an Amish male transition to female and remain within the Amish community and with her family. Our mission was a success. Janelle is also co-founder of Pa. Coalition for Trans Youth, a coalition of members from across the State of Pennsylvania to support our trans youth, families, and all people inclusively against hate, bigotry, and discrimination they are experiencing within society. Janelle was a candidate for Pa. State Representative of House District 199 in Cumberland County in 2020. She was not victorious in the election, but she made history in the State of Pennsylvania by being the first openly trans woman to run for a state elected office in Pennsylvania and was inducted into the Rainbow Wave of The Library of Congress in Washington D.C.




Natalie Crouse (she/her) is an AAHIVM certified HIV Clinical Pharmacist for the Caring Together Program, a partnership between WellSpan Health and Family First Health. She began her Clinical Pharmacy career in primary care with Kaiser Permanente in the MD/DC region, later transitioning to WellSpan Health. Throughout her academic and professional career, HIV management and Infectious Diseases have been a passion; resulting in several research and presentation opportunities.

Outside of pharmacy, Natalie enjoys time in nature, practicing yoga, crafting and baking (desserts are her specialty!). It has been a joy sharing these activities with friends and family.




Diane Crow Biography Diane is a commercial filmmaker and photographer of 20 plus years. Her clients include Coke, Chick-fa-Lay, PGA, banks, and law firms. She has written, directed and edited commercials for the national market. But her biggest accomplishment to date is her transformation to Diane. It has been 2 years fully out and 100% living my true life. It has also been an exciting time for the “Diane Crow Show”. The overriding message of the show is to let everyone know… “You are loved and special” and “It is ok to be ok with whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey.” I am also a co-host of The Gayly Dose. A show about life in the lgbtq+ spectrum.




Shauna has played with hair since her fingers could move and always tinkered with new looks, braids and hairstyles just for fun. Yes she did that “look” for someone and she wants to encourage you to be brave and find your best look. After years of kitchen cuts and home perms and colors galore she finally went pro. Got her cosmetology license then went on to get her cosmetology teacher license. Now many years later thousands of heads have passed through her hands and she uses this knowledge to improve her own art as a stylist and teach others how to make the most of what they have and can improve. Take the time to learn first, it will get easier and faster the more you practice.




Jen has been out and about since 1984. She has attended many events such as Be-All, First Event, Detroit Invasions and Southern Comfort. This is her 3rd time at Keystone. She enjoys her time out dancing, enjoying dinners with friends and seeing local shows. She lives near Milwaukee, WI and is a born and bred Cheesehead! (and proud of it!) Jen frequents the Milwaukee TG friendly bars and restaurants and often travels to nearby Chicago to meet up with friends. Jen is also very supportive of a local LGBTQ shelter that supports displaced LGBTQ youths. She is always willing to help out a friend and has learned many “tricks” through the years from her supportive Drag friends and TG friends. She is married to a supportive spouse (35+ years) and has been a proud member of the Vanity Club since 2010.




Stephanie Davis began her career as an educator, teaching general music and 5th grade literacy & social studies in the Baltimore City Public Schools system. She was and is known as a charismatic and passionate classroom presence. After five years in this field, Stephanie pursued advocacy through a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a position as a chaplain at WellSpan York Hospital. In that role, Stephanie practiced and refined trauma-informed approaches to the care of individuals in crisis. The first chaplain in the hospital’s history to win a ROSE award for exemplary patient care, she ended her time at York Hospital having been awarded six of these in total. Now as a Prevention and Outreach Advocate, Stephanie can marry both skill sets and passions, advocating for individual survivors and delivering sorely-needed and efficacious lessons to promote healthy, equitable relationships, nonviolence, dating safety, etc. to the tweens, teens, and young adults of York County.




Gabriel A. Del Corral, MD, is a fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon, part of the MedStar Health Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. As a gender affirmation specialist, Dr. Del Corral is trained to provide comprehensive care and compassionate support for patients who wish to transition their gender. He offers a wide range of both top and bottom surgical procedures for transman, transfemale, and nonbinary individuals, applying cutting edge surgical techniques to streamline and optimize the process of care as well as the process of recovery. Dr. Del Corral is trained and experienced with robotic genital surgery, including vaginoplasty and other phalloplasty procedures. At an increasing rate, he is consulting with and caring for patients who opted to undergo their original gender affirmation surgical procedures at other locations, and may require revisional surgery to resolve problems or concerns. In all cases, Dr. Del Corral’s guiding principle is to “meet patients where they are and guide them through the process of becoming who they want to be.”




Lindsay has been working hard in the salon industry for 8 years. Her goal is for every client to know and feel how beautiful and truly special they are! Lindsay sees beauty as a way to express oneself. She loves being able to take someone’s vision and make them look how they want to look. Lindsay believes hers is the best and most rewarding job in the world. She makes a difference in people's lives every day she works. She not only styles hair, she touches hearts! Lindsay is ready to welcome you to Rise Hair Studio for a multitude of services including makeup, all hair services including wig styling, manicures, pedicures, facial, full body waxing, lash extensions and more! We are 10 minutes from the Hilton downtown. Call us at 717-540-1225. 🏳️‍🌈 #proudally #saferspace #hairhasnogender




Ms. Evans is a Professional Engineer with over 35 years of Experience. She is the President of Evans Engineering Inc a Civil and Structural Engineering firm based out of Harrisburg Pa, A company she started in 1989. She is also a Senior Partner in Strata Development, a Construction Management Company, as well as a partner in the firm Modern Architectural Design and the Managing Member in Blue Mountain Properties LLC. All Companies started by Ms. Evans. In Her professional career Ms. Evans has worked with companies such as Amazon, Pepsi, Hershey, Proctor and Gamble, Whirlpool, and Prologis Corp. In preforming her work she interacts with corporate executives, lawyers, contractors and various government agencies. In April 2018 Ms. Evans publicly transitioned and began working full time as her authentic self. Throughout her transition she has found acceptance from her business partners, clients, piers and co-workers.




Alexander Facque, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with The Gender Confirmation Center of San Francisco, working alongside Dr. Ley and Dr. Mosser in providing excellent patient care and service to the transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary community. He is originally from Reno, Nevada and first felt the importance of gender-affirming surgery while he was a resident in plastic surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. He then spent an additional training year specifically in performing gender affirming procedures under Dr. Loren Schechter in Chicago, IL. Dr. Facque has been in practice in California since that time and specializes in gender affirming facial surgery, chest surgery, and body contouring.




Mother Grace is a priest in the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America (CACINA) and is pastor of CACINA's Saint Wilgefortis TRANSmission, the online spiritual home for the transgender community. CACINA is an open, affirming, and inclusive independent Catholic church; Mother Grace is its only transgender priest. A graduate of the seminary at Liberty University and a former Southern Baptist minister, Mother Grace had what she calls her own personal "Damascus Road Moment" a few years ago which gave rise to her tandem transitions, one from Southern Baptist to Catholic and the other from Gary to Grace. Mother Grace is also a chaplain (1LT) for the 10th Area Command of the New York Guard, which supplements and augments the New York Army National Guard. The parent of five grown children, Mother Grace spends most summer Saturdays on the competitive drum corps circuit as a member of the Connecticut Hurricanes.




