College Bound, Street Smart

Program Overview

College Bound, Street Smart: Safety & Strength for Her Next Chapter

This is a two-part, small-group program for young women ages 17+ who are preparing for college life or living away from home for the first time. Led by a therapist, an ER physician, and the founder of Growing Our Girls, this experience blends expert insight with hands-on skill-building so your daughter can feel safe, informed, and empowered.

What’s Included:

Groups of up to 12 young women. Hosted in the comfort of your home with the self-defense class scheduled at a local gym.

PART 1: Home session (2 hours)

A candid, interactive discussion on topics like:

  • Navigating drugs and alcohol

  • Healthy relationships and consent

  • Personal safety and decision-making

  • Self-advocacy and asking for help

Led by Nikki Pagano, LCSW (licensed therapist), Dr. Jill Antoniazzi, MD (ER physician), and Kristin Mountcastle (Growing Our Girls).

PART 2: Self Defense session (2 hours)

Hands-on training with trainer, Lexi Arnold to build awareness, boundaries, and physical skills for real-world safety situations. Conducted at Lexi’s affiliate gym in Charlotte.

Meet Your Facilitators

  • Kristin Mountcastle

    FOUNDER

    Kristin is the founder of Growing Our Girls, a Charlotte-based initiative that equips women and girls with tools for confidence, connection, and healthy communication. With a background in psychology and years of experience designing programs for families, Kristin is passionate about helping girls develop resilience and strong self-worth — and giving parents the support they need to guide them.

  • Nikki Pagano, LCSW

    LICENSED THERAPIST

    Nikki is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in adolescent mental health, eating disorders, and evidence-based treatment. She has led programs at nationally recognized institutions, consults on ongoing research, and is certified in multiple gold-standard therapies including Family-Based Treatment, CBT, ACT, and ERP. Nikki is passionate about equipping young people and their families with practical, research-driven tools for resilience and recovery.

  • Jill Antoniazzi, MD

    ER PHYSICIAN

    Jill is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with extensive experience caring for adolescents and young adults in high-pressure situations. She brings real-world insight into health, safety, and decision-making, offering practical guidance on how young women can protect and advocate for themselves as they step into greater independence. Passionate about prevention, Dr. Antoniazzi translates years of frontline medical expertise into clear, actionable strategies for teens and their families.

  • Alexis Arnold

    SELF DEFENSE INSTRUCTOR

    Alexis (Lexi) is a dedicated self-defense instructor passionate about equipping women and girls with the confidence, awareness, and skills to protect themselves. With years of training in personal safety and empowerment-based self-defense, Lexi blends practical techniques with encouragement, making her workshops both accessible and empowering. She believes self-defense is not just about physical moves, but about mindset, boundaries, and walking through the world with strength.

Schedule a session

FAQs

Who is this program for?

Young women ages 17+ preparing for college or independent living.

How many participants can join?

Up to 12 per group for a comfortable, interactive experience.

Where does it take place?

Part 1 is hosted in the host’s home; Part 2 is held at a local gym location.

Do parents attend?

This program is designed specifically for young women. Parents host the home session but do not participate unless otherwise arranged.

Do I need to find and invite all girls?

In most cases, yes. If your daughter has 8-12 girls she’d like to be in her class, then you’re all set to schedule it! If you’re interested in her joining a class comprised of a mix of girls from across Charlotte, let us know so we can share more details.

Does it work best if the girls already know each other?

There are benefits either way! If the girls know each other, they may feel more comfortable sharing relatable stories. If they don’t, they might open up more, since there’s less fear of judgment or gossip. Our recommendation: if your daughter has a small group of friends she trusts and feels comfortable with, start there.

What time of day do you schedule a class?

We generally schedule in-home classes on Sundays to accommodate multiple schedules. The self-defense portion will occur during evening weekday hours or on weekends.

Do you have a blurb I can text to other moms?

Yes! You can share our flyer, which is available on this page, or send them the link so they can read the FAQs and learn more about our team.

How do I schedule or get more info?

Email Kristin directly at kristin@growingourgirls.com to request dates or ask questions.