Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Opportunity: Associate Director

Seeking a full-time Associate Director to lead a major federally funded project, support department initiatives, and develop high-quality resources for adolescent sexual and reproductive health through strategic leadership and collaboration. November 14, 2024 Healthy Teen Network is seeking a full-time … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

We’re All Needed in the Fight to Protect Trans Young People

This Transgender Day of Remembrance, let’s honor those we’ve lost and redouble our commitments to giving trans young people the affirming support and care they need to thrive. Charlie Blue Brahm, MA November 14, 2024 Immediately following Transgender Awareness Week, … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Connecting the Dots: How Environmentalism Shapes Adolescent Health

Understanding the vital link between social determinants of health and environmental justice By Angela Zhong August 29, 2024 Growing up in a city economically tethered to the WTI oil price, I dismissed natural disasters and environmental health concerns as part … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Our Must-Haves for Working Remotely

Cue the music, *these are a few of my favorite things!* By Sam Akers August 22, 2024 As of August 2023, 1 in 5 workers were working remotely. People love telework for a lot of different reasons! I’ve been working … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Lets Collab: Cultivating Creative Spaces with Young People

5 takeaways from our work collaborating with young influencers By Kaitlyn LaBonte, LMSW August 15, 2024 The youth experience is always changing, but one thing that stays consistent is the need for youth-supporting professionals to meet young people where they … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Out and About in Phoenix for #HealthyTeen24

Get the scoop on what to add to your must see, eat, and do while you’re in Phoenix for the Healthy Teen Network annual national conference. By Shanise Taylor August 12, 2024 When Phoenix, Arizona, was announced as the host … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

You Just Found Out Your Teen Is Having Sex. Now What?

Our staff share insights on the importance of sex ed, access to services, and how to be an askable adult. August 8, 2024 In a new article from HuffPost, Ellen Friedrichs—a health and sexuality educator—talks about how parents and caregivers … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Grab & Go Birth Control: The Opill Revolution

Over-the-counter birth control is a game changer but it’s up to all of us to make sure access remains unrestricted for everyone. By Lilith Breazeale By Mandy Williams By Deb Coffy August 6, 2024 Thrivology Youth Leaders is a diverse … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

The Youth Behind Thrivology

Meet the Thrivology Youth Leaders! By JB Rodriguez-Anello July 30, 2024 As a young person myself, I know how often we are left out of conversations about our own health and well-being. This is especially true for marginalized youth, like … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Forget Gen Alpha…This Is Gen Sigma

Making the case for teens born between 2007 and 2013 to become the next micro-generation By Gina Desiderio July 19, 2024 What the sigma!? “Gen Alpha” is skibidi ohio toilet! Today’s tweens and teens are “Gen Sigma.” No cap! (For … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

“Add-On” to Your Experience at #HealthyTeen24

These limited-capacity training sessions allow you to dig deeper into specific topics, gain new tools, and enhance your professional skills By Arianna de la Mancha July 11,2024 If you’ve been following our recent national annual conference promotion, you might be … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Power Through Choices Training-of-Facilitators

June 9-12, 2025 Join us for a LIVE VIRTUAL training-of-facilitators on Power Through Choices! This training will prepare you to deliver the Power Through Choices program face-to-face with youth. Cost: FREE with the purchase of the Power Through Choices curriculum. Each attendee must … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Trauma-Informed Needs to Be the Rule, Not the Exception

Finding the right health care provider feels a lot like dating—trial and error, dealbreakers, and all. But after my recent experience, I’ve realized that trauma-informed care is a non-negotiable. Here’s how to find a provider who truly listens and supports … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Have Fun, Be Safe: A Provider’s Guide to Supporting Young People with Multiple Sexual Partners

Approach these conversations in a way that is affirming, inclusive, and nonjudgmental. By Charlie Blue Brahm, MA June 28, 2024 The stigmatization that exists culturally around having multiple sexual or romantic partners makes it all the more important for youth-supporting … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

In/Tend Incubator Hub Office Hours

Are you passionate about making positive change in adolescent sexual and reproductive health? Interested in digging deep into the world of human-centered design to address real-world challenges? If this sounds like something you’d like to do, then we have an … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