Bry Forsythe is a master of all beauty services- hair, makeup, nails, hair extensions - you name it, she can do it! She has a passion for creativity and is a natural at all things beauty. She is versed in many methods of doing hair, and she uses her knowledge to create what her clients are envisioning when they sit down in her chair. Bry loves that her work can change not only how people look, but how they feel about themselves. Because of this, she’s always working to improve upon her skills, learning new techniques, experimenting, and keeping herself up to date on all the latest hair, nail and makeup trends. She can't wait to meet you and make you feel amazing! Bry is ready to welcome you to Rise Hair Studio for a multitude of services including makeup, all hair services including wig styling, manicures, pedicures, facial, full body waxing, lash extensions and more! We are 10 minutes from the Hilton downtown. Call us at 717-540-1225. 🏳️‍🌈 #proudally #saferspace #hairhasnogender




Bree Fram is an author, podcaster, and active duty lieutenant colonel and astronautical engineer in the United States Space Force. She is also the former President of SPARTA, a non-profit that advocates and educates about transgender military service on behalf of over 1700 transgender service members. Bree is currently assigned to the Pentagon to lead space acquisition policy development. Prior to recommissioning into the Space Force in 2021, she served 18 years in a wide variety of Air Force positions including a Research and Development command position and an oversight role for all Air Force security cooperation activity with Iraq. She came out publicly as transgender on the day the transgender ban in the military was dropped in 2016 and transitioned while in a command position. She is currently one of the highest ranking out transgender officers in the United States military. Bree has appeared on ABC and NBC news, PBS News Hour, and NPR’s All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and 1A. Her writing has been featured in the Washington Post, Military Times, Inkstick, and LGBTQ Nation. She’s been a featured speaker on leadership, diversity and inclusion, and LGBTQ+ topics at Fortune 500 corporations, universities, and military and government organizations. Bree has written the book With Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops in Their Own Words and a forthcoming work on LGBTQ+ Leadership Development. Bree has been married for 18 years to Peg Fram and they have two kids, ages 14 and 10. Find out more about Bree at her website: breefram.com




Peg Fram is a crafter, military spouse, and mother. She earned degrees in Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Science, and Spanish allowing her to work for medical examiners and police departments before staying home to raise her two daughters. She quilts, sews, paints, knits, reads, and builds/fixes whatever her family breaks. Bree and Peg have been married for 18 years and they have two girls, age 13 and 9.




Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working as a clinical therapist in Lancaster, PA where she specializes in treatment of gender identity and trauma. She opened her own practice in 2021 where she specializes in providing trauma and trans* services. Lisa’s work with the trans* population began while working in a Residential Treatment Program. Her experience has continued to develop with employment in the Integrated Behavioral Health and Private Practice Setting. She was recently published with Drs. Alex Redcay and Paul Felker in the Journal of Residential Treatment of Children and Youth on the topic of treatment of transgender and gender expansive youth in the residential setting. Lisa received her undergraduate degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Millersville University. Lisa has been providing services in the clinical setting for 12 years.




Donald Gallagher, ACSW, LCSW, C-SWHC is a licensed clinical social worker for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Donald is currently a social work supervisor at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Donald has been with the VA since 2009 working in various roles such as case manager, program liaison and supervisor. Donald earned his MSW from Temple University and has post graduate training in Military and Veteran Behavioral Health from Widener University. Trauma informed care, biology and psychopharmacology, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training through Bryn Mawr College and alcohol and drug counseling training through Villanova University. Donald completed clinical supervision trainings through Temple University-Harrisburg and NASW-NJ. Donald is the co-Veteran Care Coordinator for LGBTQ+ Veterans seeking services through the Lebanon VA Medical Center.




Karla is a transgender woman who came out to her spouse in 2009. She began her transition in 2017 while working for South Londonderry Township as head of maintenance and a licensed Wastewater Operator. Retiring this year after 25 years on the job. After having spent her career behind the scenes, she continues in community service. She is a member of TransCentralPA, My Feminine Heart and a new member of the Vanity Club. She serves as the Registrar for the Keystone Conference and Secretary/Treasurer for TransCentralPA. She enjoys traveling and astronomy.




Corinne Goodwin (She/They) is a Spouse, Father, Woman, Advocate, Friend, and Business Owner. As Executive Director and founder of Eastern PA Trans Equity Project she focuses many of her volunteer efforts on empowering transgender and gender non-conforming people. Corinne also volunteers with the Keystone Equality, the United Way, the ACLU, the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center to advance their causes and improve their processes.




Jules X. Grace is a trans non-binary, gender expansive dancer with over ten years of experience in solo and partner dance styles. Through these ten years, dance and movement practices have been some of the main portals to gender euphoria for them. As they learned how to free their body from expected movement types and roles, they found that this same movement gave them new ideas about freeing themselves from oppressive expectations and roles of sexuality and gender. This workshop will be an exploration in solo and partner movement with dance stylings from ecstatic dance, fusion dance, vogue, contemporary and contact improv. We will dive into practicing movement solo and in partnerships as both a lead and a follow. Come along on a journey of music and movement as you are invited to find your own portals to gender euphoria. Comfortable clothing is suggested but not required.




Casey Grim is a professional esthetician and owner of The Rise Beauty Co. I am cisgender and love to offer my skincare and makeup services and expertise to the transgender community. Diversity and inclusion are core components of the culture at RISE. Casey does makeover transformations for Cassandra Storm in York, PA and is a Founding Club Member Expert of My Feminine Heart and TransTuesdays from day one - Cass even filmed her first episodes in Casey's salon! Casey is also an 11-year Air Force Veteran having served one tour in Iraq as a staff weather officer to the 101st Airborne Division and 4th Infantry Division. I look forward to connecting with you at Keystone! My contact information for setting up a makeup appointment is 717-850-3430 and casey@therisebeautyco.com.




For more than 15 years, increasing access to gender affirmation surgery has been a driving force of Dr. Sven Gunther’s education and training. For Dr. Gunther, it is more than a profession but a calling: to provide compassionate and comprehensive care throughout patients’ journeys to find themselves. Dr. Gunther understands that this journey touches nearly every aspect of a person’s life including self-identity, social and romantic interactions. Dr. Gunther brings his unique training and artistic eye to the operating room with a focus not only on function but also aesthetics. Dr. Gunther graduated valedictorian, with an associate degree in chemistry from San Diego Mesa College. He graduated summa cum laude from University of California San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and cell biology. Dr. Gunther attended medical school at the University California Davis School of Medicine as a Regents’ Scholar, one of a select group of students with demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and exceptional promise. He also received a master’s degree in clinical research during which he obtained a research training grant for his research on wound healing. He went on to graduate at the top of his medical school class and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical society, a reflection of the principles of lasting commitment to professionalism, leadership, scholarship, research, and community service. One of Dr Gunther’s greatest personal achievements during medical school was founding and co-directing a free hormone clinic for transgender and gender non-conforming patients. Dr Gunther attended Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center for his plastic surgery residency, Here, he trained with multiple world-renowned surgeons in the study of gender affirming top surgery, facial aesthetics, rhinoplasty and facial feminization. Dr. Gunther was fortunate to spend his last year of training at Oregon Health & Science University, focusing on all aspects for gender affirming surgery including phalloplasty, vaginoplasty, chest masculinizing surgery, breast augmentation and facial feminization. Dr Gunther has been an active member in WPATH since 2018. When not in the operating room, Dr. Gunther enjoys tending to his orchid and plant collection and trying to get various birds to eat from his hand. He is an avid runner, hiker, and a culinary experimenter best known for his pasta making skills.




