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Fonds de dotation Gemmes
30 rue Auguste Piccard
01630 Saint-Genis-Pouilly
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The SPARKS training team
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.
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. Muriel has always been sensitive to the well-being of students. She is also a facilitator in Positive Discipline and an illustrator. Muriel practices meditation. She enjoys sports, creative activities, and spending time with family. Since 2024, Muriel is also Head of pedagogy at Gemmes.
"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."
Mathilde
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. Since 2024, Mathilde has also been working as a development officer at Gemmes.
"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
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."
Sandie
Sandie has been guiding individuals on their transformation journeys for almost as long as she can remember. She initially worked in communication roles in large corporations and media, where she helped leaders and managers with their public speaking and team interactions. In 2009, she founded "Chemin Faisant" and expanded her activities to include career transitions and education. She works with young people and adults to encourage them to think for themselves, helping them reconnect with their hopes and commitments in life. Sandie is also passionate about Ayurvedic medicine, leading her to explore healthy eating and daily yoga practice.
"I also want to improve the quality of human relationships within educational institutions and to support educational teams in opening up new possibilities for exploring young people's potential."
Philippe
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.'"
Tania
Tania is a Professor of Psychology and a Consultant for the United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United States Agency for International Development. She has taught and facilitated trainings across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Tania holds a PhD in Psychology from Oxford University and has published widely on forgiveness, empathy, and trust. She has worked with groups around the world, and loves engaging with new people and ideas. Outside of work, she loves to sing and do improvisational acting.
"What really makes me happy is connecting with others. I love meeting new people, engaging in empowering discussions, and seeing the Spark come alive in people."
Philippine
Philippine is a personal and leadership development coach, facilitator, and trainer. She holds a master's degree in Italian Language and Literature and worked for ten years in corporate communication for multinational companies. In 2001, she became a professional coach and is now a trainer and assessor for coaches. Her passion, both in work and life, is to help people become the best version of themselves so they can contribute their talents, ideas, and knowledge to their communities.
"Set your intention, and the universe will provide what you need. I've used this mantra with my three children to help them become responsible adults who have a positive impact on our world. I believe this mantra will serve our work with Gemmes, helping young people choose to become who they want to be."
Ayça
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"
Pierre
Pierre is a coach, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Gemmes. He initially worked at McKinsey & Company for about twenty years, advising top executives. Discovering a passion for personal and professional development, he trained in coaching and facilitation before founding Leadership Inside, a company specializing in leadership development, offering services ranging from executive coaching and holistic development programs. In his free time, Pierre enjoys playing the piano, badminton, and hiking.
"Self-awareness is the essential condition for progress and personal transformation. What could be more relevant than equipping young people, starting from their adolescence, with these introspective skills? By helping them become aware of their ways of being and encouraging them to author their lives, we can unleash an unexpected potential for positive transformation in society."
The SPARKS team of film directors
Each SPARKS kit consists of an educational booklet and an episode of the SPARKS mini-documentary series. Each episode reveals the personal transformation of a youth and how, in times of crisis, he or she became a positive agent of change in their communities. These young people come from very different backgrounds and different places around the world.
The SPARKS team of film directors is composed of five women from different cultural backgrounds and diverse styles, all with the same vision of human connection, beauty, community, and the role of youth. These talented artists have a common goal of showcasing the possibilities of positive transformation during times of crisis and how young people can embrace their potential with courage, autonomy, and civic responsibility.
Jill Coulon
France
Jill is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and camerawoman. She works in both television and cinema and directs the SPARKS filmmaking team.
Félicia Sobhani
United States
Felicia is an independent filmmaker, documentary filmmaker, and multidisciplinary artist with a passion for social transformation.
Allison Swank
South Africa
Geetika is an independent filmmaker whose films have received recognition at international festivals. Climate and societal changes are recurring themes in her work.
Geetika Narang Abbasi
India
Geetika is an independent filmmaker whose films have won awards at international festivals. Climate and societal changes are recurrent themes in her work.
Jeni Lee
Australia
Jeni is a documentary filmmaker with a diverse portfolio, including animated documentaries, social documentaries, multi-platform projects, and community collaborations.
Olivia Cheung
Australia
Olivia is a television producer who creates short films ranging from documentaries to music videos and global advertising campaigns. She has also worked on television series and feature films. Olivia collaborates with Jeni on the Australian episodes of SPARKS.
