Science-based • Age-appropriate • Student-centered

EducaHealth provides high-quality comprehensive health education to support young people in making healthy life decisions. At EducaHealth, we believe that health education is the most powerful tool to prevent high-risk behavior in adolescence and beyond.

Our hope

About us

At EducaHealth, we believe every young person deserves science-based, honest, and age-appropriate information about their bodies and their health. Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe, informed, and responsible choices.

Grounded in current best pedagogical practices, we deliver engaging, interactive programs in comprehensive health and wellness education, puberty and growth education, sexual health, and substance use prevention. Each program is developed in close collaboration with our partner schools to ensure it reflects the unique needs, values, and culture of each school community.

Our programs

All of our programs are evidence-informed, multidisciplinary, and science-based.

MEDICALLY-ACCURATE • DEVELOPMENTALLY-APPROPRIATE • EVIDENCE-INFORMED

Health & Wellness Education

Each of our programs is thoughtfully designed by our team in close collaboration with our partner schools and is continuously reviewed and refined. We offer a wide variety of classes that take a holistic approach to health and wellness, addressing topics such as the science of puberty and adolescent development, reproductive anatomy, sexual health, physical and mental well-being, building and maintaining healthy relationships, and media literacy and healthy screen use.

Our programs are developmentally appropriate for students in grades 3–12, and all lessons are aligned with the most recent National Health Education Standards.

 A vital component of our programming is family engagement and at-home connection. Prior to the start of lessons, families receive materials to review and are invited to attend a parent or caregiver meeting where they can meet their student’s educators, learn about the program, experience sample activities, and ask questions. We also share practical tips and curated resources to help caregivers continue conversations and support their young people at home. For students in sixth grade and below, we incorporate homework assignments consisting of guided conversation prompts related to the topic of the day, designed to help students build confidence discussing health topics with their trusted adults.

Elementary School

(Ages 8-11)

Grade 5
  1. Healthy Friendships
  2. Consent, Boundaries, & Communication
  3. Changes During Puberty II
  4. Female Reproductive Biology & The Menstrual Cycle
  5. Male Reproductive Biology & Sperm Production

Middle School

(Ages 11-14)

Grade 7
  1. Media Literacy: Our Digital Footprint
  2. The Pillars of Health
  3. The Science of Puberty
  4. Fertilization, Twins, & Sex Assigned at Birth
  5. The Stages of Pregnancy & Childbirth

High School

(Ages 14-18)

Grade 10
  1. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
  2. Consent, Sexting, & The Law
  3. High Risk/Low Risk Behaviors for STIs
  4. Abstinence & Other Protection Methods II
  5. Pornography Literacy

The Body Project

An Evidence-Based Program to Improve Body Image

In addition to our in-school programming, EducaHealth is proud to offer The Body Project, an evidence-based program designed to help female-identifying high school students challenge unrealistic beauty ideals and develop a healthier relationship with their bodies.

Led by trained educators, small groups of 5–10 students participate in four one-hour sessions (or six 45-minute sessions), offered either in person or virtually via Zoom. Research has shown that this program increases body satisfaction, reduces the risk of eating disorders, and improves both social and school functioning.

EducaHealth offers Body Project groups twice a year. Sessions typically meet once or twice per week in the evenings or on weekends, depending on interest and group availability.

Parents and guardians interested in learning more can visit the National Eating Disorders Association’s The Body Project page or contact us at info@educahealth.org.

Comprehensive • Multidisciplinary • Factual

Substance Use Prevention Program (SUPP)

Grounded in the most current research, our customizable curriculum for grades 8–12 is designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make safe and informed choices. The program follows research-based prevention and drug education principles and emphasizes practical decision-making skills.

Each lesson engages students through interactive activities such as group discussions, case scenarios, and fact-or-fiction games that encourage critical thinking and active participation.

The curriculum is aligned with the National Health Education Standards.

It includes the following topics:

Drug & Brain Basics I

Students are introduced to the basic functions of the brain and how neurons communicate through neurotransmitters. Students learn how psychoactive drugs affect the brain, in particular the still-developing teenage brain, and understand the concepts of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal.

Drug & Brain Basics II

Students examine their own beliefs about alcohol and other drugs. Students then learn about abstinence and harm reduction strategies. They discuss genetic, social, and environmental factors that contribute to substance use and abuse.

Alcohol & Other Depressants

Students are introduced to the classification of drugs according to their effects on the brain. Depressant drugs are presented first with a main focus on alcohol. Students learn harm reduction strategies such as how to perform the recovery position on an intoxicated person.

Cocaine, Amphetamines, & Other Stimulants

Students learn about the effects of stimulant drugs including caffeine. They discuss the impact of cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription stimulants on the brain and body.

Nicotine, Vaping, & E-Cigarettes

Students explore the health effects of nicotine in the brain and body. Students analyze how advertising agencies have contributed to the rise in popularity of vaping and e-cigarettes among teens. 

Cannabis

Students learn the potential risks and benefits of cannabis products (marijuana, hashish, etc.) including edibles. Students discuss the impacts of legalization for medical use vs. for recreational purposes.

Psychedelics, MDMA & Other Club Drugs

Students learn the effects and types of psychedelics, Ecstasy and other «club drugs». They reflect on drug references in the media and music, and how they may influence teens. Finally, they discuss the risks of illicit drug adulteration.

