What is Open the Lid?

Custom Web-based Classes Led by Master Teachers in:

Technology, Movement, Empowerment

Group Classes, Individual Classes or Both

Students


  • Launch your own YouTube channel? Done.

  • Turn your ideas into posters that get noticed.

  • Tame your bank statements and online portals.

  • Stay safe online, whether you’re dating, making friends, or using AI.

  • Master new tech and show up on any platform.

  • Move better, build routines, and feel stronger every day.

Our teachers are skilled, patient, creative, and flexible. Visual, hands-on, solo or non-speaking learner? Good. We’ll meet you there.

Classes

Group classes are the heart of Open the Lid. Community center energy, minus the folding chairs and buzzing lights. Teens and adults of all ages log in from different places. Everyone teaches. Everyone learns.

Each day, a new focus. Technology one day, movement the next. Peer support and master teachers every step of the way.

Individual classes take you from where you are to where you want to be. Any age, any ability.

Let’s go. We build the plan together. It’s your life after all.

Three Ways In:

  • Group Classes

    Feeling isolated? Group classes are your crew. Make friends while you learn real skills in technology and movement, one video call at a time. Nobody has to be the expert in the room.

  • Individual Classes

    Got a specific skill or project in mind? One-on-one focus can take you from idea to finished work. One of our students wrote and published a book this way. Overwhelmed by a crowd? Individual classes move at your pace, not the group’s.

  • Both

    Want it all? Practice one-on-one, then try the skills with a group. Or learn with daily group contact while diving deep into the projects and skills you care about most.

Lessons


30+ lessons. Zero filler. Our Visual Lesson Series gives you structure and interactive visuals, one step at a time. Each lesson builds on the last, with tools you can use the same day.

Hit a lesson that sparks a new idea? Run with it. Our experienced, creative teachers will help you turn that spark into the next project, skill, or adventure. Take what works. Leave the rest.

Videos pull out the key topics and break down each technique. Watch before class, after class, or when you need a refresher. Auditory learners, this one’s for you.

Visual Lesson Series and videos come free with every group or individual class sign-up.

Three Things People Say to Us at Every Single Event

A group of smiling people taking a selfie in a room with tables and children's toys in the background. The group is diverse in age and ethnicity, and they are wearing colorful casual clothing.

“I don’t like online stuff.”

  • Neither do a lot of our students.
  • This is not online school.
  • It’s a dedicated professional whose whole job is helping you build a life you want to get out of bed for. Because it's built around you, there isn't much chance of being bored. There's a good chance of being challenged.
  • Some students meet once a week. Some meet four or five times a week.

“I dunno what I’m into!”

  • Perfect. You don’t need a plan to start.
  • Not knowing is a starting point, not a problem.
  • Figuring out what you don’t like counts. Most people skip that part.
  • Hate loud rooms? Love animals? Can’t sit still? That’s where we start.

“I don’t have enough money in my budget.”

  • Most budgets leak. Money goes to things that aren’t super useful.
  • Our classes help you make the most of what you have, so it goes toward a life you’re excited about.
  • Start free. Your first 1:1 class and a week of group classes cost nothing.
  • Group classes cost $14/day, and you still get real support.
  • Already in group? Add 1:1 sessions at a lower rate.
Man wearing headphones, smiling in a video call, with a framed picture on the wall behind him.

What Your Sessions Look Like

  • Meet on Zoom or Google Meet. Pets and pajamas optional.

  • Sessions run about 50 minutes, built around you.

  • One to five times a week, on your schedule. Your calendar, your call.

  • Your teacher knows what you’re into before you log on. We match on interests and learning style.

  • You’re more than a checklist. Your identity, interests, culture, and life all shape the path forward.

Who You'll Work With

  • Certified, licensed, and seasoned. Decades of teaching, ready for a challenge.

  • Matched by interests and learning style, not by luck.

  • Hablamos español. Spanish-speaking professionals available.

  • Not clicking? No hard feelings. Tell us, and we’ll find you a better fit. Our goal is to support you in the most effective way possible.


One person, steady sessions, and a system dedicated to listening to you and your needs.

Contact Us


Got questions about Open the Lid, workshops, or classes (including NJ DVRS)? Want in on the mailing list? Reach out. We’ll get back to you within one business day. 😊

What are you interested in? Choose as many as you like.
Open the Lid Class Terms of Use and Program Agreement

Open the Lid Class Terms of Use

Last updated: November 12, 2026

Welcome

These terms explain how classes with Open the Lid, LLC work. When you sign up for a class, attend a class, or use our website, you agree to these terms.

