Teacher Training Program

I offer one of only a handful of training programs designed to certify practitioners as “Fertility Awareness Educators” (FAE) and Holistic “Sexual and Reproductive Health Educators” (SHE). This program is for those of you who are experienced in cycle tracking that feel strongly that you would like to offer this practice and a greater body of body literacy education and women’s wisdom in a professional setting. It is an excellent match for those already in the healthcare field that would like to add this skillset to theirs, but is open for application to anyone with a passion for the material. It is an in-depth two year program that occurs primarily on-line, therefore offering access from any location. If you would like to be on the mailing list to hear announcements about the program and application period, please register below. But first, please read on and learn more!

The program is based in the following core beliefs

Please note: In the program, we explore and experiment with gender language, utilizing both typical binary language and newer more inclusive terms. We seek to honor and uphold both the complex history of women in our culture while also being inclusive of those who are gender non-conforming.

• Sovereignty and Autonomy: We have the potential to be the experts of our own bodies and be an equal partner in our healthcare.  This requires developing (or remembering) how to listen to our bodies and to nature, and learning how to trust them to guide us.   

• Collaborative Education: We are all teachers and we are all students.  We educate each other by stepping forth with our personal and professional life experiences and wisdom.  

• Emotional Intelligence: This educational journey welcomes you to bring all of yourself.  Over the two years of studies, you will be supported and encouraged to traverse not only an intellectual and professional journey but also an emotional and spiritual one if so desired.

• Diversity: Each group is mindfully chosen to include participants from varying cultural, ethnic, economic and lifestyle backgrounds so our understanding of life can grow from exposure to difference.

• Activism & Intersectionality: The program encourages awareness and attention to the intersection of environmental and social justice and promotes activism as a way to create change towards a healthier life for all

• Accessibility: Scholarships and Payment plans are available to create access for participants of varying economic status.

About the Program

• A new round of the Teacher Training Program begins every year!  

• Inquiries are accepted year-round. Please add your name to the waitlist and you will be notified when the application period opens. 

• I send announcements about applications and other program details via newsletter as well as posting on my Facebook and Instagram business pages.   

• The application period for each new round begins in June, the summer prior to the start of each round of the program.  

• Preparations begin in the fall and classes begin at the start of the new year.  

• I offer three (partial tuition) ‘Diversity Scholarships’ for each cohort of the program. This financial assistance is to support a more diverse student body in the program as well as offer reparations to populations who have historically had less access to academic institutions due to systemic racism. Please inquire via email. There is also an option in the application for those who would like to contribute to this fund.

• Accessibility is primary to the program. Given the current state of the world and the economic challenges we are facing, I have expanded the price range, giving those who can the opportunity to pay more to support those who can’t. I will continue to offer scholarships and work trades. If you want to join the training but have financial concerns, please do not hesitate to apply and ask for what works for you. Your situation will be sincerely considered.

• The program primarily takes part in an on-line classroom, but also includes two trips to Oregon, USA- in May of year one and September of year two.

  Application & Enrollment Schedule

for the next round of studies, taking place during the 2025-2026 Academic Years: The Application Period is open as of June 6th, 2024. Applications are available via the links on this page.

April 2024: Question and Answer sessions announced

April/May 2024: Preliminary reach out and promotion

June 6th, 2024: Application period opens/ applications will be available.

June 12th and 21st, 2024 On-line Q&A sessions. Recordings available by request.

August-September 2024: Interviews take place

September 2024: acceptance/denial letters sent, financial aide offers sent.

Late September 2024: enrollment confirmation and deposits due

October 2024: Welcome packets sent, enrollment contracts due

November 2024: Introduction Meeting and Module one assignments sent

January 2025: Weekly classes begin

December 2026: Graduation

Program Description

Who this program is for:  
Those desiring a thorough and holistic education to become a certified Sexual Health Educator and a Fertility Awareness Educator (FAE).   
​
The Two Year Teacher Training program will provide the educational foundation and material mastery for creating and sustaining a sexual health and fertility awareness education and consulting practice. Specifically, a certified FAE/SHE will be prepared to offer the following to their clientele:

• A deep understanding of the inter-relationship of the endocrine system to the greater female physiology and whole systems health

• A holistic/functional medicine approach to health and health coaching

• An understanding of the relationship of our bodies/health to the natural world

• Body literacy education and extensive self-monitoring tools and self-care skills

• The skills to track cycle and overall health and body patterns via the ‘Cycle Mapping’ Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) taught by Sarah. 

