Leadership Team
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Our Leadership
At the Northwest Institute on Intimacy (NWIOI), we believe strong leadership is rooted in collaboration, shared purpose, and a commitment to advancing sexual health education. Our leadership team brings together diverse experiences, professional expertise, and a passion for creating meaningful opportunities for learning and growth.
Our leaders are dedicated to supporting educators, clinicians, and students while fostering an inclusive environment that honors diverse perspectives and expressions of healthy sexuality.
Together, they guide the development of innovative educational programs, uphold the quality of our training and supervision, and help advance NWIOI's mission of making comprehensive, accessible, and impactful sexual health education available to professionals and the broader community.
Neil Sampson, MA, LMFT, CST
Co-Owner • Director of Programming • Supervisor
Neil (he/him) is a person-centered Marriage and Family Therapist, known for his dedication to education, tenured professional experience, and commitment to community involvement. He graduated from Hope International University with his Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2010.
Neil's undergraduate education was in Theatre with an emphasis in Technical Theatre Production from the University of California, Riverside. His early academic career instilled a passion for the arts and an overall love for all things created in passion.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Washington and Florida, Neil supports individuals and couples along their mental/relational/sexual journey. Additionally he is an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University, teaching a Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy course for PhD students.
Neil's professional journey includes leadership roles in various healthcare settings, such as CHI Franciscan Health and MultiCare Health Systems, where he managed programs and services related to mental health and adolescent behavioral health. His expertise extends to areas like social services, care management, and development strategy.
Neil is a Certified Sex Therapist, providing specialized care in intimacy, religious trauma and overall sexual health. He received his training/supervision in Sex Therapy from NWIOI. Neil has also trained in EMDR from The Creative Mindfulness Institute, and trained in Gottman Couples Counseling.
Beyond his clinical work, Neil has served in several community initiatives including the Key Free Community Clinic board, the Gig Harbor Arts Commission, and Multicare Bridges Center for Grieving Children. In his personal life he is a dedicated spouse and father, and enjoys working in the yard/garden.
Miri Sampson, MA, LMFTA
Co-Owner • Educator
Miri Sampson (she/her), is a dedicated and compassionate therapist committed to fostering healing and growth in individuals, relationships, and families. Miri has clinical expertise supporting clients recovering from sexual shame and religious trauma. She is passionate about supporting and advocating neurodivergent clients. Miri completed her graduate degree in Couples and Family Therapy from Antioch University New England.
Miri serves as a Couples and Family Therapist in Gig Harbor, WA, where she owns and operates a private practice. Her undergraduate degree is in Youth Ministry from Azusa Pacific University which paved the way for a fifteen year career serving a vast array of youth/families in both California and Washington state.
Miri has undergone extensive post-graduate school education including EMDR Training, Advanced Clinical Sexology, and Certified ADHD Professional Intensive Training. Miri’s sex therapy training was provided by NWIOI. Miri serves as a Champion for the Duke University Center for Women and Girls with ADHD. She speaks to local womens and mothers groups about embodied sexuality and safe relationships.
Miri has also volunteered with Healing Reins Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and served on the Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition in her community. Beyond her professional life Miri is passionate about music, the arts, comedy, animals, and most of all her family.
Dr. Brittany Millard, MD, MPH, CSC, FECSM
Medical Director of Sexuality Counselor Program • Principal Educator
Dr. Brittany Millard-Hasting (she/her) is a physician at the University of Washington. Brittany is an owner of Medication Consultation Services, an organization that focuses on Sexual Medicine, Pharmacy Education, Leadership Consulting, Medication Reconciliation and other healthcare related consultations. Brittany served as a U.S Air Force primary care physician for over 8 years.
Brittany has a special research interest in Sexual Violence in Wartime and has spoken internationally regarding her research and advocacy.
Brittany is an AASECT Sexuality Counselor and utilizes her research to enhance the field of Sexology.
Kristen Lilla, LCSW, CST-S, CSC-S, CSE-S
Director of Sexuality Education Program • Principal Educator • Supervisor
Kristen Lilla (she/they) is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator (CSE) through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). She is also one of five dually AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator and Sex Therapy Supervisors in the world (CST-S, CSE-S). Kristen is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Kink Aware Professional (KAP) through the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF). Kristen is also a queer therapist who offers a direct approach. When Kristen isn’t providing therapy or supervision, you can find her traveling the world with a latte.
