“I always knew I needed someone I could trust and speak to but I didn’t know how to go about it. At first, I thought why should I have a mentor but the truth is all successful people have a mentor. It’s a process that supports growth. In the year that you have supported me, so much as changed that I now know when others are not aware of how they act and the impact it has on others. I now see it’s not personal it’s a them problem and all I can do is change how I am. My goals do not feel out of reach and I’m looking forward to what is next and you will always be a part of that journey. I’ve learnt to face fear, be okay with how I feel but most importantly identify when something is not right for me and how to handle that"

- Female Footballer - Womens' Championship

So basically it's so hard to find the words to what it means to have you as a mentor... I knew some point in Spain I wanted to change my ways and be better... let fear less excuses etc and the 12 weeks have been crazy... I feel more elevated and confident, something I was maybe longing to have more and you projected the energy and believe for me to do it and cement that positive attitude and drive 💯💪🏾

Consistency seems like nothing to me now, I don't fixate on the future to hold hope but rather present and putting in the work! And the fact you were like I can't get rid of emotions etc which I usually ignored and pretended 😂 but oh man I feel free, still work to do but all I can say is thank you... I look forward to more work with you ahead🙌🏾 there's more to having a mentor than what many may not know or question but surely you're one of the best out there 💯 I could get used to having the best people around me all times it's awesome 😅

- International Male Footballer

"Over the years I have been lucky enough to have Gemma as my mentor / coach. Through Gemma’s support and coaching I have been able to develop as a professional. Gemma’s coaching provided me with the foundations of my professional tool kit but also allowed me to unlock my potential through experience and research to develop on these skills. If you are looking for someone to give you a blueprint with steps to follow then this is not for you but if you are looking for someone to help you unlock your own potential, allow you to think and create for yourself whilst simultaneously supporting you every step of the way then look no further. Through Gemma’s coaching I have advanced in my career and have taken steps to lay foundations for my future endeavours. I have seen that there is no glass ceiling and that the world is truly my oyster"

- Working Professional In Education

"It’s been a pleasure working with you these past few months. You have really helped me to accomplish and achieve my present goals. In completing our sessions you were able to help me identify areas in my life that I needed to focus on and helped me finally face them head on. The process of deciding on a course was a really good way to utilise this present moment. In doing so made me realise I can manage more stress than I ever thought.

You also helped me to navigate a new team environment and an uncertain time. I feel validated in my emotions and will be sure to continue to draw from the lessons and the perform under pressure book. I’m excited for the next half of the season and have a lot more confidence. Beyond grateful for our sessions!"

- Female Footballer - Womens' Championship

Gemma has excellent knowledge of educational safeguarding and has worked with numerous external agencies to ensure that young people are fully supported. She has excellent relationships with those she works with including, students, families and other professionals. Her passion for the life chances of young people is obvious for all to see and is demonstrated in her work. Gemma has a vast amount of experience in mentoring young people and colleagues to support them as they develop. Over her time at Harris Boys’ Gemma had a significant impact on the academy and its pastoral work. - Peter Groves, Executive Principal Harris Federation

It’s been a pleasure to work alongside you, Gemma. I think you grossly underestimate how many students and staff you have supported in both their development and well-being. It’s endearing. Personally, I have always found you to be a perfect mix of kind, caring, firm and fair. A lovely person and a true professional.

Josh Connolly - Assistant Principal, Harris Academy, East Dulwich

Miss Watson, has been working with my son since he was in year 8 and when I address her to friends and family I actually call her my son's other mum. She really has a way with the boys I truly believe that she is an earth Angel.

When she started working at my son's School, my son was constantly getting internally excluded, he found it very difficult to accept instructions from adults was very disrespectful towards myself and adults and he was on the verge of, permanent exclusion. 

He was not enjoying school and had lost hope in himself and his education. Miss Watson built up a great rapport with not only my Son but also myself. I know that Miss Watson took a lot of time out to get to know my son on a personal level. Very quickly he felt comfortable around her and was able to disclose things to her that he found difficult to tell me. 

Miss Watson also set targets that were challenging but also obtainable and this helped him tremendously. She has worked endlessly with my son throughout the years, she has encouraged him, assured him, affirmed him believed in him. Also, he now believes in himself and has a newfound confidence.

Miss Watson has continued to fight hard for him and has never given up on him. When I look at my year 10- about to be in year 11 I am so proud of the young man that he is becoming. I know he is but by the time he finishes in year 11he will have all the tools that are required to move on to the next stage of his life. 

My family and friends comment on how calm and beautiful he has become. I can honestly say......A colossal part of that is because Miss Watson took him under her nurturing wing!!!!!!! She is like a mum, teacher, friend, Auntie, and mentor all rolled into one. She is able to find that perfect balance.

As always we couldn't do it without you. Staff are grateful for your consistent support, back up and smiley, firm presence around the building. Thank you from all of us.

- Helen Ralston -Assistant Head

I worked with Gemma for over a year in one of the toughest school environments. Gemma led the pathway for forward-thinking across the school for academic achievements based on behavioural developments through mentoring and support programs. Gemma has a natural ability to inspire and create deep trust and understanding with the students around her. A skill that is imperative to help guide and motivate those to develop their own values and beliefs beyond their immediate social circles. There are very few people that can command the respect and understanding that Gemma has with the students and young people around her. I have no doubt that the programmes and support systems Gemma develops will be in great regard.

- Head Of PE - South London Secondary School