Meet Our Team
“We step in where mainstream can’t”

Marianne Bezuidenhout
Director/Founder of Edusmart Group
I am the Founder of the Edusmart Group of Schools. If I had to embark on this journey of making a difference in the lives of neurodivergent learners again, I would! I live with gratitude, purpose, passion, dedication and one goal in mind: changing the educational landscape of our diverse country with a visionary hybrid model that inspires true learning. Since 2019 when we started with one school and 9 learners, we have grown to three schools, and today call 160 learners SMARTIES. These learners have found their educational niche, safe spaces in which they can thrive. To God be the Glory!

Deon Bezuidenhout
General Manager & Financial Officer
I am the General Manager of the Edusmart Group of Schools. I have seen the schools grow from our home to where we are today. In 2024 I joined the Group after many years of managing my own business in the IT industry. Our children are the future leaders, voters, employers, entrepreneurs…they will have to carry our beautiful country into the future – better make sure they are educated, trained and provided with the necessary resources so they can do it and make us proud!

Esther Sholtz
Executive Head – Edusmart Academy & Edusmart College
As the Executive Head of Edusmart Academy and Edusmart College, I believe that communication is KEY. Open and honest communication creates a sanctuary for all that is part of the Edusmart Family. Unity is created when positive cooperation and teamwork are encouraged. Kindness and love cost nothing. See with your heart!

Michelle Heyns
Admin and Operational Manager
P.A. to the Executive Head
I was placed on this earth to serve. It is my passion to help others. My motto is “If you don’t ask, you will never know” and if I don’t know I will always find out for you. I love being able to serve my colleagues, parents and most importantly these amazing learners. I am responsible for the smooth running of the daily program at Edusmart Academy and Edusmart College.

Louise Van Heerden
HOD. – Foundation Phase
Grade 2 Teacher
Grade 2 Teacher
I am passionate about teaching each child according to their individual potential and believe that every learner is uniquely gifted. I value holistic teaching that keeps learners engaged, creative, and actively involved in the learning process. I believe that emotionally healthy children are more confident and able to achieve academic success. My goal is to support and guide each learner according to his or her own abilities, one child at a time and teaching from the heart.

Chanelle Delport
Grade 1 Teacher
I am a passionate Grade 1 teacher who strives to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of my learners every day. I believe in creating a warm, engaging classroom where children feel encouraged to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Outside of the classroom, I am adventurous at heart and deeply value spending quality time with my family.

Alana De Villiers
Grade 2 Teacher
Small in size but big in heart, I’m an outdoor-loving teacher that turns every lesson into an adventure for children. Whether hiking trails or helping young minds grow, I bring kindness, and fun to the classroom. With a love for nature and a passion for teaching, I make learning feel like a sunny day outdoors.

Angelique Nieuwoudt
Grade 3 Teacher
I am passionate about meeting each child exactly where they are and helping them grow to their full potential. With a love for teaching and remedial support, I enjoy using creative, engaging approaches to make learning fun and meaningful. Teaching children with different learning profiles means being flexible, thinking creatively, and adapting strategies without ever compromising on high‑quality education. I believe school is more than tasks and break time — it’s a place where children learn to communicate, build confidence, and thrive in a learning‑focused environment.

Nicole Van Huyssteen
Grade 3 Teacher
I am a dedicated Grade 3 teacher who values a holistic approach to education and believes every child has the ability to succeed. I am passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and positive classroom environment where learners feel supported, confident, and inspired to grow. By encouraging curiosity, building strong relationships, and providing meaningful learning experiences, I aim to help each learner develop both academically and personally.

El-Jo Denysschen
Teacher – Grade 4 & 5 Afrikaans
Teacher – Grade 4 Creative Arts
Teacher – Grade 4 Creative Arts
I believe in creating a positive and supportive learning environment where learners feel encouraged to participate actively and build confidence at their own pace. I am passionate about inspiring a love for Afrikaans and helping children feel comfortable and confident in the language. I value kindness, respect, honesty, diversity and open communication. I cherish every small win and accomplishment, as I believe these moments encourage confidence and further motivation. I believe that hard work brings rewarding results and that teaching is truly a work of heart.

Surina Coetzee
Teacher – Grade 4 & 5 nST
Teacher – Grade 4 & 5 LO
Teacher – Grade 4 & 5 LO
I believe active learning and participation in sport activities are important for each child’s development, it builds confidence, discipline and teamwork. I love hands-on learning through practical work to help learners build confidence, develop skills and understand concepts more effectively.

Sarita Du Toit
Teacher- Grade 4 & 5 Mathematics
With a background in Industrial Psychology and experience in the Defence Force, corporate HR, and universities, along the way, I discovered a passion for education. This lead me to tutor and officially study teaching. Now, I am happily teaching at a school for kids with learning barriers—and absolutely love it!

Moiya Eybers
HOD intermediate Phase & Gr. 6 English Teacher
I am passionate about teaching English. I love inspiring learners through reading, creativity, and meaningful communication. I believe in kindness, hard work, and punctuality, and I strive to encourage confidence and growth in everything I do.

