About Me: Hello All and welcome! Okay, here we go! You may find me dancing in the living room to 70s tunes. Or excited about reciting a poem at a 'Pie 'n' Poetry' open mic! Because empathy is my heart, I invite active-listening with loved ones. I absolutely love nature! More specifically, I light up when taking outdoor pics and sending them to others as a lil' gift. I've adored and been blessed with an amazing daughter (a thriving adult, now). More and more we are besties!!! I may easily get lassoed into playing a feisty game of backgammon - friends are the zest of life. Fireplace gazing, organic whole foods and riding transit - all take priority. Supporting consent culture in the Metro-Vancouver area is a passion of mine. Thus, Cuddle Party (CP) is a fit! A bit formally, I am a: Certified Cuddle Party Inc. Facilitator; Early Childhood Educator and Founder of ‘Explore Parent Workshop’; Reiki USHUI SHIKIRYOHO – Third Degree Practitioner; Community Social Service Worker (CSSW); Special Education Teacher Assistant (SETA); PAIRS Course (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills) Graduate; Fine Arts Diploma, VCC Student; and Authentic Tantra Mastery Training Graduate 🙂 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I host Cuddle Parties on the third Sunday's. I'm overjoyed to receive an email at: karin.cuddleparty@gmail.com. I'll add you to my email list. And keep you in the loop about upcoming details. And happily available is one-on-one cuddling! Ask and I'll send info 🙂

Favorite Cuddle Party Rule: Well, it's #6 – You are encouraged to change your mind. Trying something new is life-long practice. And easiest to do, when I know I may change my mind! For eg. replying 'yes' to a shoulder massage. Then adding, 'thank you but I'd prefer to do something else'. Honestly, I only know if something fits, if I try it! Participating at a Cuddle Party, I appreciate changing my mind and encouraging others to do the same. I'm grateful for this authenticity 🙂

What I got out of Cuddle Party personally: Mostly, it's how I got started on this Cuddle Party (CP) venture. During a six month sabbatical from teaching 3-5-year-olds - while my daughter was traveling and boyfriend and I on a break - I noticed an inner uneasiness and the 'skip in my walk’ had diminished. Connecting the dots, a lack of day-to-day physical closeness was the common denominator. This void of children, daughter, boyfriend was a hug-free, snuggle-free, massage-free desert! Awkwardly, I sought snuggles from a few friends and calm 'n' bounce returned. I thought others also, may be caught in this affection void. A close pal mentioned a newscast on Cuddle Party. I discovered Vancouver CP on hiatus so ferried over and took part in Victoria Cuddle Party! I was so elated, soothed and consent culture inspired by the experience that becoming Cuddle Party Certified - I couldn't do fast enough 🙂

Who I am as a Cuddle Party Facilitator / What you'll find at my Cuddle Parties: You can expect to find a warm welcome! Specifically, Cuddle Party is a fun and practical workshop about human connection and affectionate touch (imagine chatting while holding hands, neck 'n shoulder massaging, sitting-in-huggles, spooning). One decides with whom and how to cuddle, including the option to not cuddle at all but simply socialize, relax. Some people are comfortable with touch, right away. Others may attend one or two gatherings before ready for a hug. Whatever one's reasons, Cuddle Party is a wholesome playground to practice being true to oneself and relating with other cuddly souls. Curious? There's more! In the first forty minutes attendees are led by their host (CP Certified Facilitator) through a series of therapeutic exercises. This playful workshop allows for participants to get acquainted, practice clear 'n basic communication skills, and learn the Rules of Cuddling (for e.g., you must ask and receive a verbal YES before touching anyone. Or tears and laughter are both welcome). For the next couple of hours members may practice skills learned, negotiate touch 'n' cuddles or simply chit-chat, journal, unwind. There are no specific expectations, just opportunity to self-discover 🙂 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Who am I as a CP Facilitator? Are a few Cuddlers' reviews: **“ I loved it there. She was wonderful from the first email and until I left. Her generosity of spirit and knowledge was refreshing. I will go back and I recommend it everywhere I go. ” — Laura M Steele Sandgren on Feb 14, 2017. **“ Thank you Karin for opening your home and heart, to allow us to experience the amazing healing and nurturing powers of human touch. Wow! " — Sharon on Jul 3, 2016. **“ Karin creates a welcoming container in which one can deeply enjoy the benefits of touch. I was particularly appreciative of the boundary setting practice that is provided in the workshop. " — Caddie on Feb 7, 2016. **“ I was very impressed with the professional atmosphere and safe environment that was provided by the facilitator of today's Cuddle Party. The other attendees were welcoming, making my first Cuddle Party an event to remember. ” — Bob on Jan 3, 2016. **“ Oh My! Had my first Cuddle Party. I haven't felt that safe, connected and happy in a looooong time. I was worried it would be "weird" or "creepy", not at all. It was sooo empowering. Can't wait for the next!! ” — JoAnne on Mar 9, 2015. **“ Well worth going to again. ” — Raymond Heise on Jan 11, 2015 🙂