• Use of Cycle Mapping for self awareness, contraception and conception

• Use of Cycle Mapping for gauging gynecological health throughout the reproductive years and beyond

• Support and counsel around basic diet and lifestyle practices that uphold hormonal health

• Support, advocacy and protocols for dealing with reproductive/sexual health imbalances and pathology

• Support around conscious sexuality

• Support with navigating the life transitions and thresholds of puberty, preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, peri-menopause and menopause. 

• Support and advocacy for pregnancy options/outcomes   

  *Please note that a more in depth list of competencies as seen by our professional organization are available here. 

  *Please also note that an FAE/RHE is an educator, not a medical doctor and will not be using their skills for diagnosing or treating illness.

  A Certified FAE/SHE will also receive:

• Access to the resources needed for running a practice; including hand-outs, documents, charts, visual aides, and other organizational materials

• Basic professional skills, scientific literacy training, cultural agility education and logistical tips for running a business

• Basic counseling skills necessary for working with clients in this capacity, including trauma informed care basics and cultural agility training.

• Certification from ‘The Well Body School of Body Literacy’

• Title recognition and accreditation as an FAE and access to membership and website listing with our professional organization, AFAP. (Association of Fertility Awareness Professionals)*

*AFAP is the only international network of non-religious based Fertility Awareness Professionals.  It is the evolution of the Fertility Awareness Network (FAN) and FA Center, which were founded in 1981 by Barbara Feldman and more recently run by a board of directors and collaborative administration.  AFAP provides FA professionals the opportunity to stay connected as a part of a professional community, stay accountable to a standard of care, share information and research, serve our profession with committee work and take part in continued education opportunities.  

Investment:

2025-2026 Total Tuition for the two year program is offered as a sliding scale from $9,800-$12,800.  All funds received beyond the baseline $9,800 will go directly to assist with tuition for those unable to pay the base fee and are not eligible for work trade.
**Scholarships and payment plans are available.   Please see FAQ's*

The tuition… 

• Does not include required text books (which are minimal)

• Does not include travel expenses, lodging, craft supplies or food for the two Ashland gatherings.

• DOES include all required classes/lectures during the Ashland intensive.

• Does not include fees to internship mentor in year two ($600USD) which are earned while teaching your practice class thus are NOT an actual expense.

**No matter your financial situation, if your passion and desire is strong, please apply. 

What students are saying

Program format

Year One: Completion of six training modules.  3 day Wilderness Retreat in Southern Oregon 

        Modules each include: 

• Module outline and goals

• Reading, video and research assignments

• Student Presentation Assignments

• Hand out Assignments

• Study Questions 

• Booklist and Resource List

• Guest Teacher Visits

• Six weekly classes

• Private Consults

• End of Module Review Questions​

       
        Module Requirements: 

• Attend weekly class (3 hours/week for six of every eight weeks)

• Complete homework assignments (including a power point presentation every other module, study questions, handouts and Review Questions) 

• Attend one private module review session every other module with Sarah (60-75 minutes)

• Approximate time commitment= 8-10 hours/week on average.

        Module Topics:

• The history/politics/metaphors/uses of Cycle Tracking and variations of methods. Women’s/Gender studies and Reproductive Justice. Contraceptive method options. Scientific Literacy. Healthcare Models.

• Endocrine anatomy and physiology. Whole body physiology and interrelations. FA and functional medicine.

• The Cycle Mapping Practice. Vaginal Microbiome. Cervical Health. STI’s. Femtech.

• The phases of the female life cycle. Applying Body Literacy practices through the years. Self-care during life passages.

• Gynecological Health/Pathology. Nutrition and lifestyle support. Chart assessment skills.

• Integrating Complementary Healthcare practices. Basic Counseling Skills. Professionalism, Collaborative care and practicing in community.
  
  
  

Wilderness Retreat:

• During the late spring of your first year of studies we will gather in Southern Oregon for a 3 day wilderness retreat. This is not required but *highly encouraged*.  Exceptions made for those students from overseas or with financial hardship.   Dates (generally late May) will be given by the first of the year.

Year Two:   Continued material mastery and Supervised Internship. Classes continue to take place 2-3x per month with student led study groups once per month, private internship review sessions monthly and occasional weeks off.

       Classes include: 

• Master classes: teacher, guest teacher and student lectures with discussion on topics of interest

• Practice Presentations: an opportunity to practice mini-lectures you will be offering during your internship.   

