My Story

Life has a way of shaping us through challenges, and for me, every challenge became a stepping stone to something greater. I am Tracey Pinder, founder and owner of The School of Life SA, a platform dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential—especially when they feel they cannot do it alone. With over 20 years of experience in counseling, trauma debriefing, life skills, business, neurodiversity, NLP, wellness, and character education coaching, I have trained and led a passionate team committed to empowering, equipping, and inspiring others. For many years, I had the privilege of working alongside the late Dr. Shabeer Jeeva, a renowned psychiatrist who dedicated his life to neurodiversity.

A defining moment in my journey was my battle with cancer. Rather than seeing it as a tragedy, I embraced it as a gift—one I could never have given to myself. It taught me balance, self-care, and the power of a mindset that works for me, not against me. Through The School of Life SA, I continue to guide others toward resilience, growth, and self-awareness, proving that even in our darkest moments, we can find light—if we choose to see it. Life is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. And that is the journey I invite you to take with me.

At The School of Life, we empower individuals from the age of six to unlock their full potential through practical life skills that build emotional intelligence and resilience. With over 20 years of experience and a network of 80+ dedicated coaches, we offer transformative in-person and online programs designed to help you rise above challenges, strengthen confidence, and create meaningful connections.

“We learn to starve our distractions and feed our focus. By embracing a ‘can do’ and ‘do have’ mindset, we shape our happiness, success, and future.”

Your journey to growth starts here—step forward with confidence, purpose, and the power to thrive!

The Wall of Transformation

Tracey Pinder

Founder, Life Coach, Counsellor Tracey Pinder profile picture

Founder and Owner Coach & Counsellor

Jean Cherry

Coach Jean Cherry profile picture

Coach

Claire Kaye-Grobler

Coach Claire Kayle Grobler profile picture

Coach

Kirstin Pratt

Coach Kirstin Pratt profile picture

Coach & Counsellor

Leon Boshoff

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Coach

Celest Butler

Coach Celest Butler profile picture

Coach

Denzel Edgar

Coach Denzel Edgar profile picture

Coach

Julie Matheson

Coach Julie Matheson profile picture

Coach

Kirsten Harris

Coach Kirsty Harris profile picture

Coach & Counsellor

Natasha Hutcheson

Coach Natasha Hutcheson profile picture

Coach

Kandi Rigney

Coach Kandi Rigney profile picture

Coach

Tanya Masiyazi

Coach Tanya Masiyazi profile picture

Coach

Stephanie Frobus

Coach Stephanie Frobus profile picture

Coach

Graeme van der Watt

Coach Graeme van der Watt profile picture

Coach & Counsellor

Anita Paropoulos

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Coach

Bianca Williams

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Coach

Carmina Duarte

Coach Carmina Duarte profile picture

Coach

Geri Sutherland

Coach Geri Sutherland profile picture

Coach

Khensani Nkomo

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Coach

Kokeletso Moiloa

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Coach

Lauren Barkhuizen

Coach Geri Sutherland profile picture

Coach

Jacqui Otto

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Coach

Melissa Hamilton

Coach Melissa Hamilton profile picture

Coach

Oliver Hartley

Coach Oliver Hartley profile picture

Coach

Rowene Bowker Johnston

Coach Rowene Bowker Johnston profile picture

Coach

Sandra Quick

Coach Sandra Quick profile picture

Coach

Sumaiyah Dowjee

Coach and Counsellor Sumaiyah Dowjee profile picture

Coach & Counsellor

Boitumelo (Tumi) Mukwevho

Coach Boitumelo (Tumi) Mukwevho profile picture

Coach

Nicolene Benade

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Coach

Heather Robertson

Coach Heather Roberston profile picture

Coach & Counsellor

Valerie Stubbs

Counsellor Valerie Stubbs profile picture

Coach

Abigail Mbuzi

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Coach

Zita Visnenza

Counsellor Zita Visnenza profile picture

Coach

Pastor Abigail Mbuzi

Counsellor Abigail Mbuzi

Counsellor

Next in Line to Inspire

Founder, Life Coach, Counsellor Tracey Pinder profile picture

Coach

Next in Line to Inspire

Founder, Life Coach, Counsellor Tracey Pinder profile picture

Coach

Become a Life Skills Coach

Investing in yourself is the most powerful decision you can make. This journey will not only equip you with transformative life skills but also empower you to help others create the lives they desire. Discover the power of the mind, unlock new possibilities, and step into your role as a confident, capable coach. The School of Life SA is here to support you every step of the way—get ready for a life-changing

