Teen & Parent Testimonials

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"This group has made me happier, calmer, less attitude-y and more confident."

"Girl Space is an amazing place to be. It is a safe space where you can say or do anything you feel. Whatever is said in the space, stays in the space."

"I come here to laugh and talk and be myself. Yay!"

"A fun open space where I can be myself. Everyone is so understanding and kind."

“Chinny has that rare quality that invites immediate connection and trust from those she meets. My daughter benefited so much from her time as Chinny’s student and advisee. She grew in her knowledge of herself, and in her sense of who she wanted to be in the world. 

Chinny was someone she felt safe sharing the ups and downs of adolescence with, and as her parents, we were so grateful to have a partner in guiding her through these sometimes challenging years. Chinny’s care and wisdom are evident in the way that she interacts with young people, and in the way they feel seen by her.” 

"Chinny was my advisor during middle school at a time where I was dealing with a lot of social and emotional challenges. In her advisory class, Chinny developed a space where students were able to bond across grade levels and cultivate strong relationships. Chinny’s wisdom, humor, and kindness created an environment in which I always felt safe, supported, and heard. Chinny helped me navigate the challenges I faced both at school and in my personal life. She encouraged me to speak up for myself and always show up in the world as the most authentic version of myself. Today, I am proud to call Chinny both a mentor as well as a friend, and she continues to be one of my greatest role models. Although I am now in college and it’s been a few years since my middle school days, I know that I can still rely on Chinny for anything. Whether I’m experiencing minor drama or adulting struggles, I know that Chinny will support me, give me the best advice, give me a shoulder to cry on, and a safe space to air all my feelings. I am so grateful that she is a part of my life!"

"Chinny is one of those very rare souls who operates with such deep authenticity and emotional intelligence. She remembers all of the details shared with her, and she seemingly magically makes all people feel so seen and heard.  She is gifted with words, insights, inspiration, compassion, and guidance in her warmth of presence, and being witness to her passion of working with teens is a blessing.  She has affirmed and mentored my teens both as their middle school advisor, and in continuing rapport through their high school years and into college as a trusted space holder, sounding board, and community builder in some of the most challenging social and familial spaces imaginable through the years.  My whole family holds Chinny in deep admiration and gratitude for guiding all of us with her gifts she shares.  Chinny cares so deeply about all of those who are fortunate enough to share in her circles, and all who are a part of this gift are better for this connection."

“As my middle school daughter's advisor, Chinny was somewhere between a big sister and a favorite aunt. The connections that she nurtured within the safe environment that she created for these soon to be teens was deeply special. My daughter felt seen, understood and respected in a way that gave her so much spaciousness to be herself. We will always be so grateful for Chinny's  role as one one our daughter's favorite teachers of all time!”

“Both of my older daughters had the privilege of having Chinny as a science teacher, and my oldest daughter also had Chinny as an advisor. I cannot say enough about the way Chinny created a safe space for children to learn and express themselves. As a teacher, she encouraged them to be curious, explore their surroundings, and connect the theory they read in books with the world in which we live. Both of my daughters developed a passion for science and one of them is going to college to study biochemical engineering. All too often we hear that not enough girls pursue careers in science. It is teachers like Chinny that are changing this and making a difference for all those young minds they nurture.

Our oldest daughter was in Chinny's advisory for two years during middle school and we are incredibly grateful for the time and attention she put into guiding and encouraging our daughter to ask questions, be comfortable with who she was, stand up for her beliefs, and not default to what is trendy or defined as "correct" by the current culture surrounding her. Our daughter has grown into a confident, happy, independent woman and we know that Chinny's role during our daughter's middle school years was significant. I know that wherever Chinny goes, she will have a positive effect on the young people, specifically, girls, that she works with, and provides them with the support they need to be true to themselves on this journey that is life.”