From those who have attended Amy's workshops and keynote talks:

"I was pleased to host Amy Sluss and her program here at St. Joan of Arc Church.  Talking about our bodies, sexuality, and self-esteem to young people and their parents can be a difficult task.  Amy’s program addresses this topic with great sensitivity and understanding.  I am happy to have hosted Amy and her program here at the parish.  The teens were engaged, parents were pleased, and I was most grateful for the ministry she shared with our community." - Rev. Raymond Zielezienski, Pastor

“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.” Meri McCoy-Thompson , Director, Family Program , Catholic Community of Pleasanton

Growing up Female Series: Mother-Daughter workshops

 

“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!” Kate Jupina

"This workshop exceeded my expectations. It kept their attention and so much was presented! Amy has a wonderful way of presenting the most basic, yet difficult material. I would be interested in anything she has to offfer after attending this class. -Brenda, mother of 5th grade daughter

"The discussions were so open and candid and in such a safe environment. It will probably have a lasting affect/impression. I give this session a great big 10!" - Kate, mother of 5th grade daughter

"Amy was so gentle and funny at the right times. I didn't want it to end." -Yvonne, mother of Marie

"It was a very positive experience. It helps for both mother and daughter to hear from a professional. Thank you!" - Sonja, mother of Claire

"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

"Amy is able to take what can be an awkward subject and make both adults and young people feel at ease.  Her workshops are positive, content-rich, and her messages carry over beyond the workshop to ongoing conversations. I have hired Amy to speak to my groups over and over again; I trust her and so can you.”  – Mary Machi, youth leader

“We had an amazing speaker named Amy Sluss. She had a great talk about how wonderful it is to be a woman. My favorite part was when we affirmed each other with stickers that we put on those we came with. These stickers had words that described us on them. “ -Middle School Girl

And check out this link to photos from a recent Mother-Daughter Tea.

"On Friday, July 15^th, 2011 Women’s Initiative hosted a Mother-Daughter Self-Esteem Workshop led by the acclaimed author, speaker, and registered nurse, Amy Sluss. The event was held within a beautiful setting at the Gallery Concord in downtown Concord, CA. With twenty mother-daughter teams in attendance, Amy led an empowering and inspiring program that started off with the lighting of candles and a statement of trust for the group in attendance, and the workshop proceeded with an ambiance of openness and security accordingly. Workshop activities included creating a web of confidence by throwing a ball of yarn between each participant while taking turns stating what they like most about being female, a discussion about positive and negative portrayals of the female body in entertainment culture, making paper flowers accompanied by positive descriptive words of your mother-daughter companion, and last but not least an affirmation between each mother and daughter about their love and commitment for one another. It was an amazing evening enjoyed by all, and Amy Sluss was successful in creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere in which each mother and daughter was free to share their pride of being female, expel insecurities imposed by false mediums, and create stronger bonds between themselves that will help them traverse the adolescent years with love and confidence. Amy Sluss’ program of female empowerment is perfectly aligned with the mission of Women’s Initiative for Self Employment and sure to inspire all who participate to engage in the path to achieve self-sufficiency." -Ian Philabaum, SuccessLink Specialist/Especialista del programa AVANCE, Women’s Initiative for Self Employment

"I recommend Amy without hesitation! Over the past six years I have brought Amy in to inspire, educate and motivate a variety of different programs and groups under my charge.  Not only is her presentation style engaging and accessible, her masterful storytelling brings a depth of wisdom that is truly priceless.  Every group I have brought her in to share and work with has left with an increased confidence in their own lives, relationship and gifts."  - Glenn Valois MDiv., Director of Catechetical Ministries, Good Shepherd Parish, San Diego CA

"This past January my daughter and I attending one of Amy’s workshops and it was a incredible experience for both of us.  Amy has a wonderful way of guiding relaxed communication with difficult/uncomfortable issues for both the girls and moms.  I feel that with all the changes occurring in the girls lives during Middle School that Amy’s program can only help to further open the lines of communication between parents and daughters." -Heidi Morse

"Thank you for the wonderful workshop that my girls and I attended a few weeks back.  As a women's health care provider, I had talked to my girls about the "anatomy and physiology"  aspects of growing up.  But what I really appreciated about your workshop was getting into the feelings that surround these body changes and the open forum for us all to discuss and share them.  You created an open, supportive, positive and even fun atmosphere. Since the workshop, the girls and I have taken to reminding each other more regularly of the great qualities we see in one another. Thanks again.  I think you have a good thing going!"- Julie, a physician's assistant at a woman's health clinic

Comments from program leaders and attendees at Amy's Coming of Age Series Events (Growing up Female, Growing up Male, Parent session Talking to Your Kids about Sex:

“Amy Sluss presented her professional and inspiring Coming of Age series to our middle school program. Parents and students alike gathered and learned. Participants were pleased, staff was pleased, and I was pleased. I highly recommend this program and Amy's work."  – Rev. Padraig Greene, Parochial Administrator, Catholic Community of Pleasanton

“Thank you for leading this wonderful event.” – Kerry Barcellos, Programming Director, Girl Scouts of Northern California

“This is just the kind of quality programming we want to offer.” – Liz Rogers, Director of Faith Formation, Catholic Community of Pleasanton

“People are still talking about your keynote address. Let’s plan another event.” –Ellen McGraw, VP National Charity League, Pleasanton Chapter

“The talk was spot-on!” – Nancy Schlachte, Coordinator of Middle School Ministries, Catholic Community of Pleasanton

"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

“I liked the way it felt like you were speaking directly to me; it went straight to my heart.” - Rebecca

“I could tell you really understood.” - Jane

“You showed us the love you spoke about.” -Yvonne

“I loved they way you included humor. It was funny.” -Jeanette

“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

From those who have used Amy's learn-at-home packets

"These are 2 CDs that no parent of a girl should be without!  They are packed with engaging content and valuable advice.  I listened to them in my car, and was so engrossed in one of the wonderful, funny stories that Amy told, that I almost missed my exit off the freeway!  Amy has a gift when it comes to imparting this knowledge; she knows when to include appropriate humor, which had me howling with laughter at one point, and when to take a more serious and nurturing tone.  I found myself learning how even simple facts about sex and puberty can get mixed up if not explained appropriately, and at the same time I was being entertained by stories that enabled me to better retain the information.  My conclusion: I only wish that my mother could have had access to this when I was a young girl.  Thank you, Amy." – Gail Pither

“As a single Dad, I find myself in the position of being both the Dad and the Mom to my teenage and near-teenage daughters. The information that I learned from listening to this program was invaluable to me. I loved the interview-style format, and appreciated that the interviewer was a man who has experienced these challenging events with his own daughters. I found myself tearing up as I listened to certain topics in the program - it was not so much the content of the program but the feelings and memories that the program evoked that really hit home. I have already discussed several parts of the program with my daughters.I plan to listen again, because there were some great tidbits of information and ideas that will allow for me and my daughters to experience an even closer relationship than we already have - one with open communication and shared experiences. After all, there is no bond like the bond of a father and his daughter(s). “ – Michael Bedard

“These recordings of Amy’s are fantastic!” –Rob Borghese

"I loved the CD program and found it very helpful and supportive. I plan to play it on a regular basis while I'm driving so I don't forget some of the key ideas." - Dave Hutchison, father of 13-year-old daughter

"I loved your Mothers and Daughters audio CD. Listening to it made me feel informed as a mom and so empowered. There are so many layers to being a girl; it helps me to hear you talking about some of the issues. And you gave me concrete actions that I can take to stay connected with my daughter. I’m determined to keep the lines of communication open between my almost-a-teen daughter and me. Thank you; I appreciate and honor you and your life’s work!" -Tina Wagner, mother of pre-teen daughter

“Amy took the fear out of parenting my teenage daughter. After listening to her Mothers and Daughters CD I feel excited and appreciative about the changes my daughter is going through. Our relationship is even closer and more open. Amy Sluss is skilled at taking complicated information, bringing it to life, and making it fun.”  -Becky Duret

“Amy, We’re heading into the deep end over here and I JUST listened to your Mother-Daughter CD – AGAIN - 2 weeks ago as a refresher. Feeling a bit ‘unarmed’ as I ready for the battle she and I will fight together, hopefully not at each other. Thank you for you and for reminding me how amazing it IS to be a girl!!! I’d rather struggle through the challenges than be oblivious.”  -An on-the-edge mother of a hormone-laden, attitude sportin, knows-just-about-everything-about-everything-and-who-needs-a-mom-anyway pre-teen daughter (Just for ‘truth in advertising’ purposes.).

"This program is powerful. Thank you for helping me discuss these important issues with my son." - Paul

Regarding Amy's teleseminars for parents

“Join Amy Sluss’ teleseminar on talking to your kids about sex. Her advice and counsel helped me, it will categorically help you. I trusted Amy with a very difficult topic, she delivered, and I would seek her counsel again and again. Join the teleseminar. You will not be sorry.”  –Wendy Goody, mother of two teenage daughters

"We all know we should talk about sex with our children more but we don't know how to do it. Amy Sluss is here to help. I have heard Amy speak on this subject at least a half a dozen times and she knows what she is doing. Not only does Amy cover the content, she makes people feel comfortable and more confident that they can handle it too. You really should join her program on talking to your kids about sex."  -Mary Machi, youth leader and mother