Thrive is hosting the 2024 National Women’s Martial Arts Federation Midwest Regional Conference. The event is open to all women and LGBTQ+ folks (both members and nonmembers of the NWMAF) ages 12+ and features workshops in martial arts, healing arts, and Empowerment Self-Defense.

Saturday, November 16

• 8 to 8:30 am Sign-In

• 8:30 to 9 am Opening and Community Agreements

• 9:15 to 10:30 am Session 1: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• 10:45 am to 12 noon Session 2: Intro to Kali/Silat

• 12 to 1:00 pm LUNCH

• 1:15 to 2:30 pm Session 3: Muay Thai Kickboxing

• 2:45 to 4 pm Session 4: Nia Dance

• 4:15 to 5:30 pm Session 5: Empowerment Self-Defense

 Sunday, November 17

• 8 to 8:30 Morning Social

• 8:45 to 9:45 am Restorative Yoga

• 10 to 10:30 am Closing Ceremony

Instructor Bios

Devon Dean is a purple belt under Chris Howe (Jack McVicker/Megaton Dias) who has trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu for close to a decade. Coming to us from Indianapolis, she is also a master's athlete, retired roller derby player, and runner. Towering at 5'1", she proudly calls herself "small, but mighty."

Maria Mangione holds a black sash in Muay Thai and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and trains out of Club MMA in Cincinnati. A licensed DBT and EMDR therapist, she is also the head coach of the Storm Team Striking program at Thrive Empowerment Center.

Ashlyn Johnson is a nurse practitioner, assistant professor of nursing at Miami University in Ohio, and longtime martial artist. She has over 15 years of experience in the nursing field and maintains active clinical practice as a dual certified family and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner working with many patients suffering from PTSD. Her research interests include mental health, particularly related to trauma and resilience. Additionally, Ashlyn has been studying various martial arts systems for the past 25+ years, with a current focus on Kali and Silat. She wishes to express gratitude to her instructors including Guro Jeremiah Lovejoy and for the opportunity to be an apprentice under the esteemed Guro Dan Inosanto. 

Erin DeSantis is a registered trauma conscious yoga instructor, a reiki master teacher trainer, and a meditation guide. She is also the Health & Wellness Librarian for the Kenton County (KY) Public Library.

Trish Riley is a certified black belt Nia instructor, with more than 20 years of teaching experience. She teaches regular Nia classes at both the Kula Center for Movement Arts in Newport, KY, and Thrive Empowerment Center in Covington, KY, as well as classes for special populations, including individuals with developmental disabilities and cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.

Lindsey Falcon is a multiple martial artist with a black belt in taekwondo from the World Taekwondo Federation and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Her ESD instruction has been certified through both the National Women's Martial Arts Federation and ESD Global. She is a co-founder of Thrive Empowerment Center and a certified sex coach and sex educator.

Register through the NWMAF website.

Explore the healing use of focusing and ritual in this creative workshop. Spend time constructing a mini shrine, the perfect size for traveling with you anywhere.

In this special time of year when many traditions remember those who are no longer with us in bodily form, we will spend some time talking about grief and loss and how shrines help individuals and communities to walk alongside these powerful emotions.

Whether you want to remember a loved one, honor a special saint, or pay homage to inspirational idea like love or justice, art therapist Charlotte Reed will lead you through the creation of your pocket shrine. Bring a metal candy tin, like an Altoid’s box, and she’ll show you some tricks for turning it into a pocket-sized space for memories. Supplies will be provided, but we encourage you to bring copies of photos or other mementos to include in your special space.

All supplies and instructions will be provided in this three-hour workshop. Registration operates on a sliding scale: choose $25, $45, or $65 based on your budget. Space is limited so pre-registration is required.

Art Equals seeks to provide inclusive and accessible spaces for community creating, so please contact Charlotte if there is a way we can make the workshop more comfortable for you.

The Thrive 5K is a community-focused event aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence in Northern Kentucky. On October 5, 2024, we will come together in the spirit of promoting healthy relationships and ending domestic abuse.

Participants can expect a fun-filled morning of walking, running, and cheering on others as they complete the 5K course through Devou Park. With each step, runners and walkers will be making a statement in support of those affected by domestic violence, showing that the community stands with them and is committed to creating a safer, healthier future for all.

In addition to the race, the event will feature a resource fair to learn more about the impact of domestic violence and ways to prevent it. There will also be opportunities to connect with local organizations working to support survivors and end the cycle of abuse.

The Thrive 5K is an important step in raising awareness for domestic violence and fostering a community committed to supporting survivors and preventing abuse. Join us on October 5, 2024, to take part in this powerful event.

