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Child Development & Learning

Child Development & Learning

Melissa Raft – Educational Psychologist

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Melissa Raft Educational Psychologist | Private Practice Helping children thrive through assessments, guidance, and therapy. About Melissa Melissa Raft is a registered educational psychologist with a Master’s degree from the University of Pretoria. She has extensive experience working in both schools and private practice, giving her deep insight into how children learn, develop, and adapt. Melissa believes that every child deserves to be heard, understood, and supported in a way that suits their unique needs. Using an integrative approach that draws from various therapeutic techniques, she tailors her care to help children succeed both academically and emotionally. Areas of Focus Melissa provides holistic psychological support to children, adolescents, and their families. Her key areas of focus include: Psycho-Educational Assessments Identifying learning strengths, challenges, and support needs. School Readiness Assessments Evaluating developmental milestones to prepare children for school. Play Therapy, Psychotherapy, CBT Providing safe, therapeutic spaces to address emotional and behavioural needs. Parental Guidance Equipping parents with tools and strategies to support their children’s growth. Booking with Melissa Melissa offers compassionate, professional care to support your child’s learning, growth, and wellbeing. 525 Alsation Drive, Garsfontein, Pretoria 082 447 9421 Chat on WhatsApp melissaraft@gmail.com Related Services All Medical & Family Care Movement & Physical Wellness Roné Jacobs – Biokineticist Movement & Physical Wellness Roné Jacobs Biokineticist | Fit4Two & Roné Jacobs Biokineticist Supporting women with safe, empowering movement before, during, and after pregnancy…. More Information Lindi Cilliers – Physiotherapist Movement & Physical Wellness Lindi Cilliers Physiotherapist | Lindi Cilliers Physiotherapy Holistic physiotherapy with a focus on movement, pain management, and women’s health. About… More Information Claudia Jerman – Physiotherapist Movement & Physical Wellness Claudia Jerman Physiotherapist | Claudia Jerman Physiotherapy Compassionate physiotherapy care for children and adults. About Claudia Claudia Jerman is a… More Information Load More End of Content.

Child Development & Learning

Dr. Celiané van der Westhuizen – Occupational Therapist

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Dr. Celiané van der Westhuizen Occupational Therapist | Founder of Growth OT & Bub & Bliss Supporting children’s growth through play, sensory integration, and early development. About Dr. van der Westhuizen Dr. Celiané van der Westhuizen is an occupational therapist and founder of Growth OT. Since graduating in 2015, she has specialised in the paediatric field, completing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in 2024 along with advanced certification in autism support. She is also trained in Ayres Sensory Integration, infant massage, and therapeutic play to support emotional wellbeing. With her bubbly and warm personality, she creates an environment where children feel safe to learn, grow, and thrive. Beyond Growth OT, Celiané also founded Bub & Bliss, offering infant massage instruction to nurture parent-baby bonding. Areas of Focus Celiané offers holistic occupational therapy, helping children and families through play, sensory work, and developmental support. Her key areas of focus include: Infant Massage Instruction Gentle techniques to strengthen parent-baby bonds and ease colic symptoms. School Readiness & Support Assessments and strategies for children entering or navigating school. Early Childhood Development Helping children build foundational skills for learning and independence. Sensory Integration Supporting children in processing and responding to sensory input in daily life. Neurodivergent Support Tailored strategies for children with ADHD, ASD, and related needs. Parent & Caregiver Guidance Equipping families with tools to support children at home. Booking with Dr. van der Westhuizen Celiané and her team offers both individual therapy sessions and group-based support to meet children and families where they are. 525 Alsation Drive, Garsfontein, Pretoria Growth OT 064 928 9055 Chat on WhatsApp celiane@growthot.com https://growthot.com/ Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Bub & Bliss 064 928 9055 celianevdw@gmail.com Facebook Instagram Related Services All Medical & Family Care Movement & Physical Wellness Roné Jacobs – Biokineticist Movement & Physical Wellness Roné Jacobs Biokineticist | Fit4Two & Roné Jacobs Biokineticist Supporting women with safe, empowering movement before, during, and after pregnancy…. More Information Lindi Cilliers – Physiotherapist Movement & Physical Wellness Lindi Cilliers Physiotherapist | Lindi Cilliers Physiotherapy Holistic physiotherapy with a focus on movement, pain management, and women’s health. About… More Information Claudia Jerman – Physiotherapist Movement & Physical Wellness Claudia Jerman Physiotherapist | Claudia Jerman Physiotherapy Compassionate physiotherapy care for children and adults. About Claudia Claudia Jerman is a… More Information Load More End of Content.

