Christina Haiden is the Founder of Woodlands. A mother of 4 Christina believes passionately in giving children the best possible start in life at Woodlands.

Christina discovered her love for early child development and childcare when she worked as an au pair in Holland for a year and she set her heart on the idea of opening and running a pre-school on her return to South Africa. Wanting to further her business acumen and knowledge Christina qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked for a number of years in the corporate environment.

As well as being a mother of 4 she is favourite Aunt to 10 nephews and nieces. With her work experience behind her Christina has realised the objective she set herself as an au pair by opening Woodlands Creches and Pre-School.

With nearly 30 years of experience in Foundation Phase teaching, Mandy was the perfect choice to become Woodlands’ first principal. She leads the academic program with expertise and care while overseeing the growth and development of our preschoolers.

Mandy’s background in adult education also makes her an exceptional mentor, guiding our dedicated team of teachers on their own professional journeys. Her leadership, passion for early childhood education, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of the Woodlands community

Natascha, affectionately known as Tasch, has been a cornerstone of Woodlands for 28 years, expertly managing our nursery section. With a wealth of knowledge on everything from early childhood nutrition to potty training and curriculum development, she is an invaluable resource for both staff and parents.

Beyond her dedication to the little ones, Tasch plays a vital role in the school’s administration, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Her experience, commitment, and unwavering support make her an irreplaceable part of the Woodlands family—we simply couldn’t do it without her!

Talitha has been a cornerstone of our school since the very first day we opened nearly 30 years ago. With unwavering dedication and a nurturing heart, she has spent decades caring for our youngest learners, providing them with warmth, security, and the foundation they need to thrive. Her deep love for children and wealth of experience make her an invaluable part of our community, touching countless lives with her kindness and care.