Our trainers and facilitators

Our trainers and facilitators

Our team includes SPARKS trainers as well as facilitators

SPARKS training

The SPARKS training is designed for teachers who wish to conduct SPARKS workshops for young people aged 12-18. The training team consists of experienced facilitators with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and expertise. They all share a common vision for youth, a passion for personal and collective transformation tools, and a shared aspiration to build a better world through education. They are all trained in the SPARKS educational approach and can work with schools both in France and internationally.

Facilitators

Gemmes workshops are delivered by a diverse educational team. Depending on the nature of the workshops, number of participants, age group, and location, a specific group of animators is mobilized according to the synergy of profiles and skills needed. 

Mathilde

Coordinator partnerships and pedagogy – SPARKS trainer – Facilitator

Mathilde is the co-founder of the French network “Entreprendre pour l’éducation”, a facilitator in collective intelligence, and a teachers’ trainer. After completing a Master's degree in International Expertise in International Relations, she worked at the Campus Innovations et Savoirs of the Agence française de développement. In 2019, she joined the neuroscience research program to combat school dropout at the Academy of Grenoble. Trained as a cognitive mediator by researchers, she became a trainer for teachers and engaged in action research in the missions de lutte contre le décrochage scolaire (MLDS). Each year, she enhances her training tools, particularly in positive psychology, emotional intelligence, and project-based pedagogy. Mathilde joined Gemmes in 2024, where she is now coordinator of partnerships and pedagogy.

"Above all, I love building bridges between different actors, bringing them together, and encouraging them to work together. I enjoy helping everyone change their perspective on themselves, others, and the world. In each of my interventions, I aim to transmit joy and confidence and share with young people a sincere hope to inspire them to engage in the service of others."

Krisztina

SPARKS trainer – Facilitator

Krisztina is a teacher, trainer, and facilitator. She holds a degree in Business Administration and a master’s in education sciences. For years, she has been guiding young people and educational professionals in conflict resolution and promoting cooperation and respect in relationships. She is involved in educational projects in correctional facilities and participates in European initiatives. Krisztina is passionate about human nature and neuroscience, and she enjoys reading, cycling, and hiking in nature.

"My dream is to build caring and respectful communities where everyone can access their best selves. This place of safety enables young people to gain confidence and tap into their inner wealth."

Lobna

SPARKS trainer – Facilitator 

Lobna is a trainer and facilitator. With a degree in occupational psychology, she works with several associations that share her values: trust in human potential, transmission, and empowerment. She is particularly committed to working with young people, in school and extracurricular settings, as well as with educational teams. Alongside her professional activities, she cultivates a passion for music and concert photography, and nurtures a constant curiosity for experimentation and new artistic and athletic experiences. 

““What moves me most is seeing something emerge that was once hidden — a voice, a presence, a look. I believe that everyone has their own place, and that authenticity and a sense of safety are essential foundations for that to unfold.”

Isabelle

SPARKS trainer – Facilitator 

Since earning her BAFA and a Master’s degree in Education (MEEF 1st level), Isabelle has always worked with young people — 15 years in non-formal education and 8 years in teaching. She has worked with a wide range of audiences: very young children, youth with disabilities, apprentices, and teenagers. Isabelle is also a certified mountain guide. Her passion lies in sharing the beauty of the mountains, as well as the value of effort and contemplation, through hiking. She is deeply attuned to the well-being of the young people she supports. 

“To accompany — such a powerful word. To stand beside them and help them find the keys to their own path. To help them fill their backpack with precious tools for the great hike of their life. Gemmes makes this possible, and I’m delighted to share these values in service of youth.”

Kendaore

SPARKS trainer – Facilitator

Kendaore is a professional coach and therapist specializing in the complex emotional experiences of childhood. Driven by a deep passion for the art of storytelling, she helps individuals reconnect with their essence, where the heart and creativity reside. Convinced that everyone possesses the resources needed for growth, she guides her clients toward self-awareness, aligned choices, and sustainable solutions. Combining compassion, creativity, and rigor, she fosters trust and responsibility, enabling each person to write their own fulfilling and authentic story. Passionate about movement in all its forms — dance, play, or oral expression — she finds in these practices a source of energy and inspiration that she shares with those she supports.
“Being in contact with children and teenagers brings me back to the essentials: the joy of the present moment and boundless creativity. Through my work, my intention is to offer them this same gift: helping them connect with their uniqueness, their inner resources, and the courage that lies dormant within, so they dare to be themselves and contribute to a more conscious and united world.”

Diane

SPARKS trainer – Facilitator

Committed to serving the common good for nearly 25 years, Diane is driven by the desire to empower every young person and amplify their impact in the world. She holds the hope that enabling each young individual to find their place contributes to a more harmonious world. A judo practitioner since the age of 8, and a competitor both individually and as part of a team at the national level, Diane has developed mental balance, life skills, and resilience through judo to face adversity. She shares these lessons while teaching judo classes. Her professional journey has led her to explore the levers of change within social and solidarity-based organizations. Trained in systemic coaching and as a psychopractitioner, Diane supports young people in their resilience processes while also working alongside the leadership of non-profit organizations to enhance the impact of their programs in the field.

