Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Toner
Hi Shannon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My nonprofit foundation is in its first year, but my story started 17 years ago when I was 15 and nearly lost my life to menstrual toxic shock syndrome. For a decade afterward, I faced debilitating periods, something I always attributed to that traumatic experience.
When I finally received proper education about the menstrual cycle and how to work with it, I saw massive improvements. I learned how our cycle is broken into phases, how hormones interact during those phases, how they manifest through emotional and physical symptoms, and received guidance on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle to support my cycle and heal negative symptoms.
I was both thrilled and frustrated. Having this education earlier could have saved me all those years of suffering. I knew right away this was my calling-I was meant to go through that experience to bring this vital information to others and change how we view menstruation, ultimately unlocking countless opportunities for girls and women, giving them their lives back.
I recognized there was massive work to be done around menstruation, starting with destigmatization. I needed to address the root of the problem: breaking the cycle of shame that has been passed down for generations, where we hide tampons and whisper about periods.
In addition, this education is most effective when received before menarche and built upon as young people experience lifestyle changes and physical development. That’s why my nonprofit foundation’s workshops begin at age 7 and continue through age 18.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The phase I’m in right now feels more like an uphill battle since we’re still in the early stages. It’s a grind. Everything is on my shoulders as a founder which is extremely exciting because it allows me so much creative freedom of expression, but it can also be stressful.
I think the biggest struggle is the barriers that exist because of menstrual stigma. Some people sexualize it and argue that ‘girls don’t need to learn this’ or ‘they’re too young,’ but I strongly disagree with that perspective. It’s a bodily function that is going to occur. It’s nature, and we can’t pretend that nature isn’t happening. This is why I’m working to transform these attitudes with my nonprofit-because while menstruation is a reproductive function, every girl is going to experience it, and I approach it from the view that this is simply part of puberty.
As you know, we’re big fans of Protect Her Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a nonprofit foundation that provides menstrual health education to youth, focusing on ages 7-18. We approach menstruation from a practical point of view-think less about how long it takes an egg to travel up the fallopian tube and more about ‘how heavy should my period be?’ and ‘is this color normal?’
Our curriculum is taught by women who combine personal experience with extensive education, which we believe is essential for providing the most effective learning experience. These educators have a genuine passion for sharing this information, which makes our trainings more impactful and different from traditional workshops.
It’s imperative that the environment where this education occurs is comfortable, nonjudgemental, and provides space for questions. Without these elements, menstrual education can unintentionally reinforce feelings of shame rather than alleviate them.
I’m most proud of how we emphasize that menstruation is actually cool-because when you truly learn about it, you realize it is! It’s a fascinating process and amazing that it serves as both an internal clock and a messaging center. Our bodies literally communicate to us through our periods; we just need to learn how to read those messages.
We offer flexible programming to meet various needs- from workshops for schools and community organizations to private sessions where a parent can host a party for their child and friends. We’re currently booking sessions and welcome inquiries from parents, educators, and community leaders who share our vision of transforming how young people experience and understand menstruation.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d like to share that this journey has shown me how transformative open, honest education can be. When young people understand their bodies, they gain confidence that extends far beyond managing their periods. My vision is for a generation of youth who see menstruation not as something shameful, but as a natural process they understand and can navigate with confidence.
If you’re a parent, educator, or community leader who shares this vision, I encourage you to reach out through our website (www.protectherinc.com) or social media (insta: protectherinc / Tik tok& YouTube: missmooncycle). We’re currently booking workshops for schools, community groups, and private sessions, and we also offer resources for parents who want to start these conversations at home. Together, we can break the cycle of menstrual shame and empower young people with knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Pricing:
- $250 base rate for up to 10 kids (8 min) +$10/additional kid. Max 30. Ideal 15-20 for private sessions.
- $300/hr virtual session with optional recording fee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.protectherinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon_toner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564232581771
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannontoner/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MissMoonCycle
- Other: https://linktr.ee/protectherinc