• Chart reviews/Case Studies: both teacher, guest teacher and student led

• Study Group: student led classes on topics of interest, one each month

• Private internship sessions with your mentors.

  
      Ashland Intensive:

• All students are required to attend a one week intensive in Ashland, Oregon, USA.  The intensive occurs in September of the second year of studies and is required for graduation.  This is a weeklong gathering with morning and afternoon sessions and training opportunities with local professionals in related fields. 

• Lodging and travel are not included in tuition though assistance may be available for those in need.  Guest lectures and all class sessions are included in general tuition. 

        Internship:

• When prepared to do so, students will begin the internship phase of the program. The internship includes:

  • Teaching a series of classes in your community, attended by your mentor.

  • 4-7 months of supervised private consults- as per graduation requirements

  • Activism Project: designed by student and overseen by facilitator, a chance to serve in your community. 

  • Private meetings with instructor and your mentor (2-3xmonth) as needed to assess internship projects

  • Preparation and finalization of teaching materials needed for professional practice

  • Graduation and certification!

       
   Schedule:

• One 3 hour class 2-3x/month with occasional breaks. 

• In person intensive in Ashland, OR each year.

• Private sessions with Sarah and your mentor 2-3x/month or as needed.   

The Team at The Well

The WellBody School of Body Literacy was founded in 2011 by Sarah Bly, FAE, SHE and former midwife. Though Sarah continues to be a primary facilitator at The Well, the school and curriculum are upheld and taught collaboratively, including co-facilitator and teacher Majida Sa’ida Al-Husaam, a fantastic team of mentors and a whole host of guest speakers. Please read on to get to know the team of FAE’s and other professionals that make The Well so deep.

Faculty, co-facilitator

Mentor Team

Regular Guest Teachers

Each round of the program we bring in around a dozen guest teachers and speakers to cover various topics related to our work. Below I would like to introduce you to a few core collaborators whose contributions are essential to our program.

​Character of the Program

​The WellBody School of Body Literacy (formerly GOTM) seeks to train educators who serve their clients in becoming more embodied, empowered and proactive in their health care. We seek to serve a diverse population of women and people with wombs, offering comprehensive education, self-care tools, advocacy and support during their reproductive years and beyond.  The training program teaches use of a cycle charting practice as the foundational tool for this larger scope of self-awareness and health care education, but involves a plethora of other practices embedded in the Body Literacy backdrop. The program incorporates many facets of reproductive and sexual health education, including empowerment, conscious sexuality, lifestyle and nutrition studies, environmental awareness, patient advocacy and referral skills to offer clients assistance in maintaining health and balance in their reproductive years.  
 
The program is designed to be a collaborative, holistic, full-spectrum education in the field of Sexual Health and Fertility Awareness.  It has been created as such in hopes of maximizing the students’ exposure to the diverse perspectives held by other students, teachers and styles.  Though the program offers a set of guidelines for a cycle charting practice as created by ‘The WellBody Institute’ and in accordance with evidence based studies of the method,  the program also gives students an objective look at the various ways of practicing self-awareness and other FABM and lets each student find their own truth and resonance within the whole.  
 
The first year of the program is run on a spacious but routine schedule, which provides this close knit group to navigate the material together while leaving plentiful time to meet the requirements with ease in their potentially busy lives.  Sitting in classes and study groups together, face to face yet on-line (thanks to the ZOOM platform), choosing and dividing research amongst the students, we will share the path of learning, gaining from one another’s expertise, personal experiences and opinions while also witnessing the educational choices each is making.  This will serve to expand the amount of input and collective research possible by having many minds working together.  Another benefit of this educational style is the opportunity to grow and deepen one’s own personal truth while avoiding a dogmatic approach, thus retaining tolerance for others’ ideas and beliefs…
 
Our curriculum takes a holistic stance on the practices taught, focusing on the empowerment they offer and the deep self-awareness and intimacy created.   The Cycle Mapping practice and the specific tools of contraception and conscious conception are thus not as the mainstay of the practice but rather the natural consequence of this developing connection to one’s self, one’s body and the expansive educated mind.  We will be incorporating the psychological aspects into a foundation built on both the science and interpersonal powers of this work. 
 
