When Brookhaven resident Renee O'Leary talks about her work, her passion is unmistakable.

"I love what I do," she says.

As Bethesda's Education Director, Renee has spent the past nine years helping children across Oklahoma learn one of life's most important lessons: their bodies belong to them, and they always have a trusted adult to tell if something doesn't feel right.

A social worker since 1984, Renee learned about Bethesda while working at United Way before applying for a position that combined her passion for serving children with her years of nonprofit experience.

Originally from Ness City, Kansas, Renee and her husband, Shawn, moved to Brookhaven in 2006 when Shawn accepted a position with the City of Norman. They raised their four children here, and after nearly twenty years, she still says, "Love it. Love it."

Founded in 1982, Bethesda is Oklahoma's only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to the healing, education and prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Every therapy session, educational presentation and prevention program is offered free of charge so that every child has access to the support they need.

Today, Bethesda serves 102 locations across Moore, Mustang, Oklahoma City, Mid-Del, Norman and surrounding communities through schools, churches, youth organizations and community partners. The Norman office is unique because it offers all three parts of the organization's mission: Healing, Education and Prevention.

One of Bethesda's best-known programs is Stop. Go. Tell., an age-appropriate body safety presentation for elementary-aged children.

Rather than teaching fear, the program teaches confidence.

Children learn that their body belongs to them, how to recognize healthy boundaries and what to do if someone breaks those boundaries. For younger children, instructors even use a hula hoop to demonstrate personal space in a way preschoolers can easily understand.

"We're finding that four years old is really an age of exploration," Renee says. "It's important to start teaching body safety early."

The lessons are simple but powerful. Children learn it's okay to say no, that private parts should remain private except when a trusted caregiver is helping keep them healthy or clean, and that they should always tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong.

One lesson often surprises adults. Children are also taught they should never be forced to hug or kiss someone if they don't want to. Teaching body autonomy helps children understand healthy boundaries that can last a lifetime.

Sadly, those lessons sometimes give children the confidence to share something they have never told anyone before.

Last school year, Bethesda educators reached nearly 30,000 children, and 42 children disclosed abuse or boundary violations after hearing the presentation. Those conversations often become the first step toward healing.

At its Norman location, Bethesda provides specialized trauma therapy for children ages 3 through 18 who have experienced sexual abuse or boundary violations. The organization also offers Boundary School, a ten-week program that helps young children and their parents learn about healthy bodies, feelings and personal boundaries together.

Families do not have to wait for a school referral. Parents can contact Bethesda directly if they have concerns or simply want resources for teaching body safety at home.

For Renee, the greatest reward is seeing children leave feeling empowered.

"I've heard so many stories where kids go to their parents right away after learning that something felt icky," she says. "That's exactly what we hope for."

Every child deserves to know they have a voice. Thanks to neighbors like Renee and organizations like Bethesda, thousands of Oklahoma children are learning how to use it.

To learn more about Bethesda or find ways to support its mission, see the "Get Involved" sidebar.