Amy Harlacher is a Licensed Professional Counselor with almost 15 years of clinical experience. She completed her undergraduate degree in Religion-Philosophy and Humanities from Roberts Wesleyan College and earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Shippensburg University. She received post-graduate training in Couples and Family Counseling and has completed the Level 3 Training and Practicum in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Ms. Harlacher has worked in community mental health and independent practice, as well as with students at Dickinson College. She recently left a private group practice to join the pediatric and adolescent Gender Health Clinic at Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, serving the needs of transgender and gender-diverse children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. She is an active member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and is currently pursuing certification.




Detroit-born Savannah Hauk is an author, podcaster, advocate and TEDx Speaker, living a confident, visible and successful male-to-female crossdressing life. Through a lifetime of experience and research, Savannah has come to understand the many reasons men crossdress, the struggles and fears they face, and the weight of the crossdressing labels they accept but may not truly understand. Her eLit award-winning "Living with Crossdressing" book series is written to demystify and destigmatize the dual gender experience for both crossdressing men and their loved ones. Savannah also co-hosts the weekly The Fox and the Phoenix Podcast, reinforcing the same positive and inclusive message of gender identity and expression. She also leads conference workshops and has given two TEDx talks. When Savannah isn’t working or advocating, she loves the MCU, rebuilding LEGO sets from bulk bricks, and spending time with her girlfriend and two fur babies.




Rev. Dr. Kathryn Helms (She, Her, Hers) is an ordained minister, a meditation instructor, intuitive reader, writer, columnist, and illustrator. She volunteers at The Rainbow Rose Center serving on the grant committee, is a member of PFLAG and an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community by serving on the social justice committee at UUCY. She is the sole proprietor of Robotmom Publishing. One of her published works “The Underwater Ballerina” is co-authored by her and her transgender daughter talking about their journey from a trans daughter’s and mother’s perspective. Rev. Dr. Helms’s other published works can be found at: Robotmomlive.com. Her contact e-mail is: Robotmom@live.com




Dr. Gennifer Herley PhD is the founder and executive director of TransNewYork. Gennifer is a proud transgender woman who recently transitioned and earned her doctorate degree in 2014. TransNewYork’s mission is to bring awareness to the issues facing the transgender/gender diverse community and give guidance and support to individuals and their loved ones within an open and safe environment. It provides individual and group counseling and monthly meetings that address issues such as gender dysphoria and encourage transgender individuals to share their stories, and wishes to be an informative source for transgender resources, activities, and events. Dr Herley and TransNewYork work with allies of the transgender community to provide Transgender/Gender diverse educational training seminars, guest speakers, and other resource materials to help maintain and expand diversity and inclusion within organizations, along with helping raise public awareness on transgender issues through hosting and sponsoring speaking engagements, featuring prominent transgender leaders, and organizations.




Owner of Dominion Wellness Coaching. I grew up in Austin, Tx with my parents and siblings in a normal but somewhat dysfunctional household where both of my parents struggled with chronic illnesses. Growing up in this environment had a profound impact on me and made me realize that good health and mobility are gifts that cannot be taken for granted. It created a passion in me to help people regain or achieve greater health and wellness. I decided to channel that passion and became a physical therapist with a master’s degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 1999. As a physical therapist specializing in home health for over 20 years, I treated countless patients recovering from a major surgery, traumatic injuries, or other health crisis. Some made tremendous progress while others, recovering from the same procedure or illness, would not. I got curious about what was the difference for the patients that were successful. I had a longing to really dig deeper into the motivational mindset and learn how to encourage and support my patients better. I became a certified Transformational Health and Life Coach through the Health Coach Institute in September 2020 in the height of the pandemic. I went on to become a certified intuitive eating counselor under the guidance of registered dieticians Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole. Along the journey, I experienced profound change for myself, especially in my relationship with food and my body. Now, my passion is helping other people repair their relationship with food and body so they can have authentic health with more pleasure and satisfaction than they’ve had in years! As an intuitive eating counselor, I help empower my clients as the experts of their own body and the highest authority of what brings them health and life. Through the process of intuitive eating, my clients achieve increased energy, lower blood pressure, better blood sugar control, decrease risk for heart disease, more restful sleep, and greater self-esteem and self-regard without the deprivation and guilt that comes with dieting and restricting. I am particularly passionate about working with other women over 40 who feel frustrated, discouraged, and defeated on the weight loss roller coaster and want a better approach to wellness!




Karen Kendra Holmes works for the Federal Government as a Safety Officer. Besides her full- time job with the Federal Government she is a part-time radio host on WPFW 89.3 FM on the “Inside Out LGBTQ Show” on WPFW 89.3 FM. She also writes a column for Baltimore OUTloud under the column called “Trans Lives”. Karen right now is working with Prince George’s County Police to help find a way to help get the sex workers off the streets in Fairmont Heights, MD. Karen received the Engendered Spirit Award from Capital Pride on June 7, 2018. She also was a TEDx Speaker with TEDx Asbury Park, NJ on May 19, 2018. In April 2017 she received the “2017 Monica Roberts Advocacy Award”. She was selected in January 2017 by LGBTQ Nation as one of the “Top 50 Successful Transgender Americans You Need to Know”. In May of 2015, she was honored in a special edition among 41 other women from around the world in The Platform Magazine, for up and inspiring females who have made a difference with their platform and inspired others with their positive values towards others. In April 2014 she received the “Willis Greene Community Service Award” and the “Unsung Hero Award-Team” by the Corporation for National & Community Service. In October 2013 she received “Soldier of the Year”, out of the country, by the State Guard Association of the United States out of 24 states and 23 thousand soldiers. In December 2012 she received “NCO Soldier of the Year” by the Maryland State Guard Association and The Maryland Defense Force. She was selected in August 2012 by The International Women’s Leadership Association, "A Woman of Outstanding Leadership in the Business Owner Division".

With the Maryland Defense Force under the Maryland National Guards she was a Staff Sergeant with Force Protection, the Chaplain’s Unit as a Chaplain’s Assistance, Honor Guard, and MWR. She has been doing volunteer work with the American Red Cross for the National Capital Region since 2009 on the Disaster Action Team. For several years, she has been volunteering with Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs) in Prince George's County, MD, and also with the Medical Reserve Corps. She sits on the board for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Prince George's County, MD. Karen also use to sit on the board for DC Metro PFLAG working with the Transgender Community. She is now the chapter president of the Transgender Veterans Support Group (TVSG) for Maryland. Before Karen’s transitioned, she previously volunteered with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Park Police Prince George's County Division for 7 years, 5 of them as their President, and received several awards for her service, such as two Commander’s Awards and two Volunteer of the Year Awards. In December 2005 she received the Governor’s Crime Prevention Award for her outstanding work and leadership with Park Police Volunteer Association. She has her own side business called SafetyFirst DMV and is certified as an instructor through the National Safety Council (NSC). Karen believes whole heartedly in the importance of and Giving Back to her Community.




Sarah Paz Hyde’s creative journey began at the age of 4, with the violin as her first form of expression. Early childhood memories – centered around the violin, a multicultural family upbringing, team building, and visual arts – cast a lifelong ripple effect in how she navigates life, preferring to live with a curious, imaginative heart and process & engage the world through an artistic lens. In 2016, Sarah Paz discovered the handpan, and the hypnotic simplicity of it reawakened her in ways she did not know she needed. Through musical play, conversation, integration & education she hopes to aid others in this way. Hyde is a workshop & immersive sound meditation facilitator, visual artist, and event organizer focused on commUNITY building through creativity-based experiences.