From Seeds to Solutions: Innovation Blooms at Sprout

Learn about the ideas that bloomed at Sprout: A Design Challenge and explore the process that nourished creativity, with insights from an attendee. By Emily (Skywark) Connor By Deb Coffy June 13, 2024 For four days in May, seven teams, … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program’s Adolescent Sexual Health Innovation Hubs Showcase

We’re thrilled to unveil Healthy Teen Network’s Innovation Incubator Hub, In/Tend—funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Population Affairs.  We are one of six organizations newly funded to support teams that will develop, refine, and … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Quick Tips for Effective Presentations

From TED Talk-style presentations to panel discussions and more, we’re grateful to have had such amazing presenters at Heathy Teen Network conferences over the years! PHOTO CREDIT: Gina Desiderio at Healthy Teen Network When facilitating your presentation:  Keep it fun! Same … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

To be or not to be (on camera)? That is the question….

Quick tips to build motivation to turn the camera on. By Valerie Sedivy, PhD July 15, 2021 By far, the most common challenge we hear from facilitators working in virtual settings is that young people do not want to be … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Accessing Contraception During COVID-19

Ensuring that youth have access to the services they need is a core principle of reproductive justice—one that we must continue to strive towards and build upon. By Tonyé Fohsta-Lynch, MPH April 15, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has essentially changed our everyday … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

“Not [explicative] normal:” Crafting Group Agreements for Good Colleagues during COVID-19

One year into all-remote work, Allison and Nick reflect on some ground rules they and Healthy Teen Network staff are committing to for working during these strange times. By Allison Tomai Felsen By Nicholas Sufrinko March 17, 2021 Let’s face … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

10 Ways to Help Young People Become Good Sexual Citizens: How Myth Busting and Youth Empowerment Increases Safety

Following these steps is a really effective way to guide young people towards becoming good sexual citizens. By Ellen Friedrichs, MA March 12, 2021 Recently, I was Zoom teaching a college class, and I asked my students to share any … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Engaging Young People Virtually

Sharing what we’ve learned from our Power through Choices facilitators. By Valerie Sedivy, PhD February 16, 2021 I know. You’re tired of Zoom, young people are tired of Zoom, and I’m tired of talking about how tired we all are … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Sexual and Reproductive Health Policies Affecting Youth: A Look at What’s Ahead

Newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden has reversed several policy decisions of former President Trump that had curtailed the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls. Bob Reeg, MPA, CVA February 2, 2021 As the saying goes, “elections have consequences.” No … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Welcome, Mariah!

Mariah brings an artistic lens to nonprofit communications, along with a passion for inclusive health education and access.  January 26, 2021 We are just so excited to announce our newest staff member: Mariah Cowsert joins Gina and Allison in our Communications department.   Mariah Cowsert Mariah … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Welcome, Tonyé Fohsta-Lynch!

Tonyé brings a lot of energy, a commitment to centering youth voices, and multiple dimensions to her work. January 12, 2021 We are stoked to welcome Tonyé Fohsta-Lynch as our newest staff member. Tonyé Fohsta-Lynch Situated in the Capacity Building and Evaluation … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Un/Filtered: Highlights from #HealthyTeen20

Now is the time to talk to youth about sex and technology. December 11, 2020 From sexting to dating apps, young people are connected to technology and digital media more than ever, and this connectivity is helping shape their virtual … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

It’s Almost Here…#HealthyTeen20

Dating apps, sexting, user-generated media, sex toys powered by AI, viral memes, porn…and so much more. Ready to talk about sexuality in the connected age?  By Janet Max, MPH, CHES By Rhoda Smith, Board Chair Novemeber 13, 2020 Back in 2019 (was … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

ReSHAPING Launches Partnership with Healthy Teen Network and New Website

Looking for the latest research on sexual health and adolescent parents in out of home care? We have it for you on ReSHAPING’s brand new website. By Claudette Grinnell-Davis, PhD, MS, MSW By Bryn King, PhD, MSW October 27, 2020 … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