Registration IS NOW OPEN!

A huge thank-you to our 2024 race sponsors: D.E. Klein, StretchLab, Connect Counselors LLC, Rendigs, Reminger, and TriState Running Company!

Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact MeghanK@thriveselfdefense.com for info.

In honor of campus safety month, this workshop—sponsored by the Miami University Police Department and the MU Office of Student Wellness—is being offered at no cost to all Miami University students, faculty, staff, and the Oxford community.

Participants will gain a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. Together, we’ll learn and practice:

• Understanding the science behind our intuition

• Using our posture and voice to protect our boundaries

• Recognizing and responding to red-flag behaviors

• Escaping from grabs and holds

• Simple physical strikes anyone can use

On-campus location is Rec Sports Center, Courts 2 & 3. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event. Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

*3 Spots Left*

Designed for students heading off to college in the fall or already in college, our 3-hour workshop prepares them to enter the next chapter of their lives safely and more confidently.

Through hands-on activities, role play, the presentation of real-world scenarios (such as dating violence, parties, and harassment both online and on the street), and the practice of verbal and physical techniques, we’ll learn how to:

• recognize and assess danger

• assert boundaries and de-escalate tense situations

• escape grabs and holds

• use our body’s 10 tools to fend off a physical attack

• find help and support for ourselves and others who’ve experienced harassment or violence

Open to all 15 to 21 years old.

The cost of the session is $50. Please reach out to us if this fee is a barrier to you.

Space is limited so you must pre-register to reserve your spot.

There are 4 spots left.

OK, we can’t give you the whole DAY off (though you certainly deserve it), but we do want to help you carve out a little fun time for yourself. We’re taking over Sew Lovely, a sweet little attelier run by our dear friend Hildegard, to give you an hour and a half that’s all about YOU:

• Self-affirming activities and fun crafts

• Discussion on taking up space as a mama

• Yummy afternoon tea treats

Round up your sisters, friends, co-op moms—any ladies who could use some uninterrupted time to laugh, play, and learn with other women.

Registration Fee: $30

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event. Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

*5 Spots Left*

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Family Nurturing Center is hosting a Teen Safety Matters (Monique Burr) for teens and Stewards of Children for parents sponsored by Thrive Empowerment at the Zembrodt Education Center.

Teen Safety Matters: Help keep your teen safe and prepared.  Teens will feel empowered with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, relationship abuse, digital dangers, exploitation, and human trafficking. (Ages 11-17).

The Stewards of Children® training was created to teach adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.  The NEW Stewards of Children® is the same proven framework, with significant updates that have been made to introduce new survivors and experts, the latest statistics and technology and enhanced learning methods and tools.

There is no cost for this event. Due to space limitations, pre-registration is required.

This event is full. Thank you for supporting our programs!

Trauma and its effects can be challenging to understand for both individuals and family units. Experiences like stress, poverty, or violence can influence the expression of our genes, affecting the generations that come after us.

Join facilitator Shelby Pressley of Ever-Evolving Wellness in this small-group workshop, where we will learn about and discuss intergenerational trauma and work to understand how the things that happened before us may still affect us in the present day.

There is no registration fee for this event, but in the spirit of International Women’s Month, we suggest a $10 donation to our Sponsor a Warrior program for survivors of domestic violence or a box of feminine hygiene products, which we will pass along to our next-door neighbors, the Esperanza Center. <3

About Shelby

Shelby Pressley is a well-being and mental health advocate whose journey through her own wellness has been one of many peaks and valleys! She’s learned to tap into her natural gift of connecting with others and using her experiences to assist others through their difficult and challenging times. She is the founder of Ever-Evolving Wellness, based in Cincinnati.

Make safety, strength, and empowerment a family affair in this parent-child workshop. 

Open to those 9+ years of age and their mothers (or other female guardians), this 3-hour class not only teaches the safety action principles of Empowerment Self-Defense (Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell), it fosters teamwork and open communication between parent and child.

In addition to verbal defense techniques, we’ll practice escapes and strikes. Wear comfortable clothes!

Our Stronger Together registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $75 (Reduced), $100 (Standard), or $125 (Supporter) per pair based on your budget. Register additional children for $25 each.

Space is limited so you must pre-register to reserve your spot.

There are 3 family spots left.

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event. Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

There are 4 spots left.

The Thrive 5K is a community-focused event aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence in Northern Kentucky. Set to take place on October 28, 2023, this inaugural event is designed to bring people together in the spirit of promoting healthy relationships and ending domestic abuse.

