Meet Dr. Kem
Living Liberated. Leading with Purpose.



Living Liberated and Leading with Purpose
I am Dr. Kem Smith, author, educator, and creator of the PHRee Yourself movement. For more than two decades, I poured my heart into teaching, mentoring, and leadership, only to discover that even when you “do everything right,” it’s still possible to lose yourself in the process.
I know what it means to carry the weight of expectations. To overperform, overdeliver, and overlook your own joy. I also know what it takes to step out of that cycle. PHRee Yourself was born out of my own journey of learning to stop doing too much and start living fully.
Through my writing, courses, and retreats, I help women:
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Identify blind spots that drain their energy
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Set boundaries that stick without guilt
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Reclaim joy as a daily practice
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Design a life aligned with their values
My work blends storytelling, practical tools, and sisterhood to create spaces where women can unlearn hustle culture, honor their own rhythm, and finally breathe again.
Beyond the Movement
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Author of PHRee Yourself: A Liberation Guide for Women Who Have Been Doing Too Much
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Speaker on women’s leadership, boundaries, and liberation frameworks
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Artist, playwright, actress, and lifelong storyteller
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Missouri State Representative-committed to equity, education, and thriving communities (you’ll find that work at DrKemForMO.com)
My Commitment to You
When you enter this space, I want you to feel seen, supported, and equipped to make bold moves in your life. Whether you’re reading my book, joining a course, or attending a retreat, my mission is simple: to help you stop performing for others and start living for yourself.
Let’s take this journey together.

Dr. Kem Smith is Chalkbeat’s first advice columnist for teachers.
Learn more about Dr. Kem in her interview with Voyage STL.

School is in session with teacher and advice columnist Dr. Kem Smith

Interview with Dr. Kem on the Own Your Now Show

A Missouri high school teacher's advice column helps celebrate students — 'and ourselves'




