Two of our staff weigh in on a recent read. Deborah Chilcoat, MEd Arianna de la Mancha February 12, 2026 The rage is exhausting these days. Not aligning lockstep with those you respect and love is terrifying. And being iced … Read More
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
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
Staff
The Change-Makers’ Guide to Grammar: 10 Tips to Win Hearts and Change Minds
What if words can change everything? NICHOLAS SUFRINKO FEBRUARY 13, 2025 “It is not enough for the reader of your words to be convinced,” writes Ta-Nehisi Coates in 2024’s The Message. “The goal is to haunt—to have them think about your … Read More
Staff
Welcoming Our New Teams to the In/Tend Incubator Hub
Get to know the five teams who have started their innovation journey Allison Tomai Felsen JANUARY 21, 2025 At In/Tend, we’re on a mission to enhance the sexual and reproductive health and well-being of all young people. Through participatory research … Read More
Staff
Sparkles, Glimmers, and Unforgettable Moments at #HealthyTeen24 Recap
Look back at the much-needed moments of light from #HealthyTeen24. Janet Max, MPH, CHES JANUARY 9, 2025 When we first developed the 2024 conference theme—Rise, Reimagine, and Reinvent—we didn’t know those words would provide comfort and guidance at this moment. … Read More
Staff
Meet Celease: Healthy Teen Network’s Newest Program Manager
We are excited to have Celease Jordan join our Capacity Building Department! January 2, 2025 At Healthy Teen Network, our strength lies in the passion and dedication of our team. We’re thrilled to introduce Celease, our new Program Manager, who … Read More
Staff
Say Hello to Megan, Our New Communications Designer
We are excited to have Megan Thomas join our Communications Department! January 2, 2025 We’re thrilled to welcome Megan Thomas as the newest member of our Communications Department! Joining Gina, Allison, Nick, and Arianna, Megan brings nearly a decade of … Read More
Staff
This Is Our Healthy Teen Network 2024 Wrapped
Every year, we’re making a difference—one resource, one conversation, and one connection at a time. Arianna de la Mancha DECEMBER 19, 2024 As 2024 ends, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the milestones, growth, and impact we’ve achieved together this … Read More
Staff
The Power of Failure in Innovation
Failure is the beginning of a new path toward discovery, creativity, and innovation Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP DECEMBER 19, 2024 When I was starting my professional life, I had the opportunity to work at a company that was preparing thoughtful, … Read More
Staff
There’s Still Time for Biden to Sign the ERA and Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sex
There’s little over a month left for Biden to take action to ensure gender equality is enshrined in our Constitution. Mimi Jacobie Mackenzie Piper, MPH, CHES Gina Desiderio, MA December 12, 2024 Tuesday, December 10, Congresswoman Cori Bush held a … Read More
Staff
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
Staff
The Invisible Struggle: Hidden Disabilities and the Challenges of Being a Woman of Color in Leadership
To create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for all, the systems we operate within must recognize and support us as whole individuals with diverse needs and experiences. Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP OCTOBER 3, 2024 T here’s an invisible battle many … Read More
Staff
Decoding Sexual & Reproductive Health: The Language of Policy
Quick tips on how to navigate elections and make sure you vote in alignment with your values By Lilith Breazeale By JB Rodriguez-Anello October 22, 2024 S ince the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022, there have been numerous … Read More
Staff
Building Connections at #HealthyTeen24
Join us for the BIPOC Connect and Queer Connect—two vibrant spaces celebrating identity, creativity, and community through art, conversation, and fun. By Arianna de la Mancha October 17, 2024 A t #HealthyTeen24, we believe in the power of meaningful conversations … Read More
Staff
Is There Such a Thing as “Good English”?
Why plain language matters more than “perfect” English. By Patricia Natalie, MA September 9, 2024 I often hear the praise—”Your English is so good!”—when people find out that I’m an immigrant who speaks English as a second language. Sometimes, they … Read More