Pride Parenting

Community and Support Group for LGBTQIA+ Parents and Caregivers

Pride Parenting is a dedicated space for LGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and build community. Designed for adults raising children, this group offers a welcoming environment where Queer families can find support, exchange resources, and celebrate joy together.

Each session centers on connection, learning, and strengthening the bonds within our community. Pride Parenting is a confidential, closed group with limited space to ensure safety and meaningful participation.

Who This Group Is For?

Pride Parenting is designed for LGBTQIA+ adults who are raising, caring for, or co-parenting children of any age. This group is intentionally created for Queer parents and caregivers seeking community, support, and shared understanding in a space that affirms their identities and family structures.

This group is for you if you:

  • Identify anywhere within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum

  • Are a parent, foster parent, adoptive parent, caregiver, or co-parent to a child

  • Want to build connections with other Queer families

  • Are looking for resources, support, and a community that understands your lived experience

  • Value a confidential, inclusive, and affirming environment

Pride Parenting welcomes diverse family constellations, cultural backgrounds, and parenting journeys.

How the Group Works

Pride Parenting blends supportive discussion, guest presentations, and activities designed to build genuine relationships among LGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers. Sessions include:

  • Group conversations and check-ins

  • Resource sharing and practical guidance

  • Guest speakers on topics relevant to LGBTQIA+ families

  • Activities that encourage connection, rapport building, and mutual support

This group is designed to help parents feel seen, supported, and empowered in their roles while fostering a strong peer community.

Group Goals

The Pride Parenting group is intended to:

  • Build a supportive network of LGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers

  • Provide tools, resources, and shared knowledge to strengthen families

  • Create a space for meaningful connection, belonging, and community care

  • Support participants in navigating parenting within the context of Queer identity and experiences

Group Details

When: Starting March 3, 2026 6 weekly group meetings Tuesdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Keystone Therapy & Training Services, 4415 Sonoma Hwy. Santa Rosa, CA 95409

“Parenting with pride means showing our kids that some families look different, but all are bound by love!”
— Vanessa Alvarez-Crandall

Cost:

  • Free for Partnership Medi-Cal participants

  • $25 per session for Private Insurance participants

    • $150 total for the full group series, paid upfront

  • $15 cancellation fee for both Medi-Cal and Private Insurance participants

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This group is open to LGBTQIA+ adults who are currently caring for children.
    Participation requires a prescreening interview to ensure the group is the right fit and to maintain a supportive environment for all.

  • No. This group welcomes parents and caregivers with any level of experience in mental health support.

  • Sessions are led by mental health professionals. Some fully licensed, some master’s-level clinicians, and others actively working toward licensure. All facilitators are experienced in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.

  • You’ll meet one-on-one with the Facilitator (by phone or video/in person). They will:

    • Ask about your experiences as an LGBTQIA+ parent/caregiver

    • Explore what you’re hoping to gain from the group

    • Explain expectations, confidentiality, and group guidelines

    • Answer any questions you may have

  • Life happens, and occasional absences are understandable. However, because this is a small, closed group, consistent attendance is strongly encouraged to maintain safety, trust, and continuity for all members.

  • Expect a blend of conversation, guided topics, community-building activities, and occasional guest presentations, all focused on strengthening connection and supporting Queer families.

Pride Parenting Group Facilitators

  • Karena Slade Weil

    Clinical and Program Director II

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) #90890

  • Grayson Liam Thompson

    Program Coordinator

    Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #13674

    Under the supervision of: Rolanda Renee Bradshaw, LMFT #44660

  • Amanda gordon

    Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

    Under the supervision of: Karena Slade Weil, LMFT #90890

Before joining, every participant completes a pre-group interview to help ensure the group is a good fit and to clarify goals and expectations. A group informational session may be offered before the group starts.

Schedule Your Pre-Group Interview

If you are interested in joining Pride Parenting, your first step is to complete a pre-group interview. Once you submit your info, we will reach out to schedule your interview.

This group is made possible through funding from First 5 Sonoma County