The program offers a thorough, scientific and evidence based education and a solid, strong and well-rounded foundation for which students can build from to become experts in the particular avenues within the field they feel most drawn to follow.  As the main facilitator of the program, I hope to create a budding community of FAE/SHE Educators that are up to date and well read in their field, politically aware and active, and that have the tools to create the change they wish to see.  I imagine teachers who are living, loving examples of empowerment and sovereignty, modeling this strength and exquisite freedom to their peers and students.  I imagine these women walking away from the program with confidence in their ability to interact with other professionals, health care providers and colleagues, yet with respect of their differences.  I see them holding a powerful yet humble trust in the material, which is gained from the embodiment of the practices as much as it is from the academic work.  I see this program birthing educators who will go on to have great impact on the future of women’s health and sexual health in their particular culture; offering tools for the next evolution of ‘sexual liberation’.  Together we are creating a new story that does not hinge on chemicals and procedures, but on connection and trust in one’s biology and a knowing of the perfection of our bodies and the earth that sustains them.  These educators will be leaders in a shifting paradigm that guides people back to being the experts of their own bodies and living in connection to the rhythms of nature. 
 
I see these same women/people ready and willing to go beyond offering basic sex education and advancing in time to serve a wide range of populations, including those just entering their cycling years, women on their way out of their fertile years, those needing support in the foundations of their reproductive system and health, those challenged to conceive and those seeking pre-conception counseling.  I see these same teachers as leaders politically in the field of sexual education, being advocates for increased personal awareness in schools, institutions and health care facilities... I see them as advocates also in the field of environmental health and reproductive justice, making health education available to all, regardless of gender or sexual identity or religious, economic or marital status.   
 
Students will continually be encouraged to help co-create a curriculum that will best serve their communities. As a facilitator I will guide each student in finding their strengths, weaknesses and passions and how these will be reflected in their practice.  The model for public offerings will be based on material guidelines but will be shaped to meet the individual and her community. 
 
The curriculum is deeply rooted in a traditional model of healthcare that is non-linear, intuitive and holistic, yet blended with the best science has to offer.

If these intentions and visions describe a path you see for yourself in this life, please consider joining us.   Thank you for your interest in this wonderful body of material. 

Course Requirements and Pre-requisites

Requirements for application:

•  At least one year of charting your cycle daily, including cervical fluid and basal body temperature bio-markers.

•  Attendance at one Fertility Awareness workshop with certified FAE; or equivalent one on one study with an educator or in an on-line program. 

•  A college level Anatomy and Physiology course or equivalent self-study (if necessary this can be completed after enrollment but prior to classes beginning)

• Either academic or personal research in the field of women/gender studies

• Either academic or personal research/practice in the field of conscious communication skills

• For white participants= attendance in an anti-racism or de-colonization course

•  Willingness to participate in weekly on-line classes and to communicate clearly, maturely & honestly with students and teachers.

•  A completed application

•  A $60USD processing fee 

 
Requirements for enrollment:

•   Attendance at one of two Q and A sessions in the summer

•   An interview in person or on-line

•   Acceptance letter**

•   Signing of a commitment contract

•   Signing of a personal contract

•   Signing of the financial agreement

•   A $600 non-refundable deposit towards tuition                                                                       

  **Please note that I am not able to accept all those who apply.  I take 12-14 students each year and usually have many more than that number of applicants. 

Preparations for those interested in joining the program
in the future

If you would like to be a part of the training program but are not feeling fully prepared... Or you hope to enroll but have to wait until another round is beginning... here are some tips to help you get on your way.  

Read:
Here are my favorite books, bridging several related areas. If you go on to enroll in the program, you'll be way ahead of the game!  
Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler (new edition)
The Garden of Fertility by Katie Singer
A New View of a Woman’s Body ~Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers  (Get it here: http://www.fwhc.org/sale3.htm)
Her Blood is Gold by Lara Owen
Mysteries of the Dark Moon by Demetra George

Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers by Ehrenreich and English
Women’s Anatomy of Arousal by Sherri Winston
The Pill: Are you sure it’s for you? By Alexandra Pope and Jane Bennet
Our Stolen Future by Theo Colbourne
Full Moon Feast, Jessica Prentice
Healing Wise by Susun Weed
Women’s Wheel Of Life by Elizabeth Davis

The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution by Aviva Romm

Hormone Intelligence by Aviva Romm

Wise Power by Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer and Alexandra Pope

Chart:
This is the foundation of the education offered.  Tune in deeper and deeper with your own body and cycle and let it be your teacher.  Chart not only the primary signs but other symptoms, supplements, feelings and sensations.  Dig in and enjoy this precious body you live in.

