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We’re a special needs school with a difference

We are a registered LSEN Preparatory School, GDE Reg: 700400348, and can accommodate a maximum of 59 pupils ranging in age from 2 years to 18 years of age. We do not work in Grades as our pupils levels differ in each subject. We have a separate premises for our Junior and Senior phase. Our children have varied “labels” that have been attached to them by outside sources.

The staff at our school are very passionate about giving all our children opportunities to be able to contribute to society in their own unique way. We believe that a child is able and valuable with much to offer to the world.

Our children have been rejected by both government and private schools because of their labels. Currently our pupil ‘labels’ are cerebral palsy. hearing impaired, asbergers, autistic, down syndrome,  burn victim, near drowning victim, speech impediments, visually impaired, learning difficulties, ADD, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder and epileptic etc.

Every child has weekly oxygen therapy in our mild hypobaric oxygen chamber as well as weekly hydro therapy in our heated indoor hydro therapy pool with a qualified biokineticist

We take time to work out who they are and what their method of learning is.

Additional practical lifeskills:

  • Snr section will cover vegetable gardening, sewing, woodwork, art and hospitality among others
  • Individualised Learning Portfolios

We currently offer:

  • Maximum 10 children per class
  • Visual, auditory and kinaesthetic teaching techniques
  • Audiblox Therapy
  • Hydro Therapy in a heated indoor pool
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
  • Physical education with a Biokinetisist

  • Literacy program backed by James Patterson
  • Interactive white board teaching – keeping up with technology
  • Makaton
  • PECS – picture exchange communication
  • Coding
  • Computer science
  • We use tablet technology with every pupil

Support therapists available on site:

  • Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physio Therapist, Clinical Social Worker, Biokineticist, Spelling to Communicate Practitioner.

Meet The Footprints Team

Sharon Rowe

Principal & Senior Phase Educator

Qualifications

  • Neurodiverse Coach
  • NHED(PP)
  • SDTA
  • Audiblox Therapist
  • ABR Therapist
  • Usui Reiki Practitioner
  • Jikiden Reiki Practitioner
  • Makaton Sign Language certified
  • Level 2 First Aid certified
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy certified

Experience

37 years of loving my work, every day a new adventure filled with loads of learning from each child I have had the privilege to work with.

I started in Pre-schools going up to senior teacher then Principal in a main stream school. From 2005 I headed up the foundation phase of Footprints school and we then opened the Intermediate and Senior phases in 2009. I have taught each phase and can honestly say I love them all.

Why I do what I do

I believe every human being is able to contribute to society in their own unique and valuable way. I love a challenge and thinking out the box, this is why I enjoy working with children, they are creative and have a wonderful enthusiasm for life. My eyes are opened daily to new ways of thinking because I learn from the children I work with, we are a team and together we can conquer the world piece by piece. Life is full of exciting adventures and lessons to learn and teach, working with Special needs children is a blessing and I can honestly say “I LOVE MY JOB”.

“Treat children as if they were what they ought to be, and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming”. This is what I aim for each day

Kaylee Featherstone

Junior Phase Educator

Qualifications

  • Montessori Diploma
  • Makaton Sign Language Certified
  • Certified Play Therapist
  • Registered Lifeline Counsellor
  • Competed 2 Autism Courses
  • Level 2 First Aid Certified
  • AED Certified

Experience

With over 13 years of experience teaching children with special needs, I am deeply committed to supporting each child in their educational journey.

My teaching career began in preschools and has extended to working with learners up to the intermediate phase. While I have enjoyed teaching across age groups, my greatest passion lies in working with foundation phase children, where I find immense joy in nurturing their growth and development.

I thrive on the challenges and rewards of teaching children with special needs. My goal is to provide them with the right support and skills to succeed, while continuously learning from each child I work with. I believe strongly in the power of encouragement and perseverance – every child is capable of achieving remarkable progress when given the right guidance and belief in their abilities.

Why I do what I do

I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with special needs. My approach centers on patience, individulised support, and fostering confidence. I will never give up on a child; I am committed to walking alongside them every step of the way, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and empowered in their education.

My favourite quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world”

Vanessa van der Merwe

Foundation Phase Educator & Specialist Wellness Counsellor

Qualifications

  • B.Ed Foundation Phase Education with Psychology (Cum Laude)
  • B.HSc Honours in Psychology
  • Registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor (ASCHP)
  • SACE Registered Educator
  • OPTIMA School Readiness Assessment – Certified Administrator
  • TRREE Research Ethics Certified (North-West University)
  • Golden Key International Honour Society Member

Experience

I have gained experience working in both mainstream and special needs educational environments, as well as in counselling and emotional support settings. I completed my practical teaching experience at Meerhof School, a school for learners with physical and intellectual disabilities, where I worked closely with children requiring individualized support and adaptive teaching strategies. I have worked as an intern at Swallows Nest, a private home caring for abandoned and vulnerable infants, and have provided counselling services under supervision through Humanitas Training Centre.

