puberty + adolescence education for youth & the grown-ups who raise them

Evidence-based. Family-Centered. Arts-infused.

Hi! I’m Bella. I’m so glad you’re here.

As an adolescent health expert, certified puberty educator, and five years of experience teaching middle schoolers and their families, I believe that youth deserve to learn about their growing and changing body and mind—particularly in a space that invests in their confidence, health, safety, and connection with others.

Body Basics with Bella emphasizes that:

Puberty is normal and happens to everyone.
Body changes don’t have to be confusing or scary.
There is no one kind of body or puberty experience.
Emotions can be a source of great strength and power.

Teaching youth about their changing bodies empowers them to feel more confident in their body, take control of how they care for themselves, and helps them develop a stronger relationship with who they are. I want to empower youth to emerge into the world with confidence, empathy, and strength, all while nourishing their connection to their trusted adults during the most turbulent time of their life.To do this, youth need to understand their bodies, their emotional selves, and the influences that may challenge who they are becoming.

My approach to this transformative education follows four tenets: collaboration is key, openness is revolutionary, education is empowering, and everyone is welcome. When youth are taught how to care and advocate for the most intimate parts of their lives, they emerge into the world knowing their value and their worth.

Join me in empowering the next generation to rise with a better understanding of who they are and what they are truly capable of.

Body Basics with Bella empowers youth to emerge into the world with confidence, empathy, and strength, all while nourishing their connection to their trusted adults during the most turbulent time of their life.

MY TEACHING METHOD

Collaboration is Key

Youth are given the space to use their voice and apply their own perspectives in each of our lessons together. As a group, we create group agreements—rather than rules—that youth hold themselves and one another accountable to. This education is administered through circle-style, open conversation and a carefully crafted curriculum. Each class is limited to 8 to 12 youth to protect this sacred space for collaboration, trust, courage, and teamwork.
Openness is Revolutionary

There’s nothing quite like writing the word “breasts” on a white board and watching a room full of fifth graders erupt in laughter. Here at Body Basics with Bella, giggles are encouraged! Normalizing puberty means using a body part’s correct name, giggling with youth, answering appropriate questions, welcoming curiosity, and supporting parents so that these conversations can continue at home.
Before the start of each program, there is a mandatory parent meeting where I walk through what the youth will learn, administer puberty education for parents, and answer any questions that a parent may have. Openness and trust is both revolutionary and essential in this process, both for parents and their kiddos.
Education is Empowering

When youth are taught how to care and advocate for the most intimate parts of their lives, they emerge into the world knowing their value and their worth. This empowers youth to embrace their confidence, stand up for themselves, and surround themselves with positive influences.
I not only believe that this education is liberating, but I also believe that it is preventative. By giving youth the language and education necessary to help them better connect with their bodies and selves, they will be able to advocate for themselves and others later in life.
Everyone is Welcome

Body Basics and Beyond is an open space for youth of any gender, where they can learn more about their bodies while feeling safe to explore who they are. It is a safe, brave space for exploration, discovery, vulnerability, and courage. Through this mission, we acknowledge that the curious and often complex journey that gender can be requires consistent support and trust. As an educational program that seeks to invest in youth’s relationship with their body, identities, and relationships, we look to honor and respect that journey so that youth can emerge from this program as a human who knows their value and their worth.

BODY BASICS - GRADE 5

Classes begin Fall 2023 - enroll your youth today!
WHO: 5th grade girls and gender diverse youth* in New York, New York or virtually
WHERE: New York, New York (exact location shared after enrollment) or via Zoom
CLASS SIZE: 6-8 students per class
CLASS STRUCTURE: 6 classes, 1.5 hours each, once or twice a week on rotating days
COST: $200/youth - Scholarships & payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis. Please email Bella if you’d like to discuss payment options at bella@bodybasicswithbella.com.
INCLUDES: 1.5 hour mandatory parent meeting, six 1.5 hour classes, a class booklet, & a Time Together journal,

*Although this classes are based on female-typical anatomy, Body Basics with Bella is an open space for youth of any gender, where they can learn more about their bodies while feeling safe to explore who they are. Gender diverse youth are encouraged to enroll in the classes that feel right for them. Learn more here.