In addition to lecturing in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, Rebecca Alvarez, LCSW, MEd, (she/her) has a therapeutic private practice specializing in trauma, gender and sexuality, and works as the Training and Technical Assistance Supervisor at Women Against Abuse. She trains students, clients, and professionals about social work theory, intimate partner violence, and trauma. She had previously served as the Mental Health Counselor at Einstein Healthcare Network’s Immunodeficiency Center (IDC) in North Philadelphia by providing long-term therapeutic services to diverse adult populations living with HIV/AIDS. The IDC (est. 1996) delivers comprehensive primary and specialty outpatient treatment with a wide range of holistic support services.

Rebecca began working in the sexuality field in 2005, and she received her Master’s in Social Work and her Master’s of Education in Human Sexuality at Widener University in 2011. Armed with academic and lived experience, she co-founded the queer sex education collaborative ScrewSmart in 2009, bringing pleasure-focused workshops and events to participants throughout the country. Rebecca is passionate about integrating sexuality into patient-centered care; to this end, she founded the LGBT Committee at Einstein Medical Center, served as a Gynecological Teaching Associate for medical students, developed curriculum and facilitated small groups for the American Medical Student Association’s Sexual Health Scholar’s Program, and volunteered as a board member for the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health in Rhode Island.