"Each of us has our flaws; they allow the light to enter. Learn to know them, explore them, and savor being yourself, at peace, to play your unique part in the world."

Aurélie

SPARKS trainer – Facilitator

Aurélie is an actress trained at the Théâtre National de Strasbourg (TNS), an arts educator, and a communication trainer using acting techniques. Throughout her theatre career, working with teenagers and young adults has revealed how central the group and others’ perspectives are to the challenges young people face. She has always sought to use the power of artistic expression as a tool for everyone’s growth and fulfillment. Today, she is involved with associations, educational success programs, and engineering schools, convinced that group experiences help reveal each person’s strengths and potential, building self-confidence and trust in others.

“What matters most to me is contributing to a world where everyone can grow up feeling included. I want to strengthen each person’s inner resources so they can step fully and confidently into life.. » 

Laetitia

SPARKS trainer – Facilitator

Laetitia is a trainer, career assessment consultant, and zero-waste facilitator. She helps individuals become the best versions of themselves, allowing them to find their place in today’s and tomorrow’s society, in harmony with their multifaceted personalities and their environment. With a degree in international trade, she has lived and worked in France, Senegal, Ireland, Spain, and Switzerland. Laetitia is also a singer-songwriter and author of children’s books. She advocates for a diverse society with equal opportunities, supported by the arts. Laetitia loves discovering others and their gems and sharing her experiences and knowledge.
"Albert Einstein said, 'Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.' My goal is to reveal talents so that everyone can find their rightful place in the world."

Stéphane

Animator

An artist-composer and producer, Stéphane is above all passionate about music. A graduate of a business school and holder of the BAFA (French certificate of aptitude for animators), he founded "Dites-le en Musique" ("Say It in Music") in 2020, a mobile recording studio open to everyone. Working year-round in schools, associations, medical-social environments, and prisons, he draws his inspiration from the diversity of the people he meets daily in his missions.
"Artistic expression, in any form, frees the mind and promotes personal fulfillment; my goal is to support everyone in discovering their own abilities. It's always a victory when we manage to convey the joy of practicing and self-confidence."

Haffef

Animator

For nearly ten years, Haffef worked in the world of marketing research, where she discovered that behind numbers and strategies, it’s the art of storytelling that resonates with people. She realized that stories reveal the essence of messages, the ones that captivate and remain etched in memory. Today, she has traded her data charts for invisible threads that connect, those of storytelling. She shares tales from all over the world and guides participants in her workshops to tell stories, their own stories.

"What holds value for me is learning from others, having the right to make mistakes, and creating an encouraging and motivating environment where everyone finds their place."

Rose

Animator

For nearly ten years, Haffef worked in the world of marketing research, where she discovered that behind numbers and strategies, it’s the art of storytelling that resonates with people. She realized that stories reveal the essence of messages, the ones that captivate and remain etched in memory. Today, she has traded her data charts for invisible threads that connect, those of storytelling. She shares tales from all over the world and guides participants in her workshops to tell stories, their own stories. 

“To be, and to help others to be — that’s what guides my professional journey. Supporting young people in discovering and nurturing their inner gems so they can grow into unique and fulfilled adults gives deep meaning to my work.” 

Mathieu

Animator

Mathieu is an artist, therapist, and trainer. In addition to holding a BAFA certification, he has a degree in Educational Sciences and has completed various additional training programs, including Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, Philosophical Workshops (SEVE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Neuroscience. He is also a singer-songwriter with several music titles and a collection of poetry to his name. Mathieu has created his own show and has been conducting artistic workshops for many years. He also teaches NVC to middle school students and is a trainer for Éloquentia, working with various adult and adolescent audiences. Apart from education and the arts, Mathieu is passionate about martial arts and health.
"When I discovered Gemmes, I wanted to contribute right away because I share the belief that a better world is already here, asleep like a genie in the lamp of youth."

Anne-Laure

Animator

Anne-Laure is a trainer, facilitator, and collective intelligence practitioner. A business school graduate and former entrepreneur, she has spent the past ten years helping young people get to know themselves better and develop the soft skills they need for their professional futures. She teaches at EM Lyon’s Career Center, leads philosophy workshops for primary and secondary students, and is involved in various associations such as SEUIL and Crée Ton Avenir. She also trains professionals in relational skills and supports teams through nature-based group walks. Passionate about climbing and improv theatre, she never misses a day without taking time for a good walk!

"What holds value for me is learning from others, having the right to make mistakes, and creating an encouraging and motivating environment where everyone finds their place."

Alexandre

Animator

Alexandre is a passionate facilitator specializing in youth development through creative and dynamic workshops inspired by a growth mindset, in collaboration with Mindsetworks. His work in various institutions and associations focused on youth training and support allows him to meet diverse profiles, whom he helps overcome obstacles and build self-worth. After traveling to 10 countries to discover initiatives supporting youth, he offers innovative and caring approaches to support each unique journey.

"Young people surprise us when they express themselves with sincerity. My dream is for them to have encounters that inspire them to build a more fulfilling and responsible future."

