“Teachers and school staff as first responders – building bridges for learners from states of distress and dysregulation to states of contained, regulated emotions and readiness to learn”
Our panel members will share reflections of learning beyond walls using art, collage, poetry, song and reflexivity to make sense of the role of teachers and school staff as first responders and bridges to learning.
Kgamaka Mike Thobejane is an experienced South African education leader with more than three decades of service in schools. He began teaching in 1993 and has served as Departmental Head, Deputy Principal and Principal in both fee-paying and no-fee school contexts. He is currently Principal of Iphutheng Primary School, a township school where his leadership focuses on strengthening teaching, learning and school functionality in under-resourced communities. Mike has also supported school turnaround work, including assisting Pholosho Primary School in its transformation from dysfunction to stability. Alongside his work in education, he has been actively involved in community development, literacy advocacy and social care initiatives. He brings to the panel both school leadership experience and reflections shaped by educational activism in the 1980s.
Dr Regan Berry is an executive coach, researcher, facilitator and Social Worker in Private Practice. Her doctoral research explored a decade-long engagement with a primary school situated in a Johannesburg focusing on leadership, containment and holistic school transformation in a township context marked by social deprivation and collective trauma. This work led to the development of a framework to facilitate the transformation of schools through leadership development, systemic engagement and community-centred change. Regan has presented nationally and internationally on school transformation, systems psychodynamics, worldviews and leadership in complex educational contexts. She coaches school and organisational leaders and designs experiential leadership development processes informed by systems psychodynamic and organisational development perspectives.
Dana Altini is a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist with more than 26 years’ experience across mainstream, remedial and special-needs education. She is currently based at Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School, where she supports learners, families and multidisciplinary teams. Dana has served on the board of the South African Association for Learning and Educational Differences and has facilitated professional groups for speech therapists in Johannesburg. As a mother of two neurodivergent children, she brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to her work. Dana is passionate about neurodiversity, collaborative practice and helping teachers, parents and learners understand diverse pathways to development and learning.
Mpho Ntuli is a South African Educator, Pastor, creative strategist and operations leader with experience across education, music, marketing and ministry. With a Diploma in Music, he has worked as a teacher, marketing manager and music publisher, bringing creativity, communication and leadership into the spaces he serves. He currently works as Head of Operations at Nana Coyote Productions and also pastors at One Life Church in Pietermaritzburg. Mpho is passionate about young people, culture, purpose and creative expression. He is known for using storytelling, music and practical insight to inspire reflection, connection and growth.
Julia Hutcheon is an Occupational Therapist with postgraduate training in Ayres Sensory Integration and more than 25 years’ experience in supported, mainstream and specialised learning environments. She is currently Head of Department of Occupational Therapy at Glenoaks School in Johannesburg, where she leads a team of therapists supporting learners with diverse needs. Julia is passionate about creating neurodiversity-affirming homes, schools and communities. Her work focuses on understanding each child’s unique sensory and developmental profile and collaborating closely with families, educators and multidisciplinary teams. As a mother of three children, two of whom are neurodivergent, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her practice.
Dana Altini is a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist with more than 26 years’ experience across mainstream, remedial and special-needs education. She is currently based at Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School, where she supports learners, families and multidisciplinary teams. Dana has served on the board of the South African Association for Learning and Educational Differences and has facilitated professional groups for speech therapists in Johannesburg. As a mother of two neurodivergent children, she brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to her work. Dana is passionate about neurodiversity, collaborative practice and helping teachers, parents and learners understand diverse pathways to development and learning.
Julia Hutcheon is an Occupational Therapist with postgraduate training in Ayres Sensory Integration and more than 25 years’ experience in supported, mainstream and specialised learning environments. She is currently Head of Department of Occupational Therapy at Glenoaks School in Johannesburg, where she leads a team of therapists supporting learners with diverse needs. Julia is passionate about creating neurodiversity-affirming homes, schools and communities. Her work focuses on understanding each child’s unique sensory and developmental profile and collaborating closely with families, educators and multidisciplinary teams. As a mother of three children, two of whom are neurodivergent, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her practice.
I am Bongiwe Dlamini, a dedicated and resilient educator who grew up in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal. I began my schooling at Hlokomani Primary School, where the foundation of my love for learning and education was established. I am currently in my final semester of a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Through my academic journey and teaching practice, I have developed essential skills in lesson planning, classroom management, learner engagement, and context-responsive teaching. I teach English First Additional Language and Life Orientation in the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training phases, working with learners from Grades 8 to 12. My teaching approach is learner-centred and inclusive, grounded in the belief that education should empower learners while remaining responsive to their social, cultural, and educational contexts.
A passionate nature lover dedicated to helping the next generation reconnect with the earth by learning how to grow their own food and turn waste into nourishment through composting.
Pumeza is a Training and Literacy Directory at Squaring The Education Pyramid institute (STEPi). She was born and raised in Mount Frere, Eastern Cape. She holds an Honors Degree in Theory of Literature and a Diploma in Dramatic Arts and is a literary advocate in her own right. She also has completed a course in Foundations of Positive Psychology with the University of Pennsylvania. Her passion lies in community and literacy development. As a strong believer in the power of stories, she incorporates her theatre background to connect with children and adults, engaging them in programs aimed at developing their emotional intelligence and character strengths. Through her work at STEPi Pumeza brings awareness about the importance of stories and she encourages positive teaching and parenting through her organisation. Her achievements include an annual youth literary festival and planting reading clubs for kids in communities with the purpose of nurturing a love of reading from an early age.
