How this journey started…
Hi! I’m Katya, the founder of Radiant Minds.
At heart, I’m someone who has always been drawn to curiosity, depth, and the question of how we grow—both as children and as adults. My path has taken me through different worlds: I hold two Master’s degrees, have worked in professional environments, and spent years teaching yoga, movement and mindfulness. That chapter of my life taught me how powerful it is when people are given space to explore, feel, and discover in their own way.
During my time as a teacher, I found the courage to introduce and champion a new kind of movement practice here in New Zealand—something that didn’t quite fit existing boxes, but deeply resonated with people. Looking back, that experience shaped something important in me: a willingness to trust what feels meaningful, even if it’s not the obvious path.
Radiant Minds is an extension of that same instinct.
It is also deeply personal.
I’m a mum to Leo, a bright, curious, and inquisitive little human who constantly reminds me how expansive children’s thinking can be. At three, he was already playing with ideas like “if I were you and you were me…”—and asking questions such as “what’s the last number?” or “when does life end?”
These are not just cute moments. They point to something real: a depth of curiosity that often isn’t fully met in everyday environments.
I’m creating Radiant Minds for him—and for other children like him. And just as importantly, for the parents who are trying to understand, support, and nurture that kind of mind.
I care deeply about creating spaces where children feel both intellectually stimulated and emotionally safe. Where they can explore big ideas, ask unusual questions, and connect with others who see the world in a similar way.
And I care about building this here, in Wellington—within our own community.
Alongside this work, I’m currently training as a counsellor, with a particular interest in emotional depth, nervous system awareness, and what it means to truly feel understood. This lens naturally weaves into how I think about children’s experiences, learning, and belonging.
Radiant Minds is still growing, but its intention is clear: to offer thoughtful, engaging spaces for curious young minds—and to build a community around them.
RADIANT MINDS 