Toula Pleaner brings a powerful combination of academic insight, legal expertise, and psychological acumen to her role as Research & Development Director of Ma Se Kind. With a master’s degree in psychology and a specialist in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), currently pursuing her PhD in the same field, Toula is a psychologist deeply committed to addressing systemic inequalities through education and restorative practices.
She is a senior accredited family law mediator serving the magisterial courts of South Africa, specialising in high-conflict family matters where the well-being of children is at stake. Her practice spans private clients across all socio-economic levels, providing accessible and compassionate intervention to families in crisis. Toula is also regularly utilised by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to mediate complex parental disputes in court, particularly in cases involving vulnerable children and entrenched conflict.
Beyond her mediation practice, Toula is a supervisor and trainer of new mediators, equipping them with the practical skills and psychological insight required to manage emotionally charged cases. Her training focuses on ethical standards, trauma-informed practice, and the nuanced dynamics of family law, helping to professionalise the field and ensure high-quality mediation services across South Africa.
Toula’s influence extends into policy and legislative reform. She authored a White Paper for the Department of Justice (DoJ), laying the foundation for the formalisation of mediation and the establishment of professional parameters for mediators working within the judiciary. Her work has played a critical role in shaping mediation as a credible, recognised profession in the South African legal system.
At Ma Se Kind, Toula brings her passion for social justice and early intervention to empower a new generation of educators from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Through structured support and practical experience in teaching STEM subjects, the project prepares student teachers to be impactful change agents in their communities. Toula’s leadership ensures the program is both ethically grounded and psychologically sound.