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.
My daughter used to struggle with big meltdowns. After just a few weeks in the Heart Matters programme, she started naming her feelings and asking for what she needed. It was transformative.
👩 Sarah M.
Parent, Grade 2
The Educators Workshop completely changed how I approach my classroom. I now have a whole toolkit for helping children regulate and connect — and it shows in the culture every day.
👨🏫 Mr. James D.
Foundation Phase Teacher
We introduced Heart Matters school-wide three years ago. Behaviour incidents have dropped, learner engagement is up, and our staff feel more confident supporting children's wellbeing.
👩💼Principal T. Nkosi
Primary School Principal