Jenny Jensen is a well-seasoned transgender person who has attended almost every Keystone Conference. She has been the lead individual with the Conference's Helping Hand Program. Starting with the Koffee Klatch program in the early days of Keystone that allowed new attendees to meet friendly faces and give helpful hints to newcomers. Improving on the success of the Koffee Klatch she developed ‘Tea Time With Jenny’ that encouraged apprehensive and worrisome first timers to attend a friendly and helpful, unsophisticated meet up. The overall goal being that a ‘Newbie’ to Keystone had nothing to worry about and a great opportunity to make some fast friends and have some fun.

With the passage of time and as Keystone grew, she is now part of the Helping Hand team that welcomes all to the ‘Get the T About Keystone” and how to how to make the most of your Keystone experience. She likes to help newcomers and is open to any and all questions. She feels there are NO stupid questions. She also works on the Financial Aid Committee helping at-need trans people receive assistance in attending the Keystone Conference.

She is Keystone’s sundried sister from the southwestern United States with a BIG heart.




Michael and Tom are best friends, co-founders, and co-Chief Encouragement Officers of Someone To Tell It To, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization that cultivates meaningful relationships through compassionate listening and trains others to do the same. Through Someone To Tell It To, Michael and Tom have helped lead more than 18,000 interactions of compassionate listening with people in the United States and in several countries around the world in the last 11 years. Michael and Tom have expanded their impact by leveraging podcasting, authoring books and being a featured speaker in numerous regional, national and international venues. Michael and Tom are available for keynotes, podcast, radio interviews, etc. In addition to being well-regarded experts in compassionate listening, Michael and Tom have launched and maintain their own successful podcast, the Someone To Tell It To podcast which has recorded more than 75 episodes. Having conducted numerous in-person and virtual workshops over the past few year for both corporate and nonprofit clients, Michael and Tom are highly-sought-after experts in topics that are timely and important. They spoken to groups both large and small in size such as Deloitte Company, New York Life Insurance Agency, The Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, Whitaker Center, Keynote Address at The International Listening Association's Annual Conference, local non-profits, and many more! Listening opens up infinitely more aspects of the world that I would never experience without hearing others’ stories. It broadens my understandings, deepens my compassion, and connects me to feelings that I would never know otherwise. Listening makes me a better person, because it gives voice to ideas and insights that only connecting with others can give.




Amy Keisling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Dickinson College and received a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. A member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), the primary focus of her work has been in the provision of gender-affirming care to transgender and gender-diverse people. In 2019, Ms. Keisling left the world of private clinical practice to become the Coordinator for the pediatric and adolescent Gender Health Clinic at Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, serving the needs of transgender and gender-diverse children, adolescents, young adults, and their families.




Kathy Randall (Randi) Klein. (she, her, they, them). Minister Kathy identifies as gender fluid and expresses this through lifestyle choices and cross-dressing. Kathy lives part time in the female gender presentation. As a commissioned Stephen Minister, Kathy provides counseling for those who are going through rough times, focusing usually on gender issues. Kathy began as a featured writer for “Grace and Lace” publications in the early 2000s. In 2008, Kathy founded Light in the Closet Ministry, an online support for Christian cross-dressers. Growing up in the Christian faith, Kathy has served in many ministry capacities over the past 35 years, both full and part time, including the first ever Transgender Religious Leaders Summit in 2007. From 2010 through 2014, Kathy was the organizer, speaker and co/host, along with CLGS (Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies), of the Transgender Religious Leaders Summit in Berkeley, California. Kathy expanded the day-long event to a three-day event which hosted over 100 transgendered faith leaders from a diverse range of faith backgrounds. Kathy participated in HRC’s Clergy Call in 2011 and 2013 in Washington, DC. Kathy has spoken over the past 20 years at various conferences, including Creating Change, Southern Comfort in Atlanta & Florida, the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference, and Keystone Transgender Conference. This past year, Kathy took great joy in speaking on Transgender Awareness Day at a public event in the town she grew up in. Kathy enjoys writing, golfing, traveling and just being with her transgendered and sis-gendered friends and family. Kathy has been married for over 40 years, and has three supportive children and three grandchildren.




No bio provided.




Ms. Jennifer Lehman is a transgender woman who after a lifetime of hiding her true self executed a successful gender transition in 2013. She has been married for 38 years to her college sweetheart, Karen, who is now the Significant Other Program Director of TransCentralPA. Jen and Karen have a daughter (30), son-in-law, son (34), daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. Jen is a business development manager, bowls competitively in two leagues and is very active in her local Lutheran ELCA church. Jen has presented workshops on gender transition at the 2014-2022, Keystone Conferences, the 2014 and 2018 Philly Transgender Health / Wellness Conference, the Philadelphia EEOC, and several local churches and high schools.




Karen is the Significant Other Program Director of TransCentralPA. She is married to Jennifer (Jen) who transitioned in 2013. Karen and Jen met in college and had been married for 24 years when Jen confided in Karen that she was transgender. It took Karen five years to accept that Jen needed to transition and that she wanted to try to make their marriage last. They renewed their vows as Karen and Jen for their 30th anniversary and have now been married for 38 years. They have a daughter (30), son-in-law, son (34), daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. Karen is a Preschool Teacher’s Aide and is a very active member at her Lutheran ELCA church. Karen is available throughout the conference, in group sessions and individual meetings as needed. She can be reached after the conference via email.




I am married, a retired US Marine, a certified life coach, and a government civil servant. I am a spouse, parent, hunter, car mechanic, and infantry combat veteran. I just happen to also be transgender. My wife and I have four amazing children and work every day to make our way down this path of transition together. I began my medical and legal transition just over a year ago in early 2022, and first opened myself to the possibility of being my true self over 5 years ago. I have quite a story. I am a professor of defense systems acquisition, teaching program management for the Department of Defense in my day job. I run a transformational and transitional life coaching business as a certified Dream Builder too, which is my true passion. I serve those who want help identifying the limits and constraints that are keeping them from being their best and living their best life.




Tia Long is the definition of a survivor who dedicates her life to helping others survive and thrive. A mother of three who lost one young child due to an accident, she escaped from a domestic violent situation and understands the needs of complex trauma with those she works with as she has personally struggled with depression, complex PTSD, abuse and the trauma of losing her child. Despite her past, she has rebuilt her life into being a strong, confident woman who owns a boutique gym, Stellar Fitness in York, President and Founder of Healing Heroes, Inc. a non-profit in support of veterans and first responders who frequent her horse farm, Long Run Stables, for therapy and stress relief). As a personal trainer, kickboxer, polga and bungee instructor, you do not want to miss her workshops at Keystone on self-defense and sculpting your dream authentic body.

Owner of Stellar Fitness in East York https://www.stellarfitnessllc.com/
Owner of Long Run Stables
https://www.longrunstables.com/
President and founder of Healing Heroes, Inc healingheroesinc@gmail.com
Promoter of Pennsylvania USBF





Mason Luke is a transman who has been in the adult sales industry for 18 years. His business specializes in products for thr LGBTQ+ Community. Inclusive of gender expression as well as sexuality specific products. Mason is a product tester and reviewer for multiple companies and routinely posts his honest and sometimes comical reviews on YouTube and as a blogger. Through numerous product trials, Mason can help folks find products that fit their unique needs.




