Leadership


Alan Kunovsky
Chief Executive Officer
Read BioAlan is an accomplished businessman who has built both revenue and reputation for numerous companies and organizations, both in America and abroad. He is responsible for providing management of our overall operations, financial affairs, and strategic development as well as expanding our global sales and outreach. He also provides important leadership for TGI to adapt its offerings to the quickly changing technology-based market.
close

Etana Dykan Kunovsky
Co-Founder
Read BioEtana started The Gottman Institute in 1996 with Drs. John and Julie Gottman. She is a co-owner of the company and has served in a leadership role as Executive Director for many years. She works intimately with the Gottmans in the development of programs and in setting strategic direction. Her business vision and passion for the Gottmans’ work has propelled the Institute into the establishment of an international presence with worldwide recognition. She is responsible for the development and expansion of new business ventures, our global speaker’s bureau and new program offerings. She received an advanced degree in Education from the University of Santa Cruz, CA. She has many years of experience in community and educational program development and as an entrepreneur, has launched numerous companies around the world.
close

Kennedy James
Executive Director of People Operations
People Operations
Read BioKennedy is an information professional with over 20 years of success leading teams, driving home large-scale projects, and managing operations. At TGI, Kennedy oversees information services, human resources, and supply chain. She holds her BA and MLIS from the University of Washington.
close

Edward Sargent
Chief Digital Product Officer
Read BioEd is responsible for producing and delivering high quality, differentiated digital content and bringing all digital products to our Professional and Consumer audiences. In his spare time, you can find Ed making connections through visual storytelling, cooking, or listening to musicians ranging from Prince to Miles Davis.
close

Amu
Chief Morale Officer
Read BioAmu brings 15 months of experience and a lifetime of enthusiasm to the Chief Morale Officer role. Since joining the team to supervise naps, tug-of-war games, and belly rubs, Amu has overseen unprecedented growth in company morale. In his free time, he enjoys networking at local dog parks, chasing balls (but forgetting to retrieve them), and cultivating his brand on Instagram, @amutheofficedog.
close

Torsten Oberst (T.O.)
Executive Marketing Director
Marketing
Read BioA successful entrepreneur and business professional with diverse technical, tactical and leadership capabilities, T.O. brings small company strategy experience with corporate and process skills including a recent position at Microsoft managing demand gen marketing for worldwide retail stores. Other recent experience includes large-scale, omnichannel, consumer e-commerce with a focus on brand-audience alignment and product-market fit using quantitative marketing strategies.
closeTeam Members


Kyle Benson
Love Lab Manager
Research
Read BioKyle works in The Love Lab where he nerds out on the science of relationships, monitors current research studies for The Gottman Institute and supports the Director of Research in preparing future research studies. Kyle is also a trained SPAFF coder and actively codes conversations couples have while attending the Love Lab Experience. Additionally, Kyle sits on the Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT) board where he plans and orchestrates events such as Mentor Day and The WAMFT Annual Conference. When not highlighting Marriage and Family Therapy Journal articles on a Sunday morning in his bathrobe, Kyle enjoys writing for The Gottman Relationship Blog, doing Crossfit with his partner in life, and cuddling with his cat Hendrix. Most importantly, Kyle's favorite thing in the world is a good hug.
close

Carrie Cole
Research Director
Research
Read BioCarrie graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with honors in both her BA in Psychology and her M.Ed. in Psychology with a specialization in Counseling Psychology. In her role as Research Director, Carrie manages and coordinates research projects for The Gottman Institute. She also interfaces with universities around the country in joint research initiatives.
close

Don Cole
Clinical Director
Education
Read BioDon is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and an approved LPC & LMFT Supervisor. He received his doctorate in ministry with a specialization in psychotherapy from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1993. He has 30 years of experience working with individuals and couples in various capacities including marital therapy, affair recovery, depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, parenting, and personality disorders. Dr. Cole is a Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapist and a master trainer in Gottman Method Therapy, teaching all levels of the Gottman Method Certification Program.
As the Clinical Director, Don oversees clinical aspects of The Gottman Institute. He provides consultation to Certified Gottman Therapists and clinicians in training. He also helps select, train and provide oversight to consultants and video reviewers who certify therapists in the Gottman Method. In addition, he is involved overseeing quality control of new programs and products; training and supervising roving therapists at couples workshops; responding to quality concerns about therapists and consultants; and answering clinical questions.
close

Erin Cox
Program Coordinator
Education
Read BioErin received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Washington. In her role as Program Coordinator for Professional Development, she primarily supports the University Outreach Program, professional certification, and event coordination. In her spare time, Erin appreciates tea, snacks, plants, and other fun things.
close

Crystal Cressey, LMFT
Couples Program Manager
Education
Read BioCrystal received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University and has a private practice in Seattle working with couples and individuals. She works in the Couples Department to manage many tasks, including customer service, registration for trainings, helping to coordinate event logistics for couples workshops and referrals to Certified Gottman Therapists.
close

Emily Cripe
Social Media Manager
Marketing
Read BioEmily has always been obsessed with building community on or offline, with a focus on growing social ecosystems, brand advocacy, and developing strategies for effective audience engagement. Outside of the office, she is an active participant in the Seattle-based DJ collective, TUF. She also plays live music in an electronic project, is a dedicated kickboxer, and cat-mom to her very large (and spoiled) fur-babies.
close

