CLT Girls Pact was created by myself, Erin Smith, a current Elementary School teacher. I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in this world. I wanted to put knowledge, confidence, and opportunity in my students' lives. But once I got into the classroom, I felt that something was missing in education. As teachers, we taught our students skills and strategies for math, reading, history, and science, but completely looked past teaching children real life skills that would help them navigate life outside of school. With this gap in education, I created CLT Girls Pact. 

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Growing up was a difficult journey for me. I struggled with depression, anxiety, bullying, confidence & self-esteem, body image, loss of friendships, break ups, finding my "circle," peer pressure, conflict resolution, and reacting to and coping with my emotions. Becoming confident and happy took time, bravery, and effort. I sought out therapy, positive relationships, and turned to resources to help me cope with the problems I faced as a child, teenager, and young adult. My growth influenced and inspired me to create a program to help other girls who may be struggling with similar things.

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I didn't have a positive, female, adult role-model to turn to when I needed advice, a listening ear, or to just hear, "I've been there and this is how I handled it." No one was speaking up about their struggles and how hard life as a girl can be sometimes. I didn't have a school counselor who taught social and emotional health at my school. There weren't resources for me growing up and my mission is to change that for the girls of today. 

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With my knowledge and background in education, I have created age appropriate lessons and activities on common topics that girls struggle with. With my background in psychology and art therapy, I have created research based activities that allow girls to express themselves through creativity. With my background in coaching, I learned how to build a girl up when they are down. With my background in youth mentoring, I learned how to listen and give advice. With my experience as a summer camp counselor at an all girls camp, I learned how to build a supportive female community and to show up as not a friend, but as a caring, responsible, role model. Through all my experiences, I have grown as an individual, expanded my knowledge on how children think & learn, and gained an enormous amount of skills that gave me the confidence and ability to start CLT Girls Pact. 

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I am so excited to be creating such a needed program in our community. The program will positively impact girls' confidence, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence. I can't wait to watch your daughter grow into someone she is proud to be. Thank you for trusting and supporting in me and CLT Girls Pact. 

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~Erin Smith