Certification for Cuddle Event Leaders
Lead gatherings that nurture connection and collective well-being.
Whether you’re new to facilitation or bringing existing experience, we welcome you.
Now Enrolling for Classes in Late Spring & Autumn 2025
WE’RE LIVING IN A TIME OF WIDESPREAD DISCONNECTION
Creating spaces for safe, consensual touch becomes an act of restoration and resistance.
More than ever – we need connection, we need kindness, and we need each other.
Three learning formats to choose from
🌀 5-Week Online Program
Live weekly Zoom sessions with a friendly group cohort. Includes lifetime access to recordings and support materials. Ideal for students seeking flexibility and the convenience of learning from home. Now enrolling! Learn more here.
🌼 3-Day In-Person Intensive (Los Angeles or Your City)
A deep dive into facilitation, boundaries, and event leadership with hands-on practice and real-time feedback. Perfect for people who want an immersive, hands-on experience and deep community connection. Learn more here.
🌱 One-on-One Mentorship
Flexible, personalized training for those who prefer to learn at their own pace with individualized attention. Contact Jean@CuddleSanctuary.com.
Let me prepare you to lead.
Here’s What You’ll Learn
In every format of this class, you’ll have the chance to practice your skills in a safe learning environment and gain confidence:
- Explore each element of a seamless cuddle experience
- Create a safe event container
- Use improvisation to think on your feet
- Facilitate activities
- Boost your presentation skills
- Empower your voice
- Lead and debrief exercises
- Navigate gender dynamics
- Prepare for tricky conversations
- Consider the health and hygiene of your guests
- Detail event logistics & marketing
- Much more
Earn a Certification as a Cuddle Event Leader, and begin a potent path!
Cuddle Sanctuary students have this to say about our courses
“I’m really glad I enrolled! Now – thanks to the training – I feel totally ready. Thank you very, very much!”
Madline, CalinoBXL
“The experience I had and the knowledge I gained is priceless. My overall impression: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!”
Ondrej Franek – Hug Haven
“This training exceeded my expectations. After the training I felt very empowered and full of hope and courage.”
Tom Rees – Certified Event Leader
Enroll in either format and get these four bonuses
Some courses provide good information but then leave you hanging when it comes to follow up. Cuddle Sanctuary’s Nourishing Nuggets can be your perfect post-training solution. Each Nugget provides tips, tricks, and techniques geared especially for cuddle event leaders. The information is presented in a digestible format with achievable goals. Your Nourishing Nuggets will be delivered to your email inbox weekly and will keep on supporting you for two months after your training is complete.
Value: $99
This online class is the meat and potatoes of the program and a prerequisite for Certification. It has the foundational information that you need for leading successful events. This online, self-paced class has over 20 lessons and more than 15 videos. It includes audio demonstrations, scripts, checklists, and quizzes to keep you on your toes. You’ll have unlimited access to this class so that you can refer to it again and again. (If you’ve already purchased the Guide, your investment is safe. The amount you paid will be deducted from the cost of your tuition for this certification program.)
Value: $99
It’s inevitable, once you launch your events, you’ll have questions. Our monthly support call is a forum where you can get the answers you need while relaxing in the presence of your peers. Join these Zoom calls with your phone, tablet, or computer. If you can’t make it, you’ll have a whole week to watch the recording and see what you missed. These calls can be a place to not only get help but also to celebrate your successes. Together, we can do anything.
Value: $299
Our “Certified Event Leaders” web page is a great place for people in your area to find you and your events. Being posted on the Cuddle Sanctuary website is a badge of honor. If you fulfill the qualifications for certification, this bonus will be yours. We’ll ask you to send your photo and a write-up. We’ll take care of the rest.
Value: $117
* Bonuses totaling more than $600
My credentials
I’m Jean Franzblau, AKA Cuddle Queen Jean, and I’ll be your instructor. I’m the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary – the Los Angeles destination for touch-positive events and professional cuddling since 2014. As a teacher, I’m known for having a fun, upbeat style honed by my years in corporate training and the performing arts.
I studied facilitation with Cuddle Party and the Association of Talent Development and am a Certified Professional Cuddler. I trained with Dr. Betty Martin who teaches the Wheel of Consent. I’ve also appeared as a cuddle expert on Dr. Phil, BuzzFeed, Keeping Up the Kardashians, and in Rolling Stone. In terms of formal schooling, I graduated cum laude with a BA in communications from UCLA. You can find my writing in The Consent Guidebook.
