SANÉL VAN DER MERWE

Offering classes in the Tauranga area
SANÉL VAN DER MERWE

SANÉL VAN DER MERWE

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy & Accredited Brainfit® Coach

Sanél trained as an Occupational Therapist in South Africa in the early 1990’s and immigrated with her family to New Zealand in 2005. Here she worked as a Neuro Developmental Therapist within the New Zealand DHB system for 14 years until 2020 when she decided to branch out into another field of neuro-science that she loves. Brainfit coaching became her new passion!

Sanél has been speaking at conferences, training online classes and also preaches at the church she and her husband,  AJ, leads in Papamoa (Tauranga). AJ and Sanél have two adult daughters who are both involved with tertiary studies at present.

Phone: +64 (0) 27 725 5195
Email: sanel@brainfit.nz

 
 

 

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY 

“Very worthwhile course & well worth the few hours it takes. Lots of good new tricks to aid the ageing grey matter!”

Roger Milne, NZ

“It is an extremely stimulating and useful course at any age or stage.  I like the follow-up emails which remind me to keep up the things I’ve learnt.”

Jane B, NZ

“I had an opportunity to practice remembering names at a social gathering on Friday where we met a lot of new people. Being an inquisitive person I found it easier to probe into people’s names rather than weave a story around them. For instance I was introduced to a lady called Sheryl and asked her if she was Sheryl or Cheryl. By concentrating on people’s names and repeating them as soon as possible I was able to remember most people I met, even differentiating between an Annette and a Lynette so was quite pleased.”

Moyra, Auckland NZ

“The course was fun and well presented. I found myself looking forward to each class and was very pleased when I got the opportunity to catch up on one class that I was unable to attend at the time.”

Jane

“I have struggled with cognitive issues as I have advanced in years, it has really worried me. Having been in Ina Meeten’s class in Blenheim, I am a lot more confident that I can look forward to many more years without “losing my marbles”!! I now have a real purpose in life, and I think I can help others as well. Thank you.”

Ben Wickham, Blenheim NZ

“Brainfit was an enjoyable way to understand and learn about my brain and memory. Highly Recommend!”

Carmen, Auckland

“I really enjoyed the course and the calm and gentle way you led us – thank you very much.”

Scott, Riverhead

“This has been such a reassuring course – great to know there are lots of ways I can keep my brain active and sharpen my memory.”

Sue Crozier, Auckland, NZ
“The course has made a difference already.  Not just remembering things I need to do,  but motivation for the act of doing them. Today I contacted 2 friends whose birthday it is. I usually remember but don’t necessarily act upon it. The relief of doing this, instead of having to remember again another day is wonderful. You made important stuff such fun.”
Margaret, Feilding NZ

“I think focus-connect-rehearse says it all for me. I met a man a few days ago and he was actually admiring my bike. We ended up chatting and he told me his wife was Sue and he was Neil. Bingo!”

Bevan, Auckland, NZ

“Thanks for yesterday’s ‘power hour & a half!’ After the training, I spoke about the content with my husband and he particularly liked (as well as I) methods to learn someone’s name by taking a mental picture and making relevant associations. We will both be trying this as and when we meet new people.”

Thelma, Auckland, NZ

Very clearly presented.  Good balance between information and practice.  Most people do not know you can reverse your ‘brain loss’.

Martine, Auckland, NZ

“Feel encouraged, very hopeful of improving memory.  Stimulated.  Had excellent teacher, many wonderful laughs, much to learn.”

Pat

“Veronique, this was a most fabulous course which I think is relevant to anyone of any age. I was a little nervous about attending, but it was very empowering to be taught how to enhance brain health and memory. The course was really well structured, illustrating and reinforcing how the memory works and you made it interesting and fun.”

Bridget, North Shore

“These classes have helped me find specific areas I need to work on to help with my concussion-related injury.”

Angelique, Christchurch

I am thoroughly enjoying the course and find it very beneficial, so thank you.

A. Hogan Auckland, NZ

“I am very much enjoying my Brainfit class. Highly recommend”

Liz Hannan

“A revelation! What a wake up call and an exciting view of the new possibilities ahead of me.”

Sally, Auckland

“Jude was so inspiring. Fantastic course – I am sorry it has to come to an end!”

Carol, Auckland

“Very valuable hints to encourage healthy memory. Thoroughly enjoyable and non-threatening. Younger people need to be encouraged to take the course.”

Pauline, Auckland, NZ

Brain Training For Any Age

We focus on the six key skills you need for life-long independence. Keep your brain and memory connections active, alert and growing.