Shayla Benson

Shayla’s (she/her) background includes working in sexual and reproductive health as a senior manager, trainer, and educator, providing sexuality education and outreach programs in the Western New York area. She acquired additional sexuality training and education experience by serving as an adjunct instructor at Daemen University in Buffalo, New York, as well as a sales associate and educator for Lotus Blooms, a boutique in Alexandria, Virginia, specializing in sex-positive adult products and literature.

Shayla prides herself on being an educator, facilitator, and researcher who has been committed to the field of sexology for the past 12 years. Before working in sexual and reproductive health, she worked in higher education and student affairs for over 8 years, which included student housing and residential life, with specializations in leasing and property management.

Shayla received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Education degree in Student Affairs Administration from The State University of New York at Buffalo. She is currently a PhD candidate in Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University. Under her role at One Circle Foundation, Shayla is an integral part of the writing, editing, and development process of all OCF curricula. She oversees the quality and success of all aspects of OCF curriculum development and ensures excellence, integrity, consistency, quality, and fidelity of the Circle models.

Shayla enjoys the arts (especially contemporary dance and theatre), is an avid foodie, and loves to visit libraries and bookstores.