Currently I practice as a registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor, providing online counselling services and emotional support under supervision, with over 250 hours of practical experience. I have also volunteered at Southdowns College and at PEN Men’s Shelter, offering counselling support. In addition, I have experience as an Assistant Tutor at Kumon Raslouw and have served as Peer Helper and Academic Advisor at North-West University.

Why I do what I do

I believe that every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported in a way that honours their individuality. My passion lies in understanding how children think, feel, and experience the world – especially those who may struggle to express themselves in conventional ways.

With a background in both education and psychology, I aim to create safe, structured, and nurturing environments where children can grow not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well. I value strong relationships, consistency, and emotional attunement, because I believe learning happens best when a child feels secure and understood.

Working with children is not simply a profession for me – it is a calling. I am deeply motivated by the belief that early support, patience, and empathy can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Each child teaches me something new, and it is a privilege to walk alongside them as they develop confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

My goal each day is to help children recognise their strenghts, build resilience, and reach their full potential in their own unique way.

Michele Walters

Life Skills Educator

Qualifications

  • Port Elizabeth Technikon Secretarial Diploma
  • University of Port Elizabeth – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • B.A. (Soc Science.) Hons.   Social Work and Psychology
  • Taught Computer Literacy and Logo  at Parktown Convent and Houghton Primary
  • Member of Teachers Federal Council
  • Japari School
  • Joined Footprints School
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy certified

Experience

  • Numerous computer literary courses   windows  power point excel  word at Joburg training college
  • 10 Network knowledge Programme courses from beginners to advanced for Primary and Secondary schools
  • Makaton
  • Braille
  • Numerous symposiums on Autism
  • Sex education  for Primary and Secondary  schools courses at Bella Vista school

Why I do what I do

My aspiration is to motivate personal growth, support academic development and help those to overcome learning barriers. I am passionate about individualized education and assisting others to achieve their potential.

Tamzin Rowe

Biokineticist & PE Teacher

Qualifications

  • Masters of science medicine Biokinetics (WITS)
  • BA Hons. Biokinetics (UJ)
  • BA Sports Psychology (UJ)
  • Level 2 First Aid & AED (PulsePoint)
  • EMS Trainer (HFPA)
  • Yoga Instructor (Trifocus)
  • Athlete Nutrition (Trifocus)
  • Sports Nutrition & Supplementation (HFPA)
  • Sports Massage Therapy (HFPA)
  • Essentials of Nitrition (HFPA)
  • Vitality Wellness (Vitality)
  • HIV counseling Skills Training (Life Assist)
  • Chronic Stress, cortisol & Pain (eCPD)
  • Ethics & SARS (eCPD)
  • Behaviour Change Intervention (U. Stellenbosch)
  • Healthcare Burnout (TUKS)
  • Disease Modifying Therapies (TUKS)
  • Cardiovascular Disease & Hypertension (SAHS)
  • Dartfish Video Analysis (Dartfish)
  • Dartfiah Tagging Analysis (Dartfish)
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy certified

Interests

  • Orthopaedic
  • Sports specific
  • Special population

I am a current Karate All styles National athlete, National karate coach & 2nd Dan blackbelt. I love being outdoors & being active, adventures are my thing.

Caroline Poulsen

Administrator & Oxygen Therapy Technician

Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • Sport Management certified
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy certified

Experience in:

  • PHP, HTML, CSS
  • WordPress
  • Elementor
  • Woocommerce
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Sage One
  • Hubspot
  • Mailchimp
  • Canva
  • Slack
  • Adestra

Interests

  • Music
  • Nature
  • CrossFit

Gracious Ncube

Teacher Assistant – Senior Phase

Qualifications

  • Form 4 (O Level)

Interests

I am continually inspired by the remarkable children I have the privilege to work with each day. Their resilience, joy, and unique perspectives motivate me to give my very best and remind me of the importance of patience, creativity, and compassion.

Working alongside these incredible children is not just a role—it is a calling that fills me with purpose and pride. Their achievements, both big and small, continually encourage me to grow and to contribute wholeheartedly to the school community.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, and reading.

Dumazile Gumbo

Teacher Assistant – Junior Phase

Qualifications

  • Form 4 (O Level)

Interests

I am an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with a strong passion for serving others. My ambition drives me to contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of the school community. I am committed to supporting students at every level, ensuring that the tasks entrusted to me are carried out with care, creativity, and excellence. My goal is to help enhance learning experiences and foster an environment where every child can thrive.

Anele Shelembe

Teacher Assistant – Junior Phase

Qualifications

Grade 12

Interests

I chose to work with children who have special needs in the school environment because of my deep sense of empathy and compassion for those requiring extra support. I take pride in helping students overcome challenges, celebrating their achievements—no matter how small—and encouraging them as they grow in confidence and independence. This work is profoundly rewarding, as it allows me to make a meaningful difference in their academic, social, and emotional development.

I am also motivated by a strong belief in inclusion, fairness, and equal opportunities, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported within the classroom.

Outside of school, I enjoy watching films, cooking, playing board games, and listening to music, which bring creativity and balance to my everyday life

As a fully registered school with the department of education parents are able to claim their school fees as part of their tax returns.