Empowering Girls to Be Grounded, Emotionally Clear, and Self-Led
The G.E.M.S.® Program helps girls build confidence, courage, and connection, so they can shine from the inside out.
What Is G.E.M.S.?
G.E.M.S.® (Girls Empowered, Motivated, and Strong) is an Adlerian-based empowerment program developed by Dr. Erica Tatum-Sheade, DSW, LCSW, RPT-S. It helps girls build resilience, confidence, and belonging through guided activities and reflective discussions.
What Is G.E.M.S.?
G.E.M.S.® (Girls Empowered, Motivated, and Strong) is an Adlerian-based empowerment program developed by Dr. Erica Tatum-Sheade, DSW, LCSW, RPT-S. It helps girls build resilience, confidence, and belonging through guided activities and reflective discussions.
The G.E.M.S. Method™ is a research-informed framework created by Dr. Erica Tatum-Sheade to help girls build identity, courage, and connection in a world that often asks them to shrink.
Rooted in Adlerian theory, play, and culturally responsive practice, the G.E.M.S. supports girls in becoming Grounded, Emotionally Clear, Deeply Connected, and Self-Led.
From school groups and clinical work to community programs and professional trainings, this framework sits at the heart of every G.E.M.S. offering.
Emotional Clarity– What am I feeling? What do I need?
Meaningful Connection– How do I build relationships where I feel safe, seen, and valued?
Self-Leadership-How do I show up in my voice, my power, and my purpose?
WHO G.E.M.S.™ SERVES
For Girls & Teens
The G.E.M.S. Method™ shows up in small groups, workshops, and retreats that help girls:
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Build confidence and language for their experiences
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Navigate friendships and social dynamics
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Feel seen, heard, and supported
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Imagine a future that feels possible and exciting
For Schools & Youth Organizations
Schools, districts, and community programs use the G.E.M.S. Method™ to:
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Strengthen social-emotional learning and belonging
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Support girls’ mental health and resilience
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Create structured, evidence-informed group programs
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Train staff in a consistent, trauma-informed approach
For Clinicians & Helping Professionals
Therapists, counselors, and youth workers use the G.E.M.S. Method™ as a framework to:
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Guide group and individual work with girls and teens
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Integrate identity, culture, and empowerment in practice
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Access ready-made curricula, workbooks, and trainings
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Join a community of G.E.M.S. aligned facilitators
Current Programming Under The G.E.M.S. Umbrella
Who is Dr. Erica?
Dr. Erica Tatum-Sheade, DSW, LCSW, RPT-S, is a nationally recognized therapist, educator, and creator of the G.E.M.S.® Girls Empowerment Program. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Daring Way™–trained facilitator, Erica brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, heart, and leadership to every space she creates.
G.E.M.S. was born from her mission to give girls more than a place to gather, she wanted to give them a framework for identity, courage, healthy relationships, and self-leadership. What started as a small group in Scottsdale has become a transformational program shaping the next generation of confident, grounded, emotionally aware young women.
Erica’s impact has been widely recognized. She is the
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2024 Frances Young Trailblazer Award Winner
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2024 Phoenix TITAN 100 Honoree
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2022 NASW-AZ Social Worker of the Year
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2021 NAWBO Women of Vision Award Recipient
She is the co-owner of Integrated Mental Health Associates and the Arizona Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training, where she trains clinicians, leads professional development programs, and continues her lifelong work of helping girls, families, and communities thrive.
"When you know you are a precious gem worthy of the best, you start attracting people who treat you that way”
— Heather Hans
Support
Girls are divided into cohorts based on grade level to create an environment where they can feel supported by girls in similar situations.
Connection
All groups are closed groups keeping the same set of girls from start to finish. This helps create group cohesiveness and establish connection amongst the group.
Empowerment
At the heart of every group, the focus is for the girls to leave feeling empowered in their life choices and leaving with the courage to face life's unique challenges.
Next Facilitator Training Starts in...
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