Welcome to the Ahava Youth Program!
Our Purpose: To provide a place where our children are encouraged to discover and embrace their Divine being. Ahava is a safe place for children to increase their self-awareness, self-esteem and spirituality, translating this knowledge into service to the world. We teach meditation, affirmative prayer, and that love is always the answer. We talk about real-life issues and the spiritual solutions to every-day situations.
Volunteer Teachers: Youth volunteers have all completed a background check and are trained on our policies and procedures. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis under the direction of our Youth Coordinator, Heather Marsh-Prelesnik.
Behavior Policy: Children are held accountable for their behavior, but are not condemned. The following are the agreements in order to create a safe space for everyone.
Classroom agreements: Be Respectful * Honor Personal Space * Walking Feet * Listening Ears * Follow Directions * Have Fun!
A parent/guardian must be present at Ahava on a Sunday in which youth are participating. Children must not be left unattended in any space of the Center. We look forward to creating a wonderful experience with your children!
Youth Coordinator
Heather Marsh-Prelesnik grew up in a musical family and began performing at a young age with the Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus. She studied Voice and Elementary Education at Western Michigan University. As a young adult she traveled the world with Missoula Children’s Theatre for 5 years before moving to Chicago where she met her wife, Rev. Rainbow at Bodhi Spiritual Center. Heather served as a youth volunteer for many years in Chicago and has over 20 years experience as a professional nanny. She is currently a stay at home mom homeschooling their 8 year old daughter.