My name is Candice (many of the children I work with know me as “Ms Candy”). I am originally from South Africa and have spent the past 10 years living and working across Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and Thailand.

I’m a registered Social worker and hold a degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work, specialising in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (2022). My work has focused on supporting children and families across a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.

15 years ago I began my career in South Africa working predominantly in a Child and Youth Care Centre, where I supported children aged 5–18 from diverse backgrounds, including those who had experienced trauma, as well as those needing support with behaviour, emotional regulation, and building healthy relationships. This experience shaped my understanding of how essential safe, supportive relationships are in a child’s development.

I later transitioned into the education sector in Vietnam, where I worked closely with young children in school settings. Here, I supported students with everyday challenges that many families can relate to, such as anxiety, confidence, school adjustment, social skills, emotional regulation, and learning-related stress, as well as students with additional needs.

Through this work, I discovered that play is one of the most natural and effective ways for children to express themselves and process their experiences. This led me to specialise in therapeutic play, completing my certification in Play Skills with Play Therapy UK in 2024.

I am currently working as a Certified Play Practitioner (PTUK) at Shrewsbury International School, supporting children with a range of emotional and behavioural needs. I am also completing a certificate in the Foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Young People and will continue my professional development with a Diploma in Play Therapy.