Staff Bios

Our backgrounds are as varied as our product line!

Owners

Claire Cavanah

Favorite sex toy: Jupiter Dildo (now Pure Wand)
Read Claire's bio.

Rachel Venning

Favorite sex toy: Hitachi Magic Wand
Read Rachel's bio.

Staff Bios

Drew

Store Manager, Seattle
Favorite sex toy: Jimmyjane Form 4

After leaving the Navy in 1998, I first worked at Babeland Seattle as the I.T. geek. I went on to finish my B.A. in Filmmaking with an emphasis in Queer Media and an MPA. I’m a California kid who came back to manage the Seattle store and I love my job every day. If I’m not getting super excited about butt plugs and dildos, I’m working on social justice for the trans community, going to rockabilly gigs, or writing ridiculous scripts. I can recite the dialogue to Purple Rain from start to finish. I love donuts, old movies, and online videos of kittens riding vacuum cleaners.

Adrianne

Store Manager, Lower East Side
Favorite sex toy: Je Joue MiMi

I wake up every day and can't wait to get to work. I am so honored to lead my team on the Lower East Side. I want you to know that they are all amazing people. I have lived in the Q-borough my whole life, and I never get tired of my hometown. My likes are lox and cream cheese on a sesame bagel (preferably from Russ & Daughters), sushi, making pins with my pin press, Hello Kitty, cilantro, surfing the web, being a feminist and traveling. My dislikes are liars, ceramics, biting into seeds in my orange, "pro-lifers" who don't adopt children, my allergies, yogurt with fruit on the bottom, and fake meat.

Anne Semans

Director of Marketing, Oakland
Favorite sex toy: Laya Spot
Read Anne's Staff Picks: We-Vibe II, Fleshlight Vulva, Laya Spot, Liberator Heart Wedge, Zini Deux

My life's passion has been talking and writing about sex. I've written several sexual self-help books, including The Many Joys of Sex Toys, Sexy Mamas, and The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex. On a personal note, I believe Prince's music is the lyrical equivalent of sex. Plus, I'm the proud single mom of two fantastic daughters, and we are lucky to live up on the beautiful north coast of California.

Artemis

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, NYC
Favorite sex toy: Njoy Pure Wand
Read Artemis's Staff Picks: Je Joue Ami

I ordered my very first vibrator from Babeland.com years ago, and was super excited when I discovered the brick-and-mortar Babeland stores upon moving to New York. I've been a Sex Educator/Sales Associate since January of 2010, covering shifts at all three NYC stores, and I love getting to know each store's unique customers and helping them find answers to their questions and toys they'll love. Outside work, I spend my time reading, hunting for cool stuff in antique shops and thrift stores, baking cupcakes, reading feminist blogs, planning theme parties, and performing with my improv troupe.

Ashley

Sex Educator/Receiver, Seattle
Favorite sex toy: Babeland Silver Bullet

My name is Ashley and I have been working at Babeland since May 2007. I am originally from Mississippi and absolutely love living in Seattle and working at Babeland. My interests are: sushi, seeing live music, comic books, and daytrips outside of the city.

Audrey McManus

Marketing/Education Coordinator, Seattle
Favorite sex toy: Jaguar + Leo Dildo Combo

I love my job! I get to help people have better sex lives every single day — pretty nice, huh? I have been a sexuality educator since 2001 and certified by the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts as such since 2002. I am a former burlesque performer from Boston and currently the producer of a burlesque troupe here in Seattle called Sinner Saint Burlesque Revue as well as an organizer of the Capitol Hill Arts Walk. I pretty much spend my time playing with my dogs, going out to eat, baking cookies, and talking about all things sexual. My favorite topics to teach about are the G-spot and Anal Sex.

Avital

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, NYC
Favorite sex toy: Gigi

I'm a recent film grad from liberal arts daycare, and I'm thrilled to be welcomed into the Babeland family! I'm slated to work at all three NYC locations, so I'm hoping to gain a following as a roving sex educator (not unlike a taco truck). When I'm not getting things dil-done, I'm working at a fabulous non-profit, bellydancing, writing a screenplay, and doing funny make-em-ups with my improv friends.

Carolanne Marcantonio

Premier Services Coordinator, NYC
Favorite sex toy: Mystic Wand
Read Carolanne's Staff Picks: Mystic Wand, Boss Lady, Peepshow Princess Panty

Babeland is one of those magical surprises you find when you're a teenager that you never forget about. I even got my first toy here at the legal age of 18. Formerly from Philadelphia, I moved to NYC to study Theater and Music at The New School, and was ecstatic to earn a job with the wonderful Babeland team. Being a sexual educator and teaching the anatomy of pleasure allows me to make sex fun, interesting and educational! This is truly an amazing place to be.

