Picture this: It’s sunset on a South African beach, and an energetic English teacher is swimming in the ocean with her dog, Cooper. Tomorrow, she’ll be guiding a nervous teenager through their Cambridge exam prep, helping a six-year-old discover the joy of reading, and coaching a professional through their business presentation. This is Catherine’s world—and it’s as vibrant and diverse as the students she teaches.
Her Teaching Style: Dynamic, Calm, and Engaging
Catherine describes herself as calm, funny, and dynamic—a winning combination for any teacher. Her approach is built on encouragement and empowerment. Rather than immediately correcting mistakes, she guides students to identify their own errors first, then steps in with assistance when needed. This method builds confidence, critical thinking, and long-term language retention.
Credentials That Speak Volumes
Catherine brings a wealth of experience and credentials to her teaching. She holds a TEFL Certificate, a Teaching Diploma, a Certificate in Management, and a specialization in Early Childhood Development. What truly sets her apart is her expertise in inclusive education—she is qualified to work with learners with ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia, ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed. Catherine has guided students through virtually every major English assessment, including IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, the full Cambridge suite, IGCSE/GCSE, Baccalauréat, British Council Aptis Test, and Business English, helping them achieve excellent results. Since joining VivaLing in 2019, she has cherished every moment of this incredible journey.
Beyond the Classroom: Life in South Africa
When Catherine closes her laptop after a day of teaching, you’ll likely find her in her garden, tending to her beloved plants. She describes her outdoor space as her “little oasis,” spending hours planting, fertilizing, pruning, and nurturing her green companions. This passion mirrors her teaching approach: patient, attentive, and focused on growth. Much of her time is spent exploring garden centres for new plants and ideas, often accompanied by Cooper, her friendly rescue dog, who joins her on walks, digs in the soil, and snuggles at night.
A Multilingual Educator with a Unique Voice
Catherine speaks English with a beautifully neutral accent, making her easily understood by learners worldwide. But her linguistic talents don’t stop there! She’s also fluent in Afrikaans and isiXhosa, a fascinating Bantu language native to South Africa that’s famous for its distinctive “clicking” sounds. This multilingual background gives Catherine unique insights into the language-learning journey—she understands firsthand what it takes to master new tongues.
Ready to Start Your English Learning Adventure?
From her home base in South Africa, Catherine connects with students around the globe, bringing warmth, expertise, and that special spark that makes learning genuinely enjoyable. She’s not just teaching English—she’s building bridges between cultures, confidence in her students, and skills that last a lifetime.
So whether you need help with basic conversational English, specialised exam preparation, or anything in between, Coach Catherine is ready to meet you where you are and help you grow toward your goals—because just like plants, learning thrives with the right care, patience, and encouragement, something we know Catherine is an expert in. 🌱
