Meet the team

Head office South Africa

Meet the ultimate hype squad—your CAP Mentors! They are your personal cheerleaders, life coaches, and vibe-setters, all while keeping your energy high and your confidence even higher throughout your entire au pair adventure. More importantly, we are more than just a team. In fact, we are your ride-or-die support system and, as a result, the people you can rely on when things feel overwhelming.

Here is the best part: we have all been au pairs too. This means we truly understand the mix of excitement, curiosity, and nerves that comes with starting a brand-new chapter. Because of this, we have been there and now we are here to help you navigate every step with insight. Moreover, our personal experiences allow us to guide you with genuine empathy. Whether you need advice, encouragement, or reassurance, we ensure your journey abroad becomes truly unforgettable. Ultimately, this experience is all about your growth.

Carla Verster

Founder, CEO & Ultimate Hype Queen

Meet Carla – our fearless leader and the OG au pair queen! Carla founded CAP in 2012 with a dream, a can-do attitude, and undeniable main-character energy. From the beginning, she has been a certified girlboss with an Education degree from the University of Pretoria. Having lived the au pair life in the USA, she knows the journey inside out; as a result, her guidance is grounded in real experience.
When she is not running the show, Carla is exploring the world. With over 90 countries stamped in her passport, she brings a global perspective to CAP. Furthermore, her passion for cultural exchange is unmatched. Her open-door approach ensures every au pair feels safe and supported. Ultimately, Carla’s vision is to help you step confidently into your glow-up era abroad, feeling empowered and prepared.

Heloïse Smit

CAP Mentor & Wanderlust Wizard – Enquiries Department

Meet Heloïse – your go-to hype girl and au pair expert! After starting her journey in the Netherlands, she earned a BSc in Psychology and Physiology, followed by an Honours degree specializing in child development. Honestly, that is pure girlboss goals!
In 2019, Heloïse began her second au pair journey in the USA. Because of that experience, she is now on a mission to help you create your own Pinterest-perfect adventure abroad. Currently, she is adding more skills to her toolkit by completing a certificate in Play Therapy.
Heloïse will be your personal cheerleader from your first contact until your big airport goodbye. Along the way, she is here to keep you motivated, inspired, and ready for your au pair era. Above all, seeing you grow abroad is her favourite flex.

Email: heloise@carlasaupairs.co.za 
Cell/WhatsApp: +27 (0) 76 106 3267

Hanlie Swart

CAP Mentor & Adventure Coordinator – Enquiries Department

Meet Hanlie – your travel-loving hype queen who turned wanderlust dreams into reality! Growing up in Pretoria, she knew early on that she wanted more than just her hometown on her life map. Over time her love for working with kids grew, and naturally, au pairing became the perfect fit.
In 2017, her adventure officially began when she packed her bags for two unforgettable years as an au pair in the USA through CAP – and, spoiler alert, it was everything. During that time, she travelled to 15 states, stepped outside her comfort zone, and, as a result, gained unstoppable confidence.
Before long, her host family became her forever fam, and she formed soulmate-level friendships. Now, however, Hanlie’s mission is to keep the adventures going, with the goal of visiting at least one new place every year.
Today, Hanlie’s here to cheer you on, share tips, and help you turn your glow-up era abroad into reality. Above all, she’s living proof that saying yes to adventure can change your life.

Email: hanlie@carlasaupairs.co.za 
Cell/Whatsapp: +27 (0) 64 632 6747

Clara CAPBOT

Carla’s Au Pairs Friendly ChatBot – At Your Service 24/7

Meet Clara! Your chatbot BFF with a flair for fun and, at the same time, a knack for knowledge. Born in the digital cosmos, Clara is here to answer your basic questions, whether you need advice, extra info, or quick guidance.
Available on our website chat feature as well as our social media messenger platforms, Clara is the perfect solution when you need an answer ASAP. As a result, she’s especially helpful after hours or over weekends.
Need assistance? No worries – Clara has you covered with lightning-fast responses and a problem-solving knack that would, honestly, make a superhero jealous.

