Reflecting on the moments that helped me feel connected, supported, and inspired as a young person. Christy Altidor, MPH, CPH JULY 16, 2026 Summer often brings a shift in pace. School is out, routines and schedules change, and communities come … Read More
Staff
Expand Your Understanding of Belonging with a Learning Add-On
This year’s Learning Add-On lineup offers opportunities to deepen your expertise, strengthen your practice, and explore innovative approaches to supporting young people. Arianna de la Mancha JULY 9, 2026 When you attend #HealthyTeen26, you’re joining a community of educators, advocates, … Read More
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Before You Choose a Logo, Choose a Role
How sexual health brand archetypes can help behavior change programs, products, and campaigns go further NICHOLAS SUFRINKO JUNE 25, 2026 Summer in America. Short shorts, rocket pops, and fireworks. New York is humming—still riding the high of a long-awaited Knicks … Read More
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Insights from the Young People We Support
What do young people wish their providers knew about them? JB Rodriguez-Anello JUNE 15, 2026 Throughout my time working with the Thrivology Research Alliance members, a common theme kept popping up: Youth-supporting professionals have a ton of questions for young … Read More
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Finding Belonging in Music
Music has the power to connect us to each other. Celease Jordan JUNE 11, 2026 This year, Healthy Teen Network’s conference theme is Made to Belong, highlighting the importance of connecting, finding community, and coming together. This April, I had the opportunity to … Read More
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Why In-Person Work Still Matters
More than just a meeting; it’s a chance to reconnect. Jerrica Davis, MPH MAY 28, 2026 It’s hard to believe how long it’s been since remote work became our “new normal.” In a world where many of us have traded … Read More
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Reimagining Creativity and Innovation With Puzzles
Puzzles helped me reimagine what creativity and innovation really look like. Rebecca Skinner, MSPH MAY 14, 2026 I never really thought I was a “creative” person. I’ve always been drawn to the field of science and health. I liked math … Read More
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Innovation in Motion
Your work in progress belongs at the Healthy Teen Network Conference. Gina Desiderio, MA APRIL 23, 2026 Too often in life, we think we need to wait until we’ve got a final product—polished, proven, and perfect. Sure, a polished, finished … Read More
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Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist
Why I started trying to overturn my pursuit of perfection. Megan Thomas MARCH 6, 2026 For a long time, being a perfectionist was something I chased. I couldn’t make any mistakes, couldn’t fail at anything I tried for the first … Read More
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Grab Some Glitter: Every Training Needs a Little Sparkle
Looking to add some glitter and glow to your next training session? Here are a few tips I’ve collected along my journey to bring more joy into training. Celease Jordan FEBRUARY 26, 2026 I will proudly say that I identify … Read More
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How We Partnered with Sex Educators to Create Tools that Help You Stay Safer
Peek into the human-centered design process behind three new resources on supporting the safety of sex educators and other youth-supporting professionals. Charlie Blue Brahm, MA FEBRUARY 5, 2026 Sex ed is powerful work, and you deserve to feel safe doing … Read More
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You Need to Learn About Sex…Even If You’re Not Having It
Why asexuality belongs in sex ed Megan Thomas JANUARY 26, 2026 It was late high school the first time I heard someone refer to asexuality. The only context I had for this term was biology class a few years earlier … Read More
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Meet Rebecca, Our New Project Coordinator
We are excited to have Rebecca Skinner join our Innovation & Research Department! January 22, 2026 Please join us in welcoming Rebecca Skinner, MSPH, to the Healthy Teen Network team! Rebecca is a Project Coordinator in the Innovation and Research … Read More
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Welcoming Julia, Our New Administrative Coordinator
We are excited to have Julia Atwood join our Operations & Finance Department! January 22, 2026 Please join us in welcoming Julia Atwood to Healthy Teen Network! Julia brings over a decade of administrative experience to her role as Administrative … Read More
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Say Hello to Christy, Our New Senior Manager
We are excited to have Christy Altidor join our Innovation & Research Department! January 15, 2026 We’re excited to welcome Christy Altidor, MPH, CPH, to Healthy Teen Network! Christy is a dedicated public health practitioner with over a decade of … Read More
Staff
Meet JB, Our New Research Assistant
We are excited to have JB Rodriguez-Anello join our Innovation & Research Department! January 15, 2026 Please join us in welcoming JB Rodriguez-Anello to the Healthy Teen Network team! JB is a passionate sexuality education professional who brings over seven … Read More
Staff
How Do You Show Up in Stressful Moments?
