Stephanie C. Chando is a kink-aware sexuality educator and palliative care social worker. In 2015, she received the AASECT Student Presentation Award in partnership with a colleague for a workshop entitled Kink-positive, Patient-centered Care for Healthcare Professionals. Stephanie has presented several trainings for healthcare professionals on sexuality, intimacy and palliative care, non-monogamy/polyamory and BDSM/kink awareness. She completed her Master’s of Social Work degree in 2008 at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice and received her Master of Education in Human Sexuality degree from Widener University in 2014.
Stephanie is a PhD candidate in Human Sexuality at Widener University. She is focusing her dissertation on exploring the sexual and intimate lives of those nearing end-of-life, with the ultimate goal of incorporating sexuality education and counseling into the holistic palliative care model. She serves as a social worker on the inpatient palliative care team at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Prior to her current position, she served Penn Wissahickon Hospice and Caring Way programs for four years as a community social worker. She has experience in providing end-of-life psychoeducation, emotional support, and case management to patients and families in homes, long-term care facilities, and various inpatient settings throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Stephanie is also an adjunct professor for Philadelphia University’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies, teaching courses in psychology, communication, behavioral health, and healthcare ethics.