Multifaceted health and sexuality educator, New York, US

“As a teacher and mom of three kids, I care deeply about ensuring that young people have access to inclusive sex education. But I also know that the need for medically accurate information about one’s body is important for people of all ages and life stages.”

Areas of expertise

Adult and teen sexual and reproductive health
Puberty
Sexuality education
Contraception
Sexually transmitted infections
Health education
Abortion
Parenting
Healthy relationships
Consent for sex and sexual violence

“Working with people from so many different walks of life has helped me develop a real understanding of the many barriers that can get in the way of simply trying to take care of and understand your health.”

— Ellen Friedrichs, MA

Areas of expertise

Adult and teen sexual and reproductive health
Puberty
Sexuality education
Contraception
Sexually transmitted infections
Health education
Abortion
Parenting
Healthy relationships
Consent for sex and sexual violence

— Ellen Friedrichs, MA

Career

Middle and high school health education program – Coordinator, since 2006
City University of New York – Lecturer on health and human sexuality, 2006–2023
Independent sex educator for parents, students, summer camps, religious institutions, and community organizations
Our Bodies Ourselves Today – Content expert
Society of Health and Physical Educators – Member of the Inclusive Practices in Health Education Task Force
The Washington Post, HuffPost, Healthline, Parents, Motherwell, and Salon – Contributing writer

Education

New York University – Master of Arts in health and human sexuality education, 2001
Simon Fraser University – Bachelor of Arts in women’s studies, 1998
NYC Department of Health – Certified HIV pre- and post-test counselor
National Council for Mental Wellbeing – Certificate in Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training

Appearances and publications in other media

Cleis Press,

24 Sep 2019

Good Sexual Citizenship: How to Create a (Sexually) Safer World

The Laverne Cox Show,

12 Oct 2023

Becoming a Good Sexual Citizen w/ Ellen Friedrichs

AMAZE Parents,

02 Sep 2021

AMAZEing Educator Talks: STIs and Sexual Health Care

Facebook,

28 Jan 2022