Melissa Strydom

Communications-oriented professional with a background spanning psychology, public health education, digital marketing and front-of-house management. Has completed the BPsych equivalent programme and successfully written the Registered Counsellor (RC) board exam, and is currently in the process of registering as a Practicing Registered Counsellor (PRC) with the HPCSA. Experienced in facilitating workshops and training for diverse public audiences, managing customer-facing teams, and producing clear, accessible written and verbal communication.

Brings first-hand familiarity with HPCSA's regulatory environment, standards and professional culture, combined with a genuine commitment to public education and service quality.

Payroll Administrator Assistant & HR Assistant - B Spark Electrical CX

(2020-01 - 2025-01)

• Managed and maintained the company's payroll, ensuring accurate and on-time payment of employee salaries.
• Provided day-to-day administrative and HR support, including recruitment assistance and maintenance of employee records.
• Delivered clerical and administrative support across the organisation, coordinating documentation and correspondence.

ECD Field Assistant - The Centre for Early Childhood Development - Cape Town metro south area

(2019-10 - 2021-01)

• Conducted site visits to early childhood development centres across the Cape Town metro south area.
• Reviewed centre registration files for compliance and guided centres through the registration process, requiring clear written and verbal communication with a wide range of stakeholders.

Front of House Manager - Mussel Monger

(2020-02 - 2021-03)

• Directed day-to-day front-of-house operations with a focus on guest satisfaction and service standards.
• Trained, scheduled and supervised a team of senior chefs and runners, managing performance to maintain consistent service quality.
• Accountable for daily stock take and end-of-day administrative reporting.

Front of House Manager - Cocoon CT

(2018-06 - 2019-07)

• Directed general club operations with a focus on guest satisfaction and service management.
• Trained and supervised a hostess team, managing bookings and front-door operations to a high standard.
• Accountable for reconciliation of takings and management of table bookings.

Temporary Receptionist - The Scalabrini Centre

(2024-12 - 2025-01)

• First point of contact for visitors; managed switchboard, correspondence distribution and front-desk coordination.
• Provided administrative support across the institution.

Teacher - The Scalabrini Centre

(2016-11 - 2017-06)

Taught grammar and basic mathematics; delivered weekly HIV/AIDS public health workshops focused on bodily systems and functions to community learners.

Lay Counsellor - Victim Support Unit, Mowbray Police Station

(2019-08 - 2020-01)

Volunteered contacting and counselling crime victims, requiring sensitive, clear communication under pressure.

Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology - Psychology - South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) (2024-01)

BHons - Psychology - University of South Africa (2021-01)

National Certificate - Digital Marketing - Red & Yellow School of Business (2022-01)

Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Intermediate Phase - Cornerstone Institute (2021-01)

Certificate - Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster - HarvardX (2020-01)

Short Course - Medicine and the Arts – Humanising Healthcare - University of Cape Town (2020-01)

Certificate - Inclusive Education for ECD Practitioners - Inclusive Education South Africa (2020-01)

Certificate - It All Begins at Birth (Early Childhood Development) - Professional Educator Training in Schools (2020-01)

BA - Health Sciences and Social Services, major: Psychological Counselling; SC HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling - University of South Africa (2015-01 - 2019-01)

120-hour TEFL Certificate - Teaching English as a Foreign Language - TEFL Professional Development Institute (2019-01)

High School - Oakhill College (2010-01 - 2014-01)