"We" and "us" means Open the Lid.

"You" means the participant, and parent or guardian where applicable.

We may update these terms. The newest version always lives on our website with the date it changed.

Cancelling and Rescheduling

If you need to miss a session

Let us know at least 24 hours before.

We will do our best to find another time.

Less than 24 hours notice counts as a late cancellation.

If an agency pays for your class and you miss it without 24 hours notice, you may have to pay for that class yourself.

If we need to cancel

We will tell you as soon as we can.

We will reschedule the session or offer a credit.

Refunds for self-pay classes

Cancel at least 24 hours before the first class: full refund.

After the first class: no refund.

No refunds for sessions missed with less than 24 hours' notice or no-shows.

These refund rules are for classes. Monthly programs and 1-on-1 coaching follow our Program Agreement.

Group Agreements

Our classes work best when everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

Treat others with respect, including different ways of communicating and looking.

What people share in class stays in class. Ask before repeating someone's story.

No hate speech, bullying, or harassment in or out of class or in chats.

No selling or advertising to other members.

Classmates share from their own experience. They are not experts or OTL staff.

Tell us right away if something feels wrong or unsafe.

We may remove someone from a class if these agreements are not followed.

Access and Inclusion

We welcome everyone. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or any other protected status.

To request accommodations, like ASL interpreters, captions, AAC support, breaks, or materials in other formats, contact us before your class.

Need these terms or class materials in another language, or an interpreter? Just ask.

Who Agrees

Under 18: A parent or guardian agrees. We also check that the learner wants to join, in whatever way they communicate.

18 and older: Adults agree for themselves. If you have a legal guardian, they agree too.

Turning 18: We ask the learner to agree on their own.

How we track it

You agree by checking the box at registration.

Your registration confirmation includes a link to these terms.

You can withdraw at any time by telling us in writing.

Signing Up and Paying

If an agency pays for your class

Your spot is confirmed once we have the agency's approval or authorization.

You do not pay us directly for approved services.

If funding ends or is not approved, we will talk with you about other options before any charges.

If you pay for your class yourself

Payment is due before the first class.

Your spot is held once payment is received.

Attendance

Showing up matters. It also keeps your funding in good standing.

A no-show means missing a session without telling us.

After 3 no-shows, or 3 cancellations without rescheduling, we may pause or end services.

Before that happens, we will reach out to you. If an agency funds your class, we will also contact your point person at that agency.

Any decision to end services will be shared in writing.

Privacy and Communication

Who sees your information

Only OTL staff who work with you.

Your agency representative, as required by the organization.

Your school contact, if a school referred you.

No one else, unless you give written permission or the law requires it.

Recording

We only record a class if everyone is told first.

You can turn off your camera or ask not to be recorded.

How we contact you

We may reach you by email, phone, or text.

Texts are about classes, scheduling, payments, and programs.

Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help.

We never share your phone number for marketing.

See our full Privacy Policy in this document.

SMS/Text Messaging

If you opt in to receive text messages from Open the Lid, LLC, we use your mobile number only to send messages about appointments, scheduling, payment reminders, program information, and events.

Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties.

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

You can reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe or HELP for assistance. You may also contact us at support@openthelid.com.

We will not share your opt-in to an SMS campaign with any third party for purposes unrelated to providing you with the services of that campaign. We may share your Personal Data, including your SMS opt-in or consent status, with third parties that help us provide our messaging services, including but not limited to platform providers, phone companies, and any other vendors who assist us in the delivery of text messages.

All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Opting Out

From time to time Open the Lid, LLC may email you electronic newsletters, announcements, surveys or other information.

If you prefer not to receive any or all of these communications, you may opt out by following the directions provided within the electronic newsletters and announcements.

The Fine Print, Made Simple

Class materials

Our handouts, videos, and website content belong to Open the Lid.

You can save or print them for your own use.

Please do not sell, share publicly, or reuse them without asking.

What we can and cannot promise

We work hard to keep our information accurate and our classes running smoothly.

We cannot promise specific results, like getting a job.

Our classes do not replace medical, mental health, or legal care.

We are not responsible for websites we link to.

In an emergency

Open the Lid is not a crisis service.

In an emergency, call 911.

For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Legal basics

These terms follow United States federal law and the laws of New York State, where Open the Lid is based. You keep any rights your home state gives you.

If any part of these terms cannot be enforced, the rest still applies.

Concerns

Contact us at Support@openthelid.com or (607) 252-6531.

We will respond within 3 business days.