Natashia Potgieter

CAP Mentor & Dream Maker – Applications Department

Meet Natashia – the ultimate travel queen and dream chaser who turned passion into the experience of a lifetime! Born and raised in Frankfort and now living in Nigel, she always knew she was destined for something big – and she made it happen.
In 2008, a turning point arrived when she took the ultimate leap of faith. Her first stop was England, where she spent two amazing years. From there, she continued to the Netherlands and Belgium, learning Dutch and exploring Europe.
Natashia’s superpower? Helping young women say yes to adventure by stepping outside their comfort zones and, more importantly, believing in themselves. To make that possible, she ensures your profile is 100% glow-up ready. Ready to take the first step? Natashia’s here to make it happen!

Email: natashia@carlasaupairs.co.za 
Cell/Whatsapp: +27 (0) 63 061 0413

Daniëlle Schutte

CAP Mentor & Adventure Strategist – Applications Department

Meet Daniëlle – the travel-obsessed explorer who turned childhood road trips into a lifelong love for adventure! Growing up, she explored every corner of South Africa. Eventually, her first international stop in Lesotho marked the start of her passport goals.
By 2018, Daniëlle was already deep into her au pair journey when she took a dream trip to England. Still, one adventure wasn’t enough. With help from Carla’s Au Pairs, she found her perfect match in Colorado.

From building lifelong friendships to road-tripping through 19 states, Daniëlle lived her best au pair life. Now, she’s here to help you do the same.

Email: danielle@carlasaupairs.co.za
Cell/Whatsapp: +27 (0) 64 878 0611

Janis Hanekom

CAP Mentor & Emotional Wellness Coach – Placements Department

Meet Janis – our Mindful Travel Guru with a passion for turning dreams into reality. Growing up in Gordon’s Bay, she developed a love for adventure and, over time, helping others create their glow-up era abroad.
Her au pair journey began in Finland. Along the way, she explored Norway, Sweden, and Estonia. In addition, her passport includes the UK, Ireland, Thailand, Portugal, Singapore, and Mauritius.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, Janis has done it all. Today, she combines that experience in her dream job at Carla’s Au Pairs. Because every journey is unique, Janis prioritises service excellence.

Email: janis@carlasaupairs.co.za
Cell/Whatsapp: +27 (0) 78 028 9001

Rona Jacobs

Au Pair Mentor – Placements Department & Social Media

Meet Rona – the travel-obsessed bookworm who turned her gap year dreams into a global adventure! After high school, Rona worked and saved to jet off to Australia. Just like that, the travel bug bit hard.
In 2016, her first au pair journey kicked off in the USA. While living in Massachusetts and Ohio, she experienced massive personal growth. Because of those lifelong friendships, she knew her adventure was not over. Consequently, she reached peak wanderlust in the Netherlands during a second au pair year. There, she checked five new countries off her bucket list while soaking up every moment. When she is not planning a trip, Rona is all about books. In fact, her true passion lies in helping you step into your glow-up era. Ultimately, Rona is your go-to guru for support and serious squad goals.

Email: rona@carlasaupairs.co.za
Cell/Whatsapp: +27 (0) 79 749 2691

Monique Smit

Au Pair Mentor – Placements Department

Monique is a friendly, organised, and tech-savvy team player who brings warmth and efficiency to everything she does. Alongside her love for adventure, she has a strong passion for personal growth and meaningful connections.
Her journey with Carla’s Au Pairs began when she au paired in the USA through our programme – an experience that completely changed her life. During those two unforgettable years abroad, she became part of a second family, explored 17 states, and attended over 30 live concerts. In doing so, she embraced everything from scuba diving to skydiving and, ultimately, stepped far outside her comfort zone.
Now back in South Africa, Monique brings her international experience and enthusiastic spirit to the CAP team. As a result, she’s always ready to support others with a smile and looks forward to helping au pairs begin their own unforgettable journeys.