Spend time with the earth:
There is no better way to learn about your own body, to learn to teach others about their bodies... then to listen to the greater body of our planet.  Pay close attention to the cycles, seasons, the CHANGE that is constant, the subtle voices, the ways in which you can serve.  This will make a difference.  
 
Find teachers:
Whether on line or in your community, observe classes from others teaching FAM or other related material.  See FA educators in action, take note of different teaching styles, collect information and find what works for you.  Take notes and notice what moves you.  

Do your research:
Find ways to stay current with the latest information in the field.  Try 'google alerts' on topics such as 'Fertility Awareness' 'Hormonal Health' and other topics of your choice.  'Like' my business page on Facebook as well as other organizations dedicated to sharing articles and writings.  Spend a little time each week following threads on things that inspire you in the realm of health and FA.  

Network in your community:
Meet the practitioners in your area that are ‘Body Literacy’ oriented.  Go to free events, meet and greets and find other ways to meet Naturopaths, Acupuncurists, Functional Medicine Doctors, Midwives, Arvigo practitioners and other healers and educators in your community.     

FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know if I qualify for a scholarship?

  • Scholarship offerings are based both on financial need as well as on creating a diverse student body.  I seek to gather an international group of students representing various income levels, races, lifestyles and cultural perspectives. Thus, I offer assistance to make the course possible across those divides.  

  • Please explore this document to see what scholarships are available for each cohort. When applying you will answer specific questions to be considered for these scholarships. I am unable to calculate or make estimates on scholarship amounts until all applications are received. Once assessing the need of the applicant pool I will reach out with scholarship awards. If you are being asked to join the program, you will receive a scholarship and/or work trade offer at that time.

• Can you tell me more about the diversity scholarship?

  • I offer three ‘Diversity Scholarships’ each year to applicants that identify as a POC. These scholarships will cover between 40-75% of the tuition. Please identify your interest in this scholarship with your application. The intentions behind this scholarship are: 1. making reparations to citizens in the USA that have personally, ancestorally or culturally experienced less access to higher education and FA education due to racism's effect in our country and educational institutions and 2. Increasing access and therefore diversity in the classroom, which ultimately serves communities of color through bringing this groundbreaking work to them and serves all participants through broadening the perspectives brought forth in our collaboratively based education model. 

• Is the program entirely on-line and can it be taken from anywhere in the world?

  A majority of the program (nearly weekly classes for two years) takes place on-line on the Zoom platform. There are two trips to Oregon, USA however; one required, one highly encouraged. Anyone is welcome to apply, regardless of location. The only challenges to consider would be if the time zone difference (classes take place from 9-12 PST) will work for your schedule and if travel to Oregon will be possible. Please speak directly to me with questions about this topic.

• What if I have not done one of the pre-requisites, can I still apply?

  • You will have the rest of the year from application until the program starts to fulfill the requirements. I will prioritize applicants who have a longer history of charting experience but will not rule out those only having charted for a year.

• Is the tuition listed above for each year or for the entire program?

  • The tuition is for the entire two year program.

• Is the class time always from 9-12 PST?

  • Generally yes. Each year we alternate from Wednesdays to Thursdays. This is not set in stone however and I will consider exceptions due to the needs of the group. The intention is to make the course available to folks across the globe and this seems to be the best time frame for that.

• What if I work a 9-5 job, can I watch the classes on video?

  • Classes are recorded, however it is optimal for all students to attend classes live. Speak with me personally if you want to discuss this. Many past students have been able to make arrangements with their employers to work around this situation.

• Where do I fulfill my Anatomy of Physiology course requirement?

  • Any college level A&P class will work. Many colleges and universities offer online courses, which are more affordable and accessible. You may also be able to audit a class at a local community college. Because college credit is not necessary for this program, you can take any non-credit online courses that covers the western science basics of the human body systems. Here are two recommended options:

    1. Heart Stone Anatomy and Physiology Online Course:  I am grateful that the teacher of this class has offered a discounted rate for program applicants.

    1. Wild Rose College of Herbal Medicine Anatomy and Physiology

    2. Free course to audit with Khan Acadamy

    3. YouTube Channel with full A&P course

The Application and Question/Answer sessions

Q&A sessions for 2025-26 cohort were held on June 12th and June 21st. Please email Sarah if you’d like to watch the recordings.