About RAISE
Our vision is a society in which every young person is armed with the knowledge and tools to set healthy boundaries, celebrate their identities, make empowering decisions about their bodies, and express their sexuality shame-free.
Our mission is to provide youth with these vital life skills through powerful, individualized sexual health, identity, and relationship coaching.
About Claire
Claire Tolman Barone, M.S.Ed
Sexual Health Educator, Mentor and Coach
Claire Tolman Barone, M.S.Ed brings a wealth of experience in sexual health, gender, and orientation education to her coaching practice. Her work with youth at Response for Teens in Chicago involved designing and teaching curricula on anatomy, healthy relationships, positive body image, and gender and sexuality. As the Education Programs Manager at YES Institute in Miami, Claire focuses on developing and delivering training programs for diverse audiences on topics related to gender, orientation, and communication. Driven by a passion for empowering young people, Claire is now offering individualized coaching to support youth in their journey towards healthy and fulfilling sexual lives.
Claire has a Master’s degree in Community and Social Change from the University of Miami and was awarded the Maxine B. Wishart Agent of Change recognition for her dedication to educating, informing, and promoting positive educational, psychological and physical well-being in the community.
*Disclaimer: Raise is a complete and separate entity from the YES Institute and is not connected to the YES Institute in any form.*
THE CHALLENGE
The Current Landscape of Sex Education in Schools
Many states across the U.S. fail to mandate comprehensive sex education in its schools. This glaring omission leaves young people vulnerable to misinformation, exploitation, and preventable health risks, including unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Many schools that do offer sex education are restricted to prioritizing abstinence as the only acceptable choice, a practice that research consistently shows to be ineffective in delaying sexual activity or reducing unprotected sexual activity.
Furthermore, instruction on consent is often not required, perpetuating harmful attitudes and behaviors that contribute to sexual assault and abuse. The prohibition on discussing diverse gender identities and sexual orientations beyond the binary marginalizes LGBTQ+ youth, contributing to feelings of isolation, shame, and increased risk of mental health challenges.
Our young people deserve better. They deserve access to medically accurate, inclusive, and shame-free education that empowers them to make healthy choices and navigate their sexual health with confidence.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Individualized, Comprehensive Sex Education Coaching
Studies consistently demonstrate the positive impact of comprehensive sex education, showing that youth who receive it are less likely to report teen pregnancy, and marginalized students, particularly LGBTQ+ youth, have lower odds of depression and suicidal thoughts.
However, access to comprehensive sex education remains limited. My coaching program bridges this gap, providing personalized instruction on topics like contraception, communication, healthy relationships, and decision-making. Unlike classrooms, my coaching allows in-depth discussions in a confidential environment, where I tailor the curriculum to each young person's age, developmental stage, and learning needs, making the information relevant and impactful. Given common restrictions on discussions of gender and sexual orientation, my coaching offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to explore their identities.
Through the personalized guidance RAISE offers, young people gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills to build healthy relationships, make informed choices, embrace their identities, and navigate adolescence with resilience. I invite you to learn more about my coaching program and how it can empower your young person to thrive.