Logistical Details​

Eight sessions over two months, including six weeknights for dads only plus two weekend gatherings with kiddos. Groups consist of 6-12 dads with kiddos of any age (typical range is 3 to 15 months, though we've had infants a few weeks old up to school-aged kids). If you're currently expecting, please sign up on our waitlist and join after your kiddo arrives.

Meet the Facilitators

Andrew Gordon-Kirsch (he/him)

I'm an experienced facilitator and a new dad. When I became a father, I found myself yearning for a community where I could openly discuss my joys, fears, and doubts. It was during these moments of vulnerability that I recognized the need for a support group that could offer empathy, guidance, and a sense of belonging. In hosting these groups, I do not pose as the Fatherhood Expert. Instead, I combine my curiosity as a new parent with my expertise in facilitation, group dynamics, and men's work to hold space for dads to navigate challenges, celebrate triumphs, and learn from one another's experiences.

Chris Ategeka (he/him)

I’m a dad to two incredible kids—one in college and the other still mastering the art of walking. With nearly two decades between them, I've had the unique joy of navigating college applications and diaper changes simultaneously. When I became a father, I realized that parenting is a hilarious mix of confidence and cluelessness. As a facilitator and professional mistake-maker, I create space where fathers can support each other, laugh at the chaos, and maybe even pick up a parenting hack or two. Fatherhood is a wild ride, and I’m here for all of it—the heartfelt moments, the sleepless nights, and the occasional existential crisis in the baby aisle. Let’s figure this out together.

For Dads Who Are

Seeking Community: If you're looking to connect with other dads who understand and are eager to share the joys, challenges, and emotional complexities of fatherhood, this group is for you.

Navigating Emotional Challenges: Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, work-life balance issues, relationship dynamics, self-care concerns, or intimacy and sexual dynamics, the group provides a supportive space to explore and address these emotional challenges.

Interested in Learning and Growing: If you're eager to gain insights and peer-to-peer learning from other dads who have faced similar situations, this group offers a platform for personal and parenting growth.

Open to Sharing and Listening: Being able to share your thoughts, experiences, and concerns openly and non-judgmentally is important. The group fosters a culture of active listening, compassion, and respect for each other's journeys.

Ready to Build Lasting Connections: This group is for dads who value genuine connections and long-lasting relationships. While not required, participating in the group provides a natural invitation for ongoing connections with fellow dads who are on a similar path.

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Discussion Topics Include:

• Parenting Identity and Roles

• Work-Life Balance

• Intimacy and Sex

• Isolation and Loneliness

• Stress and Anxiety

• Self-Care

• Gender Roles and Stereotypes

• Emotional Support Networks

• Balancing Personal Needs and Parental Responsibilities

• Birth and Adoption Stories

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Group Format

Each group consists of 6 to 12 dads and meets in the Berkeley/Oakland area a total of eight times: Six meetings on weeknights without children--allowing for focused discussions and deeper connections--and two weekend daytime gatherings with children--fostering family interactions and strengthening the bonds between fathers and their kids. The commitment is about two months, allowing participants to build meaningful relationships, navigate fatherhood challenges together, and create opportunities for ongoing community building. COVID protocol: Updated COVID vaccination required for adults and eligible infants. We meet indoors with windows open, masks optional. Please do not come if you're sick or believe you have been recently exposed. If we are in the middle of a COVID surge, we may ask everyone to rapid test day-of before coming. Our meeting space is up one flight of stairs. If this is unaccessible for you, please let us know and we'll seek accommodations. 

​Acknowledgement to Co-Parents

To the co-parents of the dads in our group, thank you for your unwavering support. Your willingness to shoulder the extra workload and provide care for our children allows us to fully engage in meaningful discussions and personal growth as fathers. Thank you for being our partners in this journey. Together, we can build stronger families and create a community where the joys and challenges of fatherhood are embraced and supported.