LEANDI VAN ZIJL
Bloemfontein
Summary
Ambitious Psychology graduate with a focus on Human Resources, specialising in Talent Acquisition and Employee Development. Combines strong interviewing skills with a deep understanding of human behaviour to enhance recruitment processes and employee relations. Seeks an entry-level HR role to apply psychological insights and gain practical experience in fostering positive workplace environments.
Overview
2
2
Languages
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Pastoral Counsellor & Learner Support Practitioner
Hoërskool Sentraal
01.2026 - Current
- Delivered emotional, behavioural, and academic support to learners facing educational and psychosocial challenges, enhancing their overall wellbeing.
- Supported learners with emotional distress, behavioural challenges, family-related stressors, trauma, and academic difficulties, fostering resilience and academic success.
- Conduct individual learner support sessions focused on emotional regulation, stress management, adjustment difficulties, motivation, and interpersonal functioning.
- Facilitated learner intervention strategies by collaborating cross-functionally with educators, parents, and school leadership to assess needs and implement solutions.
- Collaborate with educators, school management, the SBST, parents, and external professionals to implement learner support and intervention strategies.
- Facilitated referrals to appropriate internal and external support services.
- Maintain confidential learner records and contribute to multidisciplinary discussions regarding learner wellbeing and support needs.
- Contributed to the development of supportive, ethical, and inclusive school environment by implementing learner wellbeing and pastoral support initiatives, promoting a positive school culture.
- Coordinated outreach initiatives, guest speaker engagements, and motivational events focused on learner wellbeing and development.
- Assisted new learners with their adjustment to the school environment through orientation and support initiatives.
Registered Pastoral Counsellor
Hoërskool Paarl Gimnasium
Paarl
01.2023 - 12.2025
- Provided ongoing emotional support and individual counselling, enhancing emotional wellbeing of students and educators.
- Planned and facilitated school wellbeing initiatives that improved learner support, emotional resilience, and personal development.
- Delivered structured career guidance and time management sessions, supporting students' alignment with long-term personal development goals.
Youth worker
Hoërskool Hartswater
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Coordinated planning, scheduling, and training for student leaders and volunteers, strengthening leadership skills and group dynamics as Small Group Leaders Coordinator.
- Collaborated with school staff and external partners to align youth-focused programming with broader wellness and behavioural objectives.
- Coordinated and implemented spiritual and wellness activities to enhance emotional resilience, self-awareness, and overall student well-being.
- Maintained documentation of student engagement and progress, supporting follow-up strategies with counsellors and educators to improve student outcomes.
Education
Bth Honours - Theology
University of North West
Potchefstroom01-2023
Bachelor of Social Science Honours - Psychology
South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
Cape Town, WC01-2025
Bth - Pastoral Counselling and Psychology
University of North West
Potchefstroom01-2021
Skills
- Crisis management
- Case Management
- Needs assessment
- Confidential records
- Emotional support
- Individual counselling
- Academic guidance
- Stress management
- Collaborative teamwork
- Conflict resolution
- Ethical understanding
- Attentive listening
- Interpersonal skills
References
- Stephanie, Piek, EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST, spiek@paarlrim.co.za, +27 84 959 9702
- Paul, Viljoen, HEADMASTER - GIMNASIUM, skoolhoof@paarlrim.co.za, +27 21 872 1541, Paarl HS
- Charles, Liversage, HEADMASTER - HS Sentraal, charles@sentraal.co.za, +27 51 410 1800
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Afrikaans
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Registered Pastoral Counsellor & Learner Support Practitioner
Hoërskool Sentraal
01.2026 - Current
Registered Pastoral Counsellor
Hoërskool Paarl Gimnasium
01.2023 - 12.2025
Youth worker
Hoërskool Hartswater
01.2022 - 12.2022
Bth Honours - Theology
University of North West
Bachelor of Social Science Honours - Psychology
South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
Bth - Pastoral Counselling and Psychology
University of North West