About Me: I'm Anna Joy, SEP (she/her). In 2013 I found myself in my first cuddle puddle on an ecstatic dance floor, being fed grapes by frolicking little fairies (children). Inspired to recreate this slice of heaven as often as possible and share it with the world, I attended Cuddle Parties and completed the Cuddlist and Cuddle Party TM certifications along with a series of related trainings. I works full time with touch and trauma therapy clients; I have facilitated consent workshops in and around Seattle since co-founding Happy Humanimals in 2022. (https://ajrsessionsseattle.squarespace.com/)

Favorite Cuddle Party Rule: "A maybe is a No!" This one is so ubiquitously useful in day-to-day life, and I keep unfolding new applications for it. It helps me feel clear-minded, and funnels me into practicing being direct in saying "no" when I mean "no" more often.

What I got out of Cuddle Party personally: So many things! I'll name a couple. 1. The idea that it's worth trying and possible to cultivate a life replete with nourishing touch. 2. The practical experience of saying what I mean, whether it's Yes or No or a negotiation.

Who I am as a Cuddle Party Facilitator / What you'll find at my Cuddle Parties: With my somatic background, I emphasize "show" over "tell" - I like to encourage participants in a body/lived experience of the rules and practices of Cuddle Party. I am teaching what I'm learning, so I like to share from my ever-evolving understanding of what makes for the most attuned, conscious, reverent, and deep touch experiences.