Celeste G.

Designer, Oakland
Favorite sex toy: Octopussy Dildo

From Canada to Europe from Boston to Oakland, I've been around the block and have happily landed here at Babeland. Things I love include my friends, cooking, toys, social misfits, singing, PVC, skulls, subculture, gore, veganism, retail therapy, tattoos, internet, candy, jewelry, the word "fancy" with an accentuation on the "fan," aquariums, Halloween, hair, aesthetics, high-high heels, Scrabble, kitties, computers, stuffed animals, traveling, 80's nights, music, stripes, judo chops, Pina Coladas, languages, being right, fine dining, romance, design, pink sunsets, B&W photos, fashion, lazy Sundays, winking, Dirty Girl Scouts, moonwalking, prosecco, giggling, bowling, arts and crafts, margaritas, livin'.

Christina

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, Lower East Side
Favorite sex toy: Gigi
Read Christina's Staff Picks: SaSi

I've been in deep love with Babeland since my late teen years, and I'm so thrilled to have joined the staff. I love working with the intelligent, creative, and sassy people that make up our team, and its by far the most AMMMMAAAZZZINNGG job I've ever had. When I'm not on the sales floor, I'm probably reading WWD and cutting up fabric swatches or cuddling my kitten.

DeeArah Wright

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, SoHo
Favorite Sex Toy: Jimmyjane Form 2
Read DeeArah's Staff Picks: Ina, Jimmyjane Form 2

I am an explorer, lover, educator, artist, and emerging social entrepreneur. My worldly adventures have brought me to Babeland, where as a sex educator, I love helping others find clarity, affirmation, and inspiration in their sexual journeys. In addition to sex-positive community service, my days are rich with dance, music, raw fruits and veggies, reading, and indulgence in the small moments.

Elliott

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, NYC
Favorite Sex Toy: Rodeo Rick Dildo

I am a queer boi from Minnesota who loves all things relating to Sex-Positivity, Radical Consent, and Hott Safe Sex! When I'm not talking about safe hot consensual sex and the fabulous accoutrements that can aid us in our super-hot, super-safe, super-consensual discovery of self and each other, I enjoy volunteering with local Queer P.O.C organizations, dancing with people or alone, and hanging out with my awesome dog. I also enjoy food in all its delicious glory. Especially cake.

Greta Carey

E-Commerce Manager, Oakland
Favorite sex toy: Nexus Double Dildo
Read Greta's Staff Picks: Freestyle, Rubber Paddle, Je Joue G-Ki

I'm a native New Yorker who's transplanted to the Bay Area via Music City, USA. I've spent this wonderful life exploring, celebrating and writing about the sexual panorama. I am thrilled to be a part of the Babeland family doing work I love for a company I care about. Though I spend way too much time in front of a computer, I also enjoy the 3 B's — burlesque, boxing and baking. I am semi-retired from performing, but can be coaxed back by a rhinestone-encrusted costume and good wig. I enjoy being in the ring as much as I enjoy watching boxing, and am at my finest when whipping up a batch of baked goods.

Jennyrose

Allocation Analyst, Oakland
Favorite sex toy: Siri
Read Jennyrose's Staff Picks: Tristan's Expert Guide to Female Orgasms, Siri

I started working at Babeland NYC in June 2003, and over seven years and 3,500 miles later, my enthusiasm for sex education has never faltered. I also love playing with my Boxer (pictured!), baking cookies and pies, traveling, dressing up, and singing along to country music.

Jessy

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, Lower East Side
Favorite sex toy: Njoy Pure Wand
Read Jessy's Staff Picks: Njoy Pure Wand

I've been with the company since September 2008, but have loved Babeland for many years. Talking about sex is a passion of mine anyway, so working here just plain makes sense. I'm originally from Maryland, but used college as an excuse to move to New York and have been living in Brooklyn ever since. Outside of work I spend time rocking out with my hardcore band, studying social work, talking about feminism and hanging with my two kittens.

Krista

Affiliates and Online Communities Producer, Oakland
Favorite sex toy: Candy Colored Glass Dildo
Read Krista's Staff Picks: Babeland Beginner's Strap-On Kit, Sweet Beauty Chocolate Massage Oil

I am a curious mama and I plan to be a lifelong learner. I love working for Babeland, and I love the people I work with. I am motivated by diversity, education, and fun. My goal is to help people be comfortable with themselves and their bodies, to truly enjoy their lives and their partners, and to learn as much as possible about what makes them happy. I enjoy rollerskating, foot rubs, and being silly when I am not working (which I also enjoy very much). I'm here to build community and spread the love — responsibly, of course!