Participants can expect a fun-filled morning of walking, running, and cheering on others as they complete the 5K course through Devou Park. With each step, runners and walkers will be making a statement in support of those affected by domestic violence, showing that the community stands with them and is committed to creating a safer, healthier future for all.

In addition to the race, the event will feature a resource fair to learn more about the impact of domestic violence and ways to prevent it. There will also be opportunities to connect with local organizations working to support survivors and end the cycle of abuse.

The Thrive 5K is an important step in raising awareness for domestic violence and fostering a community committed to supporting survivors and preventing abuse. Join us on October 28, 2023, to take part in this powerful event.

Details and registration information can be found here:

Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact MeghanK@thriveselfdefense.com for info.

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event. Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

We have 4 spots left.

In honor of campus safety month, this workshop—sponsored by the Miami University Police Department and the MU Office of Student Wellness—is being offered at no cost to all Miami University students, faculty, staff, and the Oxford community.

Participants will gain a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. Together, we’ll learn and practice:

• Understanding the science behind our intuition

• Using our posture and voice to protect our boundaries

• Recognizing and responding to red-flag behaviors

• Escaping from grabs and holds

• Simple physical strikes anyone can use

On-campus location is Phillips Hall 033. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Join us in the May Room at Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington for this open, all-community event!

Learn and practice tools for mental, verbal, and physical self-defense in this fun, trauma-informed, hands-on workshop. We’ll test our awareness, learn why our intuition is our superpower, find our unique Warrior Voices, and practice escapes from common grabs and holds as well as simple gross-motor strikes anyone can do. You matter, your voice matters, and you are more powerful than you realize!

From 6 pm to 6:30 pm, our host Trinity Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is offering light refreshments and community.

At 6:30 pm, we’ll begin the 2.5-hour Empowerment Self-Defense program.

There is no registration fee, but we ask that participants bring a donation of feminine hygiene products to support ECW’s community outreach efforts.

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

**Only 1 spot left!**

Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

The next series runs every Thursday in June: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

This small-group workshop is designed to support survivors of sexual assault and individuals who struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, or fear around sex. It aims to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore their sexuality, learn coping skills, and connect with others who have had similar experiences. 

Using discussion, interactive exercises, creative activities, and guided meditations, Sexually Speaking explores:

• consent

• boundaries

• communication

• pleasure

• sexual health

• intimacy

• self-care

We will also work on building self-esteem and self-confidence to help participants feel empowered in their sexual experiences. 

While the topic of sexual assault is a serious and important issue, our class is also designed to be fun and enjoyable. We believe that laughter and humor can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. Therefore, we encourage a relaxed and playful atmosphere where participants can feel comfortable expressing themselves and enjoying the process. 

This series registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $50 (Reduced), $75 (Standard), or $100 (Supporter) based on your budget.

Due to our small class sizes, you must pre-register to reserve your spot. If the registration fee is a barrier to your attendance, please email us.

We have 8 spots left.

*Only 1 family spot left.*

Make safety, strength, and empowerment a family affair in this parent-child workshop. 

Open to those 9+ years of age and their mothers (or other female guardians), this 3-hour class not only teaches the safety action principles of Empowerment Self-Defense (Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell), it fosters teamwork and open communication between parent and child.

In addition to verbal defense techniques, we’ll practice escapes and strikes. Wear comfortable clothes!

Our Stronger Together registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $75 (Reduced), $100 (Standard), or $125 (Supporter) per pair based on your budget. Register additional children for $25 each.

Space is limited so you must pre-register to reserve your spot.

This event has been canceled due to lack of interest.

Calling all mothers, grandmothers, step mothers, foster mothers, and honorary mothers: It’s time to celebrate yourself!

• Self-affirming activities

• Discussion on boundary setting with those we love (so hard for moms!)

• Yummy treats

• BYOB (we can’t serve you but you’re welcome to bring some grown-up beverages)

Registration Fee: $25

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

2 spots left.

Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.

Instructor Erin DeSantis invites you to this relaxing class to bring you into a new week with ease. The practice will be floor based with meditation offerings. You will leave feeling grounded and ready for anything to come.

Our floor is matted, but you are welcome to bring your own mat and a water bottle.

Class fees:

• Drop-in rate: $15

• 5-class pass: $70

• 10-class pass: $125

Due to space limitations, reservation is required.

***This session is full.***

Our foundational course provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations, from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. In this 3-hour workshop, we will practice all 5 safety principles of ESD—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, role play, and hands-on technique practice. Join us for this fun and dynamic event!

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided.

Open to all, ages 10+.

Due to space limitations, you must pre-register for this event.

Our ESD Basics registration fee operates on a sliding scale. Choose $35, $50, or $65 based on your budget.