A note about my intersecting identities: I am a white skinned, able bodied, straight, cis-woman with Eastern European Jewish ancestry. I share this in hopes that you can decide for yourself if my background will be a comfort or distraction from your learning experience. I’m in an ongoing process of educating myself so that my inevitable blind spots do less harm while dedicating resources towards social justice and anti-racism. This course includes content and resources to further the cultural shift towards racial equity.
STUDENT FAQ
Certification, Schedule and Attendance
Q: How are Cuddle Sanctuary events different than Cuddle Parties?
A: Cuddle Sanctuary events begin with activities and exercises so that newcomers learn the event’s etiquette while getting to know the other guests. Cuddle Party events begin with a typically less interactive approach where the facilitator reads from a document with the rules in the first 40 minutes of the event. Both organizations teach consent, good boundaries, and are full of heart.
Q: Besides the homework and attending the course, what else does it take to get certified?
A: We use a Green/Yellow method to determine if we can certify a student. You can learn more about the Green/Yellow method and the requirements for certification here.
Homework
Q: Is there homework I need to complete before the first day of class?
A: Yes. If you’re accepted into the program, we’ll send you your homework so you can get started right away. Your “before training” homework includes reviewing the Leadership Guide for Cuddle Events and, if it’s feasible, attending a cuddle event in your area. (You can expect the Guide to take at least 4 hours to review.)
Q: Is there homework after the course is over?
A: If you’re hoping to be certified, yes. After the training is over you’ll be required to set up and complete two more cuddle events. This will help you gain more experience and receive feedback. You’ll also read an important book that will help you become a trauma informed leader and complete the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge.
Application and Money Questions
Q: What’s the application process?
A: Your first step is to pay the $25 application fee and fill out the application form. Once you do that, we’ll reach out to you within five days. If your application moves to the next level, we’ll set up a call to learn more about you and answer your questions. If you’re accepted into either program, we’ll discuss tuition payment options and then send you course materials.
Q: What if I don’t want to become a cuddle event leader, but I still want to take this course?
A: There are some people who decide to study with us for their own personal growth. If this is you, you are welcome to apply.
Q: I already paid for the Leadership Guide for Cuddle Events. Can I get a discount on the tuition for certification?
A: Yes. If you’re accepted into the program, the amount you paid for the Guide will be discounted from your tuition.
Q: Besides the application fee and tuition, are there other costs I should know about?
A: If you’re able to attend a cuddle event in your area, you would be responsible for that cost. You’ll also be assigned a book to read. You may be able to find it in your local library. For those taking the five week course, you’ll be hosting a practice cuddle event as part of your homework. The costs associated with that would be yours to cover along with the cost of printing your workbook.
Q: Are there any scholarships for this course?
A: Yes. We have some financial aid options and partial racial equity scholarships. (Students must be paid in full before the first day of class.)
Q: What if I change my mind?
A: If need be, you can change your mind, cancel your enrollment in the course, and get 80% of your money back – as long as it’s 30 days before the first day of class. If you need to postpone attending the course, we can accommodate you in a future one as long as space is available. You must attend the course within one year of purchase. On my end, if a session has low enrollment, I reserve the right to postpone it.
Q: What if I don’t like the training?
A: You can trust that your investment in this program is risk free. If you are not completely satisfied with your experience, we offer a 100% money back guarantee.
Here’s what people say about Cuddle Sanctuary events
“Fantastic experience! This was unlike anything I’ve ever done.”
“What a great experience! I was so impressed with how the session was structured and facilitated. It really allowed you to be in control and totally comfortable. It was a great learning experience and taught me about myself as well. Can’t wait to go back!”
“I loved this event! Before I knew it, all my nervousness melted away and I exchanged many comforting hugs with new people. I felt a deep sense of well-being, peace, and comfort. It was over too soon. I will be back!”
“Beautiful, wonderful, unique experience! A treasure of LA.”
“I found Cuddle Sanctuary after losing my wife of 18 years. Was missing connection and touch. Coming to cuddle has really changed my life for the better! With the safe place to learn really important tools around touch, it has allowed me to give and receive touch in super clear and fun ways!”
“I always feel healed, connected and happy when I’m here.”
CHOOSE YOUR LEARNING PATH
🌀 5-Week Online Course
Now enrolling! Learn more here.
🌼 3-Day In-Person Intensive (Los Angeles or Your City)
Learn more here.
🌱 One-on-One Mentorship
Contact Jean@CuddleSanctuary.com.