Our Story
Message from our Founder: "I created Gentle Spark Academy out of a deep belief that everyone deserves to feel confident in their voice. From a small group of friends practicing speeches in my living room, we have grown into a vibrant academy shaping leaders, educators, and changemakers. Communication is both an art and a right – and every voice matters."
– Claire Edwards, Founder
Our Mission: To ignite and refine the innate power of every communicator, enabling them to lead, inspire, and effect positive change wherever they go.
- 2016: Gentle Spark Academy founded in Melbourne
- 2018: First cohort completed the Rhetoric Mastery Program
- 2021: Expanded with online live courses and virtual workshops
Meet Our Team
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Claire Edwards
Chief Instructor, MA in Communication, TEDx Speaker. Over 15 years coaching persuasive speaking worldwide. -
Samuel Knight
Lead Workshop Facilitator, Certified NLP Practitioner and awarded Toastmaster. -
Jasmine Patel
Senior Curriculum Designer, winner of Rhetoric Teaching Excellence Award 2022.
All instructors hold advanced degrees and specialized certifications in communication, education, and leadership training.
Our Values
- Empowerment: Uplifting each learner to share their authentic message
- Integrity: Teaching with honesty and responsibility in every interaction
- Growth: Lifelong commitment to improving ourselves and those we teach
- Community: Fostering connection, support, and respectful dialogue
Gentle Spark Academy is devoted to your progress, ensuring each program is adaptive and responsive to your personal goals and challenges.
What Our Learners Say
"The supportive culture and expert feedback made my growth feel unstoppable. I now chair meetings with confidence."
"Claire and the Gentle Spark team helped me break my fear of public speaking. Forever grateful!"