Helen, founder of Open Minds UK, has been teaching children and young people of all ages since 1988 including posts as an Early Years advisor and freelance music educator.

She has Professional Training in the Applied use of Mindfulness for 7-11 year olds (BMI) and is qualified to teach .b to 11-18 year olds (MISP).

With a specialism in Music, she has developed a holistic approach which integrates music, mindfulness, movement and visualisation to enhance the wellbeing needs of children, young people and their families.

She believes that every child has the capacity to access their own wellbeing tools given the opportunity to explore them with a sense of fun, creativity and imagination.

Malou has a degree in Theatre and Dance and is a qualified primary school teacher with 15 years teaching experience both in class and as a private tutor. As a freelance storyteller and workshop facilitator she also delivers storytelling sessions in a wide variety of settings and provides training to staff.

With her keen passion for wellbeing, Malou has delivered Growth Mindset/Mindfulness sessions to school children in Torbay as well as bringing these skills into her private tutoring sessions.  She has an engaging, enthusiastic and empathetic personality and is quick to build relationships with all children and adults.

Malou has built a vocation out of her love for education, the arts and wellbeing. She passionately believes in the intrinsic link between all three and how these play a vital role in the positive holistic development of people.

Emma has over 17 years of experience delivering high quality support and innovative services working with vulnerable people including learning disabilities, mental health and physical disabilities.

She is dedicated to meeting people’s individual needs in a supportive and holistic manner and constantly strives to help children and families be the happiest that they can be. Emma is highly empathetic, patient and friendly. She is skilled at empowering others and works tirelessly to meet the needs of those she works with.

Emma is currently training through Mindfulness UK to become a fully qualified and accredited mindfulness teacher.

She practices mindfulness daily and has developed her own strong meditation practice. Emma loves being in nature, with her family and exploring coastal areas.

Gemma is a qualified teacher with over 18 years experience teaching overseas and in the UK, across the Primary range. She has a BSc (Hons) in Psychology specialising in Child and Educational Psychology and has always been fascinated by how children’s minds develop.

Currently, Gemma works in Secondary Education in a pastoral role, supporting children with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

She has seen the positive impact of mindfulness and meditation in her own life and that of her two young daughters. Gemma views it as a true privilege to be able to have a positive impact on any child’s life.

She loves walking her dog in Devon’s stunning countryside, singing and spending as much time as possible at the beach.

Kate is a qualified primary school teacher with 13 years of experience in KS1 and KS2.

As a music specialist, she recognises that music has a strong influence on our emotional wellbeing and incorporates as much music as possible in her professional and personal life.

Her first hand experience of transcendental meditation benefits her life personally and has led her into working with mindfulness and meditation to enhance a young person’s development.

She is a great advocate for the use of positive self-talk and believes that every child should feel a sense of kindness to themselves. Her motto, ‘be kind to yourself’ is intrinsic in her work with children and with her family.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys playing the flute and piano, practising yoga, running and spending time with her young family.