What are the School Year Wellness Workshops?
The School Year Wellness Workshops are designed to empower, support, and strengthen girls through social, emotional, and physical learning. Rooted in eight core foundations, each session also adapts to the real-time needs of the group—giving girls a safe space to share, connect, and grow.
Participants build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and learn how to navigate challenges like stress, anxiety, technology, friendships, school pressures, and body image. Most importantly, they realize they’re not alone—and that connection is key to thriving.
Who is this Workshop Series For?
This series is for all girls in grades 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8—including non-binary youth—who would benefit from a supportive, female empowering space to grow. Participants come from across Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties to be part of this unique experience.
No one is immune to challenges like low self-esteem, stress, or navigating friendships and technology. That’s why this program exists—to give all girls the tools, skills, and support they need to thrive.
How Long is the Workshop Series?
The School Year Wellness Workshop runs as a 15-week series offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters. Many participants choose to continue from Fall into Spring, gaining a full 30 weeks of connection, learning, and personal growth.
Girls often stay with the program year after year—growing alongside us and eventually joining our high school Girls In-Service program for continued leadership, service, and community.
Is it Different Each Semester and School Year?
Yes! Each semester brings fresh activities and new experiences—all rooted in the 8 Core Foundations of the program. Because many girls return year after year, we design every session to feel new, exciting, and relevant, while reinforcing the powerful messages and skills at the heart of Wise Girl Workshops.
With a new mix of participants each term, girls are warmly welcomed and encouraged to build friendships in a kind, inclusive space. Our small group settings foster connection, belonging, and personal growth.
And just like math or any other important subject, wellness is a skill set—something that grows stronger with consistent practice. We make that practice fun, engaging, and meaningful so girls keep learning how to live well, inside and out.
Where is the School Year Wellness Workshops Offered?
Our Petaluma location meets at McKinley School (110 Ellis Street, Petaluma, CA 94952), where girls gain valuable social, emotional, and physical life skills in a supportive small group setting. Participants come from a variety of school settings—public, private, and homeschool—and all are welcome.
We’ve also got a Novato location meeting at Pleasant Valley Elementary School (755 Sutro Ave, Novato, CA 94947) to better serve girls in Marin County.
Want to stay in the loop? Join our mailing list to get updates on new locations, registration, and offerings!
Why a Small Group Setting?
At Wise Girl Workshops, we intentionally keep our groups small—typically 6 to 12 girls per workshop—to foster emotional safety, trust, and authentic relationships.
Small group settings create the ideal environment to bring our Core Values to life. They offer:
- 🤝 Meaningful connection and conversation
- 🎯 Individualized attention
- 💗 A true sense of belonging
- 🛡️ Emotional safety within a structured space
- 🔄 Flexibility to meet the group’s needs
- 🌈 An inclusive and welcoming atmosphere
We believe small groups are where real growth happens.
What is the Commitment?
When registering, participants commit to the full 15-week series in Petaluma or the full 12-week series in Novato. Consistent attendance is key to building trust, connection, and group support—all essential for the growth and success of each girl.
We understand that occasional absences due to illness or unavoidable conflicts happen. However, we ask that your daughter makes it a priority to attend as regularly as possible. Sporadic attendance can disrupt the group’s flow and connection, which goes against the supportive, consistent environment we strive to create.
By signing up, you’re committing to doing your best to have your daughter attend each week—and we’re committed to making it a space she’ll look forward to every time.
Who Facilitates?
Our Petaluma workshops are led by a team of experienced, caring professionals dedicated to supporting girls’ growth and well-being.
- Sierra Dator, MSW, LCSW brings over 23 years of experience leading groups for all ages. As the founder of Wise Girl Workshops, she creates safe, empowering spaces for girls to thrive.
- Tina Parrish, NASM, Y-200 is a seasoned Wise Girl Workshops facilitator who regularly leads groups and brings in two of our Core Foundations: Joy in Movement and Nutrition for Life.
- Mackenzie Rae, BA is joining our facilitator team this school year. With a background in youth coaching and mentoring, she brings warmth, energy, and leadership to her sessions.
Learn more about Sierra, Tina, and Mackenzie here →
When, Where, and Registration
For Petaluma Workshops held at McKinley School
Grades 3–4: Wednesdays | 4:15–5:30 PM | August 27 – December 10, 2025
Grades 5–6: Tuesdays | 4:15–5:30 PM | August 26 – December 16, 2025
Grades 7–8: Thursdays | 4:15–5:30 PM | August 28 – December 11, 2025
For Novato Workshops held at Pleasant Valley Elementary School
Grades 4-5: Wednesdays | 3:15–4:30 PM | September 17-December 17, 2025
Please note: Your daughter does not need to attend McKinley School to join the program. In fact, girls come from all over Sonoma and Marin Counties, creating a wonderful opportunity to build friendships with peers from a variety of schools and communities!
Workshop Investment
Your investment includes:
- ✨ Experienced group facilitation
- 🍎 Nutritious snacks and all workshop supplies
- 🎁 Wise Girl Workshops swag
For Petaluma Location 15-Week Series:
You may choose to pay in full or split the total evenly over four monthly payments.
- The first payment is due at registration.
- Remaining payments are due on September 1, October 1, and November 1.
- Invoices will be sent via Wave for your convenience.
💸 Early Registration Rate: $206.25/month
💸 Regular Registration Rate: $243.75/month
💸10% discount when registration is paid in full
Rates for each workshop are listed on the specific registration page
For Novato Location:
You may choose to pay in full or split the total evenly over three monthly payments.
- The first payment is due at registration.
- Remaining payments are due on October 1 and November 1.
- Invoices will be sent via Wave for your convenience.
💸 Early Registration Rate: $$280.00/month
💸 Regular Registration Rate: $310.00/month
💸10% discount when registration is paid in full
Rates for each workshop are listed on the specific registration page
If you need a different payment plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out at wisegirlworkshops@gmail.com. We’re happy to work with you to make sure your daughter can join us!
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- ✅ Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks prior to the workshop start date.
- ❗ All cancellations must be submitted via email to: wisegirlworkshops@gmail.com.
- 💵 If you cancel within the refund window, you will receive a full refund minus a $20 processing fee.
After that:
- ❌ No refunds or credits are given for cancellations made within 2 weeks of the start date.
- ❌ No refunds or credits are given for missed sessions.
- ❌ If your daughter withdraws early from the program, you are still responsible for paying the full session fee.
We appreciate your understanding and commitment to the integrity and structure of our small-group programs.
How Do I Know if this Program is Right for My Daughter?
Great question! The key indicators are simple:
Your daughter should be interested in attending and open to making new friends.
Our workshops are most successful when participants are willing and engaged. If a child is enrolled without her consent or enthusiasm, it can lead to frustration—for her and the group. In these situations, our facilitators may request a conversation with you and your daughter to explore how she can best succeed in the program or whether it’s best to withdraw.
If we recommend withdrawal, we’ll provide a refund for any prepaid sessions. Our goal is always to create a supportive, positive experience for every participant.
Last But Not Least
Please note: This is not a therapy group.
There will be no diagnosis or clinical assessment as part of the program. Wise Girl Workshops is a wellness and empowerment-based experience, focused on building life skills, confidence, and connection in a supportive, positive environment.
