I currently offer classes, workshops and retreats for girls in 4th through 8th grades. Each session of classes is designed to address the specific physical, emotional, and social issues facing students at that age.

The class size can vary from 6-12 students depending on the grade and the time of year!

Click here to go to the page where all the class programs are listed and find the one that is grade-level appropriate for your child. At the end of the description, you will see a place to click for more information. When you click on it you will then see a page that has the schedule of classes sessions for that particular program for the whole school year, listing all the dates and times of the classes. Click on the session that works best for you and you will be directed as to how to register right away.

It depends on the grade level and the program. Programs have 5-6 classes per session that typically meet once or twice a week. Classes usually take place right after school for an hour and a half or an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on the program. Classes typically meet during the week, but occasionally there will be a class on a weekend day.

All classes take place in a very special place: The Clubhouse in Ashland, Oregon. The Clubhouse is a comfortable, playful, private space designed to feel like a mixture of classroom and a whimsical learning space. The address of The Clubhouse will be shared upon confirmation of registration for one of our programs.

Yes! Body Basics and Beyond is available to all youth regardless of their family composition or life situation. I will work with parents/guardians privately to make any adjustments needed in order to help a child feel comfortable, safe, supported.

Absolutely! Being prepared is what is most important. By taking the Before Body Basics class series now, you both will have the resources you need to be ready when the time comes.

First, know that these feelings are actually quite common and perfectly natural. Of course it can be embarrassing to talk about bodies and feelings, but it is also important. Invite them to come to the first class and see how it goes. If they truly don’t like it, they don’t have to continue. And know that in all the years of offering Body Basics and Beyond programs, every student who has felt unsure has returned for the remainder of the sessions after experiencing the first class. If, after checking in with each other around what the challenges are for your child with the program, it still appears that the classes are not a good fit for them, you can receive a portion of the tuition as a refund.

Even though the classes are just for the youth, you are clearly a part of this experience as well. Here is what you can do:

1. Make yourself available for your child as much as possible. When your child comes home from a class, be attentive to how they seem. They may be quiet and pensive as they consider what we did together that day, or wanting to talk with you, or just needs a chance to get some energy out! Follow their lead!
2. Let them come to you and don’t push for information. Gentle reminders about doing Time Together are fine if necessary, “Hey, I see you have class tomorrow, when would be a good time for us to do our Time Together?”
3. Push through any feelings of embarrassment you may have and answer their questions in a straightforward manner. Follow their lead when it comes to how much information you cover at any given time. If you can’t remember or don’t know something, be honest and offer to find out. By taking these classes, I invite your child to open up around many aspects of their present or future experiences with puberty, so be open to any other conversations that may come up.

Beyond Body Basics (for ages 13 and up) is the only program that addresses sex directly. In the programs for youth under 13, my job is to help your child feel comfortable with their changing body. We don’t talk about sex in other classes, but do get REALLY close! If I receive questions about sex, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, masturbation, abortion, etc. during the sessions with the younger students, I respond, “Your family is ready to answer your questions about that.” I will also contact you and let you know the nature of their curiosity.

My objective is to educate your child about the many aspects of sexuality and how to maintain their sexual health. My personal views and beliefs are exactly that: personal. I strive to keep it that way. I do not share my views or beliefs around sex and sexuality with students. I promote knowledge, boundaries, and communication in regards to sex and sexuality.

Finally, your child is still a minor and an active part of your family moral system. I respect this, as well as your trust in me. As such, I always seek to maintain firm boundaries between myself and students, and always seek to defer to you, as their parents, in moments of question around belief systems.

Only in Beyond Body Basics, when we are defining sexuality, do we learn about what gender identity and gender expression are. We also learn about what sexual orientation options exist for people (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual and pan/omnisexual, etc.). However, if students have questions about these topics, we answer in an age appropriate manner and refer further inquiries home.

It depends on the program. Because part of this experience is deepening connections between youth and their families, the focus is less on “work” and more on spending time together. Some of my classes do have something called Time Together after each class consisting of anywhere from 1-5 questions or short activities you, (parent or guardian) work on together, and that are to be completed before the next class.

Yes, we do look at these products. I want my students to learn about and become familiar with menstrual products before they need to use them. During the last class we look at disposable and reusable pads, disposable tampons, and reusable menstrual cups. We discuss how to use these products and how to know when they are ready to be changed. What your child will use to catch their blood is a decision to be made by the two of you. I provide students with the options available to the now and in the future so that the choice can be their at every stage of their menstrual life?

Yes. I work very hard at earning the trust of both the parents, students and families I work with. A cornerstone to developing this trusting relationship is confidentiality. It is a core value I hold throughout everything I do.

One of the very first things we do when I gather a new group is to work collectively to create a set of group agreements. Thereafter, I always check in with them at the beginning of each class to see if they have upheld their agreements. Students do not want to hear something they said in class out on the playground. And the really understand this and honor our agreements.

Students are always welcome and encouraged to share their personal experiences with their parents. But it is not required. And they are not to share what others say or do without getting their permission first. Bottom line. Students always have my permission to share what I say in class, especially with parents/guardians.

No, not at this time.