Reflecting on how we act during times of stress—and why. JANUARY 8, 2026 Randa Dean, MPH JANUARY 8, 2026 A few years ago, during a job interview for a leadership role in an education-focused nonprofit, the interviewer asked me a … Read More
Staff
Perimenopause: The Group Project Nobody Signed Up For
We can’t erase the chaos of perimenopause, but we can absolutely erase the silence around it. Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP DECEMBER 18, 2025 Let me paint a familiar picture. You hit a certain age, and suddenly the internet, your friends, … Read More
Staff
Welcome to Our New Innovators
Five new teams have started their innovation journey with the In/Tend Incubator Hub Allison Tomai Felsen DECEMBER 4, 2025 At In/Tend, we’re on a mission to enhance the sexual and reproductive health and well-being of all young people. Through human-centered … Read More
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Getting Ready for #HealthyTeen25
It’s almost time to head to Atlanta, and we can’t wait to see you there! Charlie Blue Brahm, MA Arianna de la Mancha September 30, 2025 The countdown is on for #HealthyTeen25! With the major changes and challenges our field … Read More
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Lighting the Way: Meet the #HealthyTeen25 Changemaker Awardee
In a time of continued and escalating attacks on sexual and reproductive health rights, driven by ideology and partisan agendas, it is the changemakers who are making it happen. Arianna de la Mancha SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 Healthy Teen Network has … Read More
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Lighting the Way: Meet the #HealthyTeen25 Visionary Awardee
Visionaries dream of the endless possibilities in education, health care, technology, and policy, ensuring that what young people learn, experience, and discover about sexuality is relevant, timely, and inspiring. Arianna de la Mancha SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 Healthy Teen Network has … Read More
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Lighting the Way: Meet the #HealthyTeen25 Young Parent Achievement Awardee
The Healthy Teen Network Young Parent Achievement Award not only recognizes young parents—it celebrates them and their accomplishments, for themselves and their families. Arianna de la Mancha SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 Healthy Teen Network has presented awards for decades as part … Read More
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Take Your Conference Experience to the Next Level with Learning Add-Ons
Think of the Learning Add-Ons as a bonus upgrade—a chance to dive deeper, sharpen your skills, and connect with others who are passionate about the same work. Arianna de la Mancha SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 You’re likely already registered for #HealthyTeen25—that’s … Read More
Staff
Sustainable Options for Periods and Sex
Care for yourself while caring for the earth. Patricia Natalie, MA AUGUST 21, 2025 I’ve always been passionate about finding ways to live more sustainably. I bring my own bags to the store, buy secondhand when I can, and constantly … Read More
Staff
We Shine Our Brightest Together
Over the course of three days, we’ll gather to reflect, recharge, and remember that we shine our brightest together. Arianna de la Mancha AUGUST 14, 2025 In a time of deep uncertainty and growing attacks on our communities, what gives … Read More
Staff
Help Us Bring Bold Ideas to SXSW 2026—Your Vote Matters!
If you believe in equity, wellness, and reimagining the future of sex ed and innovation, cast your vote and help us take the stage in 2026. Arianna de la Mancha AUGUST 7, 2025 We’re bringing not one, not two, but … Read More
Staff
What Does Teacher and Student Support Actually Look Like?
Helping teachers discuss sexual health and create thriving environments for students Celease Jordan JULY 24, 2025 When I first started my role here at Healthy Teen Network, I was tasked with being the connection between schools and the organization. There … Read More
Staff
Making (Another) Case for Parent Engagement
How schools and community programs can make parents an integral part of comprehensive sex ed programs Jerrica Davis, MPH JULY 17, 2025 Before becoming a parent, I thought parent engagement mostly meant helping with homework or attending sporting events and … Read More
Staff
Your Atlanta Must-See List for #HealthyTeen25
Check out these things to do, see, and taste while you’re in town for the Healthy Teen Network annual conference. Shanise Taylor JULY 10, 2025 Pack your bags and get ready! We’re headed to the peach state. That’s right! Atlanta, … Read More
Staff
What Does Pottery Have to Do with Sex Ed?
Pottery taught me that failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. Randa Dean, MPH JULY 3, 2025 I took up pottery a few years ago. In the hyper-digital age, the idea of doing something with my hands, working with … Read More
Staff
Navigating College Life as a Student Parent: Insights and Recommendations
A new study explores how colleges and universities can better support student parents. May 5, 2025 Being a student parent is a unique and challenging experience that often goes unnoticed. Only recently has there been increased awareness about the need … Read More
Staff
Welcoming Randa, Our New Associate Director
From public health to pottery—Randa’s a maker of meaningful change. April 10, 2025 W e’re beyond excited to introduce the newest member of the Healthy Teen Network team, Randa Dean, MPH (she/they), who joins us as Associate Director of Innovation … Read More