As youth reach puberty and adolescence, they begin exploring sexuality, gender identity, and health - all normal parts of growing up. Those topics can also be hard to talk about for youth and guardians alike. During this episode of Girl, Empowered, Dr. Sohee Williams, a board-certified OBGYN at Pacific Women’s Center in Eugene, shares insights in how youth begin to take on the leadership and ownership of their own healthcare, how they tackle the tough (or sometimes embarrassing) questions, and how parents and community members play an important role in their development.

How do girls experience Autism Spectrum Disorder as they grow up? What should we keep in mind to best support them as adults? Let's learn from Samantha Cohen - a woman who grew up experiencing ASD and a former Ophelia's Place intern. She is currently a resident in New York.

Whether it's celebrating cultural joys and traditions or learning how to combat the increased racism during the last several years, youth use AAPI Heritage Month as a way to tap into who they are. Let's listen.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week reminds us that anyone can struggle with disordered eating no matter what their body looks like. Let's talk about how adults can support positive conversations around food and bodies with youth.

During this episode of Girl, Empowered, we explore the toxicity around New Year's resolutions focused on diets and changing bodies. "New Year, New You" feeds into harmful body image issues for teens, and pocketbooks of diet culture companies.

We can recognize problematic ways we represent and don't represent Indigenous and Native American peoples of this country, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Columbus Day. And dedicating a particular day or month to celebrating Indigenous peoples is challenging too. During November's Girl, Empowered, River hands the mic to Jordan Connell of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and Alejandra Gonzalez, Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota to discuss the tension created by those holidays, how to be an ally to Indigenous and Native American peoples, and how to discuss the issue with youth.

Greta Thunberg. Malala Yousafzai. Autumn Peltier. Whether they're well-known or silently making a difference in their communities, girls are already fighting for a healthy, safe, supportive world now and for their futures. October 11 is International Day of Girl. Celebrate this important global day with Ophelia's Place as we explore the origin of the day.

In this episode of Girl, Empowered, we talk with OP Schools Program Director Yuki Roberts. As we try to return to school this fall during the pandemic, it takes more communication and better understanding between adults and youth. Let's learn more.

Youth have the opportunity to learn and experience so many life lessons when they explore and play in their favorite fandoms. Whether anime, art, tech, or anything considered "geek," youth build relationships, self-esteem, and a life-long love for their fandoms. Let's get to it.

In this episode, we celebrate the youth in the LGBTQIA+ community with pride, compassion, support, and education. We'll learn about OP QueerSpace - our therapy group designed to give space and support to all girls, including trans girls, plus non-binary, gender nonconforming, and gender fluid folks.