Connect
SEND US AN EMAIL: info@magicblox.co.za
GIVE US A CALL: (+27) 62 551 6316
Meet The Team
Meet our team of professionals who work to give your children, Teens and Family the the development they require.
Julie mcCarthy
Creator & Owner of MagicBlox, Nia White Belt Teacher & Life Coach
Magic Blox was created and founded by Julie McCarthy, Life Coach, and White Belt Nia Teacher.
After completing training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) coaching, LifeSkills 4 Kids Teacher Training, and The Diversity Institute Train the Trainer Program, Julie decided to follow her passion for helping and working with children, and wrote the Magic Blox MagicEQ Course for children. The course was piloted from 2010 to 2013 and the business was launched in 2013.
Over the next four years, the program has been further developed to support teens, parents, teachers, and therapists. In 2014 Magic Blox and Talk Sense formed a collaborative partnership as their therapists had identified a need for children to be equipped with emotional skills and tools in order to progress in therapy. In 2021 the Magic Blox Children’s Wellness centre was launched, offering holistic wellness to children and families including Occupational Therapy, Speech and Audio Therapy, and Educational Psychology. In 2022, Julie developed the MagicEQ online quick course to educate and prepare adults for the in-person courses as well as offer a platform where individuals are able to improve their EQ in their own time.
Jo-Ann Greenwood
Magic Blox Business Partner & Life Coach
Over her 20-year career, Jo-Ann Greenwood has focused her work on providing health and wellness solutions (on both a 1-on-1 and group basis) to; Children, adolescents, pre-and post natal ladies, elderly and those suffering from chronic conditions or diseases. Jo has been involved in early childhood physical skill development her whole career and has had the opportunity to work both locally and abroad.
Upon her return to South Africa in 2012, Jo studied Life Coaching and teamed up with Julie McCarthy in 2015 to offer Emotional Intelligence coaching to children.
Jo Is now the proud owner of a Catrobatkidz franchise, providing movement skill coaching to 100’s of children across JHB, as well as co-owner of the Magic Blox Children’s Wellness Center. Jo hopes to continue providing fundamental tools and skills to assist all children in reaching their full potential, whether it be academically, physically or emotionally.
Vijaya Francis
Speech therapist & audiologist
Vijaya Francis has gained extensive and valuable experience in the fields of Speech Therapy and Audiology by assessing and treating patients of all ages with various challenges.
Vijaya completed her Honors Degree in Speach and Hearing Therapy at UKZN-Westville Campus in 1998. She then started work as a Junior Speech Therapist and Audiologist at King Edward Hospital V111 (KEH). From 2005 to 2012 she was the Head of Department at KEH, where she developed protocols for speech and audio clinics and lectured medical students and doctors completing their Diploma in Occupational Health.
Vijaya completed BOBATH Neuro Diversity Training in 2002, which provided her with the skills and knowledge to work with children with cerebral palsy within a team framework. She has also completed several post-graduate courses in management of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) in children and adults.
“I enjoy sharing my knowledge with colleagues, teachers and families. I strive to treat my clients and their families with kindness and understanding.”
Aamina Hoosain
Occupational Therapist & Study Skills Instructor
Aamina Hoosain is a fun-loving Occupational Therapist with an intense passion for Paediatrics and Community-Based Rehabilitation.
Aamina is enthusiastic about empowering families and communities. Since graduating from the University of Kwa Zulu Natal in 2017, Aamina completed her Community Service at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and thereafter began working within the Ekhuruleni District, Gauteng, for the Department of Basic Education. Later in 2019, Amina joined the Talk Sense Team.
Between the two workplaces, Aamina provides Occupational Therapy services for learners between the ages 4-21 – alternating between Early Intervention and Prevocational Rehabilitation.
Christina Giessen-Hood
Educational Psychologist
Christina Giessen-Hood obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1998 and is registered with the Health Professionals Council of South of South Africa as a psychologist and psychometrist.
Christina attend regular workshops and accredit myself yearly with 30 hours of continuing education credits through the University of
Stellenbosch. Christina has been working at the Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg on a contractual basis since
2008. Prior to this, Christina worked at Forest Town School, a school that caters to cerebral palsy and learning-disabled children (from 1998 to 2001), and Unity College, a special needs school (from 2001 to 2003). She also ran a successful private practice and worked at the Johannesburg Assessment Centre (1998 to 2003).
Nabeela Laher
Pediatric Physiotherapist
Nabeela Laher is a Pediatric Physiotherapist with a special interest in posture development from childhood to adulthood. She has had a diverse career working in private practice and special education settings for the last 14 years.
Some of her career highlights:
- Advanced training in Bobath/Neurodevelopmental Therapy for children with cerebral palsy, low muscle tone and delayed development.
- Myofascial release for Joint Hypermobility Syndrome
- Task-orientated training for delayed development
- Physifun and Physifit programs for children
- Fishbowl training for autism
- Pilates and more
Nabeela is passionate about helping children to grow into adults who thrive and can reach their full
potential through physical development.
Natalia Richardson
Yoga Healing Instructor
Natalia Richardson is a certified Montessori Director, during the years she has trained with the Reggio Emilia African Alliance & the National geographic educator group, Natalia’s passion for children has led her on a journey of growth and development as an educator.
Over the years Natalia has come across children with various challenges, which led her to Yoga4kids and their program for healing children with special needs and challenges with yoga. This program resonated deeply with Natalia as she has seen the benefits of regular yoga practice in her life and this program helps heal children who face challenges on many levels.
Natalia Richardson is a certified Montessori Director, during the years she has trained with the Reggio Emilia African Alliance & the National geographic educator group, Natalia’s passion for children has led her on a journey of growth and development as an educator.
Over the years Natalia has come across children with various challenges, which led her to Yoga4kids and their program for healing children with special needs and challenges with yoga. This program resonated deeply with Natalia as she has seen the benefits of regular yoga practice in her life and this program helps heal children who face challenges on many levels.
Jacqui Lange
Occupational Therapist & Aquatic Therapist
Jacqui Lange graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 2012 from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and went on to do her community service at Emmaus hospital in the central Drakensberg. Jacqui then opened her own practice at Winterton Primary School and remained in the town for 3 years. She then moved back to Durban and worked at St Joseph’s psychiatric facility and supervised 4th year students at UKZN for their community block. In 2017, Jacqui moved to JHB and worked at Ashton College Benoni. During this time she completed a course in Ergoscience with the intention of getting into medico-legal work.
Jacqui has worked extensively with children with physical disabilities, and is also actively involved with Playsense (Home based ECD Program). Jacqui is also a qualified Aquatic Therapists and offers hydrotherapy to both adults and children.
Terri Govender
MUSIC BOX COACH
Terri qualified as a Foundation Phase teacher at the University of Witwatersrand in 2008. With a passion for working with children, as well as the positive impact Arts and Culture has on both children and adults alike, she began her career by teaching Dance and Drama in Primary School for 4 years. Here, she directed school productions, and choreographed all dances from age 9-11.
Terri then spent the following 6 years working as a grade 3 teacher and grade head. During this time, she also taught Latin and Ballroom dancing to adults.
In 2019, Terri became a Music Box coach, which enabled her to focus more on using music and movement as a tool to assist in children’s physical development, while building their confidence in a fun and happy environment. Terri is passionate about the many benefits of this program, and therefore decided to start her own Music Box branch in 2023.