Our Team
We Know How to Make Learning Fun For Kids
At Sunbird Academy, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each educator and support staff member is chosen not only for their experience and expertise, but for their compassion, patience, and genuine love for children.
We believe that strong relationships build strong learners. Our staff take the time to truly know each student — understanding how they learn, what inspires them, and how best to support their growth. Together, we create a calm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to thrive.
At Sunbird, education is personal — and so is our commitment to every learner in our care.
Our Teachers
Lisa Allen
Founder & Head Facilitator.
Lisa is a passionate homeschooling mother with years of hands-on experience. Her deep empathy and creative approach to education laid the foundation for Sunbird Academy’s personalised, student-first model.
Melissa Martin
Head of Academics & Learner Support
With a strong background in learner support and academic development, Melissa plays a key role in helping students reach their goals. Her work ensures that every child receives the structure, encouragement, and expertise they need to succeed.
Natasja Swartz
Facilitator
Natasja brings patience, creativity, and dedication to every lesson she facilitates. Her gentle approach helps learners feel confident to explore and express themselves freely. With a passion for guiding young minds, Natasja creates a nurturing space where curiosity and growth flourish each day.
Oppah Katerere
Assistant
Oppah’s kind and caring nature makes her a cornerstone of support in the classroom. Always ready with a helping hand and a warm smile, she ensures that each child feels safe, valued, and understood. Her dependable presence helps maintain the calm, joyful environment that defines Sunbird Academy.
Monica Emoni
Facilitator
Monica’s enthusiasm for education shines through in everything she does. She believes that every child has unique strengths waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Through patience, encouragement, and a touch of creativity, Monica inspires her students to embrace learning with confidence and joy.
Isabel Nyika
Housekeeper
Isabel Nyika is a valued and cherished member of the Sunbird Academy team, having been with us for many years. Her dedication, warmth, and love for children help create a safe, caring, and welcoming environment each day.
With exceptional attention to detail, she keeps our spaces spotless and well organized, while also assisting with food preparation and daily support where needed.
Isabel is a trusted and invaluable part of our academy, and we are deeply grateful for the care and heart she brings every day.
Tamryn Cloete
Facilitator
I am a qualified Foundation Phase teacher with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) and currently work as a Grade 2–6 facilitator. With four years of teaching experience in mainstream schools, I am passionate about supporting learners at different stages of their academic journey.
I chose Foundation Phase teaching because the early years are where lifelong learning begins, shaping both academic and personal growth. For me, teaching is more than a profession — it is an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in young lives.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, adventurous activities, crocheting, and embroidering, which allow me to express my creativity and maintain balance.
A Word
From Our Principal
” Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and capable. At Sunbird Academy, we don’t ask children to fit into a system — we shape the system around the child, so they can grow with confidence, joy, and a true sense of belonging. “
– Lisa Allen
Get In Touch
Location: Bloubergrise, Cape Town
Telephone: 072 047 5195
Email: hello@sunbirdacademy.co.za
Academy Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8am – 2pm, Friday: 8am – 1pm
Aftercare: Monday – Friday: 2pm – 5pm
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Non-Discrimination Policy
Sunbird Academy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students, families, and staff.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, age, or socio-economic background. Every learner is valued for who they are and supported according to their individual needs and strengths.
We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering a community built on dignity, empathy, fairness, and mutual respect. All admissions, educational programmes, and employment practices are conducted in alignment with this commitment.
At Sunbird Academy, every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.