“Amy's mix of storytelling, science, nurturing, and fun, makes her a great speaker who really connects with women and girls of all ages. She has a passion for helping females navigate the difficult messages given by our culture. For the tween girl, she offers a mother/daughter class that can help girls (and their mothers) feel so much better about puberty. I have been part of many of these classes and it is so inspiring to see how much more relaxed the girls and women are and how much more connected they feel after just one workshop. I have also been part of many other workshops Amy has done celebrating teen girls and inspiring moms and older women. Amy recognizes the value of learning more about ourselves and connecting with one another. Everyone leaves the workshops with a huge smile.” September 18, 2009
Meri McCoy-Thompson , Director, Family Program , Catholic Community of Pleasanton
Growing up Female “I have attended Amy's seminar for pre-teen girls with both of my daughters. Amy talks to the girls about all the changes they can expect to have happen with their bodies as they mature. As a mother, I've found that this subject can make the most extroverted young lady suddenly introverted. I don't know how she does it but Amy handles her seminar so well that the girls are raising hands to ask questions and listening so well you could hear a pin drop. I thought her presentation was great the first time but, amazingly, when I heard it again 5 years later with my younger daughter it had only gotten better. I've recommended Amy and her program to many of my friends and everyone I know who has attended (both mother and daughter) have been glad they did. I give Amy two very big thumbs up!” September 15, 2009
From Girl to Woman, A Path to Follow "My 16 year old daughter and I have a very candid and loving relationship. Yet, like any mother and daughter, we butt heads about a variety of issues. There are so many things that I want to tell her, things that I want my nearly-a-woman daughter to know, but she can’t always “receive” this information from me. What a joy to have a gathering of other trusted women, led by a fabulous R.N. (Amy) to share with my 16 year old our collective wisdom. This gathering had a message that was both scientifically and anectodally based, which reached my daughter on an intellectual and emotional level. It was so incredibly positive, authentic, warm and loving that my daughter not only heard all of our tips and stories, she reveled in them! She even shared much of what she heard with my husband and her sisters at home! With the negativity that women face in our culture, every young woman should have this opportunity – a chance to connect with the power of the feminine."
Janet Gates, mother and middle school Health and Life Science teacher, March 2009
Fabulous to be Female "When Amy spoke to our group she touched us at a deep level. I felt an immediate connection to her. She brought out in me an overwhelming sense of goodness in my self that I had lost touch with. I felt valued, valuable and hopeful. Amy helped us identify the joys in our own lives, even in the midst of troubling times and busy family life. I felt glad to be a woman; I didn’t want the session to end."- Terrie Gallagher, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Walnut Creek, California, December, 2008
- Comments from other women from St. Mary’s
“I liked the way it felt like you were speaking directly to me; it went straight to my heart.”
“I could tell you really understood.”
“You showed us the love you spoke about.”
And...“It was funny.”
Families and Faith“We hired Amy Sluss this fall to do a kick off event and a training session. She was terrific! Amy warmed up the crowd with laughter and play then led them into a learning experience that was effective and fun! She shared real-life stories, was positive and inspiring. Amy has an amazing ability to engage all ages in interactive learning. Adults were moved by her sharing; kids enjoyed the games and the play. I heard from many participants how inspired they were by her suggestions and thoughtful insights.
Working with Amy from planning through execution was a breeze! I highly recommend her.
Liz Rogers, Intergenerational Ministries Coordinator,Catholic Community of Pleasanton, Pleasanton, California
October 2008
Amy Sluss Changed My Life Eleven years ago Amy Sluss came into my life and changed the way I approached my healthcare and the healthcare of my pre-teen daughter. Amy, with her nursing background, was asked to speak to the mothers and daughter’s of the Girl Scout Troop. Amy offered a positive course on “Growing Up Female.” Her professional, and yet compassionate, teaching style that afternoon had a profound effect on my own life. She had a gift of explaining their changing bodies in a positive way; this was such an improvement in the way my generation had learned about the facts of life. This led to many personal questions about my own health and I asked to meet with her separately.
At our meeting at a later date, she strongly suggested that as a woman and a mother, that I take control of my healthcare. I needed to not only take charge of my healthcare but to commit to setting an example of a healthy strong attitude for my daughter. At her recommendation, I set up an appointment with my own personal physician, opened up dialog with my healthcare providers and this changed my life! Only then could I offer the strength and positive attitude to my daughter as she was approaching her adolescent years.
Thank you Amy, I wanted you to know how grateful I have been for your guidance. I was so very impressed with you professionalism and positive attitude in handling my situation and the encouragement to seek proper medical treatment.
With Sincere Gratitude,
Denise Rising, Pleasanton, California
