MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE

Dedicated educators. Passionate mentors. Inspired leaders.

At Carlyle College, our staff are more than teachers—they are guides, role models, and champions of every child’s growth. From the classroom to the sports field, our team brings warmth, expertise, and energy to everything they do.

Each member of staff is chosen not only for their qualifications, but for their ability to connect with students, uphold our values, and create a culture where curiosity, creativity, and character are nurtured every day.

Together, we are building a school community where learners feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.

MANAGEMENT

Mr Tim Johnson

Executive Head & Co-founder

Founding Carlyle College was never just about building a school, it was about creating a space where children, including our own boys, felt seen, supported, and inspired to become their best selves. It is therefore a deeply personal undertaking.
I believe that education should nurture more than academic performance. It should foster resilience, curiosity, creativity, and compassion. Skills that are going to be critical in an ever changing and sometimes confusing world. At Carlyle, we strive to balance structure with freedom, academic rigour with emotional growth, and individual development with a strong sense of belonging.
I’m passionate about community, and I see our school as an extension of that, a place where families, teachers, and children grow together. We’re preparing young people not just for exams, but for life. To lead with confidence, nurture their passions, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Mrs Lieza Pickles

Head of Academics

I believe that a child’s education is a shared journey—one that involves not just the classroom, but every part of life. I’ve always felt that learning is sparked by curiosity and sustained by the example we set through our own passion, perseverance, and everyday actions.

When children feel safe, supported, and valued, they thrive. That’s why I feel so at home at Carlyle College—it’s a place where learning is encouraged, joy is found in growth, and every child is given the chance to shine.

Mrs Yolandi Kotzé

Head of Foundation Phase & Learner Support

I believe every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are. My approach values and recognises that all learners thrive in environments where their individuality is respected. I see differences not as deficits, but as strengths that enrich learning.

Education should be flexible, inclusive, and relationship driven. When children feel safe and understood, they grow in confidence, curiosity, and resilience. Working collaboratively with families and specialists supports each child holistically and nurtures individuals who are not only capable learners but also kind, self-aware, and ready to thrive in the world.

Mrs Michelle Cole

Head of Middle School

I believe education should teach students that there is always a solution if you work hard enough to find it. My passion for mathematics stems from this very principle—it’s a beautiful, creative language where persistence always pays off. In our instant gratification world, my classroom becomes a place where persistence and effort are valued above quick fixes. I strive to develop grit in learners—showing them that hard work creates visible, tangible results.

My role is to provide the calm consistency that teenagers need while building their confidence through systematic support. Every challenge overcome teaches students they are capable of more than they imagined, preparing them not just academically but for life’s inevitable obstacles.

Mrs Jenna Lazarow

Head of Pre-School

My teaching philosophy centres around giving young children the space and freedom to explore, discover, and learn through play. I believe that when learning is fun and engaging, confidence grows naturally. One of the best parts of my day is seeing the joy on children’s faces as they overcome challenges—those proud shouts of “I did it!” are what make teaching so rewarding. I love bringing a little bit of silliness and fun to our mornings; it’s often the spark that ignites curiosity and builds a lifelong love of learning.

Mr Colin Hulett

Head of Sport

At Carlyle, we believe that “turning the lights on” in sport for a child begins with three essential questions: Do they enjoy the sport? Do they understand it? And what is the environment like around them? These guiding principles shape everything we do.

With intentionally small coaching groups, we create space to focus on each child’s individual journey—building confidence, developing game knowledge, and nurturing a love for sport in a positive, supportive environment. It’s more than just coaching; it’s about sparking lifelong enthusiasm and personal growth through sport.

PRE-SCHOOL

Mrs Robyn Wendover

Grade 0000

I believe in the power of learning through play, where every moment is an opportunity to explore, grow, and discover. I’m passionate about creating a nurturing and joyful environment where young children feel safe, supported, and loved. Whether it’s sharing stories, singing songs, or offering hugs and cuddles, I find true joy in helping little ones develop confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning. Every giggle and milestone make this the most rewarding job in the world!

Mrs Sherrilee de Bruyn

Grade 00

I believe the preschool years are a powerful time for growth, discovery, and connection, especially when learning is rooted in nature and play. I strive to create a nurturing, engaging environment where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and express themselves through meaningful, hands-on experiences. I believe learning is achieved with strong, caring relationships with plenty of laughter! I love keeping open communication with families and when we work together, we help kids feel confident, connected, and excited to explore the magical world around them. Every day at Carlyle College is rewarding as our environment supports and enriches my nature-play approach.

JUNIOR PRIMARY

Mrs Rosalind Spencer

Grade R

With a background in occupational therapy and a love for play, mess and meaningful learning, I believe every child brings something beautifully unique to the classroom. My goal is to create an inclusive, engaging space where learners feel seen, celebrated, and empowered to construct knowledge through curiosity, creativity and connection. I favour glue and glitter over pencils and paper, relationship over compliance, happy mess over perfection, and music and laughter over silence. I believe learning should be both rigorous and ridiculously fun. At heart, I’m a lifelong learner (with a love of reading), raising three of my own spirited kids — and many more in the classroom.

Miss Dominique Korb

Grade 1

I believe that education should celebrate learners as unique individuals who have yet to reach their full potential. As an educator I encourage my learners to fully embrace who they are, be independent and feel confident in themselves and their abilities. I strive to create a love for learning in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment, where my learners can grow and thrive, while having fun!