Erin Dierickx
Love Lab Assistant
Research
Read BioErin received her B.A. in Psychology at Western Washington University and is currently a student at Seattle University pursuing her M.A. in Couples and Family Therapy. Erin is apart of the research team in the Love Lab where she reviews the current literature to uncover opportunities for future research as well as monitor current research studies on the science of relationships for the Gottman Institute. Outside of the lab, you can find Erin hiking, doing yoga, or cooking.
close

Dara Eman
Online Learning Production Assistant
Online Learning
Read BioDara Eman is a Seattle native with interests in making the world a better place through seeking more opportunities for inclusion and equity. She studied Multimedia Authoring in the school of Digital Technology and Culture at Washington State University. In June 2019, she started her role as an Online Learning Production Assistant. Outside of work Dara enjoys expressing her creative side by going on photo walks, creating lifestyle themed multimedia projects and spending time with her loved ones.
close

Kendra Han, MSW
Director of Couples Programs
Education
Read BioKendra has a B.A. in Environmental Sciences from UC Berkeley, and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University. She has a wealth of social work experience including social work in a hospital setting, family advocacy, community development, Head Start, and she was Program Director for New Futures in Burien for 7 years.
close

Sean Jeffries
Operations Manager
Operations
Read BioSean received his B.A. in Psychology at the University of Washington. As the Operations Manager, he oversees the company's Inventory & Supply Chain, as well as the Customer Service team. Sean utilizes his strong operational background to improve processes and systems to better support our customers, as well as his fellow team members at The Gottman Institute.
close

Jessica Lagreid
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing
Read BioJessica has degrees in Marketing and Sustainability. Her professional background to date has focused on all things waste reduction and she is excited to be shifting her focus to the sustainability of relationships. Irish dance is one of her lifelong passions, she's member of local performance group; Seattle Irish Dance Company. She loves second-hand shopping and spending time with her little rescue dog, Sprout.
close

Amy Loftis, MS
Director of Professional Programs
Education
Read BioAmy is a graduate from the University of Washington holding dual degrees in Anthropology and Business Administration. She also has a Masters in Science from the University of Texas at Austin. In her role as the Director of Professional Programs, Education she oversees the educational training programs including Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1, 2, and 3 Clinical Training events, Certification Track, University Outreach Program, The Speaker's Program and Gottman Specialty Trainings, including: the 7 Principles Leader, and Bringing Baby Home Educator Training. Amy has the pleasure of working with the dedicated and diligent professional development staff.
close

Jennifer Luu
Graphic Designer
Marketing
Read BioJennifer has a background in Informatics from the University of Washington, and a passion for design and illustration. Combining all skillsets she creates graphics that are intended to be easily digestible and accessible. She enjoys drawing, video games, and learning new things.
close

Amy McMahan, MS, LMFT
Couples Support Manager
Couples Services
Read BioAmy received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University. She has enjoyed serving families and children in a community mental health setting and has experience working with couples transitioning to parenthood. She currently practices in West Seattle where she works with couples, families, and individuals. Amy works in the Couples Department to assist with the registration process and event logistics for couples workshops.
close

Letha Penhale
Program Coordinator
Education
Read BioLetha was born and raised in Seattle and received her B.A. in History from the University of Washington with a minor in European Studies. As a Program Coordinator for the Professional Development department, Letha provides customer service support, helps customers register for trainings, and assists with event coordination.
close

Sadie Peterson
Employee Experience Manager
People Operations
Read BioSadie received her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University and her B.A. in Psychology from Whitworth University. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and has a private practice in Seattle. In her role at The Gottman Institute, Sadie supports the general operations of the company.
close

Philippe Post
Instructional Design Specialist
Education
Read BioPhilippe graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Material Science and Engineering and a B.A. in French. As part of the Online Learning team, Philippe designs and develops engaging learning experiences to help clinical professionals fill in any potential knowledge gaps.
close

Katie Reynolds
Public Relations Specialist
Marketing
Read BioA member of The Gottman Institute family since 2011, Katie managed our Speakers Bureau Program for 6 years, bringing our talented presenters to organizations around the world. In her new role as Public Relations Specialist, she is responsible for developing and executing communications programs to influence and increase the visibility of the Gottman Method and the work of The Gottman Institute worldwide. Katie graduated with B. A. in Humanities from the University of Washington.
close

Jennifer Scott, PhD
Content Manager
Marketing
Read BioAs a multimedia writer and editor, Jennifer loves to create content that engages audiences where they are. She is thrilled to provide her communication expertise for the The Gottman Institute. When not at work, she is at play with her family on the beach.
close

Carla Sparks
Creative Director
Marketing
Read BioBefore coming to The Gottman Institute, Carla was applying her English degree to advertising, digital marketing, and entertainment writing. Now, in her role as Creative Director, she oversees the strategy and creative direction of the Gottman brand. When she's not at the office, Carla can be found reading, losing at bar trivia, singing karaoke, or taking orders from two small dogs.
close

Therese Soudant, LMFT
Couples Program Manager
Education
Read BioTherese received her M.A. in Psychology from Antioch University in Marriage and Family Therapy and has a private practice working with individuals, couples and families in Seattle. She helps manage many tasks, including customer service, registration for trainings, helping to coordinate event logistics for couples workshops and referrals to Certified Gottman Therapists.
close