Kristie M.

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, Seattle
Favorite sex toy: Jimmyjane Form 2
Read Kristie's Staff Picks: Sliquid Silk, Thigh Harness

Kristie doesn't want to quit her day job. In 2007, she did quit a corporate job and got hired part-time at Babeland while pursuing her goal of starting a clothing line. On her off-time, she's taking fashion design classes, making clothes, or spending time with her partner and their adorable pets (two cats and a standard Schnauzer). She loves working the sales floor of Babeland, giving first-time strap-on tutorials, dressing up the store windows, and talking up her personal faves: the Jimmyjane Form 2, the Gigi, and the Jaguar Harness.

Lara Maldjian

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, SoHo
Favorite sex toy: Gigi
Read Lara's Staff Picks: Candy Colored Glass Dildo, Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge

Hi, I'm Lara! I'm a g-g-gayyy feminist goofball living in post-academic bliss. I HAVE THE BEST JOB EVER, BELIEVE IT. I kind of want to come to work covered in sequins every day, just to be as fabulous as the store. Sometimes when I'm putting out new inventory I imagine I'm the sex-toy-fairy and start sprinkling all the dildos with glitter. I'm not even kidding, you guys. Babeland rules. What other job provides the opportunity to talk to so many different folks about PLEASURE? And I get to say the word "clitoris" like 1,000 times a day — try and stop me! CLITORIS!

Laura

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, NYC
Favorite sex toy: Je Joue MiMi
Read Laura's Staff Picks: Blossom Organics Lubricant

I started working at Babeland in the fall of 2010, after admiring it from a distance for many years. I grew up on Long Island, where I learned to love swimming in the ocean, but never really developed an accent. I've mostly lived in Brooklyn since 2004, but spent some time going back and forth from the Bay Area, trying to make up my typical Libra mind on where to live. My favorites include fancy coffee, cheap accessories, foul mouths, and riot grrl culture. When I'm not at Babeland, I spend a lot of time brainstorming sex toy inventions, collecting clutter, cooking salty garlicky foods, and trying to escape an endless supply of dog hair courtesy of my Jindo dog, Oso.

Lauren

Sex Educator/Receiver, SoHo
Favorite sex toy: Hitachi Magic Wand
Read Lauren's Staff Picks: Under the Bed Restraints, Ripple plug

Slingin' dildos since April 2008! I love being here because I get to work with some of the best people around. It's thrilling to be able to talk about sex all day! When I'm not helping people on the floor or transitioning cardboard boxes into the toys you get to bring home, I'm riding my scooter all around Brooklyn, going to shows, playing music, or volunteering at the Lesbian Herstory Archives. I'm a radical feminist dyke who's really into the woo and spends part of the summer working at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. Yay!

Lauren Kathe

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, SoHo
Favorite sex toy: Jimmyjane Form 4

I've been a huge fan of Babeland since arriving in New York all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I am a self-identified cat lady and all-around animal lover who enjoys making vegan, heart-shaped pancakes, frolicking about in Brooklyn, and occasionally posting on my blog, "Hey, that looks like lady business!" I just spent four years studying LGBTQ theory, poetry and psychology, so working in this sex-/queer-/body-positive community is a dream come true! You can find me at the SoHo store talking about toys and all sorts of new ways to enjoy the sexy side of yourself.

Leah Perrotti

Marketing Coordinator, NYC
Favorite sex toy: Hitachi Magic Wand

Working at Babeland is like being a kid in a candy shop — and boy do I love sweet things. I moved to NYC with nothing but a basic slimline vibrator and two years later I have gathered an impressive collection of toys! When I am not busy helping people pick out great products I can be found drinking coffee and waitinnggg for the G train.

Lucas Brooks

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, SoHo
Favorite sex toy: Tenga Flip Sleeve
Read Lucas's Staff Picks: Tenga Egg Sleeve

Actor. Writer. Homosexual. Activist. Imp. I wear many hats... and they all look fabulous on me. I am delighted that I now have a 'Sex Educator' hat to add to my collection. After two years of dishing my dirty stories to the public on my blog, Top to Bottom, I can now be found at Babeland, helping others find things that make them tingle... literally. My hands never stop vibrating, and I love every minute of it.