One Skill at a Time

BUSINESS COACHING

Business coaching is a professional development practice where an experienced coach helps business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals improve their skills, enhance their performance, and achieve their business goals. This type of coaching focuses on various aspects of business, including leadership, strategy, management, operations, and personal development, with the aim of driving business growth and success.

CHARACTER EDUCATION CURRICULUM

The School of Life’s Character Education Curriculum focuses on practical emotional intelligence life skills. The aim is to cultivate students’ social-emotional development, resilience, and interpersonal skills. Students are empowered to navigate complex emotions, build meaningful relationships, This type of curriculum equips learners with essential abilities to navigate emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. and thrive in various aspects of their lives.

Benefits of a Character Education Curriculum on Emotional Life Skills

• Improved Social-Emotional Competence: Enhanced ability to understand and manage emotions, leading to better self-regulation and interpersonal relationships.
• Positive School Climate: Fostering a supportive and respectful learning environment where students feel safe and valued.
• Academic Success: Strengthening students’ resilience and coping skills, which can positively impact academic performance.
• Preparation for Life Challenges: Equipping students with lifelong skills that are essential for personal and professional success.
• Promotion of Ethical Behavior: Encouraging ethical decision-making and responsible citizenship among students.

Counselling

Counselling is a form of ‘talk therapy’. It involves individuals, couples, or families meeting with a trained professional counsellor to discuss issues and problems they are facing in their lives. Professional counselling is confidential and non-judgmental.

CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Corporate wellness programs are initiatives implemented by companies to promote the overall health and well-being of their employees. These programs are designed to improve employees’ physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, which in turn can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved employee morale.

Key Components of Corporate Wellness Programs

• Physical Wellness
• Mental Health Support
• Health Promotion
• Financial Wellness
• Social and Community Engagement

Benefits of Corporate Wellness Programs

• Improved Employee Health
• Enhanced Mental Well-Being
• Increased Employee Engagement and Retention
• Cost Savings for the Organization
• Positive Organizational Culture

By investing in corporate wellness programs, organizations can create healthier, happier, and more productive work environments while also fostering a culture of well-being and success.

GROUP SKILLS COACHING

Would you like your leaders to solve organizational problems while building leadership skills? Group Coaching, sometimes called Action Learning, Peer Coaching, or Learning Networks, is a reflective process guided by a participatory structure among a small group of individuals targeting work-related projects.

LIFE SKILLS COACHING

Life skills coaching provides a structured, supportive environment for individuals to develop essential life skills necessary for success and fulfillment in various aspects of their lives. Through personalized guidance and practical strategies, life skills coaches empower individuals to take control of their lives, overcome obstacles, and achieve their full potential. This type of coaching focuses on practical, real-life skills that improve an individual’s ability to manage personal and professional challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve their goals. Life skills coaching can cover a wide range of areas, depending on the individual’s needs and aspirations.

NAVAGATING THE WORLD OF NEURODIVERSITY - TEACHERS TRAINING COURSE

TEACHERS TRAINING COURSE
This course is designed to equip and empower educators with the knowledge, resources, skills, and strategies needed to effectively support and educate students with neurodiverse conditions. To create inclusive and effective learning environments for all students. Neurodiversity refers to natural variations in neurological development, including conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, and others.