After 42 years practicing litigation as a male in large Philadelphia law firms, Maryellen came out as a transgender woman in July 2016. Since that time, Maryellen has tried cases in federal court on issues as diverse as First Amendment freedom of speech and patent licensing, as well as practicing before state administrative agencies. Maryellen has served on the Board of Directors of the William Way LGBT Community Center and as a Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBT Affairs. She has also served on boards of directors of a variety of nonprofit institutions such as TLDEF and the Reading Terminal Market. She has been a presenter on transgender issues to the Allegheny and Philadelphia County Bar Associations (2016, 2019), Lavender Law (2018) and Duke University School of Law (2017, 2018). Maryellen and her wife Judy live in Center City Philadelphia and were married in 2018 at historic Christ Church (the mother church of the Episcopal faith in the United States) a few blocks from their home.




Lexi Mason is an AV Systems Engineer working for rural school districts in Western New York for over 11 years.

She is a pioneer where she works, being the first transgender person to come out and begin transitioning at an organization of approximately 600 employees.

Lexi is the elected president of the Administrative Management Association, a union of educators and educational support staff for the K-12 schools they serve. During her tenure with the Union, she has been vital in negotiating a new contract and convincing the administration to rewrite the new union contract using all gender-neutral language.

Lexi graduated from the State University of New York at Alfred, with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. She is active in her local community transgender support group. Lexi has just recently won a long and hard fought external appeal, requiring her health insurance carrier to cover her facial electrolysis treatments, and is looking forward to hosting a workshop to help others navigate the daunting health insurance process for transgender care.




Rick Matash, LCSW earned his bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH. Rick worked as a houseparent for Boys Hope of Northeast Ohio before returning to PA where he earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marywood University. He has worked as a psychotherapist and as a behavior specialist working with children/adolescents. He was an ICM Supervisor for the CMSU county mental health system for 7 years. Rick joined the Wilkes Barre VAMC in September, 2008 where he serves as the Post 9/11 Program Manager and LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator.




D. Scott McCracken (he/him): I have been a practicing family physician in York for over 10 years. I believe strongly that healthcare is a human right, that health disparities exist in the United States, and that we can address these disparities through intentional effort to meet the needs of a diverse population. I have been directly involved in gender affirming care for the past 7 years, and am excited to share recent research and guidelines, as well as discussion, to encourage us all to improve our care of nonbinary patients.




After 15 years as a donor advisor for a variety of regional, national, and international non-profit organizations, Beth McKinley (she/her) transitioned her experience in charitable gift planning to the financial services industry. As Associate Wealth Advisor at Roots Financial Group at Thrivent, Beth provides financial planning services to clients and is focused on serving those who want to include giving in their financial plan, helping women feel confident in their financial future, and prioritizing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Professionally, Beth is an active member of Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS), where she helped found the Central PA Chapter. She is also a member the Keystone Business Alliance, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce in Central PA. She is the first Chair for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for the Carlisle Branch of AAUW, and the Co-chair for the Lower Susquehanna Synod’s LGBTQIA+ Affirming Taskforce. Additionally, Beth continues to support local fundraising efforts as an active volunteer, where she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit Someone To Tell It To and the Development Committee for Project Share.

Beth is an active member of Thrivent’s Pride Business Resource Network and is focused on building practice that is open and affirming.




Carmen McKinney (she/her) is a queer identified Licensed Clinical Social Worker and serves as the Behavioral Health Clinic Supervisor at Alder Health Services in Harrisburg, PA. She obtained her MSW from the University of Alabama in 2008 and and holds a post-graduate certificate in Affirmative Therapy with Transgender Communities from Widener University. She specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and is passionate about improving outcomes and access to care for all marginalized and traditionally underserved populations.




In April 2007 at the age of 21, Travis McMaster left zis full-time job to attend the Art Institute of York as a full-time student and the following month came out as a gay man. Fast forward to the fall of 2021, when Travis embraced who ze is as nonbinary person largely in part of being immersed in a company culture that championed inclusion and authenticity. While Travis has jointly explored zis identity and navigated zis career in marketing and multimedia since 2007, an interaction with a taco drive-thru teller in 2017 put into perspective the importance of visibility and how Travis can be the representation ze never had living in small towns. Aspiring to be the gasoline to the fire of others, Travis share zis experiences and talks to high school students, college students, and other professionals about the power and benefits of bringing their authentic selves to their profession, blending personal style into professional style, coming prepared to deliver skills, and the importance of researching company prospects. Additionally, Travis has been a keynote speaker at various local pride festivals, is the former marketing coordinator for Pride Hanover, volunteers as a career coach outside of zis full-time job as marketing and multimedia consultant where ze also leads an LGBTQIA+ and Allies inclusion committee.




No bio provided.




Donna's Hair Studio & Spa was founded more than 35 years ago and has been at its current location for over 25 years. The salon is now a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon carrying the full line of John Paul Mitchell Systems hair products and styling tools, a full line of exclusive Bodyography Super Natural Cosmetics, 2 fully-equipped manicure stations, a private skin care room featuring full body waxing, facials and massage, a private pedicure room, and seven hair stations. We have a small wig salon carrying Raquel Welsh, Gabor, and Henry Margu. Visit my site at Donnaswigs.com




I am a 60-year-old trans woman, a professional writer, and a programmer. Previously, I was a tech presenter at conferences across the country on the modernization of digital content. I am a regular contributor to Medium.com and an advocate for my community.




Sarah A. Moore is a proud member of the Vanity Club who has a passion for helping her community and all victims of crime. She is a veteran Police Officer that has served as a patrol officer, SWAT team operator and is currently a specialized investigator for the prosecutor’s office. She is a court certified expert witness, has authored felony legislation, testified before the legislature and is a tireless advocate for the rights of victims of crime. She works with local, state, and national organizations to improve the law enforcement response to crimes involving at risk and diverse people groups. She is a respected trainer that presents to a variety of audiences including the public, law enforcement, medical/mental health professionals, victim advocates and other groups. She has also presented her workshops at the Lake Erie Gala and First Event transgender conferences.




Maddie Moran is an intersex, queer and non-binary person living in Philadelphia. Maddie joined interACT as a Youth advocate in 2019, giving talks about their own medical history to advocate for bodily autonomy and respect for intersex variations. You can find their writing in Teen Vogue on intersex surgery and dating. Maddie comes to interACT with a history of justice-oriented work, most recently for people who are currently incarcerated.




Melissa Morton is an attorney turned accountant (now retired) who has been interested in history for many years. Melissa graduated from Davidson College with a B.A. degree in history. While attending law school at the College of William & Mary, Melissa worked at Colonial Williamsburg as a costumed historical interpreter. From this experience she realized that the stories of people, places, and ideas do not tell themselves: they have to be told by others. Melissa occupies the narrow niche of crossdressing historical reenactors, and has become well known in the world of Civil War reenacting. She has an impressive collection of reproduction dresses from multiple eras of history.




Maggie New is a longtime member of the transgender community in Harrisburg, PA. As a veteran of multiple personal Gender Confirming Surgeries, she is well-versed in how to successfully navigate the practical aspects surrounding the surgical process of transition. Her experience as a trained Certified Peer Support Specialist and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Group Facilitator makes her particularly well-suited to convey the lessons learned on her transition journey.




Stacie is a long standing member of TransCentralPA and ally of the LGBTQ+ community. She became part of the Harrisburg transgender/non-binary community as she assisted her parent (Maggie New) in her transition and has been an active ally ever since. She has seen her parent through several gender-affirming surgeries and provided emotional support throughout the many stages of her transformation, giving Stacie intimate experience with the many facets of gender identity and transition. She is a disability adjudicator for the State of Pennsylvania and has earned her MBA from Wilkes University with a BS in Business from Penn State.