If we cannot solve it together, you can ask to speak with our founder, Lydia Dolch.

If an agency funds your services, you can also contact your agency representative at any time.

Questions?

We are happy to talk it through.

Email: Support@openthelid.com

Phone: (607) 252-6531

Mail: Open the Lid, LLC, 311 W Buffalo St, Ithaca, NY 14850


Open the Lid Program Agreement

Last updated: November 12, 2026

Welcome

This agreement covers our programs, live classes, and 1-on-1 coaching. It works together with our Class Terms and Privacy Policy.

"We" and "us" means Open the Lid, LLC.

"You" means the learner, and parent or guardian where applicable.

You agree by checking the box at registration or checkout.

What's Included

Live group classes and virtual meetings

1-on-1 coaching sessions, if you choose that option

Program materials like videos, workbooks, and handouts

Sessions are led by Lydia Dolch and the Open the Lid team.

Scheduling Sessions

You are responsible for booking and attending your sessions.

Sessions not scheduled or used within your agreed time frame cannot be carried over.

Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your session.

If you pay for your program yourself, late cancellations and no-shows are charged in full.

If an agency funds your program and you miss a session without 24 hours notice, you may have to pay for that session yourself.

To cancel or reschedule, email Support@openthelid.com or call or text (607) 252-6531.

Payment

Current prices are listed on our website or your invoice.

When paying privately, payment is due before you get access to the program unless other arrangements are agreed upon in writing.

Monthly programs are charged each month to keep your access.

Payments are processed securely through Stripe. You give us permission to charge your card for the amounts you signed up for.

If an agency funds your program, our Class Terms explain how that works.

If you have a billing problem, please contact us first so we can fix it quickly.

Cancelling Your Program

You can cancel at any time by emailing Support@openthelid.com.

Cancelling stops future charges.

We do not refund months that are already paid.

Materials you already have access to stay available to you.

Classes follow the refund rules in our Class Terms.

We may also end this agreement at any time. If we do, we will tell you in writing.

Recording

We only record a session if everyone is told first.

You can turn off your camera or ask not to be recorded.

Recordings are only used by OTL staff for training, or shared with members of that group.

Group Sessions

You will learn alongside other participants.

What people share in group stays in group.

Other participants are not OTL staff or experts. Their advice is their own.

Our Group Agreements in the Class Terms apply to all sessions.

Your Instructor

We match you with an instructor who fits your needs.

We may change your instructor when needed. We will do our best to tell you ahead of time.

Access and Inclusion

We welcome everyone. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or any other protected status.

To request accommodations, like ASL interpreters, captions, AAC support, breaks, or materials in other formats, contact us before your session.

Need this agreement or program materials in another language, or an interpreter? Just ask.

Health and Safety

Open the Lid provides education and coaching, not clinical treatment.

Our programs do not replace medical, mental health, legal, or financial advice.

Never start or stop a medication because of something you learned in our program. Talk to your doctor.

Please tell us about anything that may affect how you take part, like a health condition or support need.

If someone may be at risk of harm, we may end the session and contact your emergency contact or emergency services.

Our staff are mandated reporters. We must report suspected abuse or neglect.

Open the Lid is not a crisis service. In an emergency, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Program Materials

All program materials belong to Open the Lid.

They are for your personal or family use only.

Please do not copy, share, sell, or post them.

Please do not use our materials to create or teach a similar program.

Stories, Photos, and Videos

We may share your story as an example without your name or identifying details.

We only use your name, photo, video, or testimonial with your written permission.

For photos or videos of you or your child, we will ask first by text or email.

You can take back permission at any time by emailing Support@openthelid.com.

We will stop new uses right away, but we may not be able to remove items already published.

Concerns

Contact us at Support@openthelid.com or (607) 252-6531.

We will respond within 3 business days.

If we cannot solve it together, you can ask to speak with our founder, Lydia Dolch.

If an agency funds your services, you can also contact your agency representative at any time.

Results

Every person's journey is different.

We cannot promise specific results.

Progress takes time, practice, and support from your wider team.

Legal Basics

Our responsibility to you is limited to the amount you paid us under this agreement.

This agreement follows United States federal law and the laws of New York State, where Open the Lid is based. You keep any rights your home state gives you.

Changes to this agreement must be in writing.

If any part of this agreement cannot be enforced, the rest still applies.

Questions?

Email: Support@openthelid.com

Phone: (607) 252-6531

Mail: Open the Lid, LLC, 311 W Buffalo St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Consent is not a condition of submitting this form. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for help. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Empowerment through Technology and Movement