Empowering effective thinking and lifelong learning

Lifelong learning has been the guiding thread of my personal and professional journey. I am an occupational therapist specialising in thinking and learning, with nearly five decades of clinical experience working with children, students, and adults.

My work is grounded in the belief that individuals can learn to take greater ownership of how they think, learn, regulate, and function — a process rooted in metacognition, or thinking about one’s own thinking.

An Occupational Therapy Approach to Thinking and Learning

Since 1998, I have specialised in metacognitive intervention and learning health, working primarily with older primary school learners, high school learners, students, and adults.

As an occupational therapist, my focus goes beyond strategies or academic performance alone. I help individuals understand:

• How they think and learn

• What supports or limits learning readiness and capacity

• How executive functioning, awareness, and regulation influence performance

• How to move from reliance on external support toward greater self-direction

Within my CEO coaching framework, metacognition becomes the foundation for self-leadership — helping learners and adults notice patterns, make informed choices, and adjust their thinking and learning strategies intentionally.

Professional Training in Thinking, Learning, and Wellbeing

My professional development reflects both depth and continued evolution in the field of thinking, learning, and human functioning.

I am certified as:

• Cognitive Enrichment Advantage (CEA) Trainer (since 1997)

• Thinking Maps Trainer (since 2011)

• Associate Neuro-Coach (since 2026)

• Wellness Coach (since 2026)

My more recent training as an Associate Neuro-Coach and Wellness Coach allows me to expand my work beyond cognition and metacognition, integrating nervous system readiness, emotional regulation, and wellbeing more deliberately. This ensures that learners and adults have the internal capacity required to apply strategies, make changes, and sustain growth — a core principle of the CEO coaching framework.

Leadership in Cognitive Education and Thinking Development

My commitment to thinking and learning extends beyond individual work into leadership and professional contribution within the field of cognitive education.

• Board Member of the International Association for Cognitive Education (IACESA) for over two decades (President from 2013–2015)

• Founding Member of Thinking Schools South Africa (TSSA)

• Honorary Member of the Institute for the Advancement of Cognitive Education (IACE)

These roles have shaped my understanding of learning systems and reinforced the importance of building thinking cultures, not just teaching techniques.

Supporting Thinking, Learning, and Self-Leadership Through Training and Courses

For more than 30 years, I have facilitated training for professionals, educators, and parents on:

• Metacognition and executive functioning

• Learning processes and strategic thinking

• Supporting independence and self-directed learning

In 2020, I began developing online courses to make this work more accessible. These courses have since reached learners and professionals in over 70 countries worldwide.

Through courses, resources, and ongoing content, my aim is to support learners, parents, educators, and professionals in becoming more confident CEOs of their thinking, learning and self-development.

A Personal Note on Learning, Balance, and Growth

Outside of my professional work, I value balance and reflection. Daily walks provide space to regulate, think, and integrate — practices that reflect the principles I teach. I enjoy ongoing learning in areas such as self-development, health, spiritual growth, thinking, and learning.

Time spent with my family and grandchildren remains one of my greatest sources of perspective and inspiration.

Professional Registration as an Occupational Therapist

I am a registered Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and a member of The Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa.