November 25, 2025
We know 2025 has been a challenging year. From economic hardships to ever-shifting policies to the fear of families being separated, each of us has felt the impact of the difficult times we’re living in. The sphere of adolescent sexual and reproductive health is no exception, with sex educators across the country seeing their important and impactful work being politicized, scrutinized, and even banned.
Despite the challenges of this year, we’ve seen how community and care have persisted.
Despite the challenges of this year, we’ve seen how community and care have persisted. Neighbors activated, cooking meals and donating goods to feed each other. Educators have remained resolute in their values, ensuring that young people have access to the resources and care they deserve. As our #HealthyTeen25 conference theme, In Solidarity, stated so succinctly, “We shine our brightest—together,” and while this has been a tough year for many, we have seen just how brightly we can shine when we come together.
In recognition of the people and things that have reminded us why we persevere, we asked Healthy Teen Network staff what they are most grateful for this year.
Finding strength in community
In the spirit of solidarity, many members of our team were grateful for the family members and friends on whom they could lean this year.
Everyone who refuses to accept ‘I’m ok, I don’t need anything’ as an answer and continue to show up for me anyway.
When asked what kept her going, Senior Manager of Capacity Building Jerrica Davis said, “My village: family, friends and all of you beautiful people. Everyone who refuses to accept ‘I’m ok, I don’t need anything’ as an answer and continue to show up for me anyway.”
“I’m grateful for my family and community (friends, old & new colleagues), especially as I navigated job loss this past spring,” said one of Healthy Teen Network’s newest staff members, Senior Manager of Innovation & Research Christy Altidor.
“My son-shine, my village, social justice, and all who continue to resist and rise up, discernment, heartfelt hugs, thoughtful check-ins, and a good latte,” is what gave Program Manager Caro Hernandez strength this year.
“I’m grateful for my sweet daughter, who, despite her young age, shows so much wisdom and encouragement,” shared Milagros Garrido, Director of Innovation & Research. “Even when things feel heavy, she brings so much joy into my life, and on the hardest days she somehow makes everything better.”
Feeling grateful for this team
Healthy Teen Network staff also found incredible support in each other this year. At a time when many workplaces have experienced chaos, our team banded together to provide some solace.
Individually, we are all powerful, but collectively, we’re a knock-out.
“I’m grateful for my health, Janet Max, and everyone here at Healthy Teen Network,” said Shanise Taylor, Finance & Operations Manager. “Janet has kept us informed, energized and motivated through these turbulent political waters, doing the work to keep the organization afloat. I’m also thankful for all the employees of Healthy Teen Network. Individually, we are all powerful, but collectively, we’re a knock-out.”
Events like the #HealthyTeen25 conference provided encouragement for Monique Davis, Administrative & Accounting Coordinator. “I don’t think I could have gotten through [this year] without the love and support of my family, friends, and my amazing coworkers here at Healthy Teen Network. The #HealthyTeen25 conference truly lifted my spirits when I needed it the most. When I am around this group, I truly feel appreciated and seen!”
Project Manager Sam Akers said she was even able to find joy at work amidst the turmoil. “I am beyond appreciative of ALL of the joyful moments I’ve had with my coworkers and friends in the field!” she said. “Through a tough year, we’ve had so many funny icebreakers at meetings, moments to laugh about our favorite reality TV shows, and hugs that have meant the world. Grateful for colleagues who get me and pursue JOY in the midst of so much going on.”
Treasuring the small moments
Gratitude is all about recognizing the power of a small moment, and our team reflected on a few of those beautiful little glimmers.
This year has proved that endings can be new beginnings, and that sometimes, starting over isn’t just possible—it’s necessary.
“Simple moments, like walks around my neighborhood, spontaneous day trips to Rosarito, and watching the cats roam my apartment courtyard, have grounded me in the care and connection all around me,” said Arianna de la Mancha, Communications Designer. “This year has proved that endings can be new beginnings, and that sometimes, starting over isn’t just possible—it’s necessary.”
Director of Capacity Building Deborah Chilcoat took stock of the things big and small that have helped her this year, including: “Supportive colleagues, loving family—including our pups, Maz and Ledi—sunshine, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, buttered popcorn, and red wine.”
Design Researcher Charlie Blue Brahm found gratitude in nature this year, sharing, “I’ve been grateful for moments when I get to connect with the abundance of our still very much alive and beautiful earth, like seeing and tasting fields and fields of mountain huckleberries, or watching the salmon running in a park that they didn’t come to for a long time before restoration efforts…Especially so when I can do that with loved ones.”
And Nicholas Sufrinko, Senior Communications Manager, thought about the small acts of kindness that helped him this year. “I’m always struck by the generosity that rises from the most unexpected places—from the hotel staff who meet us with joy and warmth at each conference, to the pro bono counsel who offer empathy and direction, to the strangers who stand up for us in the internet’s most unhinged comment sections. It’s a quiet reminder that our circle is bigger—and kinder—than we think. And I’m grateful for every bit of it.”
Looking forward
All of us here at Healthy Teen Network would also like to share that we’re thankful for you—our members, partners, and colleagues—who have engaged with us throughout 2025 and beyond. Reflecting on our collective power and seeing how, despite obstacles at nearly every step of the way, our field has championed innovation, inclusivity, and access for young people leaves us feeling hopeful and energized to enter 2026 alongside you.
PHOTO BY: KIT ISHIMATSU