Here are key components typically covered in such a training course:

• What is Neurodiversity
• Understanding Neuro differences
• Co-morbidities and Characteristics
• Understanding Executive functioning
• Meltdown and Burnout
• Navigating relationships
• Creating inclusive classrooms
• What are learning barriers
• The different types of learning barriers
• Overview and how to identify learning barriers
• Strategies to overcome various learning barriers
• All-encompassing support

• Strengths-based approaches to Neurodiversity
• Questions

NEURODIVERSE SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

This monthly Support group meeting is designed to provide a safe, supportive and empowering space for individuals with neurodiverse conditions to connect, learn and thrive.
Every month a new topic of skill will be discussed and learnt that is relevant for neurodiverse individuals.
Neurodiverse conditions include, but are not limited to, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurological differences.

CHARACTER EDUCATION CURRICULUM 
The School of Life’s Character Education Curriculum focuses on practical emotional intelligence life skills. The aim is to cultivate students’ social-emotional development, resilience, and interpersonal skills. Students are empowered to navigate complex emotions, build meaningful relationships, This type of curriculum equips learners with essential abilities to navigate emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. and thrive in various aspects of their lives.

Benefits of a Character Education Curriculum on Emotional Life Skills

Improved SocialEmotional Competence: Enhanced ability to understand and manage emotions, leading to better self-regulation and interpersonal relationships.
Positive School Climate: Fostering a supportive and respectful learning environment where students feel safe and valued.
Academic Success: Strengthening students’ resilience and coping skills, which can positively impact academic performance.
Preparation for Life Challenges: Equipping students with lifelong skills that are essential for personal and professional success.
Promotion of Ethical Behavior: Encouraging ethical decision-making and responsible citizenship among students.

NEURODIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Neurodiversity in the workplace refers to recognizing and valuing the diverse neurological conditions among employees, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive differences. Embracing neurodiversity can enhance innovation, creativity, and problem-solving within organizations by leveraging the unique perspectives and skills of neurodiverse individuals.

Here are key aspects and strategies for fostering neurodiversity in the workplace:

• Understanding Neurodiversity
• Benefits of a Neurodiverse Workforce
• Strategies for Fostering Neurodiversity in the Workplace
• Workplace Accommodations
• Training and Awareness
• Supportive Policies and Practices
• Performance Management
• Career Development
• Implementing Neurodiversity Programs

By embracing neurodiversity, organizations can create more inclusive, innovative, and effective workplaces that benefit from the full range of human talent.

NEURODIVERSITY LIFE SKILLS COACHING

Neurodiverse life skills coaching is a specialized form of coaching tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with neurodiverse conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. This type of coaching focuses on enhancing life skills, promoting independence, and improving the overall quality of life for neurodiverse individuals.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy
o Understanding Strengths and Challenges: Helping individuals recognize their unique strengths and areas where they may need support.
o Self-Advocacy Skills: Teaching individuals how to communicate their needs and preferences effectively.

2. Executive Functioning Skills
o Time Management: Strategies for managing time effectively, including using planners, calendars, and reminders.
o Organization: Techniques for organizing personal spaces, tasks, and responsibilities.
o Goal Setting: Helping individuals set and achieve realistic and meaningful goals.

3. Social Skills
o Communication: Improving verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
o Social Interaction: Teaching appropriate social behaviors and etiquette.
o Building Relationships: Strategies for forming and maintaining friendships and other relationships.

4. Daily Living Skills
o Personal Care: Guidance on managing personal hygiene, grooming, and health care.
o Household Management: Skills for managing household chores, cooking, and maintaining a living space.
o Financial Literacy: Teaching budgeting, money management, and financial planning.

5. Academic and Career Support
o Study Skills: Techniques for effective studying, note-taking, and exam preparation.
o Career Coaching: Support with job search, resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace accommodations.
o Workplace Skills: Enhancing skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and professional communication.

6. Emotional Regulation and Stress Management
o Coping Strategies: Techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
o Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices to promote emotional well-being and resilience.
o Self-Care: Encouraging regular self-care routines to maintain mental and physical health.

