Nationwide — Dr. Caroline Clerisme, a respected dentist, author, and founder of Doctors Out of Debt, recently visited Thomas J. Kenny Elementary School in Boston, Massachussetts, delivering an inspirational message to students about careers in healthcare, oral health awareness, and self-belief.
During her visit, Dr. Clerisme engaged students in interactive discussions, sharing her personal journey from growing up in Haiti to becoming a dentist in New Hampshire. Her talk emphasized the importance of good oral health, maintaining self-confidence, and pursuing education to achieve personal and professional dreams.
A highlight of the visit was the “mirror work” exercise, during which Dr. Clerisme encouraged students to use positive affirmations to visualize their future aspirations. “When you look in the mirror and tell yourself you can achieve your dreams, you start to truly believe it,” Dr. Clerisme noted, emphasizing the exercise’s effectiveness in boosting confidence and self-esteem. Each student received a mirror to continue practicing positive affirmations at home.
Dr. Clerisme also introduced her children’s book, Lily and the Talking Piggy Bank: Let’s Learn About Money, which teaches young readers about financial literacy in a fun and accessible manner. Select students received signed copies of the book and responded enthusiastically, exclaiming, “You wrote a book? That’s so cool!” and “I want to be a doctor!”
The visit had an immediate impact. Dr. Clerisme’s sister, Pascale Clerisme, and her mother, Dr. Beliard Clerisme — a retired physician, both currently educators at Kenny School—reported that students expressed a renewed enthusiasm for higher education and careers in healthcare following the visit.
“Empowering people—whether doctors or elementary students—through knowledge and self-belief is at the heart of my work,” Dr. Clerisme explained. “By providing children with tools for oral health, financial management, and self-confidence, we help set them up for success in all areas of life.”
About
Dr. Caroline Clerisme, DMD, is a dentist based in Manchester, New Hampshire, and the founder of Doctors Out of Debt, an initiative that helps healthcare professionals eliminate debt and establish reliable income streams. After paying off all of her six-figure student loans within four years of graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Clerisme dedicated herself to coaching others in financial literacy. She is also co-author of the children’s book Lily and the Talking Piggy Bank: Let’s Learn About Money and is a sought-after speaker at schools and professional events nationwide.
For press inquiries, send an email to carolineclerisme@gmail.com
