Some would call her approach to facilitating somewhat unusual – definitely out of the box – but no one can honestly say that Melodie de Jager is boring. Dr Melodie de Jager is a dynamic and pioneering developmental specialist whose work continues to challenge norms and redefine what’s possible in learning and human development.

Her journey began with a powerful insight as a young woman: if you want to influence a child’s development meaningfully, you must begin before the age of six. This understanding inspired her to qualify as a nursery schoolteacher in 1982 and become a principal just two years later. But even with passionate teachers, well-designed curriculums, and involved parents, Melodie noticed something unsettling—some children still struggled to learn and become school-ready. This mystery sparked a lifelong curiosity and a quest to understand why.

While raising three children of her own, Melodie pursued advanced studies in Educational Psychology and ran a private nursery school until 1990. Her career expanded into corporate training, where she facilitated programmes on motivation, communication, profiling, and leadership. Yet the same question persisted: What enables learning in some, but not in others?

This question led her deeper – beyond the classroom, beyond psychology – into neurology, movement science, and the role of reflexes. She discovered that when a child’s early development follows its natural course, learning typically emerges spontaneously. This became her breakthrough.

Her first book was published in 2002, followed by her first child-focused publication in 2006: Mind Moves – Removing Barriers to Learning. Two more titles followed: Mind Moves – Moves That Mend the Mind (2009) and What Does Controlled Movement Have to Do With Learning? (2012). These books sparked such interest that the Mind Moves Institute was formally established in 2007.

Today, the Mind Moves programme encompasses Neuro Dynamix of Writing and Reading, Neuro Dynamix Remedial Obstacle Courses, School Readiness Assessments, Reflex Assessments, Mind Dynamix Profiling, Study Fitness Programmes, and the popular Mind Moves Workshops (Neuroscience 101 and Learning Booster Workshops). These offerings all share a common goal: to equip children to thrive, while empowering the adults who support them.

Over the past decade, Dr de Jager has extended her work to support individuals across all stages of life – from infants and schoolchildren to students, professionals, and senior adults – each looking to develop physically, emotionally, socially, or intellectually. With many titles to her name, she now simply refers to herself as a Developmental Specialist – a title that reflects her deep commitment to unlocking human potential through understanding and movement.