Meet the Board
Our board brings together a diverse and highly experienced group of professionals who are deeply committed to education, child development, and community impact. With expertise spanning human and health sciences, psychology, mathematics education, Montessori practice, and information management within the NGO sector, the board offers a well-rounded and insightful approach to guiding our work. Collectively, they hold decades of experience, including over 25 years in Montessori education and more than 20 years in the NGO space, ensuring both academic depth and practical, real-world understanding.
This experienced educational leadership team provides the strategic vision necessary to navigate the complexities of early childhood development. Their shared passion for supporting children, families, and learning environments underpins every decision, providing a thoughtful, values-driven foundation for our organisation. By blending professional rigor with a heart for service, our board ensures that Margie’s remains a leader in fostering growth and excellence for every student we serve. We are proud to be guided by such a dedicated and knowledgeable group of experts.
Melanie-Jane Lewis
Melanie - Jane Lewis is a Director and the Principal of Margie’s, where she plays an active, hands-on role in shaping both the daily experience of the centre and its long-term vision. Her work is deeply rooted in a passion for early childhood development and a commitment to creating a nurturing, structured, and meaningful environment for young children.
She holds a Post Graduate degree in Psychology and has completed extensive postgraduate training across a range of therapeutic approaches, including play therapy, narrative therapy, psychoanalysis, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). This rich and diverse foundation informs her understanding of children’s emotional, social, and developmental needs, allowing her to approach each child with insight, sensitivity, and intention.
Melanie’s experience working directly with children is both varied and deeply impactful. She worked at Brooklyn Chest Hospital in Cape Town, supporting children in a specialised paediatric TB setting, where she gained valuable insight into the emotional needs of children navigating medical challenges. She has also worked extensively in wilderness therapy with organisations such as Educo Africa, NICRO South Africa and The Saartjie Baartman Centre engaging with youth at risk through experiential, nature-based programmes. These experiences have shaped her strong belief in resilience, connection, and the importance of meeting children where they are.
Alongside her educational work, Melanie brings strong organisational and leadership skills from her background in project management. She is able to translate vision into practical, well-run systems—ensuring that Margie’s operates with both heart and structure.
Melanie is passionate about laying strong foundations in the early years, supporting both children and educators, and creating spaces where learning is thoughtful, intentional, and joyful.
Melanie-Jane Lewis
Melanie - Jane Lewis is a Director and the Principal of Margie’s, where she plays an active, hands-on role in shaping both the daily experience of the centre and its long-term vision. Her work is deeply rooted in a passion for early childhood development and a commitment to creating a nurturing, structured, and meaningful environment for young children.
She holds a Post Graduate degree in Psychology and has completed extensive postgraduate training across a range of therapeutic approaches, including play therapy, narrative therapy, psychoanalysis, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). This rich and diverse foundation informs her understanding of children’s emotional, social, and developmental needs, allowing her to approach each child with insight, sensitivity, and intention.
Melanie’s experience working directly with children is both varied and deeply impactful. She worked at Brooklyn Chest Hospital in Cape Town, supporting children in a specialised paediatric TB setting, where she gained valuable insight into the emotional needs of children navigating medical challenges. She has also worked extensively in wilderness therapy with organisations such as Educo Africa, NICRO South Africa and The Saartjie Baartman Centre engaging with youth at risk through experiential, nature-based programmes. These experiences have shaped her strong belief in resilience, connection, and the importance of meeting children where they are.
Alongside her educational work, Melanie brings strong organisational and leadership skills from her background in project management. She is able to translate vision into practical, well-run systems—ensuring that Margie’s operates with both heart and structure.
Melanie is passionate about laying strong foundations in the early years, supporting both children and educators, and creating spaces where learning is thoughtful, intentional, and joyful.
Nicolette Roman
Director
Professor Nicolette Roman is a Senior Professor in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at University of the Western Cape, where she holds the prestigious South African Research Chair in the Development of Human Capabilities and Social Cohesion through the Family. She is also the Founder and Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society.
Professor Roman holds a PhD in Psychology and is a highly respected, internationally recognised researcher whose work has made a significant contribution to family science, child and family well-being, and social cohesion in South Africa and globally. Her scholarship has shaped an important body of work that understands families as relational, developmental, and social systems, particularly within contexts of inequality and change.
She is widely known for advancing family-centred research and for developing influential frameworks such as Family Needs Theory and Family Capabilities Theory. Her work focuses on what families need to function and thrive, with particular emphasis on strengthening well-being, agency, care, communication, and connectedness. She has also contributed to the development of practical tools, including social cohesion assessment frameworks used in both research and applied settings.
Professor Roman’s research extends into Early Childhood Development, where she is leading work in Global Citizenship Education. Her contributions bridge theory, research, and practice, addressing real-world challenges affecting children, families, and communities.
In addition to her academic leadership, Professor Roman consults for Margie’s, where she provides strategic guidance grounded in her extensive expertise in child development, family systems, and social cohesion. Her input supports the development of meaningful, research-informed practices that enhance outcomes for young children and their families.
She has published extensively, presented both nationally and internationally, and has received numerous awards recognising her academic excellence and impact, including multiple research excellence awards and national recognition for her contribution to the humanities and social sciences.
Professor Roman is deeply committed to developing future leaders in the field, mentoring emerging scholars and building strong local and international collaborations across Africa, Europe, the UK, and beyond.
Nicolette Roman
Professor Nicolette Roman is a Senior Professor in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at University of the Western Cape, where she holds the prestigious South African Research Chair in the Development of Human Capabilities and Social Cohesion through the Family. She is also the Founder and Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society.
