The HARNESS Project
Christopher Zacharie
Christopher Zacharie, Founder of The HARNESS Project

Christopher Zacharie

Sexual Health Educator & Curriculum Developer

Credentials & Training

  • Certified HIV Prevention Specialist
  • B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
  • 13+ Years Teaching Experience
  • Curriculum Designer & Developer
  • Workshop Facilitator & Trainer

Professional Bio

Christopher Zacharie is a sexual health educator, curriculum developer, and certified HIV Prevention Specialist dedicated to reframing sexual health education as a positive and empowering experience. As the creator of The HARNESS Project, he draws on over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and his specialized training in HIV/STI prevention to create educational tools that are accessible, non-judgmental, and grounded in real-world application.

With a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and 13+ years of experience as an educator, Christopher possesses a deep understanding of curriculum design, pedagogy, and how to make complex information engaging and understandable. This foundation in education, combined with his work as an HIV Prevention Specialist, allows him to bridge the gap between clinical health education and emotionally resonant, practical learning.

The Journey to HARNESS

Christopher's work is informed by lived experience and professional expertise. His approach to sexual health education moves beyond fear-based messaging to center empowerment, autonomy, and harm reduction. He believes that education should meet people where they are—without judgment, shame, or assumptions—and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their bodies and relationships.

Through The HARNESS Project, Christopher has developed a comprehensive ecosystem of educational tools including an interactive web app, the book "Fearless, Aware, and Protected," a complete facilitator's curriculum, visual toolkits, and workshops. His signature MATCH Framework (Medications, Awareness, Tools, Communication, Habits) provides a holistic approach to SafER sex that acknowledges the complexity of real-life decision-making.

Teaching Philosophy

Christopher's teaching philosophy is rooted in several core principles:

  • Sex-Positive Education

    Sexual health education should celebrate pleasure, connection, and autonomy—not just focus on risks and consequences.

  • Harm Reduction Over Abstinence

    Meet people where they are with practical strategies that reduce harm, rather than demanding perfection.

  • Visual and Metaphorical Learning

    Complex topics become accessible through powerful visuals, metaphors, and storytelling that engage both heart and mind.

  • Centering Marginalized Communities

    LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and those most impacted by HIV/STIs deserve education that honors their experiences.

  • Building Confidence Through Knowledge

    Information is empowerment. When people understand their options, they can advocate for themselves and their partners.

Professional Experience

Over a decade of education, curriculum development, and HIV prevention work

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13+ Years in Education

Experienced educator with extensive background in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and making complex topics accessible to diverse learners. This foundation informs every aspect of The HARNESS Project.

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HIV Prevention Specialist

Certified training in HIV/STI prevention, PrEP navigation, and community health education. Brings evidence-based practices and clinical knowledge to comprehensive sexual health education.

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Curriculum Developer

Creator of comprehensive educational materials including 12-chapter curriculum, interactive app, visual toolkit with 50+ resources, and multiple workshop formats.

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Author & Content Creator

Author of "Fearless, Aware, and Protected" and creator of The HARNESS Project's complete ecosystem of tools, resources, and educational materials used nationwide.

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Workshop Facilitator

Experienced presenter delivering sexual health workshops ranging from 90-minute introductions to full-day comprehensive trainings for diverse communities and organizations.

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LGBTQ+ Advocate

Dedicated to creating inclusive, affirming sexual health education that centers LGBTQ+ experiences and addresses specific needs of queer and trans communities.

Mission & Vision

Christopher's mission is to transform sexual health education from a clinical, fear-based obligation into a bold, empowering, and emotionally resonant experience that builds trust, sparks curiosity, and honors personal autonomy.

The HARNESS Project exists because traditional sex education has failed to meet people's real needs. By combining evidence-based content with interactive technology, visual storytelling, and practical tools, Christopher is creating a new model for sexual health education—one that is inclusive, shame-free, and genuinely empowering.

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Evidence-Based

Rooted in public health best practices and current research

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Empowerment-Focused

Building confidence and autonomy through knowledge

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Visually Compelling

Using metaphors and visuals to make concepts memorable

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Inclusive & Affirming

Centering LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities

Ready to Transform Sexual Health Education?

Explore The HARNESS Project's complete ecosystem of tools, curriculum, and resources created by Christopher Zacharie.