Our Story
Every company has a story and we have ours. Between us we have worked previously in nurseries, secondary schools, primary schools and after school clubs. So, let us spill the tea on why Tonic exists. We're all about flipping the script on the negativity surrounding teaching. It's no secret that the education game can be a tough one oozing in self sacrifice and drizzled in data driven motives. Late nights, working weekends, Ofsted hot on your heels and unrealistic expectations. That's where our short, sweet CPD videos are created by absolute rockstars in the field. Specialists who know their stuff and haven’t just read research claiming to understand. They’re qualified to talk the talk.
Our mission?
Simple.
We want to inspire and motivate the heck out of our hardworking educators. Think of us as the cheerleaders for your teaching journey. Because when you're feeling inspired, you're unstoppable. And guess what? Happy teachers stick around, making staff retention the name of our game.
So, pick up a glass and take a generous swig of Tonic.
​
​
The Team
Jessica Featonby
Jess is a pioneer in education with over 13 years of experience! Jess is a senior leader, managing teaching and learning across the whole school and leading a key stage. She’s also a mental health first aider and a go-to motivator for her teams, all while completing her National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development. Jess has taught every primary school year group, led a variety of subjects, and mentored countless student teachers along the way. Before making her mark in the classroom, she worked as a teaching assistant and 1:1 support, even getting qualified in Makaton along the way.
​
But there’s more to Jess than just teaching – she’s a huge advocate for work-life balance (and even wrote a book about it!) She’s all about helping teachers get out of school by half-past-four, working smarter, not harder, and making sure every day is a good one. Whether it's offering coaching on teaching, sharing top tips for effective collaboration with TAs, or showing how small tweaks to your routine can make a huge difference to your wellbeing, Jess has you covered.
​
Oh, and did we mention she’s also a bit of an influencer? With over 70,000 followers across her 'Just Living with Jess' platforms, Jess has worked with major brands like the BBC, CountryFile, Daily Mail, and Regatta. Some of her social media videos have even racked up over a million views! When she’s not inspiring thousands online or running her school, she’s chasing around after her two kids and a very enthusiastic Vizsla, because there’s no such thing as a dull moment in Jess’ world!
Hannah Knowles
Having worked full time in education for a number of years, Hannah now delivers wellbeing training and keynotes with the Art of Brilliance.
Throughout her career, Hannah has collaborated with individuals and groups across all stages of education, implementing whole school wellbeing programmes and delivering workshops. Having witnessed first-hand some of the challenges faced by both students and teachers, she is passionate about helping people navigate wants to help people navigate these hurdles and providing practical and realistic solutions. Her goal is to empower individuals to unlock their true potential.
Thanks to her work with the Art of Brilliance, Hannah’s diary is regularly booked for INSET days supporting teachers, ECTs, teaching assistants, midday supervisors, SLT and governors. She has also served as a consultant for schools in the U.S., helping to establish whole-school wellbeing initiatives at both primary and secondary levels. Currently, she is working with teachers in the UAE, mentoring them to become wellbeing leaders within their own schools. Additionally, Hannah facilitates leadership sessions across various sectors, helping senior teams foster positive, thriving cultures within their organisations.
Committed to the people she works with, Hannah shares strategies that challenge and inspire growth, guiding others to not only meet their potential but to truly shine. She really believes that small, consistent changes lead to big transformations—both in and outside of the classroom.
Lewis Sharp
Lewis is an experienced education professional with over 13 years of service. Beginning his career working in a nursery, he spent 7 years, including 4 as Deputy Manager, cultivating a strong foundation in early childhood education.
Transitioning to working in a primary school, he spent 4 years working as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and the last 3 years as a class teacher. His teaching philosophy centres on creating inclusive learning environments, tailoring instruction to individual needs, and instilling a love for lifelong learning whilst ensuring children are experiencing education that provides them with a high level of cultural capital.
Throughout his career, Lewis has actively pursued professional development, staying current with the latest educational methodologies. His versatile roles have provided a comprehensive understanding of both early childhood and primary education dynamics. He is currently completing a National Professional Qualification in Leading Literacy (NPQLL) and strives to achieve more in the future.
​
During his time working in a primary school, he has been Computing lead for over 6 years. In this time he has supported and guided the school in achieving 'Apple Distinguished School' status.
​
Passionate about nurturing the potential in each pupil and contributing to educational excellence, Lewis looks forward to continuing his journey in making a positive impact on students' lives and teachers’ professional development.
Polly Farley
​
Polly is a passionate and experienced teacher with 13 years in the classroom. Currently the PSHE lead at her school, mentored Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and students, and runs the school council, fostering leadership skills in both students and staff. With three energetic boys of her own, Polly is no stranger to the ups and downs of parenthood and is especially excited as her youngest prepares to start school. Her love for teaching and supporting her fellow educators shines through in her work, and she’s been instrumental in creating our school readiness content, blending her expertise with her hands-on experience as a parent. When she’s not teaching, Polly is busy running around after her kids, but she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Rebecca Crow
Rebecca Crow is a dedicated educator with over ten years of experience in the classroom. She spent her time as a French teacher and second in department leading a small team. Rebecca had a special focus on pupil premium and secured the role of Pupil Premium Co-ordinator in her school ensuring all students had the support they needed. With an NPQ in middle leadership under her belt, Rebecca has since shifted gears to work with the council, overseeing a team of educators supporting adult learners in picking up new languages. As a proud mum of two boys, she knows the value of balance! Her background in secondary education has given her a wealth of expertise, which she now uses to help learners of all ages thrive.