Melanie

I have been teaching, tutoring and counselling children through mindfulness, private tuition, play and art therapy for 15 years - believing that true learning comes from the ability to create safe and secure spaces for children to express themselves authentically, using varied teaching styles and techniques to reach each child on their own unique way of learning

I have my Bachelor of Education and 19 years’ experience in class and one on one teaching and child counselling.

I am fun and personable, working well within a team or independently. My driving force is seeing children grow and develop into strong young leaders, with a strong sense of self belief.

I have had the opportunity to work within many diverse schooling environments with children across a broad range of emotional and behavioral barriers. It has allowed me to build the relevant skills required in working with extreme barriers to learning as-well as talented and gifted children in higher levels of academics.

Availability: Monday to Friday 4.pm to 8.30pm

Willing to travel: 5 miles

Experience:

I hold a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), completed in 2006, with a special focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Psychology, including Child and Adolescent Development (PYC206). During my degree, I gained extensive hands-on experience through over 48 weeks of practical placements across a range of government and private schools, equipping me with a strong foundation in diverse educational settings.

In addition to my teaching qualifications, I am a fully certified Learn-to-Swim and Stroke Correction Instructor, trained through Swim SA. This includes accredited training in CPR and First Aid, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all learners.

I have continued to deepen my knowledge and practice over the years, gaining further qualifications in:
Certified Child Counselling Practitioner
Certified Child Mindfulness Life Coach (Diploma)
Certified Child Therapeutic Art Practitioner
With over 20 years of teaching experience, I have worked across a variety of educational environments, supporting children with differing needs, abilities, and learning styles. Alongside this, I home-educated my own two children for ten years, giving me a unique and deeply personal understanding of individualised learning and child development.

I have also founded and led two successful practices:
MAMBA (Mamas and Babas) – an early learning foundations programme designed to connect mothers with their babies and toddlers through meaningful, developmentally appropriate experiences. This included infant massage, sensory integration, and hands-on, tactile play to support early cognitive and emotional development.

The Peaceful Snail – a special needs counselling practice and cottage school based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Here, I worked closely with children with additional needs, using a holistic and child-centred approach. My work integrated play therapy, creative expression, and tailored teaching strategies to build confidence, emotional resilience, and overcome barriers to learning.

Alongside my professional work and homeschooling, I have also dedicated time to volunteering in various educational roles, supporting underprivileged children across South Africa. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to inclusive, compassionate, and accessible education for every child.

DBS Check: Yes

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