Child Development & Learning, Nutrition & Feeding Support

Monique van der Merwe – Speech Therapist

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Monique van der Merwe Speech Therapist | Spique Speech Therapy Supporting early communication and feeding with family-centred care. About Monique Monique van der Merwe is a speech-language therapist at Our Village with a special interest in supporting babies, toddlers, and their families during the earliest stages of development. She is currently completing her SACLC certification and has a strong passion for helping families manage breastfeeding and feeding challenges — including latch difficulties, low milk supply, bottle feeding, pain with feeding, and transitioning to solids. Her services are available at her practice, in hospitals, or via home visits. In addition to feeding, Monique also provides communication screenings, assessments, and therapy, focusing on early communication intervention for children aged 0–3 years. She believes in empowering parents with practical, play-based strategies that fit naturally into everyday life. Areas of Focus Monique works closely with families, allied professionals, and teachers to provide holistic care for each child. Her key areas of focus include: Breastfeeding & Feeding Support Guidance for latch, supply, bottle feeding, and transition to solids. Early Communication Intervention Building communication milestones from infancy (0–3 years). Speech & Language Therapy Support for children with speech-language disorders and developmental delays. Parent Coaching Practical, play-based strategies for everyday routines. Booking with Monique Monique offers family-centred therapy in practice rooms, at home, or in hospitals — whichever best suits your needs. 525 Alsation Drive, Garsfontein, Pretoria 072 596 8692 Chat On WhatsApp monique@spique.co.za Facebook Instagram Related Services All Medical & Family Care Movement & Physical Wellness Roné Jacobs Movement & Physical Wellness Roné Jacobs Biokineticist | Fit4Two & Roné Jacobs Biokineticist Supporting women with safe, empowering movement before, during, and after pregnancy…. More Information Lindi Cilliers Movement & Physical Wellness Lindi Cilliers Physiotherapist | Lindi Cilliers Physiotherapy Holistic physiotherapy with a focus on movement, pain management, and women’s health. About… More Information Claudia Jerman Movement & Physical Wellness Claudia Jerman Physiotherapist | Claudia Jerman Physiotherapy Compassionate physiotherapy care for children and adults. About Claudia Claudia Jerman is a… More Information Load More End of Content.

Child Development & Learning

Baby Hydrotherapy – A Gentle Start to Big Development

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Float, Kick, Thrive: Why Baby Hydrotherapy Is More Than Just Cute It’s hard not to smile when you see a baby floating blissfully in warm water — but baby hydrotherapy is more than adorable. It’s a powerful early-development tool that supports physical growth, coordination, and even emotional bonding. At Our Village, our baby hydrotherapy sessions are designed to give little ones a head start in a safe, nurturing environment. What Is Baby Hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy involves gentle, supervised movement in warm water using a special floatation device around the baby’s neck. The buoyancy of the water allows babies to move freely without gravity’s constraints — often before they’re even crawling! Our sessions are run by Suzanne, a certified Baby Hydrotherapist and founder of LumiFloat, with years of experience in baby wellness and development. Benefits of Baby Hydrotherapy 1. Muscle Development & CoordinationFloating and kicking in water helps babies develop core strength, balance, and body awareness. 2. Improved Sleep & DigestionThe movement and relaxation during hydrotherapy can support better sleep patterns and even help with colic or constipation. 3. Early Confidence in WaterPositive water experiences early on reduce the risk of water-related fear later in life. 4. Parent-Baby BondingWatching your baby relax and explore creates beautiful bonding moments in a calm, quiet setting. When Can My Baby Start? Most babies can start hydrotherapy from as early as 2 weeks old, provided they are healthy and have healed from birth. Sessions are gentle, short, and always tailored to your baby’s age and needs. Book a Session at Our Village Whether you’re a new parent looking to try something special or want to support your baby’s development holistically, baby hydrotherapy is a beautiful place to begin. 📍 To book a session with Suzanne at LumiFloat inside Our Village,email [lumifloatbabyspa@gmail.com] or contact us via [our-village.co.za].

Child Development & Learning

Antenatal Classes – Your Calm Before the Storm (and the Cuddles)

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Preparing for Birth with Confidence and Connection Expecting a baby is a life-changing journey — one filled with excitement, questions, and sometimes a little anxiety. Antenatal classes are one of the best ways to prepare for what lies ahead, whether you’re a first-time parent or growing your family. At Our Village, we believe in empowering expectant parents through education, support, and community. What Are Antenatal Classes? Antenatal (or prenatal) classes are informative sessions led by qualified professionals, covering topics such as: What to expect during labour and delivery Pain relief options and birthing positions Breastfeeding guidance Newborn care basics (nappies, sleep, feeding) Emotional preparation for parenthood Partner roles during birth and postnatal support These classes give you practical tools, but also something deeper — confidence and a sense of control. Why Join an Antenatal Class? 1. Reduce Anxiety:Knowing what to expect takes away much of the fear surrounding birth and newborn care. 2. Learn from Experts:Our facilitators include registered nurses, lactation consultants, and medical professionals who offer real, evidence-based advice — not just Google guesses. 3. Build Your Support Network:Meet other parents-to-be going through the same stage of life. You might just find your future playdate partners here! 4. Involve Your Partner:Classes help both parents feel prepared and involved in the process, building shared understanding and confidence. Our Village Antenatal Classes Our classes are held in small, relaxed groups at our Garsfontein location and facilitated by professionals who care deeply about your journey. We also offer private sessions for families who prefer a more personalised approach. Whether you’re nearing your due date or just starting trimester two, we invite you to join our next antenatal group and take a deep, empowered breath. You’ve got this — and we’re with you every step of the way.

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