Email: monique@carlasaupairs.co.za
Cell/Whatsapp: +27 (0) 63 749 0459

Tienkie Swart

Admin Assistant & Support Superstar – Carla’s Au Pairs Head Office

Meet Tienkie our organisation queen and admin guru who brings warmth to the CAP team! After a remarkable 33-year career in insurance, her journey took a heartfelt turn when her daughter became an au pair in the USA.
In 2018, Tienkie visited Chicago and saw firsthand how truly life-changing the experience can be. As a result, her belief in the programme’s power to inspire growth was firmly cemented. Leaving the corporate world in 2020, she joined CAP and never looked back. Since then, she has found her happy place helping young adventurers begin their own journeys abroad.
When she is not keeping everything running smoothly, Tienkie enjoys reading or sipping lattes at Pretoria’s cutest coffee spots. Furthermore, her passion for helping others shines through in everything she does. Ultimately, she is here to ensure your experience with CAP is smooth, supported, and completely unforgettable.

Email: tienkie@carlasaupairs.co.za
Cell/Whatsapp: +27 (0) 72 343 4715

Gerschia Bekker

Recruiter & Adventure Storyteller – Carla’s Au Pairs Head Office

Meet Gerschia – our travel-loving storyteller and confidence coach! Fuelled by adventure, Gerschia moved to France as an au pair with just a few phrases learned from tapes. Her journey began in Rheims, where she cared for five-month-old Sybille and received a crash course in French cuisine. From picking grapes in vineyards to immersing herself in the culture, her au pair chapter continues to inspire her today.
Although her love for travel led her to study hotel management, her passion for young people ultimately brought her to CAP. As a mom herself, Gerschia truly understands both the excitement and the nerves that come with moving abroad. Therefore, she helps you and your parents feel reassured every step of the way. She is all about turning big dreams into even bigger adventures. Ultimately, Gerschia is ready to help you start your story!

Email: gerschia@carlasaupairs.co.za
Cell/Whatsapp: +27 (0) 82 711 7742

Rune Swart

My name is Rune. I am currently an Au Pair in the Netherlands. I started my journey in September 2017. I have about 2 months left before I return to my home country. My time abroad was one of the most challenging opportunities that I had. Looking after two wonderful boys were a privilege.

If I had any questions or was unsure about anything, Marelise from Carla’s Au Pairs, was always ready and eager to help me. Never have I had to remind her to respond back to me, If she couldn’t help me immediately she would do her best to find out and get back to me as soon as possible. Not only did she answered my questions, she always motivated me. She is always friendly.

Rune Swart
Netherlands (2017 – 2018)

Bianca Stephens

Absolutely the best Au Pair agency! They’re there for you whenever you need them! It’s truly a Sisterhood. I can recommend them to anyone looking to go Au Pair overseas! You won’t be disappointed, they help you with everything and that’s makes everything so much easier! Carla is a wonderful person and all her staff members are just as great! CAP team all the way!!

Bianca Stephens
USA (2017)

Carren Wide

Thank you Carla Verster!! Without Carla’s Au Pairs standing behind me, and guiding me through everything.. I would not be able to do this!! Even in just the process of preparing to depart, I have already grown. This is a Sisterhood I hope to always be a part of #CAP!! You guys are the best!!

Carren Wide
USA (2018)

Schane Pedro

Ek kan Carla’s Au Pairs aanbeveel! Jy is definitief in goeie hande wanneer jy deur hulle gaan, hulle is behulpsaam. Vir die ouers wat bekommer om hulle kinders oorsee te stuur – moenie, dis die beste belewenis wat ‘n mens kan he, en Carla maak seker jy is in goeie hande. Ek vertrou hulle so baie en waardeer alles wat hulle doen! Twee jaar klaar deur julle, sien uit na nog ‘n jaar in ‘n ander land. Dankie aan Carla en die res van die span!

Schane Pedro
USA (2018)

Nastasha Vermaak

Wow, “AMAZING” is the word to describe Carla’s Au Pairs! They are so helpful before you go overseas and the whole time that you are there and even after. Carla and her team is professional but so involved in every girls journey. I would highly recommend them! Love this Au Pair agency!! Thank you guys for making my dreams come true!

Nasatasha Vermaak
Italy (2018)

Radio interview with Carla on Eden AM

Carla’s Aupairs Interview on Tuks FM

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