Mary

Retail Department Manager, NYC
Favorite sex toy: Tenga Flip Sleeve
Read Mary's Staff Picks: SuperBullet, Jimmyjane Form 6, We-Vibe II

I have been a proud member of the Babeland staff for just over six years. I currently work out of our location in Brooklyn where I enjoy building a sex-positive community with customers from all over the borough. In my free time I enjoy baking, taking my dog for long walks, and watching all kinds of atypical sports (like horse racing & soccer).

Olivia

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, NYC
Favorite sex toy: Spareparts Joque Harness
Read Olivia's Staff Picks: Flexi Felix

Recently, an 8-year-old asked me if I was gothic, an 80-year-old described me as intense, and someone I met at a bar asked me how they could become gritty like me. I self-identify as none of these things, however, and consider myself a nice person from Ohio who embroiders and loves birds. Having just moved to Brooklyn, I am working towards a degree in Comparative Religion, and I'm interested in exploring storytelling and prayer, gender as a calling, and the complexities of faith. I like to think that I'm a part of the world's evolution towards love, and that butt plugs and blow jobs can be a part of that!

Phoebe Grott

Buyer, Oakland
Favorite sex toy: Spareparts Joque Harness
Read Phoebe's Staff Picks: RO-80mm vibrator, Tenga Egg, Fascinator Throes Blanket

When I'm not at Babeland, where I've been working since 2007, I'm busy eating tasty granola with yogurt, listening to Adam Lambert's album, playing with my pet turtle, and helping my friends/acquaintances move with my pickup truck. I love sunsets, long walks on the beach, key lime pie, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Rebecca W.

Education Coordinator, NYC
Favorite sex toy: Hitachi Magic Wand
Read Rebecca's Staff Picks: Love Bumper, Je Joue Ami

I am a fat, queer, feminist, kinky femme. I started mortifying my mother at a young age when I began reading Dorothy Allison and walking around the house claiming that our fear of fat bodies is about beauty standards instead of health and our inability to talk about sex hurts everyone, but especially women. Now that I've grown up I basically do those same things for a living, plus my interests have broadened to include talking about how to reconceptualize deviant bodies of all kinds in positive ways. I love talking and teaching about sex every day!

Sasha

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, Brooklyn
Favorite sex toy: Jimmyjane Form 3
Read Sasha's Staff Picks: Alia, Panther Cuffs

I'm perpetually busy with graduate school, reading, and riding the subway, but there's always time for sex-positivity, and working at Babeland means I have time carved out in my week just for that! Otherwise, I'm studying Jewish immigration, assimilation, and personal history narratives in an anthropology department and reading lots and lots of Foucault (mostly on the subway). I also like jewelry, neckties, flamenco, working with leather, and tea.

Shannon Solie

Sex Educator, Seattle
Favorite sex toy: Pure Plug
Read Shannon's Staff Picks: Duet Vibrating Cock Ring, G-Ki, Buzzlet

I've been with the company since February of 2007. When I am not slinging dildos and peddling smut, I am rounding out my persona as a single mother and music enthusiast. There are so many toys that I love...where to begin? I truly believe that there is a toy for every body and every occasion.

Status Causey

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, Seattle
Favorite sex toy: Hitachi Magic Wand
Read Status's Staff Picks: Njoy Pure Plug, Jopen Vanity Vr.6

Status has been with the company since 2006. He loves working at Babeland because of the staff, the customers, and the constant access to Hitachi Magic Wands, Vixskin dildos, and NJoy butt plugs. Status also loves doing outreach and teaching workshops, especially at colleges. When not at the store, Status moonlights as DJ StatusApparatus. His likes include R&B, tap dancers, and Aries who act like Scorpios.

Steph

Sex Educator/Sales Associate, Brooklyn
Favorite sex toy: Waterdancer
Read Steph's Staff Picks: Waterdancer

At seventeen I developed a crush...on Babeland. I spent my college years working at a sex-positive gynecological clinic buffing up my sexual health know-how. Come graduation, I joined the Babeland family. Nearly two years and many dildos later, my crush on the ultimate informative and inclusive environment is strong as ever. In my free time I like to paint, write, and water my spider plants.

Tracy

Lead Sex Educator/Sales Associate, Lower East Side
Favorite sex toy: Tenga Flip Sleeve
Read Tracy's Staff Picks: Babeland Silicone Smart Balls, Moregasm, Rechargeable Mystic Wand

I've been wanting to work for Babeland since the first time I stepped into the Rivington store; two years later, I'm officially a sex educator. I'm a feminist girly-girl and a hopeless romantic. I love animals and rescued enough for my parents to ask if I was running a shelter. I am also passionate about reproductive rights and intern at NARAL a few days a week. Somehow or another I fill my days with sex-related work. I'd like to think I have a sexy personality masked by the sensitivity of society.