Emily Frost, Founding Director of Love Your Nature, has been a mentor and experiential educator for 15 years. She has been a guide to over 100 girls in long term groups, and has worked with hundreds of girls around the Bay Area. Quetzal Francois has been a partner in the work for over 4 years, bringing a lifetime of wisdom and skills to the circle. Here is what some participants have to say...
Youth Voices...
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"I owe you an eternal debt of gratitude for everything you have done for me - you've given me a safe space to truly be myself and in the process, discover who I am. I love you so much! I look up to you in every respect. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" - Rosalie |
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"This weekend really opened my eyes up to how special we should feel to be a woman. In today's society it's easy to forget what it really means to be a woman. I appreciate everything that I have learned. Not just the technical things about sex, but the deep meaning and beauty behind it. Leaving here I have promised myself to always step back and think before I do anything sexual, because each time should be enjoyed and leave me feeling more powerful after than less of a woman. Thank you to the leaders for letting me in on your wisdom without making me feel awkward or lectured. Keep doing what you're doing and hopefully you will do this again because I have people in mind that need help on their path too, like all of us." - D.G.V. |
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"Can I just say, these past few years have been AMAZING. You've taught me so much about myself, the world, and how to get through it. I honestly don't know what I would have done without girls group. I just want you to know that I see you as an incredible person. You have goals and ambitions, and you make them a reality. You are so strong and such an amazing leader with a powerful voice. I find that truly inspiring. I think all the other girls in our group can say the same. Thank you so much for everything you've ever done. We love you." - Coralie |
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"Emily, you have impacted my life more than I realize. Not just as a group leader, but as a sister and as just a friend. I hope there are more years to come because this group has helped me beyond any therapy could. I love you. Keep up your work, and impacting peoples' lives (which is what you are best at). What you are doing and providing for us is profound and inexplainable." - Dylan |
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"Thank you so much for this weekend. I met so many different girls with the same problems as me. It's just good to know I'm not the only one dealing with these problems." - K.S. |
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"First, I would like to thank you for the many years you've spent comforting me through my many mental breakdowns and crazy amounts of tears. I honestly don't know who I would be today without the warmth and support you've provided all this time. I forever wish you the best and you deserve to have the entire world bow down to you and bless you with mad amazing luck." - Harmony |
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"Emily, I love you so much. You create a space where I can bond with people I never would have met without girls group. I can honestly say I have no idea where I would be if I didn't have this group. I get to have a place where I can express and emote feelings that most people don't have a place to do. It's simple, I love you and I am so happy to have you in my life." - Isabella |
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"Emily was amazing in this girls group. She made all of us feel welcome and comfortable. The other girls were so genuine and kind to each other, even though we were all practically strangers. I loved this girls group!" - G.G. |
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"I cannot thank you enough for being present in my life. I feel like I have changed and grown so much in my time with you. Looking back on our girls group, I can see how it has shaped who I have become. I look up to you so much and I have loved experiencing the progression of your life with you." - Kate |
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"I really appreciated having a space to discuss such important topics with wonderful people. This weekend made me think a lot about these issues and gain new perspectives, in such a beautiful place too. I had a great time! I feel like I have gained new insight and confidence in myself." - R.K. |
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"Emily, you have dedicated so much of your heart to the lives of so many young girls. We are all so extremely grateful for everything you've done. I've got countless memories I'll treasure forever." - Ella |
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"I really appreciated having the time to reflect on such a faceted subject, especially the solitary time. Also, it was such a gorgeous setting! But more importantly, I feel more secure in knowing what I want in a relationship, and the kind of guy who I want that relationship to be with. Asking for what I want is still difficult, but I think that's something that takes time to learn. Thank you so much for creating this space for me, my friends, and other girls - I hope as many girls as possible get to have this experience!" - K.V.R. |
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"Thanks to the pleasant, supportive, and peaceful community and environment. I have come away feeling even more secure and empowered! Thank you so much, and I hope to see you again." - C.D. "The girls group was amazing. I loved Emily's leadership and friendship. I loved how close all the girls got, and I loved working with her." - C.K. |
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"I love this group!!! The first time, I was just depressed and anti-social. Three weeks later, I have a new friend coming to 6 Flags with me, and I love everyone here!" - C.L.F "Quetzal, you gave me the space to accept myself and for that I am forever grateful" - Real Talk Teen |
