Meet Igna Kotze, a mother, therapist, and entrepreneur passionate about child development. Through her practice, IK Edu-Child Therapy, she helps children with learning and behavioural challenges reach their full potential.
Starting a private practice from the ground up is not without its challenges, but for Igna, it has been a calling rooted in passion and purpose. As the owner and founder of IK Edu-Child Therapy, she works to support children with neurodevelopmental delays, behavioural challenges, and learning difficulties using an approach grounded in neuroscience.
“When I became a first-time mother, my eldest daughter inspired me to pursue my career and to deepen my understanding of children and their development,” she explains. “Today, every child who enters my practice is my inspiration to continue on this path.”
IK Edu-Child Therapy offers a range of services including school readiness assessments, study methods, learning support, and behavioural intervention. Igna also develops her own courses and programmes, regularly hosts webinars, and publishes articles for parents and educators.
“Being driven by passion, intention, knowledge and heart, I always strive for consistent service as well as new developments to improve our quality of service,” she says.
Managing a thriving business while raising three daughters, Dominique (19), Kayla (16), and Danaé (15), requires careful planning and support. “You do not find balance, you create it,” says Igna. “To coordinate both a demanding business and family life, detailed daily or weekly planning is an important aspect of effective time management. Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
She admits that leaving a national brand to launch her practice was both daunting and empowering. “You have to find your unique voice, wear all the different hats, like designer, marketing, and finances, while also delivering core services. But you also get to shape your vision, build authentic relationships and work with purpose.”
In her downtime, Igna enjoys yoga, reading, walking and sports shooting. “You make time by prioritising and planning your activities to maintain a balanced, healthy life.”
Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN Photograph: GYPSEENIA LION
