On Sunday, January 11, we hosted a Parent Education Night for families of children and youth. We welcomed six knowledgeable and compassionate panelists who shared insight into body safety, sexuality and other meaningful topics that support parents as they navigate important, sometimes challenging, conversations with their children.
The evening included extended Q&A, where parents asked thoughtful questions and engaged in honest, encouraging dialogue. The wisdom, experience and care present in the room created a space that felt empowering and deeply supportive. We are incredibly grateful to our panelists and to the families who joined us for making this a rich and impactful night. Opportunities like this remind us how powerful it is to learn, listen and grow together as a community.
In partnership with Parent Education, our youth are also participating in their own Health & Safety series. Our youth learned from Alexa Harper, Education Coordinator with the Julie Valentine Center, about sexual and dating violence, consent and online safety, equipping them with age-appropriate knowledge and practical tools in a supportive environment.
Our panelists included:
Rick Floyd, Information Security Specialist
Kim Ponce, MS, NCC, LPC, Chief Programs Officer, Julie Valentine Center
Dr. Amanda Small, MD MPH, Child Abuse Pediatrician
Dr. Hal Stewart, PhD, LPC, Doctor of Clinical Sexology CST, CSAT, CPTT, Co-Founder for Sexual and Relational Health
Erica Van Wagner, LISW-CP, Social Worker
Dr. Elizabeth Willingham, PHD, LPC/S, NCC, IHC, HTCP, Therapist
—Bridget Kokolis, Minister to Children and Mary Carol Anderson, Minister to Youth & College