Sumari Swart
Remedial Teacher, Grade 1-4
I am a passionate and caring teacher who believes that every child is unique and capable of success. I strive to create a positive, engaging, and supportive classroom environment where learners feel confident and motivated to grow. Through patience, creativity, and dedication, I aim to inspire a love for learning while helping each learner reach their full potential.

Emma van der Linde
Remedial Teacher, Grade 1-4
Considering my age and where I reside, I should be in a rocking chair with my knitting and a pot of tea. Instead, I am at Edusmart because I truly love what I do, and I find my remedial teaching position both meaningful and deeply satisfying. I am old-school in both my teaching and my everyday life, and my dedication to helping learners’ progress has never faded.

Bardine Huebsch
Academic Head – Edusmart College
Teacher – Grade 6 & 7 Afrikaans
Teacher – Grade 6 Social Sciences
I am the Academic Head of Edusmart College. I have known since I was a little girl that I wanted to become a teacher one day. I am happy to say that I still arrive at school with a smile and joy in my heart. I love what I do and would like to be involved with children and education for as long as I am capable. I am a sports fanatic and rarely miss a rugby game of my favourite Stormers or Springboks. Also tennis, cricket, netball, swimming, F1-racing, but these days only as a spectator! I find my second career at Edusmart very rewarding. I enjoy the team spirit of my inspiring colleagues and the fact that the leadership is clear and inclusive.

Danielle De Oliveira
H.O.D. Senior Phase
Teacher – Grade 7 NST
I’ve been proud to grow with Edusmart from day one and today I am HOD of our CAPS Grade 6–8 curriculum with a focus on making learning dynamic and engaging. Teaching Natural Sciences allows me to channel my own adventurous spirit into the classroom, where I thrive on creating fun, memorable lessons that inspire students to reach their full potential. I ’m a massive outdoor enthusiast who loves a challenge – the more active and adventurous, the better. For me, life and education are all about the experiences we chase and the connections we make along the way.

Marco Koen
Teacher – Grade 6 & 7 English
Teacher – Grade 7 Social Sciences
Teacher – Grade 7 Social Sciences
I love teaching English and Social Sciences. When I am not working I thoroughly enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s taking long walks on the beach, hiking our beautiful mountains or exploring the pristine wine estates in our area. I am addicted to coffee, so you can find me cafe-hopping all over town. My life motto has always been “Dream, Believe, Achieve”.

Ernae Harmse
Facilitator – Online Hub & Junior Homeroom Teacher
Teacher – Mathematics Active Lessons, Online Juniors & Seniors
I am the homeroom teacher for the Online Junior learners. I have made it my personal mission to support those who are unable to help themselves, and I strive to embody this commitment daily in the lives of my learners. I am passionate about Mathematics and find great fulfilment in inspiring and uplifting those around me. Outside of my professional life, I am a proud mother to three beloved fur babies and have a deep love for cats of all kinds, both big and small.

Michael Makoni
Facilitator – Online Hub & Senior Homeroom Teacher
Teacher – Social sciences Active Lessons, Online Juniors & Seniors
Teacher – Social sciences Active Lessons, Online Juniors & Seniors
I am passionate about education and dedicated to inspiring and guiding future generations through my knowledge, skills, and experience. With a strong background in sports, I value discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and respect, and I aim to instill these important qualities in our learners – both inside and outside the classroom. Outside of teaching, I enjoy staying active through exercise, spending quality time with my loved ones, and exploring new places through travel.

Charise Vorster
Teacher – Grade 6 & 7
As a Maths teacher I’ve always had the passion to bring numbers and problem solving as a positive desire in children’s lives. I cherish the opportunity to teach these skills to the learners, and also to help them grow and become the best versions of themselves. I believe in a well balanced lifestyle, therefore a cup of coffee makes me smile, beach walks and jogs give me joy and playing drums in church on Sundays satisfies the soul. “Enter to learn and leave to serve” is a mantra close to my heart.

Danielle Lotz
Intermediate Phase Assistant
I am a passionate Foundation Phase teacher who loves working with children and creating positive learning experiences. I enjoy nature photography, and I am guided by my Christian faith, a heart for service, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Rudolph Pretorius
General & Aftercare Assistant
I am the general assistant of Edusmart Academy, as well as an aftercare assistant at Edusmart College. It is my pleasure to help where I can and where I am needed! Responsible and disciplined, always sticking to my schedule, I am known for kindness, patience, and a sense of humour. When I am not teaching, I enjoy some exercise and playing the guitar.

Marguerite Leuvennink
digital Hub & Aftercare Assistant
I assist the teaching team at Edusmart College. I love helping wherever support is needed, with a particular passion for English and a special interest in this subject area. I have a deep appreciation for literature, music, and art, and I believe these creative forms play an essential role in both personal and intellectual growth.

Nadia Du Toit
Foundation Phase Assistant
I love working with children and creating a space for them where they feel heard and seen. My motto is “be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”.

Jacobus De Villiers
Aftercare Assistant
I am passionate about ensuring that every student has a positive and enjoyable experience in aftercare. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel at home. Having worked as a paramedic, I have developed the ability to stay calm and focused in difficult situations. My studies in Psychology and Philosophy have also helped me better understand and connect with students, enabling me to support them both emotionally and personally as they face the challenges of everyday life.


