Betty Lou Barsley-Marra is an Extension educator in family life at the Chicago Center. Barsley-Marra's areas of specialization include human sexuality, human development, early childhood education, secondary education, relationship enhancement and personal development / wellness. Barsley-Marra works with schools, agencies and organizations to develop educational programs for children, adolescents, parents, individuals and couples as well as family life professionals including teachers, counselors, social service personnel and other community members.

Barsley-Marra's current work with Extension audiences focuses on facilitating the R. I. S. K. (Real Issues of the Sexual Kind) program, helping parents and teachers at all levels deal with sexuality issues at home and in the classroom and raising early awareness of conditions that result in infertility.

Over the years, Barsley-Marra has been a teacher in a variety of early childhood settings, in a public secondary school and at the university level. Immediately prior to joining Extension, Barsley-Marra was a high school teacher in northwest Indiana teaching courses in human sexuality, interpersonal relationships, child development and marriage and the family. She was also actively involved with student leadership through her sponsorship of student government. Her return to high school teaching followed years of corporate training, university teaching in psychology and the training of teachers that she continues on an adjunct basis.

Barsley-Marra earned her B. S. in family and child development from Northern Illinois University and her M.S. Ed. from the University of Illinois at Chicago in instructional leadership with a specialization in human sexuality education and counseling. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology.

Program Offerings

Real Issues of a Sexual Kind (R. I. S. K.)

Young people do not often really understand the costs of sexual behavior with a partner.

R. I. S. K. is a simulation game and guided discussion that illustrates these costs for a teen audience and helps them develop decision-making skills. The program is appropriate for teen groups of 15–40 participants and requires at least 50 minutes. In this program, this very sensitive topic is handled realistically with drama and humor.

Your Young Child Series

Parents and caregivers often have a difficult time coping with their very young (birth–age 3) child. Children progress through several normal developmental stages that can be challenging for parents. The series includes information on crying, sleeping, separation anxiety, eating, exploratory behavior, toddler negativity and toilet training. The program series is appropriate for a group of parents or as a training for a group of parent educators.

More Than Words : Family Communication and Problem Solving

A family's strength lies in its ability to communicate. When children and adults learn to express their feelings, to find healthy ways to respond to anger, and to work with others to solve everyday problems, then as families, communities and a nation we have hope for a violence–free future. This series gives parents an opportunity to discuss and learn about family communication and problem solving. The series includes discussion for parents to share ideas and build upon their own family strengths. The series is appropriate for a group of parents or a group of parent educators.

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