Born in Worcester, South Africa and later moved to a farm in Ceres, where she lived until she moved to Cape Town. She worked in various positions while studying at the Peninsula Technikon where she received a Diploma in Architecture and Draughting. She owned her own florist, managed a supermarket and co- owned a retail business. She has been married for more than 25 years and has a son and a daughter.

In High School, she had already decided to visit China.

Finally in June 2006, she had the opportunity to realize her dream. She joined Wall Street in November 2006 and has received the ‘Teacher of the year’ award, three years running.