Gema Ballesteros is an educational leader, wellbeing specialist, and international speaker dedicated to creating school environments where every learner can flourish. With over two decades of experience across the UK, Spain, and Canada, she has developed a strong reputation in happiness-based education, mental health leadership, and whole-school wellbeing.
She currently works as Head of Wellbeing, PSHE & Healthy Schools Lead, and Senior Mental Health Lead (SMHL) at BMAT in the United Kingdom, where she leads strategies that integrate emotional education, mental health support, and wellbeing culture across the school community. She also serves as an Advisor and Counsellor for the World Happiness Foundation, contributing to the pioneering Schools of Happiness programme.
Gema holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Child Development and Child Psychology from the University of Ottawa and a wide range of specialist certifications, including Mental Health First Aider, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Senior Mental Health Lead, Shinrin Yoku Diploma, Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Advocacy, Award in Neuroscience in Early Years, NPQSL, Chief Happiness Officer, and Educational Coach.
As an international speaker—most recently with the Learning Planet Institute—Gema promotes happiness-centred education and mindful school transformation. Her work is fuelled by a profound belief that “the greatest lessons come from children,” dedicating her career to creating school cultures rooted in emotional safety, joy, purpose, and human connection.