Emmy Nim has been involved with Yoga for many years and has risen to the position of Dahn Master, and teaches in the Chicago area.She has received extensive training in the United States, Korea and New Zealand. She teaches Yoga to a broad span of age groups from pre teens to seniors in their nineties. Her style of teaching is Korean based, and concentrates of the combination of mind and body. She is an accomplished Red Belt in Dahn Mundo(Korean Tai Chi), and Holistic healing, Her method concentrates on Stretching, Meditation, Breathing Relaxation, and Brain Vibrations.




Coleen O’Donnell identifies as Transgender MTF. She has lived in Chicago her whole life, except the 9 years she was active duty U.S. Air Force. Coleen is one of the founding members of the largest Transgender group in Chicago, and has been a Member of The Vanity Club for over 10 years. One of her favorite pastimes is shopping, and she also loves to share her knowledge and experiences with those that are just starting out. Coleen has been fortunate to shop in some of the best shopping areas, and stores all over the world, such as Paris, London, New York, Chicago, Manila Philippines, Singapore, Sydney Australia, and Auckland New Zealand. She has never been to a store she hasn’t liked and thinks a bad day of shopping is better than a good day at work. Coleen has been involved with The Debutant program at the Keystone conference since its inception. She says there is no better feeling when you see the smiles on the faces of girls out shopping at a bricks and mortar store for the first time. Her favorite saying is “there is no sound as sweet as your own heels on the street”. She has seen over 100 girls hit the stores for their first time, and never grows tired of doing this.




Ms. Suzane Oliva is a Retired fully Transitioned Trans Sexual Woman who still does “Consulting & Trouble-shooting” work for “special” clients. Suzane is a Valve, Actuation, Steam, & Strainer Application, Specification expert – “guru”. She has traveled to Five continents and worked on multiple national and international projects with global partners. She has been involved in developing Engineering approvals for major end users like P&G, Linde, Exxon Mobile, Sunoco & the US Navy. She has been a Farmer, Owner Operator, Line Haul Driver, Manufacturers Representative, Product Manager, VP of BDK Engineering in North America, & Product Application Specialist. You cannot get on a USSN ship that does not have a Valve Line she has not been “involved with”. In her previous life when she was playing a “Bit Part on the stage of Life” she was the President of the Maryland Association of the FFA for 75-76. Suzane was one of the original members of Trans Central PA. She was also a member of the Island Girls in Chicago, a charter member of the Classy DC Sisters, and the Transgendered Houston Cover Girls. She has attended and participated in every Keystone Conference except for the very first one. She originated the “Tuesday Pre Keystone” dinner for early arrival attendees. Was instrumental in getting Amy from Just you in Las Vegas to come and work at The Keystone Conference. She hosts a Special Dinner at The Final Cut Steakhouse at the Hollywood Casino on Friday night of Keystone (Was Thursday before this year) Her favorite Quotation comes from Dr. Seuss “ Why Blend in WHEN YOU WERE MEANT TO STAND OUT! The ringtone on her phone is the Shania Twain song “Man I Feel Like A Woman”. So if you have a question or want to converse stop over and see her. She does have a few stories!




I am an entrepreneur and have worked for myself for the past three decades. As a former USMC Sgt, I learned leadership and discipline skills. I have a culinary degree and, at one point, a cosmetology license as a salon owner. For the last three decades, I've worked online in the digital space teaching others how to make money online. I've helped over 2 million people generate collectively over one billion in sales. I've authored or co-authored many books including with Brian Tracy and Sir Richard Branson. My heart is a servant leader who loves to learn why things are the way they are, which is how I discovered my female side.

Long story short... Just over three years ago, I dressed female and loved it during Halloween. But why did I love it? After coaching and mentoring for decades, I did it to myself and discovered I'd blocked out my desires and actions to dress female as a young boy of 12-14. Due to religious and family guilt, I'd blocked it out for 40 years. I even went butch in the military. That Halloween event jarred my memory. For the past three + years, I've been exploring who I am, my likes and dislikes, and how I can contribute my skills to help others. I've written hundreds of pieces on my FB wall in preparation for multiple books and presented my thoughts to the community. I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts with you.




Parent, Transwoman, Competitive Cyclist, aspiring writer, dog lover, advocate, volunteer, web site developer, and professional who works as a software engineer for a fortune 100 company.




I am Cher Poitevien, a personal stylist specializing in bra fits, undergarments and plus-size fashion. A fashion junkie since my teens, my stylist journey began when I tried to curtail my retail habit. My closets were bursting at the seams, but SHOPPING and BUDGET are two words that I just couldn't make work together. It was time for Plan B; I went to work part-time at a plus-size clothing retailer solely for the discount. During one of my first shifts, I approached a woman who told me she was there to find an outfit for a family function, and then burst into tears. I instantly knew her pain because it was my own - wanting to look and feel beautiful, but thinking that it's hopeless because of your size. There was no way I was going to let her leave my store feeling that way. After a few questions, I set her up in a dressing room, pulled a few outfits and proper undergarments, and we got down to business. An hour later, she was ready to purchase an entire outfit, sexy new bras and panties, shoes and accessories. And she was crying again, and laughing, and hugging me. And the usually not-very-emotional me was crying and hugging her back. As they left the store, her mom hugged me and said "Thank you for making my daughter feel as beautiful as she is." And I knew then that I had found my true calling. It's not difficult to make a woman look beautiful, but there is a special kind of magic that emanates from a woman who FEELS beautiful.




Ms. Michelle Popkov has given presentations at the major Transgender Conferences since 2011 on style and technique. She is the President Emerita of the Vanity Club and a co-founder of the Vegas Posse—an all-inclusive social and support group for the LGBT community. Michelle is retired and lives in Las Vegas, NV.




Marg Produe is a retired Scientist, Inventor and Video Producer who has worked and taught extensively. Marg holds degrees in General Science, Biology, Information Technology and Technical Prosthetics. Marg has been happily married for 41 years and works part-time during the summer as a lumberjack at the family tree farm and also in winter as a woman’s costumer. Marg is a member of interACT, Madison Area Transgender Association, The local PFLAG Group, The River City Gems, Transgender Heaven and Crossdresser Heaven. Marg also volunteers for Pride and PrideFest and has attended Diva Las Vegas, Wildside and BeAll.




Musician, Writer, Music Teacher, Voice Coach. Nikita Rain attained a B.A Music & Psychology and has taught music and voice lessons for over a decade. She has a kids YouTube channel called Miss Nickel, as well as an all-ages channel called Trans JOY. She is an advocate for trans youth, and is running the Youth Camp at Keystone. She is currently working on an adventure-fantasy chapter book featuring diverse trans characters. She hopes her book will one day be banned.




Selena has worked for Donna’s Hair Studio and Spa for 9 years on and off as a hairstylist, make up artist and also does facial waxing. This will be her third year at Keystone.




Sharon Rose is a transgender person who has attended every year of the Keystone Conference. For many years, she has served as a member of the Helping Hand Team, answering questions and assisting first-year attendees with maximizing their experience at Keystone. She believes in “paying it forward” and enjoys making newcomers feel welcome. She is a proud member of the Vanity Club, and she is also active in her local transgender support groups. She is married to a supportive spouse and has two children. Sharon lives and works in the Washington D.C. Metro area. Her interests include long distance running and snow skiing. She is an active member of her Reform Synagogue.




