Nataliya Emilova was born in Bulgaria (post communist country in Eastern Europe) and comes from a family of working class parents. 

At primary school Nataliya was identified as a gifted child showing potential in Art by one of her teachers, who encouraged her to attend a gifted entry exam for Art oriented education.

Nataliya, graduate of ‘Art Studies’ in secondary education, where she obtained her first teaching experience in“Art Pedagogics” (subject) which she passed with distinction.

Nataliya arrived in South Africa in mid 2004 and in her words ‘fell instantly in love with the culture and colours of Africa “ which she describes as very inspiring for artists.

Nataliya used every opportunity to ‘self teach’ herself English and in
early 2006 she was accepted to study B COM Phycology with life’s goal to develop skills and help people who struggle from depression (something that her both late parents were victims of)
(Nataliya has an experience of been working as a personal and professional (informal ) assistant for a psychiatrist in her country after her schooling for couple of years until, she arrived in South Africa with a modelling opportunely)

During her formal phycology studies, Nataliya came to the understanding that phycological wellbeing is developed predominantly in the first 6 and 7 years of human life as well as the the first seven are the key for a successful self and life AND a new life’s goal for opening a ‘day care for young children’ was born.

2008 Nataliya identified a communal property (used at the time for the complex storage) and made an offer to the ‘Body Corporate’ to allow her to start a ‘Day Care’.
Unanimous resolution of the Body Corporate agreed to lease the premises at a symbolic rent for the first year, if Nataliya was able to get the place registered and overall approval to be used as a day care facility.

2009 (January) Posh Kidz Academy first opened its doors where Nataliya, with a modest budget, of less than R 5 000.00 equipped a portion of the premises (with a few toys) and she found herself a ‘day care mother’ for her first pupil.

In the coming months Nataliya services were so much sought after that she faced the needs to get the premises registered for business purposes, allowing her to accommodate parents from outside the complex.

2010 Nataliya met with Executive Gauteng Planning Director, whom gave her indication in writing that Posh Kidz Academy premises are permitted to be used as a school by the general public.

…Since then, and over a decade later, Posh Kidz Academy is the most awarded ECD Centre (Pre-Primary School) in Sunninghill; Johannesburg and the the only ECD centre in the area approved and registered with Department of Basic Education and ISASA.

Today Nataliya is a qualified ECD and Montessori teacher and she is a SAHISA Member too. Nataliya has also been fortunate to be allowed to do practice and / or observe teaching in some of the most prestigious and Monastic Pre-Primary and Bridging Pre -Primary Schools in Gauteng.

2017: Nataliya found an opportunity to work with Bulgarian pre-primary schools in order for her to enrich her experience with different perspectives.

2019: Nataliya took a trip to Australia to meet the team which is involved in neuro-cognitive development through movement and she partnered with the leading award winning program KIndyRoo/Gymbaroo (Australia).

2019: Nataliya started ‘Project Posh’, which is still developing its concept to deliver opportunities for economically deprived ECD schools.
Today this project is further enriched by Supernova’s Curriculum and sharing educational resources with less informed community sites.

2020: Nataliya’s and our Team’s current and biggest educational project, by far , is ’Supernova Education and Montessori’

Irrespective of the solid success of Posh Kidz Academy and opportunity for the school to be ‘copy – pasted’ Nataliya has always dreamed to build an education focusing on children developing a Love for Literature, Art and Philosophy as a core value for their education and
Posh Kidz Academy and Supernova’s Team are so proud to be part of this project!

Nataliya found a support for SuperNova’s educational goals in the supportive mentor from a long term personal and professional friend ( the late Theo Buccoli), who fortunately for Nataliya, took her idea for philosophy orientated pre-school to his heart.

Written by :
Family and Posh Kidz Team.