About
ActNow was founded by Tess Charnaud to use coaching to help young people find presence in today’s uncertainty, enabling them to explore all the possibilities of tomorrow.
We are committed to tailoring approaches that best suit the academic and emotional needs of the young people we serve. Which is why we offer a range of packages and work directly with young people, with families of young people as well as schools and organisations.
Empowering Youth Through Supportive Environments
At ActNow, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment for young people to explore their potential.
Experience
With 23 years in teaching, Tess has held diverse roles including English, Science, Biology, Theory of Knowledge, and pastoral care, as well as academic and pastoral leadership.
Her research focuses on how students handle exam pressures and how educators can better support them.
Tess’s philosophy prioritises student well-being through care and compassion, and she has extensive experience mentoring students from those pursuing medicine to those needing basic literacy support.
Personal Story
Driven by a passion for education and human rights, our founder has always aimed to positively impact others' lives. As a human rights activist, she values overcoming challenges, symbolized by the phoenix, reflecting strength, transformation, and renewal.
After living in Luxembourg, she recently returned to the UK with her husband and two daughters.
Her journey continues to inspire ActNow's mission: fostering an environment where young people feel certain today and optimistic about tomorrow.
Expertise & Training
Tess is a trained coach with a focus and expertise in coaching with youth and adolescents. She trained with the Co-Active Training Institute, which is known as the gold standard in coaching by the International Coaching Federation (of which she is a member). She also obtained her Teen Coaching and Positive Intelligence Certification.
Tess also holds a Masters in Education, is a trauma informed practitioner, is Mental Health First Aid Qualified and has completed the NHS approved scheme Safeguarding Children (Level 1 and Level 2). Over her career Tess has conducted extensive research into coping strategies for high-stakes examinations which are highly regarded. Contact her to find out more.
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DEIJ Expertise & Experience
Tess is deeply committed to creating supportive and trusted DEIJ (Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Justice) spaces and opportunities. She founded ActNow with the vision of fostering a world where everyone has access to future possibilities free from discrimination and inequality.
Throughout her career, Tess has been a leader in establishing inclusive and equitable environments for students in international schools, including the creation of LGBTQ+ support groups within the DEIJ framework.
Trained in trauma-informed practices (ASCD), Tess has extensive experience working directly with neurodiverse colleagues and young people. Her expertise includes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, ADD, and Dyslexia, with a particular focus on how these conditions are present in young women. Tess has conducted research on coping strategies for high-stakes examinations in collaboration with the University of Bath and has studied transition periods, particularly from tertiary education to university, with the Council of International Schools.
Her dedication to helping underprivileged individuals achieve their dreams is further demonstrated through her contributions to a thriving Medical Society, which supports students in securing medical placements worldwide. Tess also has a strong interest in promoting STEM opportunities for girls and has served as a consultant for Greenlight for Girls for the past eight years.
What qualifications does Tess Charnaud have?
Tess Charnaud has 23 years of teaching experience, coaching certifications from the Co-Active Institute and Positive Intelligence, and a Master’s in Education. She also has extensive research experience on student support and well-being.
Why is it called ActNow?
"Act" stands for Adolescent Coaching & Training. "Now" speaks to the presence in the now we hope to evoke in the young people we work with via coaching. Together, "ActNow" represents the action-orientated approach we've designed our programs around. We want to spur young people to step into a trusted and safe environment free from stress and anxiety. A place where they feel safe today and optimistic about tomorrow.
What's the difference between coaching and therapy or counseling?
Counselling and therapy focuses on working with clients by looking back and understanding how someone got there to work through and solve where they are today. ActNow’s approach to coaching holds young people as the creatively resourceful and whole people they are. It provides a safe and trusting environment that empowers them to be truly present and to explore all the possibilities available looking forward. By doing so it overcomes fear, anxiety and the pressures that can hold them captive.
What services does ActNow offer?
ActNow provides coaching and support for adolescents and young people. We are committed to tailoring approaches that best suit the academic and emotional needs of the young people we serve. Which is why we offer a range of packages and work directly with young people, with families of young people as well as schools and organisations.
How can I get involved with ActNow?
You can get involved by exploring our programs, volunteering, or supporting us through donations. Contact us to learn more about ways to contribute or participate in our initiatives.
What makes ActNow different from other coaching organizations?
ActNow stands out due to our founder’s extensive experience in education and the high standards of coaching training she has received. Our commitment is to create a safe, judgment-free environment and our holistic approach where young people feel certain today and optimistic about tomorrow.
How can I contact ActNow for more information?
You can contact us through our website’s contact form or by reaching out via email. Visit our Contact Us page for detailed information and to get in touch with our team.