Martin Russo is a Medical Case Manager at The Wright Center for Community Health, Ryan White HIV Clinic in Scranton, PA. At the Wright Center, Martin helps connect his HIV+ clients to an array of medical, social, and emotional support services that are available to people who live with HIV. He holds a BS in Human Kinetics from Rutgers University and Certifications as a Certified Community Health Worker and a Certified Recovery Specialist.

Martin also does consulting work for public school districts in Northeastern Pennsylvania to help them integrate transgender students into their classrooms and curricula. As a transman of 38 years, I use my very unique skill set to help parents and teachers provide the best possible educational and social experience to all of their students. “If you are being stigmatized and bullied in school, that’s not going to happen.”

I offer my 38 years of lived experience as a transgender man to parents, siblings, teens, adults, friends, family members or anyone who needs help understanding what being transgender entails. If sharing my story can make someone’s life a little easier, then that’s what I’m going to do.

Martin also serves on the Board of Directors of the NEPA Youth Shelter in Scranton, PA and lives in Scranton with his juvenile delinquent cat, Rollerena.




Dr. Judith Samkoff is an Epidemiologist in Community Health and Nutrition. As Principal of Samkoff Consulting, she specializes in providing expert scientific services to legal firms and leveraging epidemiologic science to improve the health care of populations living in challenging circumstances. She previously served as Senior Health Scientist at Magellan Health Services and as staff Epidemiologist for the Pennsylvania Department of Health. A graduate of Drexel University College of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health she is a long-time advocate and ally of the LGBTQ+ community.




Ms. Santini has been exploring her Femininity for over five years and dresses at least once a week. She strives to present as a regular mainstream woman, and is always improving her style, look, and presentation. She has made several videos on aspects of cross dressing and maintains contact with a number of members of the Trans community.




Mr. AJ Scruggs is a 35-year-old proud black man of trans experience from the east coast. He grew up in the capital city of Trenton, NJ. Relocating to Baltimore, MD where he was molded. And then refined in Philadelphia, PA after moving there for college. In 2016, his life changed when he was confirmed positive for HIV. After meeting Achim Howard a fellow advocate and black trans man, he became more determined to become the voice for his brothers and siblings hidden in the shadows of stigma.

Starting Visible Truth 365 in late spring of 2018. Starting with a movement #purple365, a social media campaign wearing purple for 365 days, a black trans visibility campaign. The rest is history still in the making. The movement has grown into a direct service, resource and consulting organization. In addition to running VT365, AJ is in his 2nd year as the civic engagement fellow for PA with TAKE Resource Center based in Birmingham, AL. A member of Positively Trans with the Transgender Law Center. A steering committee member for decriminalize sex work with the ACLU PA, and a national trainer and certified coach for NMAC’s ELEVATE program. A newly inducted member to the Philadelphia HIV Integrated Planning Council working in planning and prevention.




"I believe that I work in the greatest profession in the world!" After 34+ years in this business, Tina Siders is still proud to be a professional hair stylist and is passionate about every aspect of the craft. Educating for L'ANZA Healing Haircare for the last 7 years has kept Tina at the top of her game. Leader of the team at Rise Hair Studio, Harrisburg, it is important to her that ALL people have the opportunity to feel respected and safe in their salon environment. This belief led Tina to become an alliance member of the Dresscode Project, an organization born “to educate and empower hair stylists and barbers to give people haircuts that help them look the way they feel.” Tina and team are ready to welcome you to Rise for a multitude of services including makeup, all hair services including wig styling, manicures, pedicures, facial, full body waxing, lash extensions and more! We are 10 minutes from the Hilton downtown. Call us at 717-540-1225. 🏳️‍🌈 #proudally #saferspace #hairhasnogender




S. Lisa Smith is a 73 year old dual gender person. To her, being dual gender means she has a strong female side that she loves and a strong male side that she loves as well. When she is presenting as her male self (which is most of the time), Lisa is always there as well. She has been told by cisgendered women friends that she has the best of both worlds and she feels that she does. She loves reaching out to cisgendered folks and educating them about the huge transgendered umbrella. She has attended and volunteered at The Keystone Conference for many years, has been in the fashion show at First Event and is active on a Facebook fashion group that is made up of primarily cisgendered women. She is a proud member of The Vanity Club, a service and social organization for trans women. She is fortunate that she has a supportive wife who gives her space to be Lisa although her wife does not want to meet Lisa in person.




Lauren is a trans woman who came out to her family, parents and siblings in 2016 and is actively transitioning to her true self. She has practiced law in Pennsylvania for over two decades and has been in private practice for over 18 years, 10 of them as a sole practitioner. She has experience doing name changes for adults, minors, and transgender clients, and looks forward to evolving her practice as her true self in the near future.




Sandra holds a BA in anthropology and a BSW in Social Work which she obtained after she retired. Over the last 20+ years she has been involved extensively in the transgender movement as an author of numerous articles and doing original research. She has made numerous class presentations at the University of Michigan and the University of Toledo including her own classes. She also presented at the Council on Social Work Education. Sandra has been married for 50 years.




Laura Stone obtained a professional education in fine arts before pursuing a career that could enable her to feed a family. Building on a lifelong interest in the arts, she decided to share her own critical perspectives on art with anyone who would listen. She presented a program on Transgender Themes in Art twice at Fantasia Fair. So far, the response has been enthusiastic. To increase the number of places where she could comfortably and safely pee, she recently joined a team of researchers at the University at Buffalo to advance the development of inclusive restrooms, that is, restrooms that are designed around the premise that everyone needs a good place to go.




Cassandra Storm is a co-chair of this year’s Keystone Conference in addition to being the trusted Keystone Conference photographer since 2012. From her 10 years of experience in working with the transgender community, Cassandra has created two online communities of Sisterhood for trans women, My Feminine Heart and Yoga with My Girlfriends.

My Feminine Heart is Transforming the Lives of Trans Women through Sisterhood with a Private Club Member’s Community Online and weekly online events called TransTuesday that are a mix of Zoom Socials, Interviews with Inspiring Trans Advocates and Live Interactive Talk Shows led by the Sisters of My Feminine Heart every Tuesday at 8 pm EDT.

After years of photographing trans women struggling to move, pose and feel like their most feminine selves, Cassandra created an online yoga program designed to help trans women have the feminine mind and body connection they desire while feeling the support and camaraderie of a Sisterhood of cisgender and transgender women.

Cassandra is also photographing portraits for the Saturday Night Gala. Visit https://www.myfeminineheart.com/events for all the details. You can also call, text or email 717-887-3124 or info@cassandrastorm.com.




Janus Stroh Janus Stroh is a Harrisburg native who has been working with the local LGBT community for years. She’s fully trained in the instruction of Astanga Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Pranayama (yogic breathing). Janus is transfeminine & nonbinary and has been living as their authentic self since 2015. She etches glass for local businesses and organizations and does other mixed media art, including drawing, sewing, and 3D artwork/sculpture.




Bree Sullivan is the Director for First Event, one of the nation’s largest transgender conferences. She is a Registered Professional Civil Engineer with over 20 years of experience in comprehensive site design, infrastructure design, environmental permitting and construction services. She served as Co-chair of the Diversity Committee for the Boston chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Professional Organization, an organization dedicated to advancing women in transportation. Bree has been out and proud since 2017 and has enjoyed full support from her family, friends and work associates. She is also an accomplished fine furniture artisan and can usually be found in her shop and garage fixing, building and creating. She has a 23 year-old daughter and lives in Massachusetts with her partner, Juliana Wall.




