Hello and welcome,
My name is Claire Appelmans and I am so glad you are here.
I began teaching sex ed in 2011 when a friend invited me to join a training for her job at a teen clinic. During that training I learned about reproductive systems, genital anatomy, and felt relieved at being able to openly discuss sexual health topics with others.
In 2012 I began working for that clinic and then joined a Planned Parenthood teen theater troupe. After our performances in schools, students shared they felt validated in their experiences growing up, including concerns about puberty, body size, and sexual orientation. For many kids, our performance was their only source of sex ed. I often thought: “why can’t adults get their act together and provide comprehensive sex ed programs in every grade at every school?”
Seattle-based sexuality professionals. I am in the black tank top on the left in the front row.
My Sex Ed Journey
Years later I completed my undergraduate degree at Oberlin College and spent the next five years teaching a diverse range of subjects to immigrant, refugee, disabled, and neurodiverse students only to return to sexuality education in 2021. I completed my certificate in Sexuality Education at the Antioch University of Seattle and the Our Whole Lives elementary training in 2022. In the spring of 2023 I started Living Earth Sex Ed.
In 2025 I became a certified sex educator through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT.) I maintain an active membership in AASECT, Incest Aware, and the National Coalition for Sexual Health. You can learn more about my professional memberships and work experience here.
My Lineage
My family and ancestors are from Belgium, Italy, Scotland, and England. For the past several generations my people have lost the ability to be in a custodial relationship with the land. My greatest dream is to transform my people’s relationship with the Earth and move from a legacy of exploitation toward one of appreciation and stewardship.
Outside of sexuality education spaces, I find joy and meaning in my spiritual practices, singing and playing music, and spending time with friends.
Living Earth Sex Ed is sustained and shaped by many people and living beings. You can find a long and loving list of their names here.
Me visiting təqʷuʔmaʔ, Mount Rainier in 2023.
Want to say hello?
Let’s chat! Schedule a quick call and we will explore if we are a good fit to work together.