Hubs
Nova currently operates two hubs in Gauteng. Each hub accommodates six learners, each supported by their compee, and is staffed by a SACE-registered educator and an experienced special needs carer.
Learners at Nova have high support needs. Weekly group music therapy forms part of the programme. Approved private providers also offer hippotherapy (horses), occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy at the hubs.
Nova Garsfontein
Nova Garsfontein is hosted by the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in Garsfontein, in a central location close to Menlyn Main and the developing eastern precinct of Pretoria.
The site provides space for two small groups of learners, allowing for a structured and supportive day. Classrooms are complemented by spacious gardens and an enclosed playground, creating opportunities for movement, outdoor exploration and shared activities.
The setting supports Nova’s small-group model, with learning planned around each learner’s communication, access and participation needs. Learners use AAC and other communication methods throughout the day as they take part in language and literacy, numeracy, life themes and movement.
Leanie De Klerk
Class Lead
MSc (Water Health), PGCE
Leanie De Klerk is a born teacher with a background in science. Before entering education, she worked at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), bringing a practical and thoughtful approach to her work. She has experience in mainstream schools and joined Nova in 2024, where she found a strong interest in supporting non-speaking learners. Her classroom practice is marked by care, consistency and professionalism, with close attention to each learner’s participation and progress.
Veio Mahlangu
Class Assistant
Caregiving and CPR certified
Veio Mahlangu brings many years of experience supporting children with special needs. She works alongside Leanie in the classroom, providing consistent support to learners and their compees throughout the school day. Her approach is patient, compassionate and practical, with a strong focus on helping each learner participate in ways that work for them. Her steady guidance and kindness are an important part of the Nova ethos.
Nova Midstream
Nova Midstream is hosted by Die Familie Kerk in Midstream. The hub is set in a quiet environment with access to a garden overlooking open fields, where springbok and ankole cattle can often be seen.
The setting forms part of the learning experience. Alongside planned activities in communication, literacy, numeracy and movement, learners have opportunities to notice and explore the natural world around them. Small wildlife is regularly seen in the garden, creating practical opportunities for shared attention, conversation and discovery.
Nova Midstream offers a bright, welcoming learning space where children can participate at their own pace, use their preferred communication methods and engage with the people and environment around them.
Claudia Prince
Class Lead
BA (Music and Drama), PGCE
Claudia Prince brings calm, creativity and experienced leadership to Nova Midstream. After teaching across a range of grades in mainstream schools, she joined Nova with both educational experience and personal insight as the parent of a child who uses AAC. Her classroom approach supports knowledge, communication and connection, and her ability to bring music into everyday learning is part of what makes the Midstream hub distinctive.
Khutso Mahlangu
Class Assistant
Caregiving and CPR certified
Khutso Mahlangu provides steady, practical support to learners and their compees throughout the school day. Her calm approach and physical capability help create a safe and well-supported classroom environment. She also weaves core vocabulary consistently in everyday interactions, helping learners see and hear their AAC core used across routines, activities and conversation.
Elaine Matchett
BSp.&Audio, MA(Linguistics), Advanced Sensory-Integration Practitioner (SIE)
A word from our Head of Programme
Elaine Matchett is a speech therapist and audiologist with a particular interest in AAC, comprehensive literacy, cortical visual impairment and complex communication needs. Her work at Nova focuses on designing accessible learning opportunities that support communication, participation and literacy for non-speaking learners with high support needs.
“It has been a privilege to help shape Nova since its inception. Leading an evolving programme that applies current thinking on comprehensive literacy, AAC, language learning and sensory-informed educational adaptation is deeply rewarding. I look forward to Nova’s continued growth as we support learners through childhood and beyond.”