I am Sonia Swann she/her/hers, the cisgender fiancée of my significant other, Shannon, who is coming out for the first time this year. We hail from Erie, are part of the Erie Brothers and Sisters and helped as volunteer staff with the Lake Erie Gala. This is our first time at Keystone, and I am eager to support the trans community behind the scenes and my partner, as she discovers more about her authentic self. We have been together for 2 years and collectively have 4 children and 1 grandchild. I am currently back in school working towards a graduate social work degree and a political science degree. I will be offering workshops at Keystone as well, come find me, I would love to meet you!




Tesla is an active and dedicated LGBTQIA+ advocate and an openly transgender/gender fluid, queer, and polyamorous person. They serve as president of the Rainbow Rose Center board, has previously served as the secretary of PFLAG York, and is the former chair of the social justice committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York. He works as the Coordinator for Information Technology at Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocates (PA CASA). He is an award-winning contributor for The Central Voice, Central PA’s LGBT+ news source. They currently live in Harrisburg with his nesting partner and in close proximity to another partner and their many menagerie of pets.




Liz is a Transformational Life Coach, Dream Builder Coach, and Life Mastery Consultant who helps individuals who feel overwhelmed and confused at a crossroads in life to find clarity, purpose, and energy so they can live an authentic life they love. Liz believes we are all capable of far more than we realize, and that we can really live a life that we love living. A Registered Nurse by training with more than 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Liz brings her decades of training, mentoring and life experience to her Transformational Life Coaching business, helping people build their dreams, accelerate their results, and create richer, more fulfilling lives. As a sought-after life coach and professional speaker Liz offers inspiring workshops as well as transformational in-depth coaching programs to help clients achieve new heights of success, fulfillment, and spiritual aliveness. Liz is a member of My Feminine Heart where she has been interviewed by Cassandra Storm as well as teaching live Facebook workshops for the MFH community. A regular presenter and speaker at many of the Transgender Conferences throughout the year, Liz is privileged and honored to serve the LGBTQ community.




Hi! My name is Lindsey. If you saw my shoe collection you’d understand – FASHION IS MY PASSION! A passion that led me to a life in the luxury fashion industry where I quickly became an invested student – learning how to cobble my own shoes, make garments my own and dress the top 1% to impress. While attending New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), only after years of working in the industry, did I learn to truly understand and respect the nuances of skin tone and the spectrum of colors that goes with it. I became more intrigued with image consulting than fashion creation. I have had the joy of styling men and women and the privilege of working with the transgender community; styling people of all shapes and sizes from all walks of life. I’ve gained an enormous amount of knowledge while working for companies like Jeffrey NYC, Saks and was a senior stylist for MM LaFleur, in Washington, DC. The affirming and positive impact I’ve had on my clients has given me the inspiration to know that I can help shape your entire wardrobe and help you find your personal style.




Dr. James Thomas, a laryngologist specializes in voice change and voice disorders. His undergraduate and medical training started at Penn State, followed by residency training at Southern Illinois University and subsequently a voice fellowship at Loyola University in Chicago. He currently offers fellowship training in laryngology in Portland, Oregon. A pioneer in surgical vocal pitch change, he develops procedures to alter voice. He developed Feminization Laryngoplasty (FemLar) over the past 20 years and has presented and published results at professional meetings and peer reviewed professional journals. Refining surgical procedures is ongoing for Feminization Laryngoplasty, vocal cord webbing, thyrohyoid elevation, pharyngeal narrowing and laser vocal cord thinning.




Dylan Tobias is a graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology at Ithaca College, currently working as a student extern at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in the Department of Otolaryngology, under the supervision of Arin Ayala, M.V.P., M.S., CCC-SLP. As a clinician, he has extensive work with voice therapy for both voice and upper airway disorders and gender-affirming voice care for the transgender and/or nonbinary community. Prior to his education in Speech-Language Pathology, he received a Bachelors of the Arts in Music with concentrations in voice, theory, and composition from Lebanon Valley College in 2016. He worked as a voice teacher from 2017 to 2021, where he worked with students from a variety of ages, backgrounds, and gender identities.




Brenda Vulpes is a professor of biology at a major state university. After earning a Ph.D. in genetics, she held research fellowships at two prestigious universities. She is the author of over 35 peer-reviewed research publications. Her research focuses on the relationship between genotype and phenotype. This involves the molecular and physiological mechanisms that link particular sets of genes with the form and function of body structures, functions, and behaviors.




With over 20 years experience as a transgender care specialist electrolysist, Mr Walker has built up plenty experience in both hair removal and the special challenges faced by the transgender community. Many have been aided and guided through the complicated maze of transition.




Juliana is a trans woman who wears a lot of hats. Some hats are warm, some are fancy, and some are figurative. She currently works for The Spiegel Center providing guidance and emotional support for patients who have Facial Feminization Surgery, as well as other Gender-Affirming Procedures. She also serves as the President of Trans Community of New England (TCNE), the volunteer organization best known for the First Event Conference held every January in Boston. Juliana is passionate about helping people connect to the resources they need. She is an avid storyteller and a public speaker -- she’ll make you laugh and she’ll make you cry (in the best of ways!). She loves meeting new people, exploring nature, and taking in culture whenever she can. Juliana is excited to attend The Keystone Conference for the first time!




Kate Weber is a 12-year veteran of the Keystone Conference attending every year with her spouse. She has been married to her amazing spouse before, during, and post transition. She is an educator working in her local district and the Mom to two teenagers. She and her spouse are active members of TransCentralPA.




Lilia Weber is a veteran of the Keystone Conference with 100% attendance. She is married, a parent, and is a Consulting Manager and Agile Coach working in software development. She completed her professional transition in place in 2016 while continuing with the same employer. Lilia currently serves on the board of the Eastern Pennsylvania Trans Equity Project, is active in her employer's Pride ERG and DIB efforts, and she and her spouse, Kate, are active members of Trans-Central PA.




Mx. Trinitee is a transplant to Philadelphia from Rochester, NY where their work with BIPOC TLGB folx began. For the last 17 years, their career journey has given them the priviledge of working with folx who are at highest risk for HIV acquisition and their siblings in the fight who are living with HIV/AIDS. Since relocating to Philadelphia, they’ve continued their career journey while working at local organizations doing more direct service work including faciliating Bebashi - Transition to Hope’s Melanin Magic -a safe space for folx of trans experience and gender non-conforming persons and fellowship. In May 2021, they started their grass-roots organization BLAQ5683 LLC (BLAQLOVE). Through BLAQLOVE, Trinitee has continued the work by providing members with services related to Workforce Development including cover letter & resume enhancement, dressing for success, your rights as BIPOC & Trans individuals in the workplace and interview dos & don’ts. Trinitee presently serves as one of the Leaders of the Pennsylvania Coalition for Trans Youth Committee and in September spoke at the United States Conference on HIV in Puerto Rico.




Brittani Young is a motivated and talented cosmetologist who is continuously expanding her services. She is a graduate of Paul Mitchell the School - Honolulu. Brittani has been fortunate enough to have experienced many great opportunities and meet beauty industry people from all over the world. She loves education and is inspired to one day become an educator in cosmetology herself. She is a stylist for The Rise Beauty Co. This is her first Keystone Conference and will be working alongside Casey Grim. You can book their services via email at casey@therisebeautyco.com