The future of sex through tech…which is much closer than you may think

We’re kicking off the conference with our keynote, Andrea Barrica, sex tech entrepreneur and founder of O.school and the author of Sextech Revolution: the Future of Sexual Wellness.  October 15, 2020 From sexting, to dating apps, and watching porn, young people are … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

5 Reasons to Use Digital Focus Groups to Gain Insights about Your Community

 In the midst of a global pandemic, it’s nearly impossible to get people to gather in-person. The good news is that you can still elevate the voice of your participants through digital focus groups. By Genevieve Martínez García, PhD October 8, … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

May Is Sex Ed for All Month (2020)

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Be Clear and UX Matters: More Lessons Learned for Internet Advertising

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Avoid Stock Photography & Be Concise: More Lessons Learned for Internet Advertising

In part two of this series learn how to avoid using stock photography and be concise in your ads. By Genevieve Martínez García, PhD December 5, 2019 This is part two of a series. Miss part one? Take a look … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Why Are Youth Watching Porn and What Are They Learning from It?

It is important to prepare youth with the skills to assess the world they interact with and porn literacy can be a valuable tool. By Ella Dorval Hall November 21, 2019 It’s common to hear that when there is a … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Using Internet Advertising to Recruit Youth

Follow along as our Director of Innovation and Research, Genevieve Martínez-García, shares lessons learned for how to effectively recruit youth into programs and research studies using internet advertising. By Genevieve Martínez García, PhD November 14, 2019 Looking to recruit youth … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Inclusive Sex Positivity

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

It’s Pride Month! 5 Queer Reads for Allies in Honor of Stonewall’s 50th

For Nick, this short list highlights how the existence of queer people is inherently political and how there is still work to be done. By Nicholas Sufrinko June 5, 2019 This month marks a full half-century since the Stonewall Uprising, … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

How to Find Housing and Services for Young People Who Are Pregnant or Parenting

We often get questions from young people who are pregnant or parenting, looking for housing and other support services. We do not provide housing or direct services, but we have put together a list of resources that may help young people find … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

2019 #RJResolutions

Healthy Teen Network joined SisterSong and many others on January 1st for a tweetstorm to talk about our reproductive justice resolutions for this coming year. By Allison Tomai Felsen January 2, 2019 What are your hopes, goals, and vision for … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Some Thoughts on the P-Word

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Identifying Scammers in Online Studies

Learn how Child Trends identified scammers who did not meet the eligibility criteria for their online study. By Elizabeth Cook, Makedah Johnson, and Jennifer Manlove, Child Trends July 13, 2018 Health interventions have increasingly incorporated technology components, sometimes even using technology to … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

5 Resources on Being Sex-Positive

We’ve compiled this list of five resources and articles to give you a good overview of what it means to be sex-positive—and some ways to defend the importance of such an approach. By Kelly Connelly June 15, 2017 We are … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Huber Appointment to HHS Threatens the Health and Well-Being of Our Nation’s Young People

We join our national colleagues in opposing this appointment. By Gina Desiderio June 9, 2017 A more just and equitable world supports and empowers all young people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. All young people deserve respect, appreciation, and acceptance … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Screening and Enrolling Study Participants Online

This two-part interactive blog will share our lessons learned in successfully recruiting, screening, and enrolling participants into our two research studies. By Genevieve Martínez García, PhD By Nicholas Sufrinko By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP May 24, 2017 Websites for your … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Top Tips for Using Social Media to Recruit Study Participants

This two-part interactive blog will share our lessons learned in successfully recruiting, screening, and enrolling participants into our two research studies. By Genevieve Martínez García, PhD By Nicholas Sufrinko By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP May 11, 2017 Ever wondered how … Read More

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

Inclusion Starts with Language

Author Archives: Allison Tomai Felsen

The Importance of an Inclusive Youth 360° Message for Adolescent Health & Well-Being

Statement from Healthy Teen Network on the Observance of the National Month to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. By Patricia Paluzzi, CNM, DrPH May 8, 2014 As Healthy Teen Network participates in the 13th annual observance of the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, we are … Read More

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