Kristel Yoneda (she/they/fancy he) received their B.A. from George Washington University, where they majored in Religion and minored in Sociocultural Anthropology (note: they are not religious, but rather had a lot of anxiety and existential dread as a queer teenager in the 90s).

They have a Marketing Certificate from Santa Monica College and hold an M.A. in Psychology from California Southern University as part of their MFT (marriage and family therapist) program. They fulfilled their practicum hours at the LGBTQ Center in Orange County as an MFT trainee.

They are currently working as an AMFT (AMFT #139294) and APCC (APCC #13825) under the supervision of Brooklynn Kendall (CA LMFT #103221), who was also their supervisor at the LGBTQ Center OC.

Kristel owns and operates Ikigai Marketing, which offers purpose-driven business coaching and marketing services. Concepted in 2016, they have worked with a diverse range of clients across multiple industries.

With their unique background in marketing and mental health, Kristel has presented at numerous professional conferences such as the Contemporary Relationships Conference, Catalyst Con, Woodhull Sexual Freedom Summit, Gender Spectrum, Internext, XBIZ, AVN, YNOT’s Cammunity Event, Exxxotica, and as part of Kink.com’s educational series. They also host a free educational workshop to help sex workers find competent and affirming mental healthcare services.

Sad But Rad Therapy is Kristel’s therapy practice and an extension of their mental health initiative, Sad But Rad Club.

Kristel is also a current member of CAMFT, OC CAMFT, WPATH, and completed a 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate Training certificate via Laura’s House.