Recently, staff members of The Guidance Center participated in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sensitivity training classes. These classes, conducted by Nila Marrone of Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays(PFLAG) are part of an agencywide initiative to ensure that clinicians and staff are addressing gender identity issues with expertise, sensitivity andcompassion.

Ms. Marrone applauds TGC'sefforts on this subject, saying that the training is particularly pertinent intoday's social climate. "Today's youth are being brought up in much more open social environment than their parents and grandparents were.  For LGBT youth, this creates an even larger gap with adults. Understanding the whole picture is very important."

Mara Samuell, Directorof Mental Health Clinics, says: "Nila Marrone, of PFLAG, was so generous with her time and expertise on LGBT issues. She presented theinformation with passion and excitement and had our staff thinking in a whole new direction."

Pictured here: TGC's Mara Samuell and Nila Marrone of PFLAG