Hi! I’m QUETZAL FRANCOIS. I am an educator, therapist, mentor, grief walker, mama, partner, and activist. I work with young people and adults, in groups and individually, all over the Bay Area.
As the Co-Director of LOVE YOUR NATURE, I offer coaching and contemporary rites of passage guidance to girls, non binary teens, and their families. I develop curriculum and facilitate inniatory programming with a focus on navigating the complex landscape of adolescence, coming of age, identities of all kinds, and growing social, emotional and spiritual intelligence. At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to creating spaces where people can be fully expressed, connected to themselves and each other, and empowered to move through the world with boldness and authenticity. Working with young people is one of my greatest honors—a way of giving thanks for the life I’ve been blessed with. It’s a commitment to walking beside them as an ally, guiding them through the radical act of self-love, and helping them find their way home to themselves as they walk through the fire of these times. In addition to my work with youth, I have a private practice as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, helping adult individuals and couples uncover and reclaim their innate wholeness. |
How did I get here?Like many drawn to this path, my journey began with struggle. As a queer, mixed-race young woman, I wrestled with my identities, internalized shame, grief, and a world that often felt fast-moving and unsafe. I spent years hiding what was really going on - sometimes even from myself.
And yet, I was one of the lucky ones. I found mentors early on, people who saw beyond the mask, and guided me toward healing, confidence, and self-acceptance... back to myself. Their presence shaped me into the grown human I am today, and in turn, inspired my lifelong commitment to supporting young people on their own journeys of belonging. After moving to the Bay Area, I immersed myself in developing and teaching sexual health education for youth and educators. While I loved the work, I felt something was missing in the classroom environment. My exploration of rites of passage, nature-based work, and feminist spirituality led me home to Love Your Nature. |
Experience
|
Education & Training |
I bring 15+ years of experience designing curriculum and facilitating programs for teens, educators, and parents. My expertise spans:
|
Many wisdom lineages shape the way I support and guide...
|
Professional Credentials
- Co-Director, Love Your Nature
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Center for Mindful Psychotherapy
- Mindfulness Mentor, Spirit Rock and Inward Bound Mindfulness (iBme) Teen Retreats
- Former Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee, Family Paths
- Former Staff Director, Girls On The Go & Monkey Business Camp (5 years overseeing programming & staff)
- Former Mentor, Stepping Stones Project (rites of passage for middle schoolers)
- Sexual Health Educator & Youth Advocate, Girls Inc. of Alameda – taught programs throughout the Bay Area, including Oakland Unified Schools, SF Unified Schools, and City College campuses
- Conference Presenter – including Gender Spectrum and Catalyst Con, training professionals in inclusive sexual health education and curriculum development beyond the dominant narrative
- Guest Lecturer – repeat speaker for San Francisco State University’s Health and Sexuality undergraduate course and FemSex at UC Berkeley
- Tutor, San Quentin State Prison
"Fun" Facts
|