Our Mission

For Faithful and Fulfilling Romance

We serve married couples and those discerning marriage by educating, forming, strengthening, and guiding them through courses, coaching, counseling, retreats, and publications. Through these means, we hope to alleviate the shame and isolation that often surround intimacy and address the ignorance and confusion concerning the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Our Vision

A world where every Catholic couple experiences a faithful and fulfilling marriage spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically reflecting the fullness of God’s design for intimacy.

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Our Services

Board of Directors

  • James Walther Head shot

    James Walther, MA, ABS

    President, Executive Director, & Sexual Intimacy Coach

    James is a professional sexual intimacy coach and theologian. He holds three degrees in theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary and has done graduate studies in marriage and family therapy at Capella University. He is an EMT and ABS certified sexologist. His research interests include Catholic sexual ethics, the female orgasm, trauma, and the sacramentality of the minor orders. He is the translator of Yves Chiron’s Paul VI: The Divided Pope. He also serves full-time as a combat medic in the Army National Guard.

  • Megan Walther, LCSW

    Vice President

    Megan is from Nashville, TN but currently resides in St. Louis, MO with her husband. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Trevecca Nazarene University and her Master’s in Social Work from Southern Adventist University with an emphasis in Trauma and Emergency Management. She has worked in various settings such as foster care, veterans treatment court, intensive outpatient adult case management, safe house for victims of human trafficking, homeless population, and intensive family intervention services. She currently works as an independently licensed Trauma Therapist in Missouri.

  • Alexander John

    Secretary

    Theologian & Editor

    I am a writer, teacher, and director of catechesis preparing to embark on a Masters degree for dogmatic theology. I have a wife and son who mean the world to me! Since getting married I have sought to understand and to practice as deeply as I can the Church’s wisdom on how to live out our vocation in a way that gives glory to God and strengthens the bond of love between us so that it can overflow into our family and to the wider world.

  • Mary Brende

    Treasurer & Finance Director

    Mary is originally from Boston Massachusetts, and, as an independent student, graduated in 1982 from Northeastern University with double majors in Accounting and Finance. She was the treasurer of a state-wide ballot question against the tax funding of abortion and sat on the board of directors for Massachusetts Citizens for Life. She is the proud mother of 3 and currently the grandmother of 2. 

Board of Advisors

  • Scott Bennion Head shot

    Scott Bennion, D.Min., BCPC, BCC, ABS

    Dr. Scott Bennion is a Catholic convert, board-certified pastoral counselor, clinical chaplain, spiritual director, and certified sexologist. His work explores the sacred intersection of faith, love, and sexuality, helping individuals and couples find healing, freedom, and renewed purpose in their relationships.

    He is the founder of Faith, Love, and Sexuality (faithloveandsexuality.com), a counseling and education platform dedicated to integrating Catholic faith with the most personal dimensions of life. In addition to his private practice, he serves with Journey to Peace Counseling Services, is a clinical chaplain with the VA Health Care System, and, together with his wife—a registered nurse and death doula—offers end-of-life coaching and care.

Support Staff

  • Joelle Martinez, PhD

    Fundraiser and Grant Writer

    Joelle Martinez serves as the Fundraiser and Grant Writer for our apostolate. She earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture from Washington State University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship, where she developed extensive experience in grant writing, stakeholder engagement, and securing funding for mission-driven initiatives.

    Before joining our team, Dr. Martinez worked with several Catholic apostolates as a development professional, helping organizations clarify their mission, build meaningful relationships with supporters, and secure the resources needed to expand their impact. She is passionate about connecting generous benefactors with ministries that strengthen families and advance the Church’s mission.

    As a wife and mother of two, Joelle understands the beauty and challenges of family life. Her personal commitment to faith, marriage, and family inspires her work in supporting an apostolate dedicated to helping couples grow in authentic marital intimacy and holiness. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and staying active through weightlifting.

  • Theo McManigal

    Social Media Manager

    Theo is the Marketing Associate and Coaching Associate of Catholic Intimacy. Theo is also the Catholic Church Outreach Specialist at Covenant Eyes. Theo holds a BA in Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago. Theo spent some time in seminary formation for the Archdiocese of Chicago. After leaving the seminary, Theo spent one year working for a Catholic parish, followed by three years of teaching theology at a Catholic high school. He lives near Chicago, Illinois with his wife and daughter, both of whom he enjoys spending lots of time with, and they are active in the Byzantine Catholic parish that they attend.

  • Parker Shanklin

    Digital Specialist

    In my role, I manage and maintain our website and other technology platforms used by Catholic Intimacy. This includes keeping the website updated with current content, ensuring all features function correctly, monitoring site performance, and troubleshooting any technical issues. In addition to daily management, I also contribute to the strategic planning and development of our technology systems, identifying and implementing tools and solutions that support the company's growth, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall user experience.

Ivana Rodriguez

Ivana Rodriguez serves as the Operations Coordinator for the Apostolate for Marital Intimacy, where she supports the day-to-day operations of the ministry through communications, scheduling, project coordination, and website management. With a passion for organization and creating efficient systems, she enjoys helping the team stay focused on what matters most—serving married couples and advancing AMI's mission.

Before joining AMI, Ivana served in youth ministry for her local archdiocese, where she developed a heart for accompanying others in their faith journey. She was married in 2023 and is the proud mother of two children. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her family. She is grateful for the opportunity to support a ministry that strengthens marriages and helps couples grow in authentic Catholic intimacy.

Operations Coordinator

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