The Youth Sexpert ProgramA NON-PROFIT, SEX EDUCATION TRAINING PRGRAM TO EMPOWER YOUTH, NATIONWIDE, TO ACT AS EXPERTS AMONGST THEIR PEERS ON ALL TOPICS SEXUALITY.
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"Lets remedy the misinformation or lack of knowledge students leave their sex education classes with... if they are lucky enough to have those classes at all." |
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Founded by sex educator Tara Michaela, the Youth Sexpert Program is a semester long, virtual training program for high school enrolled youth ages 14-18. Weekly zoom sessions range in topics from anatomy to consent to self pleasure to STI destigmatization to porn literacy. The program is fundamentally pleasure centered and radically honest, as opposed to fear driven. As a social media based initiative, assets would be provided to youth so they could inform their peers of their status as a youth "sexpert". They will not be required to host classes or workshops, rather their "sexpert" status will aid them in social interactions, as many youth look to their peers outside of school hours to discuss their sexuality. Digital sex educators with various areas of expertise are invited to guest teach.
Meet the Team
Sex educator Tara Michaela (she/her)O, has been working in this field for the past four years, beginning during her sophomore year of college. Being a digital sex educator has meant supplementing the sex education people did not get in their grade schools or communities growing up, by creating online content such as videos and writing articles for various publications. Since beginning, her Instagram community has grown to over 14,000 followers, and has been featured in Buzzfeed, Marie Claire, and Well+Good. She has also helped various sexual wellness brands with their social media presence. This work was paved by a private Instagram account she began at the age of 15, where she would host conversations about her relationship with her body and her sexuality. She understands that young folks remain sexually active despite being discouraged from doing so, and sees education as a form of harm reduction. |
Mattie Bieberly (she/her) is a young professional with a passion for community inclusion, non-profit work and public policy. She is based in the Midwest and works in the non-profit sector in her community, with specific interests in organizations that support youth and women. Mattie was a successful director of the only student-run university chapter of Alternative Breaks during her undergraduate career and most recently received a MA in International Relations from the University of Chicago. With her professional, academic and fundraising background, she is excited to grow YSP's presence within communities and online, as well as continuing to research new policies that affect marginalized populations in the country and make them accessible to YSP followers at large. |
Natasha Mellini (she/her) is a dedicated advocate of sex education, driven by her early experiences and a deep understanding of the educational gaps in the United States. Recognizing the confusion and unanswered questions faced by her high school classmates, she realized the urgent need for comprehensive sex education. Natasha holds a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in childhood education and development. She furthered her expertise by obtaining a postgraduate degree in Secondary Biology in the UK, where she taught sex education within one of the most progressive systems in the world. Returning to the US to teach, she witnessed the lack of support and shaming experienced by students. This motivated her to create inclusive spaces and advocate for comprehensive sex education. As the Director of Parent Advocacy and Community Relations at YSP, Natasha continues to champion the cause, providing support and education to those in need. |
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