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"I learned a lot about our culture and how to deal with that, being a woman in today's society. Thank you so much for creating this experience. I don't normally get to talk about things like this, so it was amazing to be able to talk openly and not feel judged. I met new girls (who are all amazing) and because of what you've created I got to hear and learn about other young girls' perspectives and experiences of all sorts. Thank you for that. I've taken away a lot of important things to remember that will help me in the future, and through the rest of my life." |
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"I loved all the people here and I am so so thankful to Emily for bringing all these great girls together." - A.H. |
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"To girls in the future, if you need a minute to think, just go to the bathroom to find clarity in the situation. You have to truly love yourself before you can love others. To the leaders of this retreat, I want to thank you for creating this amazing weekend. It is definitely not everyday that you have a safe, open, beautiful space to share and talk about these incredible things. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!" - I.M. |
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"Thank you both for taking the time to have a group of girls over the weekend. I appreciate the group discussions and the different perspectives. If there's one thing that was made really clear to me it's that as a woman, I should honor myself. I will take on that advice with me for the rest of my life. I don't think anyone could have said it in a better way. I hope to met again in the future. Much love." - K.G.L. |
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"I learned that I have to take things at my own pace whether it's sexual or relationship-wise, or just in general." - G.W. |
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"I'm taking from the weekend that everyone else has insecurities about their bodies and I am not the only one. I also liked having these discussions with other girls about these topics. I think it's a very good idea and these things need to be addressed more often." - S.B. |
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"Girls group has provided us teenage gals a space for compassion, love, laughter, and plain connection to one another." - J. P. |
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"Thank you so much for being accepting and understanding. I really appreciated all your opinions and feedback. You were very friendly and I learned so much from you. Thanks!" - A.K. |
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"Quetzal, you carry so much light, intelligence, fierceness and nurturing that you bring to any space you facilitate. - Real Talk Teen |
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"Not shaming myself for past experiences. Asking for what I want and deserve. Thank you! Really amazing space, girls, and leaders." - S.L. |
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"I learned that just learning to love yourself and good vibes would be good for you! |
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"Quetzal, your strong sense of empathy makes me feel so loved and heard. I can’t wait for more retreats with you!" - Real Talk Retreat Teen |
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"I really enjoyed meeting people and actually being able to talk to them and feel close to a group of strangers." |
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"We have grown to trust each other even though we've only known each other for the equivalent of 12 hours! Emily is a thoughtful, loving, and very wonderful facilitator and friend. I'm so glad I was able to be part of this group to make new friends and accept myself a little more." E.S. |
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"It's amazing that even this far along of knowing each other there's still hidden thoughts and feelings deep within that either have been or will eventually be discovered." - D.G. |
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"Emily, you are awesome. This is definitely my favorite class. I look forward to every time we do this." - J.B.D. "You have been such a guiding light during these retreats, Quetzal. Your boundless generosity and wisdom has had a huge impact on my life." - Real Talk Teen |
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"Quetzal, your strong sense of empathy makes me feel so loved and heard. I can’t wait for more retreats with you!" - Real Talk Teen "Quetzal is so easy to talk to and trust. I feel so lucky to have her in my life." - Real Talk Teen |
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"You're never going to find a space or an energy like the space Emily and Quetzal create. Do it, I promise you'll love it." - Real Talk Retreat Teen |
Parents' Voices...
"Love and connection...with our kids and each other. We get to mirror it and grow more of it with Emily's wise guidance. I feel so fortunate to have found Emily and you all when we did, when my daughter was recovering from her eating disorder and desperately needed emotional support that I was unable to give her alone. I am eternally grateful." - Girls Circle Parent
"Emily and Quetzal together make a great leading pair! Thank you both." - Mother Daughter Mama
"Last night our daughter thanked us for signing her up for this group last night. She is clearly getting a lot out of it, and this is exactly what we had hoped for." - Girls Circle Mama
"Quetzal and Emily are first and foremost, wonderful, caring women who put all of themselves into their work. Our daughter has, at different times, been lucky enough to be guided by each of them. - - - Quetzal has a way of connecting with girls that is very special. She exudes respect, warmth and safety with the girls as well as with parents. She allows girls to be themselves and listens actively. The girls trust her implicitly. In addition, she facilitates better communication between girls and parents that supports the integrity of the family. - - - Our experience with Emily was fantastic as well. I love the way she brings her experience as a parent into the room, offering authenticity and warmth. Emily’s presence also creates a safe space for being vulnerable and having fun too. - - - Parenting takes a village and the gift these women bring to parents is unquantifiable. W e felt so comfortable with our daughter in their hands. " - Mother-Daughter Mama
