Our People

At the heart of The Nest Baby Haven is its people.

Early infant care is specialised work, requiring both professional training and a consistent, nurturing presence. The quality of care a baby receives is directly shaped by the people who hold them, respond to them, and show up for them each day.

The Nest will be supported by a small, carefully selected team of caregivers, trained in infant care, early childhood development, and attachment-based approaches.

Continuity of care is central to the model. Babies will be supported by a consistent group of caregivers, allowing familiarity, trust, and secure attachment to form over time.

The broader structure will include:

  • Medical and developmental oversight through qualified professionals
  • Operational support to ensure effective day-to-day functioning
  • A growing network of advisors contributing to the ongoing development of the model

Volunteers may form part of the extended support system, particularly within the local community. Given the vulnerability of the infants in our care, all volunteers will be appropriately screened, trained, and required to commit to a consistent schedule.

This is work that requires both skill and presence.
Both structure and heart.

Meet the Team

Marli Hoffman

Chief Cuddle Officer

If every baby who passed through The Nest could leave with one invisible gift, I hope it’s a quiet, unshakable belief that they are loved, that they matter, and that they belong.

Nicky du Plooy

Keeper of The Nest

I was drawn to The Nest because I believe every child deserves a safe and nurturing start in life. Working with babies during such a significant developmental period feels like an incredibly important opportunity.

Toine Knipping

Chief Dream Enabler

Raising a child has always been a shared responsibility. No child thrives in isolation. To raise a child requires the collective care, protection and involvement of many. That support cannot begin early enough.

Chikondi Ndanga

House Mother

Caring for babies is my calling. Being trusted to nurture them through the earliest days of their lives and watching them grow stronger every day is a privilege and something I am deeply proud to be part of.

Lindy Henderson

Senior House Parent

I have always had a heart for children, especially babies. Every child deserves love and support and have people who believe in them.

Berenice Davids

Night Owl

I love babies with my whole heart. Not just their softness, but their resilience. I love the quiet work, the 2am feeds, the gentle burps, the patience it takes to soothe a child.

Amber Bruce

Baby Carer

All that matters is that every child deserves a safe place they can feel they belong.

Alpha Ncgem

Nestkeeper

My family upbringing and my experiences as a parent have greatly influenced how I care for others. I believe that every child deserves a safe and nurturing start in life.

Moziska Delport Foster

Night Carer

I was always passionate to work with children. I see myself as a shield and a protector to the development of a tiny human life and I consider this to be an honor.

Friends of the Nest

Dr Kate-Louise McCay

Osteopath

Baby osteopathy uses gentle, hands-on techniques to help align little bodies and calm the nervous system, supporting improved function and comfort across all body systems. To contact Kate-Louise please WhatsApp her on 083 626 0483.

Liza Esterhuyse

Registered Occupational Therapist

Every baby I've worked with has taught me the same thing, development isn't just milestones on a chart; it's connection, safety, and someone paying close attention. That's why I'm so excited to partner with The Nest.

Partners & Sponsors

The Local Choice Vigne

Pharmacy

In addition to being one of our trusted sources of medical advice, our local pharmacy has partnered with us to get our Nestlings any medications they need at a discounted prices so we can continue to give them the best care.

De Oude Pastorie

Clinic

The doctors and nurses at De Oude Pastorie clinic volunteer their time to see our Nestlings free of charge. We are so grateful for their expertise and care.

Restore

Health And Wellness

Elizabeth from Restore volunteers her time and expertise to train our carers in reflexology and gentle baby massage techniques, giving them another beautiful tool to help our Nestlings feel calm, connected and nurtured.