Meet The Team

Fuelled by quality education and unconditional love, The Junior Junction Staff are passionate about laying a strong foundation in a child’s life through love.

Meet The Team 001
Meet The Team 002

The Junior Junction Staff

Click the buttons below for more info on our wonderful staff.

Louise Hawes

School Principle & Bear Class Teacher
About Louise

Bev Heyman

Aftercare Manager
About Bev

Linda Mahlohla

Owl Class Teacher (Grade R)
About Linda

Mariya Yazykova

School Administrator
About Mariya

Siobhan Abell

Kangaroo Class Assistant Teacher (18mths to 3yr olds)
About Siobhan

Monica Kapungu

Kangaroo Class Teacher (18mths to 3yr olds)
About Monica

Vuyokazi Thafeni

Schools Master Chef
About Vuyokazi

Maggie Davids

Tigger Class Teacher (3-4yr olds)
About Maggie

Maggie Davids

Tigger Class Teacher
(3-4yr olds)

"I am a devoted mother, grandmother and and a passionate Early Childhood Development practitioner. Music is also a big part of my life as I am an active member of my church choir. Working with children brings me immense joy, I have been part of the Junior Junction Team since 2024. Witnessing the children’s growth and development is truly rewarding, and I am committed to providing a nurturing enviroment where they feel loved, cared for and supported. My goal is to lay a strong foundation for each child’s future, empowering them to thrive and reach their full potential."

Louise Hawes

School Principal and Bear Class Teacher

"I am a mother of 4 beautiful children, I have been married to my incredible husband Quintin for 21 years. I love Jesus passionately and love to see people, especially children walk in their destiny and what God has called them to. Three of my four children have graduated from Junior Junction and so the school and staff hold a very special place in my heart. There are few things in life that bring as much joy as working with children. I worked at Junior Junction as a substitute teacher in 2022, in 2023 I joined the team as an assistant teacher, shortly after becoming a teacher and this year, I took on the role of Principal and Bear Class Teacher. It is an incredible blessing to be part of such an incredible team and school.I love being able to sow into the lives of these incredible kids. There are no words that can describe the joy it brings to my heart to see and spend time with them each day."

Vuyokazi Thafeni

Schools Master Chef

"I got married in 2009, and have 2 amazing children, 1 boy and 1 girl. I joined the Junior Junction team in 2017. Before that I was working at Clicks DC as a picker. I heard about the position at J.J from a friend, I was very interested as I love cooking and being around children. It’s such a blessing to be part of the Junior Junction team."

Monica Kapungu

Kangaroo Class Teacher
(18mths to 3yr olds)

"I am a mother of three boys, and I joined the Junior Junction family in January 2018. I had 8 years of experience of working with children in an ECD before joining this wonderful team. I am a qualified nurse from Zimbabwe and have completed HIV counselling and testing courses.​

It has always been my prayer and passion to work within a Christian school environment. I am passionate about teaching little ones and seeing them grow spiritually, intellectually, and physically."

Siobhan Abell

Kangaroo Class Assistant Teacher (18mths to 3yr olds)

"I absolutely love working with children, it is a true blessing to be one of the people teaching them new things everyday and watching them grow into unique individuals with different personalities and abilities. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education as well as courses in Early Childhood Development which will assist me in being the educated and experienced teacher I aspire to be, allowing me to benefit your children at school. I look forward to the memories we will make and new milestones we will reach with your kiddies in 2025!"

Linda Mahlohla

Owl Class Teacher (Grade R)

"I studied Educare at Northlink College, Goodwood Campus. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love solving puzzles and am active and extremely adventurous.

At a very young age, I had a dream of working with children. At Junior Junction, I am living my dream. I have a huge passion for children and it’s a great honour being part of a team that develops children both spiritually and mentally."

Bev Heyman

Aftercare Manager

"I have been widowed since 2017. I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. I started working at Junior Junction in 2005 as an Aftercare teacher. In 2007, I started overseeing the running of the Aftercare and Aftercare staff and in 2017, started overseeing the school operationally together with the Principal, Gen Barthus. My hobbies are gardening, and I love doing creative arts.

I enjoy socializing with friends, reaching out to the lost and encouraging others. As a teacher, my passion is to see each child reach their full potential and help them to build up their confidence and self-worth. Seeing the glory of God shine through each of their lives is my heart for the kids at Junior Junction."

Mariya Yazykova

School Administrator

"My name is Mariya Yazykova. I am a proud mom of two beautiful children, a wife to a wonderful husband, dance instructor and the caretaker of a lively household that includes a dog, two parrots and a cat. Yes, we are a bit of a mad house, but it's filled with love! I've been part of the Junior Junction family since 2020 as a mom , and I'm excited to have joined the team this year as the school administrator. I have a deep passion for dance, music and all forms of art, and with our busy lives nowadays I truly understand the value of organisation and a helping hand. I look forward to bringing my skills to Junior Junction and supporting our community in every way I can."