Miss Skye Price

Grade 2

I believe in supporting the development of the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, and it is within this safe and supportive space that true learning can take place. I believe learning should be hands-on, engaging, and fun—an experience that ignites curiosity and joy. I understand that each child is unique, with different strengths, needs, and ways of learning. I strive to differentiate my teaching to ensure that every learner can succeed and grow at their own pace. I believe in developing not just academic skills but also confidence, empathy, independence, and resilience. As a teacher I am always learning from my students and adapting my practice to best support their development

SENIOR PRIMARY

Miss Lisa Cronjé

Grade 4

I believe that all children who are given a comforting and nurturing environment can learn through play. Play is a powerful medium for exploration, discovery, and growth. When the children feel safe, supported, and valued, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions and engage in learning experiences.

With careful guidance, educators can shape young minds into creative and critical thinkers. By observing, listening and responding to each child’s unique needs and interests, we can support their development and encourage independence. I aim to create a classroom culture where mistakes are welcomed as part of learning and each child’s voice is heard and respected.

I see my role as both a guide and a partner in each child’s journey, someone who provides the right balance of structure and freedom to help them grow into confident, thoughtful and compassionate individuals.

Mrs Kelsey Loader

Grade 5

I believe school should be a place where children feel inspired, supported, and truly at home. I strive to instil a love for learning while also teaching valuable life skills like resilience, perseverance, and critical thinking. Education is about more than just academics; it’s about preparing children for life, teaching them to face challenges with courage, and helping them find joy in the journey. That joy comes from discovering new ideas, building friendships, overcoming obstacles, and realising what they are capable of. I want every child to leave my classroom not only with stronger skills and knowledge, but happier, more confident, and excited for what lies ahead.

Mrs Claire Mickleburgh

Grade 6

For me, education is not about how much children can memorise, but about how deeply they feel seen, heard, and inspired. I believe that true learning begins when a child feels safe, valued, and loved. My classroom is a space where curiosity leads the way, mistakes are part of the adventure, and every learner is encouraged to explore the world around them with confidence and joy.

I see teaching as a lifelong journey—exciting, evolving, and full of possibilities. I am passionate about learning myself and continuously seek out new ways to understand how different children think and grow. My greatest joy is helping learners believe in themselves and reach new heights—no matter how big their dreams. At Carlyle College, my aim is to create a warm and inclusive environment where each child thrives and feels a true sense of belonging.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Cyndi Jonker

Middle School Teacher

We are not teachers; we are facilitators of discovery. Learning is not a race to the top, but a lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and curiosity. Nurturing resilience and self-belief in every learner and recognizing that everyone is unique in their pace, interests, and potential builds the foundation of trust.  True learning takes place in an environment of love, respect, and emotional safety—where students feel seen, valued, and secure. Creating an environment which preserves childhood, inspires wonder, and fosters a consistent desire to learn, is what I strive to achieve.

SUBJECT TEACHERS

Miss Beth Colepeper

Art Intern

I believe that every child is inherently curious, creative, and capable of growth when nurtured in a safe, supportive environment. I strive to assist in creating a classroom that encourages exploration, kindness, and resilience – where learners feel safe to explore, take risks, and express and embrace who they truly are through their creativity.

As much as I strive to guide and support each class I assist, I learn from them too – learning from their fresh perspectives, honesty, and the magic that they see in the world around them.

Miss Danelle Ellis

Afrikaans FAL

Albert Einstein said, “Education is not the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think.” That quote deeply resonates with me. As an educator, I believe my role isn’t just to deliver information, but to help students become thoughtful, curious, and independent thinkers.

Facts matter- but knowing how to think, ask questions, and solve problems is what truly prepares students for life. I want my classroom to be a place where it’s safe to wonder, to make mistakes, and to explore ideas fully. 

At the heart of it, I believe education should inspire- not just inform. If my students leave with confidence in their ability to think critically and creatively, then I’ve done my job.

Mr Ayanda Mtshali

Music Intern

I am passionate about music and believe every child carries a song inside them, waiting to be heard. I assist in making music lessons filled with energy, creativity, and joy, offering children the freedom to explore music through singing, instruments, movement, rhythm games, and imaginative activities that make learning feel like play. I strive to assist in creating a safe, encouraging environment where curiosity thrives, confidence grows, and every learner feels valued. By blending fun with skill-building, music helps students to understand the beauty of melody, harmony, and expression, while also developing teamwork, discipline, and self-belief. My goal is not only to teach music, but to spark a lifelong love for it – a love that shapes creativity, inspires dreams, and stays with students in every beat of life. Music is a universal language that every child can learn to speak.

Mrs Stella Ntshangase

isiZulu FAL

I believe that ALL children are special, not only to their families, but also to us, teachers, regardless of their race or social standing. My learners are amazed when I tell them ” I don’t know everything” This, I say, to instil in them, the idea that they are not blank. I can also learn from them, as I listen to them and further motivate the notion of being lifelong learners together.

TEACHER ASSISTANTS

Ms Thandeka Nene

Grade 0000

Mrs Sne Sithole

Grade 000

Mrs Nomusa Makathini

Grade 00

Ms Zanele Zondi

Grade R

ADMINISTRATION

Mrs Jacky Hulett

Academic Administrator

Mrs Louisa Johnson

Academic Administration and Co-founder

Mrs Brita Kleinhans

Operations Manager

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