Hi, I’m Lauren.

After earning a Masters in Public Health at Emory University in ATL, I spent a decade working in sexual health education; developing programs, teaching youth, supporting schools in selecting comprehensive sex ed programs and training teachers to implement. I’ve coached countless teachers, parents, and other adults on what to say about sexuality and how to say it.

I believe strongly that conversations about sexuality should be positive, proactive, and integrated across all parts of our lives. And, a child’s first (and most important) sexuality educator is their primary caregiver.

I founded Talk More based on the belief that open and honest conversations and messages about sexuality, starting at birth, and echoed throughout communities, are the single most important thing we can do to change our shameful and secretive culture around sexuality. Here, you’ll find high-quality, research-informed resources for talking about sexuality with kids, and guidance for how best to use those tools within your family, community, and culture.

—
Lauren Barineau, MPH, CHES
she/her
Founder, Talk More

  • Nya Daley (she/her)

    INSTRUCTOR

    Nya Daley Benefield (she/her) is a Muscogee (Creek) Nation social worker, yoga teacher and facilitator based in Atlanta, GA, with over 15 years of experience supporting justice-involved youth, child welfare-affected families, and adults with developmental disabilities. Her work is deeply rooted in trauma-aware, strength-based, and person-centered practices—shaped by both her professional path and her journey as a mom of three, which fuels her passion for working with young people.

    Nya specializes in creating brave and safer spaces that center equity, identity, and power through community dialogue and healing practices. She is also the founder of Soulga Yoga, a collective uplifting racialized wellness professionals, where she trains movement educators and leads accessible, culturally grounded programs across North America.

  • Sam Akers (she/her)

    INSTRUCTOR

    Sam Akers is a dynamic sexual health educator, trainer, and good-vibes-creator. With a deep passion for supporting young people’s education, she combines her expertise in social work with her commitment to creating empowering environments for adolescents.

    Sam holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, focusing on Children, Youth, and Families with a concentration on sexual health education. 

    When not nerding out about the coolest sex ed programs, Sam loves exploring her home city of Atlanta or hopping on a plane to a new adventure. She loves getting creative with crafting, usually with her bunny and dog close by for company.

  • Julianna Brown (she/her)

    INSTRUCTOR

    Julianna Brown is a public health professional focused on sexual health, violence prevention, and accessible community education. As a native of Georgia, she has a B.S. in Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Go Jackets!) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Georgia State University, concentrating in Health Promotion and Behavior. 


    Julianna has implemented research and facilitated evidence-based youth programs that navigate topics like consent, healthy relationships, and communication about sex. Additionally, she has trained professionals in various healthcare and community settings across the state of Georgia with the Department of Public Health. She firmly believes that providing accessible and inclusive education is the path toward reducing stigmas and fostering safer, more informed communities. 


    In her free time, Julianna enjoys making art, playing tennis, cuddling with her cats, and enjoying reality TV (her guilty pleasure). As a Talk More Instructor, she seeks to equip young people with the tools to approach important conversations with empathy and confidence.