Helping youth feel confident, informed, and at home in their changing bodies.

At Body Basics, we believe that puberty and adolescence are important transitions into personal power that deserve to be honored as the rite of passage that they are, and empowered with the knowledge that enables a growing person to feel confident and safe in their body.

Body Basics is designed to support youth as they move through puberty with clarity and confidence. Instead of learning about body changes through whispers, Google searches, or playground myths, participants receive accurate and developmentally--appropriate information in a space that feels supportive, engaging, and fun!

We talk openly about the physical and emotional changes of puberty in ways that reduce awkwardness and increase understanding. There’s room for curiosity, thoughtful questions, shared laughter, and the relief that comes from realizing: I’m not the only one going through this.

Body Basics is an impactful and comprehensive puberty and adolescence education program originated by Karen O’Dougherty in Oregon.  After decades of successfully teaching youth to feel confident in their changing bodies, Karen expanded her program to include an Educator Certification that has now brought Body Basics to our own valley! 

Read Karen's story HERE.

Karen is the mother of three grown children and the founder of Body Basics and Beyond. As a public school teacher, Karen developed the first Body Basics class in 1994 in response to lackluster puberty education curriculum. In 1998, Karen started Body Basics and Beyond, and has since supported thousands of children and their families through puberty and adolescence in classes, parent education classes, coaching and retreats. Currently, Karen is offering certification courses for Body Basics and Beyond educators to bring this important education into more communities worldwide. Karen lives in beautiful Sisters, Oregon.

We combine clear science with conversation and interactive learning, because understanding your body should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

We Talk About

• Growth spurts and changes in body shape and size

• Hormones and what they’re actually doing behind the scenes

• Brain development and emotional shifts

• Ovulation and menstruation

• Reproductive anatomy and how bodies function

• Body image, comparison, and how labels can shape how we see ourselves

What Youth Gain

• Foundational body knowledge they can carry for life

• Language to talk about their bodies confidently

• Greater self-trust and body awareness

• Normalization of experiences that can otherwise feel isolating

What Parents Gain

This is a partnership. We support youth, and we support you.

• Peace of mind knowing your child is receiving accurate, grounded information

• Shared language and conversation prompts to continue discussions at home

• Support in navigating puberty conversations feeling confident and prepared

Parent Information Meeting

At least one parenting adult or guardian must attend the mandatory parent meeting in order for participation. All parenting adults are welcome. This session provides an overview of what youth will learn, the language we use, and how to continue conversations at home with confidence.