"I really see the girls being comfortable with who they are. There are not enough spaces for that, it seems. It is a true gift that you offer them with us mothers. Thank you for providing that." - Mother-Daughter Mama
"If it wasn't for you, Emily, we wouldn't have the space, expertise, kindness for our girls and our circle. You have been such a grace to our lives. Thank You isn't enough, but for now sending love to you. I hope you know how loved you are and you take it in by the girls and the parents!" - Girls Circle Parent
"Quetzal, You are such a skilled facilitator! I learn a lot from you. Your lovely retreat inspired me to slow down and pointed out how much harder it is to stay present when we don’t stop doing doing stuff. Thank you." - Mother-Daughter Mama
"Emily is a great listener and facilitator. She creates an environment of safety, trust and fun - combining playfulness with meaning exploration." - Mother-Daughter Mama
"I am so inspired by Quetzal’s leadership! She embodies power, creativity, love and a revolutionary spirit. These teens are so lucky to know her!" - Past Co-leader
"Emily does a wonderful job connecting with both children and adults alike, weaving together intricate themes of voice, power, and women." - Mother-Daughter Mama
"You can definitely count my daughter in for the upcoming session. She is ridiculously happy with the group you two facilitate. I cannot thank you enough for filling this void! My two older daughters continued to use me as a resource at this stage of their lives, but not my youngest! You have stepped in gracefully and knowledgeably and with a bunch of other girls! She is quite happy, and, as a result, makes a little more room for me. I also want to thank you for the updates that are just enough information to make me feel connected, and in feeling connected, I can behave in a more supportive manner. You strike a perfect balance." - Girls Circle Parent
"It's nice to see my daughter step outside herself and learn new things about her. It's nice to have dedicated space to just be with her. Thank you for doing a great job "seeing" everyone and holding the space." - Mother-Daughter Mama
"Very nice facilitation and gentle leadership. It feels just right for the group and our journeys." - Mother-Daughter Mama
"Emily brings such a wonderful energy to our group. She is gentle yet in charge. I love this monthly opportunity to show my daughter that right now, she is the center of my world. In daily life, I rarely have that time." - Mother-Daughter Mama
"Quetzal creates an amazing platform for the girls to explore and challenge themselves. Her expert guidance allowed the group to deepen emotionally over the 3 years, building life long friendships. The success of this group clearly came from her leadership." - Real Talk Parent
"I like the surprise of not knowing exactly what we'll be doing, and discovering so many connections between us. The activities and facilitation enable this. Just right." - Mother-Daughter Mama
"We’ve been lucky to have Quetzal as our daughter’s mentor for the past three years. She’s an incredibly wise, open, generous, and loving soul, who is easy to talk to and encourages the girls to be true to themselves. If you’re looking for an inspirational and dedicated mentor you can trust, look no further. You’re in great hands.." - Real Talk Parent
"Tonight's girls group was a huge success on our end! E said that it was "super awesome!!" You never know how things are going to go with her so this response was way more than I was expecting from her. Thank you!" - Real Talk Parent
"THANK YOU soooo much for holding the space for these girls last night be be silly, have fun and laugh so much that A's ribs hurt! What a gift and an amazing experience for them to share over the next several months. They were begging to do this every other week, on going! I love how quickly they bonded and were able to share. I look forward to seeing what's to come. A is very excited for the next time you're together!!!" - Real Talk Parent
"Over the past three years, Quetzal provided my daughter with tools to approach difficult situations in adolescence, to believe in herself as an individual, and interact authentically and thoughtfully with others. As she encounters new friends, judgments by others, and pressures, she reflects on the helpful and caring advice Quetzal provided, and still uses it to guide her responses. I give Quetzal a lot of credit for helping my daughter have a positive middle school experience and giving wise advice that she is carrying with her into high school." - Real Talk Parent
"R came home super happy. She absolutely loved it! Thank you so much for what you do!" - Real Talk Parent
"I'm a grandmother and I stumbled on these two powerful, warm, kind women, Quetzal and Emily, and the wonderful work and mentoring they provide for teenage girls. What a relief! I'm not as concerned about the world my granddaughter is growing up in now that she has their support. She will be ready!" - Mother Daughter Retreat Grandmother
"My daughter absolutely didn't want to come and after 5 minutes with Emily she changed her mind and after a short time at the workshop, our daughter is ready to join the Summer Retreat! Thank you Emily & Quetzal." - Mother Daughter Mama
"Quetzal and Emily make it so easy to be authentic. They create a truly safe place to share." - Mother Daughter Mama
"As parents of a 13-year-old and after a couple of rough years at a very small middle school, we wanted to encourage our daughter in finding supportive friendships outside of school. Thankfully we discovered Love Your Nature. Professionally and lovingly mentored by Emily Frost and Quetzal Francois, Love Your Nature groups create the space for girls to open up to each other - and themselves - by exploring myriad complicated social issues that exist today. In doing so the girls create strong bonds with each other and their mentors; acknowledging similarities and differences and supporting each other with tolerance, respect, empathy and love. Our daughter looks forward to meeting every month, and has developed what we predict will be long term, healthy friendships. The inclusivity of the group has raised her self-esteem immensely, and we believe the opportunity to share and observe life events in this skillfully guided format dramatically increases the likelihood of her making healthy choices for herself as she grows.” - Girls Circle Mama
