Our Founder

Dear Friends,

In 2003, I was at lunch with two parents talking about the challenges faced by middle school girls. I was running my own tutoring business at the time and the parent of one girl had hired me because her daughter's grades were sinking faster than the Titanic with no obvious iceberg in sight. My friend also confided in me that her daughter was being excluded by people at school.

I instantly recalled the pit of my own adolescent despair when, as a freshman wearing a cut-off sweatshirt, lopsided haircut, and a slant-hipped belt to match, my two best friends decided they were better off without me, and went their own way. This left me stranded in my multicolored socks to fend for myself in the jungle of high school. I realized my friend's daughter probably had no lack of academic talents; she was more than capable of solving for X, as long as X was in a math problem. But when X was a social factor, it took so much time to isolate and identify, there was no time for algebra.

When I shared my story with my lunch mates, each had a story to match. The three of us marveled at how universal and limiting this angst is, and how it comes back around again faster than a bad fashion statement.

Unfortunately, middle school can be a crucial tipping point in the way girls perceive themselves, their relations with others and where they 'fit' most comfortably and safely in the world. We often spend much of our lives stretching, challenging and redefining this view that is developed at such a young age.

She was more than capable of solving for X, as long as X was in a math problem. But when X was a social factor, it took so much time to isolate and identify, there was no time for algebra.

Determined to share the news that the agony of the teen and pre-teen years is universal but surmountable and, better yet, can be used to build confidence, engagement, friendship and leadership skills that last a life-time, I began Athena's Path.

Athena's Path helps girls see pressures and situations more clearly and provides them with a toolkit to understand their options and handle themselves well in a myriad of situations. They learn specific skills to stay level-headed and articulate, to remain confident in the face of societal pressure, to support others, and to find creative ways to respond with grace and integrity. They learn to lead their own lives rather than simply follow the crowd.

It is my hope that by spending some time with us, you will discover and build a new kind of self-reliance to succeed in school and beyond.

Welcome to Athena's Path

Michelle Icard, Founder

Mission | Founder | Team Bios | School Programs Camps | FAQ | Letters | Quotes Athena Girls | Contact Us | Make a Donation sitemap | copyright© 2007 Athena's Path