Coraline

Animator

Coraline holds a master’s degree in marketing communication and Culture and has studied in several different countries. With a BAFA (French official certification for the facilitation of youth camps), Coraline has many years of experience with various associations in organizing projects for children and adolescents focused on promoting self-awareness, community living, and ecological awareness. Coraline used to be in charge of educational projects and communication at Gemmes. She is passionate about social sciences, personal development, and health, and she also enjoys exploring theater and writing.
"My extensive travels have broadened my horizons and developed my connection to the world and those who share it. I am happy to be able to help young people find their place in it"

Loïse

Animator

Loïse is a graphic designer and artisan. She studied architecture, graphic design and eco-construction, and has more than ten years of experience guiding children and adolescents. Besides design in all its forms, Loïse enjoys rock climbing and photography. She has also been a part of a theater troupe since childhood.

"As a child, I had the privilege of growing up with an association that gave me space for reflection and creativity, and instilled strong values in me. I would like to be able to offer the same to others."

Yoanna

Animator

Yoanna is a budding specialized educator. She resumed her studies after several years of working as an educational assistant in a high school and as a classical and contemporary dance teacher. She holds a BAFA and has trained in dance theater and performance. Yoanna has several years of experience in leading activities for children and adolescents in extracurricular and settings outside of school. As a passionate artist, she also enjoys traveling and connecting with nature.  

"Clemenceau said, 'a life is a work of art.' Art and my life intertwine, and I hope to share and transmit this 'art of living' to many because it's liberating!"

Marcus

Animator

Marcus is a facilitator and coordinator. He works in the Geneva region, where he supports a group of young people within an innovative structure that generates commons for the benefit of the territories. He is also working on a project towards ecological and social transition.

"We all have moments of joy and sadness. Living through these moments in their full authenticity - without judgment, fear, or attachment - allows us to find harmony and experience our natural expansion. It's about stepping out of limiting paradigms and unleashing our infinite potential." 

Carole

Animator

Carole is a consultant, facilitator, and project manager in the field of education. After studying and initially working in commerce and marketing, she worked in International Development and Humanitarian Aid, coordinating projects providing access to clean water and education. In 2016, Carole trained as a "Peace Mediator" and followed the AWAYKE Training, allowing her to facilitate workshops on self-awareness, personal development, and growth. She is also passionate about music, dance, and scuba diving.

"I am convinced of the essential role of education in the world, and I provide tools that enable young people to develop themselves and find balance between their personal fulfillment and their role in society."

Ayça

Facilitatrice SPARKS

Ayça is a facilitator and trainer who has been working with students and professionals since 2010 on topics such as intercultural management, negotiation, communication (Interactifs® discipline), organizational behavior, and collective intelligence. She is trained and certified in Funny Learning® (pedagogical approaches based on neuroscience) and the 4 Colors® method (behavioral styles in organizations, based on the work of Jung and Marston). All her interventions aim at fostering exchange and mutual understanding to enhance agility and ensure performance with kindness. Ayça is also passionate about hiking in the great outdoors, reading, and traveling.

"Every brain is unique, and every person learns differently. Pedagogy must be adaptive, considering emotions, powerful memory fixers, and the body's needs"

Philippe

Facilitateur SPARKS

Philippe is a coach for executives and teams. After studying engineering and philosophy, he led the Apple Education Division. He now helps leaders and groups take a more conscious approach to leadership, helping them to question their mental models, beliefs, and worldviews, and to take responsibility for their impact on others and their environment. Philippe is also passionate about illusionism and magic and is a member of the "Magic on Purpose" group which aims to use magic for bigger causes than just entertainment. He claims that the first coach was a magician – Merlin – who accompanied one of the first legendary leaders – Arthur – on his quest for self-discovery.

"I love this quote by Jung: 'Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.'"

Educational Development 2024-2025

Gemmes’ educational materials are the result of many years of work and collaboration, with ongoing improvements made along the way. These enhancements stem both from field experience and feedback, and from the successive pedagogical contributions of the various people who have collaborated with Gemmes in the field of educational development since 2020.

Here is the profile of our Educational Director between February 2024 and July 2025.  

Muriel

Muriel first worked as a primary school teacher in France and then in the Netherlands. She later held the position of coordinator in the support department of the European School of The Hague, where she coordinated the support to French-speaking students with specific needs to progress and thrive within the school. She also taught French at a Dutch middle school. Muriel has always been sensitive to the well-being of students. Muriel was head of pedagogy at Gemmes from 2024 to 2025, where she passionately and enthusiastically shared her knowledge, enriched by a university diploma in neuro-education and training in positive psychology. de 2024 à 2025, où elle a partagé avec passion et enthousiasme ses connaissances enrichies par un DU en neuro-éducation et une formation en psychologie positive.

"Helping children grow with respect and safety allows them to gain confidence, dare to take risks, and learn from their mistakes. Assisting them in discovering their potential, getting to know themselves better, and living better with others can only contribute to a spontaneously more humane and supportive society. The strength of the SPARKS program lies in the positive impact that individuals can have on themselves and the collective."