Faculty Bios

Sallie Foley

Sallie Foley, LMSW, is the director of the University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program at the University of Michigan. In addition, she is the director of the University of Michigan Health Systems, Department of Social Work, CENTER FOR SEXUAL HEALTH, and has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Social Work since 1981.

Ms. Foley has written chapters and articles about the treatment of sexual difficulties and co-authored the publicly acclaimed Sex Matters for Women: A complete guide to taking care of your sexual self (Guilford, 2002). Her most recent book, Modern Love: A no-nonsense guide to a life of passion (Sterling, 2006), was based on her column "Modern Love" in the nationally circulated AARP, The Magazine. Her current research projects include sexual health concerns and chronic illness.

Sallie Foley is an AASECT certified sexuality educator, supervisor, and diplomate of sex therapy.

Sally Kope

Sally Kope, LMSW, is an AASECT diplomate in sex therapy and a certified sexuality educator and supervisor. She is a certified sex therapist with University of Michigan Health Systems, Department of Social Work, CENTER FOR SEXUAL HEALTH, and has been an active leader in AASECT in numerous positions, including national chair for certification of sex therapist. A frequent lecturer, she teaches both university and community courses in human sexuality.

Ms. Kope has written chapters and articles about the treatment of sexual difficulties and co-authored the publicly acclaimed Sex Matters for Women: A complete guide to taking care of your sexual self (Guilford, 2002). Her research interests are in women's sexual health.

Casey O'Gara

Casey O'Gara, LMSW, RN, is an AASECT certified sex therapist and clinical social worker at the University of Michigan working in the center for sexual health. She also works as a sex therapist at the Center for Vulvar Diseases in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a frequent lecturer to physician, resident and medical students and support groups on sexuality, vaginsimus/vulvodynia and sexual concerns in chronic illness.

Claudia Kraus Piper

Claudia Kraus Piper, LMSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and an AASECT diplomate in sex therapy. She is the Clinical Supervisor at The University of Michigan Health Systems Department of Social Work CENTER FOR SEXUAL HEALTH where in addition to treating patients, she works closely with the Center for Vulvar Diseases in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, lectures to medical students and residents, supervises social work staff and students, and mentors students. Ms. Kraus Piper is involved in research on the sexual sequelae of vulvar pain. She is an adjunct instructor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and has a private psychotherapy practice in Ann Arbor, MI.

Carrie Ross

Carrie Ross, LMSW, is a clinical social worker in the University of Michigan Health System and an adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. She received her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and her MSSW from Columbia University. Carrie has been involved in community education initiatives regarding issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities for many years. She has worked to develop and facilitate training across the health system regarding culturally competent health care delivery with LGBT communities. She has also spoken at multiple local, national, and international professional conferences about healthcare disparities and needs for these populations. Prior to coming to the University of Michigan Carrie was involved in comprehensive sexuality education initiatives with Planned Parenthood and other local groups.

Dennis P. Sugrue

Dennis P. Sugrue, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and diplomate in sex therapy. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School and has a private practice in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Previously, Dr. Sugrue was Associate Division Chief of Outpatient Psychiatry for the Henry Ford Health System. A recognized expert in human sexuality, Dr. Sugrue is listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World for his contributions to the field. He was the founder and former co-director of the Henry Ford Center for Human Sexuality. He lectures on sexual issues across the United States and at international conferences and is often quoted in the popular media including Ladies Home Journal, Parents' Magazine, Esquire, Cosmo, and Glamour. Dr. Sugrue is a past President of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), the nation's largest credentialing organization for professionals specializing in human sexuality. He has authored journal articles and textbook chapters, co-authored Sex Matters for Women (Guilford, 2002), hosted the Sex over Sixty DVD (Academy, 2007), and serves on the editorial board for the journal, Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity.

Daniela Wittmann

Daniela Wittmann, LMSW, is a psychotherapist, educator and researcher. She is a Sexual Health Coordinator in the Department of Urology. She is an AASECT certified sex therapist. Ms.Wittmann has published on grief in schizophrenia on the psychosocial aspects of sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment. Her research interests focus on sexual health, chronic illness and the efficacy of interventions.