Coaching Methods

1. Individualized Coaching Plans
o Personalized Goals: Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals tailored to the individual’s needs.
o Regular Sessions: Scheduled one-on-one sessions to provide consistent support and monitor progress.
o Adaptive Approaches: Using flexible and adaptive coaching methods to suit different learning styles and preferences.

2. Interactive and Practical Learning
o Real-Life Scenarios: Practicing skills in real-life situations to enhance learning and retention.
o Role-Playing: Using role-playing exercises to practice social interactions and problem-solving.
o Visual Supports: Utilizing visual aids, checklists, and other tools to support learning and organization.

3. Collaborative Approach
o Family Involvement: Engaging family members to provide additional support and reinforcement.
o Multi-Disciplinary Team: Collaborating with other professionals, such as therapists, educators, and healthcare providers, to ensure comprehensive support.

Benefits of Neurodiverse Life Skills Coaching

• Enhanced Independence: Empowering individuals to manage their daily lives more independently.
• Improved Social Interactions: Developing better communication and social skills to enhance relationships.
• Greater Academic and Career Success: Providing tools and strategies to succeed in educational and professional settings.
• Increased Confidence: Building self-esteem and confidence through skill development and achievements.
• Better Quality of Life: Overall improvement in the individual’s well-being and ability to navigate life’s challenges effectively.

By focusing on these areas and employing tailored coaching methods, neurodiverse life skills coaching provides invaluable support to individuals, helping them achieve greater independence, success, and fulfilment in their lives.

NLP COACHING

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is all about bringing about changes in perception, enabling responsible communication, and developing choices of responses or communication in any given situation.

LIFE COACHING

Life coaching is a powerful tool for personal and professional transformation, helping individuals unlock their potential, achieve their personal and professional goals, overcome challenges, improve their overall well-being, and enhance their quality of life. A life coach works with clients to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, set realistic and actionable goals, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. Unlike therapy, which often deals with past experiences and mental health issues, life coaching is generally future-oriented and emphasizes personal growth and development.

PRESENTATIONS

The School of Life offers a variety of presentations on emotional intelligence skills topics, tailored to help individuals and organizations improve their emotional and interpersonal skills. These presentations are designed to be engaging, insightful, and practical, providing participants with valuable tools and knowledge they can apply in their personal and professional lives. We can all thrive by harnessing the power of emotional intelligence.

TALKS

The School of Life offers a range of talks on Emotional Intelligence topics, designed to help individuals better understand and manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and enhance their overall well-being. These talks cover subjects chosen by the host. They vary in length and are informative, interesting, and tailored to the needs of the audience.

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 Image 9 Image 10 Image 11 Tracey Pinder Zita Visnenza Bianca Williams Sumaiyah Dowjee Tanya Masiyazi Rowene Bowker Johnston Oliver Hartley Natasha Hutcheson Melissa Hamilton Lauren Barkhuizen Leon Boshoff Kokeletso Moiloa Kirstin Pratt Khensani Nkomo Julie Matheson Kandi Rigney Jean Cherry Heather Robertson Jacqui Otto Graeme Van Der Watt Denzel Edgar Geri Sutherland Claire Kaye Grobler Carmina Duarte
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Our Services

We provide the following services:

Business Coaching, Character Education Curriculum, Corporate Workshops & Wellness, Counselling, Life Coaching, Life Skills Coaching, Life Skills Workshops, Neurodiverse Coaching, Neurodiverse Free School Talks, Neurodiverse Information Workshops, Neurodiverse Lagging Skills Assessments, Neurodiverse Teachers Training Workshops, NLP Coaching, Parenting Workshops, Presentations, Talks, Trauma De-briefing, and a free monthly Neurodiverse Support Group Meeting via Zoom.

Send us a message and we’ll work with you to find a time and day for the session that works best for you. If you are unsure of the life skills you require, we may schedule an evaluation. Initial Assessment covers a quick overview of the person’s background, present difficulties, and the skill set needed to overcome difficulties and overcome obstacles that they are encountering personally or professionally.

We would LOVE to hear from you and hope to meet you soon!

EDUCATE, EMPOWER, EQUIP & INSPIRE

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