Ryan is a 3rd year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University. He received his Bachelor’s degree at High Point University, where he majored in Psychology and minored in Religion. After completing his Pre-Dissertation, he received his Master’s degree in Psychology from Adelphi University. He served as a clinical extern under Dr. Kirkland Vaughans at the Derner Child & Family Center, utilizing play therapy and Mentalization-based therapy with children. His ongoing dissertation work explores the intersectionality of religion/spirituality and gender/sexuality through the lived experiences and identity development of LGBTQIA+ people of faith, specifically individuals who identify within the Asexuality spectrum.