Meet Emma: The Workshop Facilitator Building Resilience with Movement & Play

As part of our Meet the Team series, we are pleased to introduce our ambassador and newest workshop facilitator, Emma Butterworth. With over thirteen years' experience in primary education, Emma brings a wealth of international teaching expertise and in-school wellbeing leadership to youHQ.

Our team first met Emma in the United Arab Emirates, where her enthusiasm as the Wellbeing and Ethos Lead of a British international school shone brightly. Our partnership has continued beyond borders and we're now thrilled to be offering interactive, movement and play-based sessions with Emma in Western Australia.

In the interview below, Emma reflects on her teaching career so far, becoming a parent, and the importance of supporting and celebrating neurodivergent children.

Where does your passion for education, safeguarding and wellbeing come from?

I always wanted to be a teacher. My first experience was in Cambodia, teaching English to children in an orphanage, where most of them were blind, and it really shaped how I see education. I went on to teach in the UK, Italy, the UAE, and now Australia.

But when I became a parent, everything shifted. I realised the most important part of education is wellbeing; it has to come first. Kids can’t learn if they don’t feel safe, supported and happy.

That’s why I implemented youHQ into the primary school in the UAE, and now I’m excited to bring it to life in Australia through live workshops.

What attracted you to youHQ when we first met?

I started using youHQ in my classroom and saw the benefits straight away. It helped me connect with my students on a deeper level and even strengthened relationships with their parents. The kids felt seen and loved having the freedom to choose what worked for them. I really connected with the values behind it and just felt excited to be part of something so positive and impactful.

If you could wave a magic wand, what would it do linked to wellbeing and safeguarding?

If I had a magic wand, I'd make sure neurodiversity was truly understood, supported and celebrated in every school. It’s something really close to my heart right now, and I think there’s still a long way to go to create environments where all kids feel safe, seen and able to thrive.

🇦🇺 Wellbeing in Action: Emma's students follow along with a youHQ Movement & Mindfulness resource!

What’s one random fact most people don’t know about you?

I was bitten by a tiger! 🐯

Favourite Film?

Mrs Doubtfire

Favourite Song?

I don’t really have one! These bring all the feels though:

Florence and the Machine - You’ve Got the Love ❤️

Sia - Breathe Me & Chandelier

Celine Dion - Think Twice

Any hobbies? What’s your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

I like getting up early and starting the day in the gym. I love spending time with my family, good coffee, coastal walks, being outdoors in the beautiful parks around Perth. Most of all, I love to travel and explore new places around the world 🌏

Please join us in giving Emma a warm welcome to team youHQ! Her commitment to creating environments where every learner feels safe, seen, included and celebrated aligns brilliantly with our mission and the values we strive for at youHQ.

Emma's new primary school wellbeing workshops in Perth are designed to spark curiosity, boost confidence, and empower young people with the life skills they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Click here to discover more and book a session.