Professor Roman holds a PhD in Psychology and is a highly respected, internationally recognised researcher whose work has made a significant contribution to family science, child and family well-being, and social cohesion in South Africa and globally. Her scholarship has shaped an important body of work that understands families as relational, developmental, and social systems, particularly within contexts of inequality and change.
She is widely known for advancing family-centred research and for developing influential frameworks such as Family Needs Theory and Family Capabilities Theory. Her work focuses on what families need to function and thrive, with particular emphasis on strengthening well-being, agency, care, communication, and connectedness. She has also contributed to the development of practical tools, including social cohesion assessment frameworks used in both research and applied settings.
Professor Roman’s research extends into Early Childhood Development, where she is leading work in Global Citizenship Education. Her contributions bridge theory, research, and practice, addressing real-world challenges affecting children, families, and communities.
In addition to her academic leadership, Professor Roman consults for Margie’s, where she provides strategic guidance grounded in her extensive expertise in child development, family systems, and social cohesion. Her input supports the development of meaningful, research-informed practices that enhance outcomes for young children and their families.
She has published extensively, presented both nationally and internationally, and has received numerous awards recognising her academic excellence and impact, including multiple research excellence awards and national recognition for her contribution to the humanities and social sciences.
Professor Roman is deeply committed to developing future leaders in the field, mentoring emerging scholars and building strong local and international collaborations across Africa, Europe, the UK, and beyond.
Natasha Munusami
Natasha Munusami is a passionate and highly experienced Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy educator with nearly two decades of teaching across both primary and high school levels. Drawing on her extensive classroom experience, she provides valuable guidance and input into teaching practices that support strong, lasting learning outcomes.
Natasha works alongside the team in a consultative role, sharing her insight into what truly builds a solid academic foundation. Her approach is grounded in understanding the important precursors to learning—ensuring that children develop the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to thrive as they progress.
She believes that every child learns differently and that with the right support, encouragement, and teaching approach, each learner can succeed. Her recommendations are shaped by years of experience, a deep understanding of curriculum progression, and a genuine passion for helping children reach their full potential.
Natasha’s contribution helps ensure that teaching methods remain thoughtful, effective, and aligned with best practices—laying the groundwork for meaningful, long-term success in learning
Natasha Munusami
Natasha Munusami is a passionate and highly experienced Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy educator with nearly two decades of teaching across both primary and high school levels. Drawing on her extensive classroom experience, she provides valuable guidance and input into teaching practices that support strong, lasting learning outcomes.
Natasha works alongside the team in a consultative role, sharing her insight into what truly builds a solid academic foundation. Her approach is grounded in understanding the important precursors to learning—ensuring that children develop the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to thrive as they progress.
She believes that every child learns differently and that with the right support, encouragement, and teaching approach, each learner can succeed. Her recommendations are shaped by years of experience, a deep understanding of curriculum progression, and a genuine passion for helping children reach their full potential.
Natasha’s contribution helps ensure that teaching methods remain thoughtful, effective, and aligned with best practices—laying the groundwork for meaningful, long-term success in learning
Megan Khayou
Megan Khayou is an education-focused professional based in Cape Town, with a deep passion for early childhood development and creating meaningful learning experiences. With nearly 25 years of experience as a Montessori Teacher and Principal, she brings extensive leadership and hands-on expertise within the Montessori environment.
In addition to her leadership roles, Megan has spent close to a decade teaching Montessori methods to educators, equipping teachers with the skills and understanding needed to guide young learners effectively.
As a consultant to the team, Megan provides ongoing guidance and support in implementing best practices within the centre. She plays a key role in training and upskilling staff, ensuring that the educational approach remains aligned with strong Montessori principles and high-quality early childhood standards.
Megan is dedicated to fostering environments where children feel safe, engaged, and inspired to grow, while also empowering the educators who shape their early learning journeys.
Megan Khayou
Megan Khayou is an education-focused professional based in Cape Town, with a deep passion for early childhood development and creating meaningful learning experiences. With nearly 25 years of experience as a Montessori Teacher and Principal, she brings extensive leadership and hands-on expertise within the Montessori environment.
In addition to her leadership roles, Megan has spent close to a decade teaching Montessori methods to educators, equipping teachers with the skills and understanding needed to guide young learners effectively.
As a consultant to the team, Megan provides ongoing guidance and support in implementing best practices within the centre. She plays a key role in training and upskilling staff, ensuring that the educational approach remains aligned with strong Montessori principles and high-quality early childhood standards.
Megan is dedicated to fostering environments where children feel safe, engaged, and inspired to grow, while also empowering the educators who shape their early learning journeys.
Jeanette Phoko
Jeanette Phoko is a seasoned Information Specialist with nearly three decades of experience in the NGO sector, where she has built a distinguished career centred on knowledge management, literacy development, and community empowerment.
Raised and educated in Soweto, she developed early resilience and a strong appreciation for the role of education in overcoming socio-economic challenges. Her passion for reading was cultivated during her school years and has remained a defining thread throughout her personal and professional journey.
She holds a qualification in Library and Information Science from Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Over the past 29 years, she has worked extensively as a Librarian and Information Specialist, contributing to the development and accessibility of information within nonprofit environments.
Her professional focus includes promoting literacy as a foundational skill for critical thinking, informed decision-making, and lifelong learning. She is committed to advancing reading culture initiatives and supporting educational development within communities.
As a Director at Margie’s, she brings strategic insight, extensive experience in information services, and a strong commitment to educational impact and community development.