Opioids & Prescription Pain Medications

Students learn the effects of heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. They discuss the impact that the widespread prescription of pain medications has had on the current opioid epidemic that our nation is facing. They analyze the role that big pharmaceutical companies have played in contributing to this crisis.

Mental Health & Coping with Stress

Students discuss how drug use can be used as a mechanism to cope with mental health issues.They learn healthier alternatives to deal with trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress and how to access resources. The importance of nutrition, physical activity, relaxation techniques, and sleep will be discussed.

Comprehensive health education

Meet our team

About

EducaHealth’s Director & Founder

Nia Torres, M.Ed., SHCP is an Ecuadorian-American health educator and the founder of EducaHealth. She holds a BA in Psychology from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and a Master’s in Education from Boston University. She also completed post-graduate training as a Sexual Health Educator at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Since 2010, Nia has partnered with more than 30 independent and public schools across the Greater Boston area to design and deliver comprehensive, developmentally aligned health education programs. Her work focuses on translating current research into engaging, age-appropriate lessons that help young people build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to make informed and healthy decisions.

-Estefanía Torres

About

Educator

Jackie Barnhart, M.S., M.A joins EducaHealth with more than 10 years of teaching experience in public and independent schools. Certified in elementary education and secondary science, she has taught everything from Kindergarten to AP Biology. Her strong background in biology and interest in human growth and development drew her to EducaHealth’s mission. Jackie brings deep expertise in elementary and middle grades pedagogy and loves helping younger students begin age-appropriate, empowering conversations about puberty and sexual health.

-Jackie Barnhart

About

Educator

Lisa Hoopis, Ed.D is a health educator with broad experience in teaching, advocacy, and youth development. She holds degrees in psychology and youth development, a Certificate in Sexuality Education from Rutgers, and has her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Johnson & Wales. Lisa teaches at Rhode Island College, developed a victim advocacy certificate program, and now serves as a Student Success Coach for foster youth. She co-founded the Rhode Island HIV/STI Prevention Coalition and contributes to statewide initiatives supporting survivors of violence.

-Lisa Hoopis

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Testimonials

What Clients are Saying

Chetna Naimi, Partnership Director, Codman Academy and Codman Square Health Center

«Nia’s impeccable teaching skills established a solid foundation for the Sexual Health Education Program at Codman Academy. She is admired by our staff and students alike for her approachable personality, candid interaction and the depth of knowledge. Nia’s creative ability to connect and engage, as she taught this crucial life skill, encouraged honest engagement in a safe space for students in grades 3rd through 12th. Her teaching went beyond classroom instruction as she introduced resources for sexual and reproductive health access, health advocates and experts during her lessons and created a safe environment to discuss the health needs of all students including the needs of LGBTQ community within the school. We are excited and grateful that Nia continues to be part of our Codman Academy community».

Megara Bell, Director of Patners in Sex Education and former Boston Public Schools Sexual Health Coordinator

Nia is a fantastic educator with the versatility to be able to teach to all groups, K-12, public-private, English-Spanish-multilingual, parents, and colleagues. Seeing her teach in mixed English/Spanish classes is magical. She connects with all students and makes awkward conversations educational and fun. EducaHealth brings customizable and top notch programming to fit any school climate. Their sex education lessons are comprehensive, LGBTQ inclusive, culturally responsive and trauma-informed. Their educators are trained in the best practices of evidence informed programming.

Joshua Abrams, Head of School, Meridian Academy

Nia and Sukriti have been working with our students for several years. Each year, they work with all of our students grades 6 through 12 broken down by grade for a week. They have developed curricula that work for each age level, that build upon each year as the students mature, and that combine into learning that is both broad and deep. They have become welcome annual members of our community, and the students eagerly look forward to their return. I have been so impressed with their connection to and respect for the students, their ideas, and their questions. They establish a trusting relationship within each group that enables frank discussions and an appreciation for everyone for who they are. Parents also welcome the preliminary meetings that help them think about their contributions to their children’s growth and how that complements their learning at school. I cannot recommend Sukriti and Nia more highly!

Johanna Faulkner (7th grade teacher and parent, The Pike School)

My son who is now in high school also attended your sessions at Pike when he was in 6th, 7th and 8th grade. He always thought they were very informative and it fueled lots of great conversations at home.

Maria Brown, Science Department Chair, The Pike School

I appreciated Nia’s capacity to communicate the information candidly, openly and sensibly at the same time. She took the time to honor our students’ questions and responded to them with all the necessary detail and up to date facts.

Margie Bailey, Former Assistant Director of Health & Wellness, Dana Hall School

Dana Hall School is fortunate to work with EducaHealth on implementing sexual health and substance abuse prevention education in our Forum program. Nia and Sukriti approach their classes with professionalism, empathy, and scientifically based information in a way that is engaging and impactful for our students. In addition, the curriculum is focused on inclusivity, anti-bias, and uses gender-non-conforming language to further promote healthy lifestyles.

For support in developing your school district’s sex education program, or for more information on sex education curricula and training, see our sister organization PartnersInSexEducation.org

Work with us

Are you a trained and/or certified health educator? Do you have a passion for working with students? We are searching for a per diem educator to join our team of experienced sexual health and substance abuse prevention educators. Submit your resume and cover letter to our director Estefanía Torres at: etorres@educahealth.org

Get In Touch

If you are interested in having EducaHealth work with your school, or want more information, contact our Director Estefanía (Nia) Torres at etorres@educahealth.org

Mailing Address: 711 E. 4th Street  – Boston, MA 02127