DIRECTOR
SAMANTHA NELSON
Samantha Nelson is the Director and Co-founder of EduAcademia, where she plays an integral role in the strategic growth, leadership and daily operations of the school.
Her vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping EduAcademia into a nurturing environment that balances academic excellence with emotional and social development.
Samantha has a Diploma in Emotional Regulation in Autistic Children, Early Childhood Development, specialising in Foundation Phase Learning and Home Education. With 15 years of experience covering Grade 000 – Grade 7, she has developed a deep understanding of early learner development and the importance of cultivating an inclusive, supportive learning space.
Throughout her career, Samantha has demonstrated a profound ability to recognise and nurture each child’s individual strengths and potential. Her leadership is defined by empathy, innovation and a genuine passion for helping learners grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
Beyond her professional commitments, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, hiking and expressing her creativity in the kitchen.
DIRECTOR
Danielle Jane Holmes is the Director and Co-founder of EduAcademia and is involved in all areas of the school.
With an Honours degree in Psychology and a PGCE specialising in Foundation Phase and Early Childhood Development, Danielle has a holistic understanding of all areas of education.
Over the past 16 years, she has gained a great deal of experience across all primary school grades, working across mainstream and remedial schools. She believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally.
Danielle is passionate about nurturing young learners, helping them grow into confident, well-balanced individuals who are prepared to embrace life’s challenges with resilience and curiosity.
Beyond her professional life, Danielle loves traveling and experiencing different cultures.
She enjoys the outdoors and spending time in nature.
Danielle’s journey is defined by passion, determination and a genuine love for working with children.
These qualities are the foundation of EduAcademia’s mission to empower its learners to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT (GRADE 4-7)
SHAYLENE LENDRUM
Shaylene Lendrum serves as the Head of Department for Grade 4-7 as well as a subject educator. With a Bachelor of Education degree specialising in the Foundation Phase, Shaylene brings over 16 years of teaching experience to her role.
Her career has spanned both mainstream schools and settings that cater to learners with special educational needs, imparting knowledge to students ranging from Grade 1 to 12.
Renowned for her caring and dedicated approach to education, Shaylene's primary goal is to
ignite a passion for learning in her students. She is committed to helping each learner reach their full potential and to ensure they find joy in their educational journey.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Shaylene has a deep appreciation for the great outdoors, often finding solace in hiking and bush holidays. Her leisure time is filled with reading, crocheting, and engaging in various arts and crafts.
Additionally, Shaylene expresses her creativity through writing poetry and playing the violin.