NeuStep Coaching is designed to support young adults who are navigating significant transitions in life – whether stepping out of high school, starting university or college, or entering the workforce for the first time.
Our goal is to make support accessible to those who need it most. No one should have to navigate these important life stages alone simply because of financial limitations.
I grew up in Paarl in a warm and loving family, and I have many fond memories of my school years. After matric, I was excited to be accepted into residence at Stellenbosch University to study BA Sport Science. Around the same time, my older sister left for the USA to play college tennis — a big change for me and my family.
What I didn’t fully realise at the time was how stepping out of my comfort zone would affect me. Adjusting to university life was tough for me. Balancing long days of classes while also being part of the High Performance (HP) program at the hockey club quickly became overwhelming, as I was still finding my feet and making new friends.
During those early years, I made some poor decisions, struggled with confidence and commitment — both academically and in sport — and navigated a few challenging relationship experiences. It wasn’t easy, but in my fourth year, I managed to pull things together, completed my degree, and ended up playing club hockey for the university for eight years.
Those years left a lasting impact on me. At the time, I was yearning for mentorship and someone to walk the journey with me — someone to hold space, listen, and help me make sense of what I was going through.
Now, looking back, I realise that those experiences weren’t wasted. They shaped who I am today and ignited a passion in me to support others who might be walking a similar path. I believe in the power of connection, of having someone who understands, and in building resilience and confidence. I’m committed to being that support for others.
BA Sport Science from Stellenbosch University
Post Grad in Education from UNISA
Life Coach training through New Insights
Neurozone Advanced Coach through Neurozone
Dr. Chrisna Swart is a neuroscientist and executive coach specializing in resilience-building and high-performance coaching. With deep roots in behavioural neuroscience, her coaching approach is grounded in optimizing the brain-body system to help individuals bounce back rapidly from challenges and bounce forward—leveraging adversity as a platform for growth.
She integrates a scientific understanding of brain performance drivers—including foundational (sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness), emotional (social and psychological safety, collective creativity), and higher-order (cognitive flexibility, executive function, learning) drivers—into a holistic coaching framework.
As the former Head of Neurozone® Coaching, she has extensive experience training executive coaches in applying behavioural neuroscience to coaching practice. Her work spans individuals with chronic or neurological conditions as well as high-performing professionals seeking to unlock their full potential. She has worked with clients such as the Abu Dhabi School of Government, Etihad Airways, Puma, Cisco, Wise Employment, Stellenbosch University and the Stellenbosch Business Institute.
