Raising Emotionally
Intelligent Kids
Social & Emotional Learning
Heart Matters Academy equips children with the emotional tools they need to thrive — at home, in school, and throughout life.
4 SEL Pillars ❤ 3–12 Age Range ❤ Cape Town & Growing
Social Skills
❤
Confident
❤
Resilient
❤
Social Skills ❤ Confident ❤ Resilient ❤
The Framework
4 Pillars of
Emotional Intelligence
Heart Matters Academy is built on a systemic Social and Emotional Learning framework, delivered through engaging, age-appropriate programmes for every child aged 3–12.
Self-Awareness
Children learn to identify and name
their emotions, building a deep
understanding of their inner world
and how it shapes their actions.
Emotional Regulation
Practical tools to manage
big feelings, reduce anxiety, and
respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively to life's challenges.
Social Awareness
Developing empathy,
perspective-taking, and the ability
to connect meaningfully with
peers, teachers, and family members.
Responsible Decisions
Teaching children to consider consequences, weigh options, and make choices aligned with their
values — skills for life.
For Parents
Your Child's Emotional Growth Starts at Home
Heart Matters Academy partners with parents to create a consistent, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy relationships.
From private consultations to mini-courses you can work through as a family, we're here to support you every step
of the way.
💬 Private Parent Consultations
One-on-one sessions with an HM specialist
to address your child's specific
emotional needs.
🏡 Family Matters Programme
Practical strategies to bring Heart Matters
principles into everyday family life
and conversations.
🧩 HM Mini Courses
Short, engaging programmes designed for
children aged 3–12 to explore SEL concepts at their own pace.
For Schools
Bring Heart Matters
into Your Classroom
Our school programme gives educators the tools, training, and curriculum to embed Social and Emotional Learning into daily school life — creating happier, more engaged learners.
📖 HM Classroom Curriculum
A structured, age-appropriate SEL curriculum aligned with educational frameworks. Ready to use from day one, with full lesson plans and resources.
🎓 Educators Empowerment Workshop
A structured, age-appropriate SEL curriculum aligned with educational frameworks. Ready to use from day one, with full lesson plans and resources.
📖 Find a HM school
A structured, age-appropriate SEL curriculum aligned with educational frameworks. Ready to use from day one, with full lesson plans and resources.
Our Team
The Hearts Behind Heart Matters
Our passionate facilitators bring deep expertise in child development,
play therapy, counselling psychology, and Social Emotional Learning.
Shanley & Jenna
Co-Founders
Leandra Mendes
Facilitator
Hayley King
Facilitator
Kristy Fish
Facilitator
Testimonials
Heard from Our Community
Real words from the parents, teachers, and children who've experienced the Heart Matters difference.
Since Heart Matters started in the Nursery classes and is now also offered in the Pre R classes and as an extra mural for Gr R, we have found the girls more able to express their feelings. Their descriptive language about how and why they are feeling a certain way is greatly improved and they can manage and control their emotions much better. They try to be empathetic and caring, and want to be gentle, kind friends to their peers. The teachers love the programme and find all the facilitators to be lovely, kind ladies who are very insightful and offer advice on how to understand the behaviour of some of the girls.
Diane Viljoen
Springfield Pre-Primary Principal
The Heart Matters programme has been an incredible addition to our curriculum for the 4–5-year-olds. It is so heartwarming each week to hear the girls expressing their feelings and growing in confidence. It really fills me with pride when I hear them using the Heart Matters language in the playground and to see the empathy, kindness, and emotional awareness that are developing as a result. This resonates so strongly with what I strive for as a teacher…to help nurture strong, confident, kind, and empathetic little people who are equipped to build positive relationships and navigate the world around them.
Mrs Ruscoe
Springfield Convent Pre-Primary
Heart Matters has become a valued part of life at Kildare. Through this wonderful programme, our children have developed important skills in understanding their feelings, building friendships and growing in confidence.
This impact often extends beyond the classroom, with parents sharing positive feedback about the difference Heart Matters has made at home.
It is truly a positive and enriching asset to our school community.
We love Heart Matters at Kildare.
Heather Porter
Kildare Pre-Primary Principal