Morgan is a passionate and purpose-driven communications and fundraising professional with a career rooted in service. My journey in community work began at just 13 years old, and I have since dedicated my life to empowering youth, amplifying stories that matter, and building sustainable, people-focused initiatives in South Africa. I hold a Diploma in Accounting and Financial Computing (2010) and briefly worked as a payroll administrator before pursuing a Certificate in Youth Ministry. That led to several years as a Youth Worker, where he mentored and equipped young people to thrive despite adversity. With a strong communications instinct, I transitioned into roles as a PR & Communications Officer and Consultant before completing my BBA in Marketing Management (2021). As a fundraiser at Abraham Kriel Bambanani, I consistently met fundraising targets to help sustain the organisation’s operations – even during the pandemic – through innovative digital campaigns and strong donor engagement. I currently serve as the Communications Director at STEPi, where I lead brand development, fundraising, public engagement, and educational programming like Teaching With Love. My work bridges community needs and creative solutions, supported by my recent Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from GIBS (2024). My approach combines strategic marketing, stakeholder relationship management, and a deep understanding of South Africa’s social landscape. A husband to an awesome wife and I am a father of 4 beautiful girls.
Zanele Mokgotho is an intermediate-phase educator, engineering student, traditional healer, and youth activist from Limpopo, South Africa. She is passionate about empowering young learners through education, leadership, and community development initiatives. As the founder of Youth Development Hub Organization and co-founder of Ga-Chaya Initiation African School, she focuses on literacy, numeracy, and youth empowerment in rural schools. She has organized academic competitions, career exhibitions, and motivational programs that inspire learners to pursue their dreams. Zanele is also an author and advocate for African spirituality and cultural preservation. Her vision is to create opportunities that uplift children and restore hope within rural communities.
My work is rooted in a deep belief that real change begins with how we show up for ourselves and one another. At the LEAP Institute, I work as a facilitator and coordinator, which means I spend my days creating and holding spaces where learners, teachers, and leaders can connect more honestly, grow emotionally, and lead with intention. I care deeply about emotional intelligence, building trust, and helping people feel seen and heard, especially in communities that are often overlooked. Whether I’m running a personal development session with interns or a workshop with school staff, I’m always guided by the question: how do we build spaces that feel safe, real, and full of possibility.
Hanneke is an education innovator, speaker, and curriculum architect focused on reimagining education for an AI-driven world. She equips parents and teachers with practical tools to help children develop uniquely human skills such as creativity, collaboration, and imagination. With over 20 years of experience in childhood development, creativity, wellbeing, and the Future of Work, she founded Buzz Kidz and The Buzz Foundation, whose programmes have impacted more than 300,000 children and created employment opportunities for young creatives. Hanneke designed the internationally recognised Buzz curriculum, accredited by the Education Alliance of Finland and recognised by HundrED as one of the world’s Top 100 Education Innovations, where she also serves as a Global Ambassador. She is a Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellow, podcast host, and frequent media contributor on education reform. As a dynamic speaker, Hanneke challenges educators and policymakers to redesign schooling for the future, while empowering teachers with practical strategies for creative and impactful learning.
Charles Marriott is an experienced educator and facilitator with a passion for personal development and emotional intelligence. He spent 17 years as a high school teacher before transitioning in 2008 to a successful career as a freelance soft skills facilitator and life coach. His work spans both corporate and non-profit sectors, where he equips individuals and teams with the tools to grow, connect, and lead effectively.
Since 2010, Charles has led NALEDI, an emotional intelligence program designed to empower school learners, educators, and post-school youth. Through this initiative, he continues to make a lasting impact by fostering self-awareness, resilience, and social-emotional growth in diverse educational and community settings.
My name is Carly Nathan and I work at Town School for Boys in San Francisco, CA. I am very excited to be back in Johannesburg this summer continuing the learning and work that I began last year when I attended the GTI Summit and worked alongside GTI interns. I have been with Town School for 10 years and teach 4th Grade. I grew up in a bilingual household and speak both English and Spanish. As both an Argentine and soccer player, if you are watching the World Cup, Go Argentina! When I am not teaching, I enjoy long walks in the park, exploring the city, time in nature, and yoga.
Kutloano Toko is a dynamic and experienced facilitator, leader, and transformation advisor with a proven track record in youth development, education, and community empowerment. With over a decade of experience in leadership roles across various organizations, Kutloano has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering inclusive growth, professional development, and innovative solutions to address societal challenges. His expertise spans operations management, leadership facilitation, and program development, with a focus on creating sustainable impact through education and community engagement.
Pearl Makhene is an educator and youth development facilitator with a passion for empowering the next generation. She holds a National Diploma and BTech in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University of Technology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Intermediate and Senior Phase) from UNISA. Pearl has served in various roles, including environmental educator, facilitator, project manager, and marketing administrator. She has taught at institutions such as Kruger National Park, Disney World, Bush Pigs Outdoor Education Centre, St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls and Kingsmead College. Currently, Pearl is part of the leadership team in More Than a Teacher (MTAT) – a youth development programme focused on training and mentoring pre-service teachers and intern coaches. Her leadership blends educational excellence, compassion, and a commitment to servant leadership.
