ESTELLE BRETTENNY

Empowering Effective Thinkers and Learners

I’m Estelle Brettenny, a passionate occupational therapist (B.OT., M.OT., PDME) with over 45 years of clinical experience, dedicated to helping learners of all ages become more effective thinkers and learners. My mission is to empower individuals to reach their full potential through metacognitive therapeutic intervention and metacognitive learning coaching.

Since 1998, I’ve specialized in supporting older primary school learners, high school learners, and adult learners, guiding them toward academic success and personal growth. As a certified trainer in both Cognitive Enrichment Advantage (CEA) (since 1997) and Thinking Maps (since 2011), I integrate innovative strategies to enhance thinking and learning capabilities. Over the years, I’ve completed numerous advanced courses in cognitive education and the development of thinking skills, continuously expanding my expertise.

My Professional Contributions and Achievements

Leadership in Cognitive Education:
I served on the board of the former International Association for Cognitive Education in Southern Africa (IACESA) for over two decades, including as president from 2013 to 2015.

Currently, I’m an honorary member of the Institute for the Advancement of Cognitive Education (IACE), which evolved from IACESA.

Founding Member of Thinking Schools South Africa (TSSA):
I played a role in establishing TSSA, a leading initiative to promote thinking-centered schools and improve educational outcomes in South Africa.

Cognitive Education Training for Educators and Professionals:
For more than two decades, I’ve conducted cognitive education workshops across South Africa, training educators and professionals in metacognition, thinking skills, and learning strategies. These workshops have empowered countless individuals to implement transformative practices in their teaching and professional environments.

My Journey Into Online Learning:

In 2020, I embarked on a new and exciting journey—developing online courses to reach a global audience. I’m proud that my courses have already impacted learners in over 65 countries, offering actionable strategies to improve thinking, learning, and executive function skills.

Through my online courses, I aim to continue sharing my decades of experience and expertise, empowering learners, educators, and professionals to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Specializations:

Metacognitive Intervention:

Helping learners develop self-awareness and control over their thinking and learning processes.

Cognitive Load Theory:

Designing strategies to reduce cognitive overload for better comprehension, learning, and retention.

Development of Thinking Skills:

Equipping learners with tools for critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

Cognitive Education Training:

Empowering professionals with evidence-based practices to support learning.

Join Me on My Mission

Whether you’re an educator, parent, professional, or lifelong learner, I invite you to explore my online courses and discover how to enhance thinking and learning for yourself or your students. Together, we can make learning more meaningful, effective, and accessible to all.