Leandra Mendes

Facilitator

In 2010, I qualified as a Counselling Psychologist at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) and went on to do various courses focused primarily on working with children under 5 years old. I completed my infant observation in 2012 and this particular course shaped how I worked. It enabled me to witness and fully appreciate the constant micro interactions between parents and their children from very early infancy. And even though there are challenges in our parenting journeys, there is also a lot of joy that can be shared.

Of course, nothing throws theory out the window faster than a lived experience! With the arrival of my first daughter in 2016, it was as if the theoretical slate was wiped clean and I knew nothing. It was a humbling experience, to be reminded that connection happens when you look into another’s eyes, not when your nose is in a book. My second daughter was born in 2019, shortly before lockdown and we all know what a wild ride that was! But, the gift in that experience was being forced to slow down. We spent hours outside - it required very little in the way of sourced materials but provided hours of pleasure, for all of us. More importantly, it allowed us to connect and learn together. When lockdown started to ease and life returned to almost normal, I missed our slow days in the garden and spent many hours juggling the idea of psychology and nature. And then, while walking with a friend in Kirstenbosch and talking it through in the fresh air, Little Leaves came to life - a nature based play group for toddlers. 

Heart Matters is the perfect synergy of theory, practical and learning through play.