My story
Hi, I'm Martina. Originally from Italy, I’ve called South Africa home since 2011.
The year 2017 was life-changing year for me. Not only did I become a mother for the first time, but I also lost my own mother unexpectedly. Grieving her loss while stepping into motherhood was incredibly hard. At the same time, raising my children far from family and culture—as well as without a proper support system—brought its own set of challenges.
Both experiences stretched me in ways I never could have imagined—but they were also deeply transformative.
They revealed a quiet strength within me and became the foundation for a more intentional, authentic way of living and parenting.
Free from many external pressures and expectations, I found the space to redefine who I am, and the kind of parent/person I want to be.
My journey
After spending more than 12 years in a marketing career that never truly represented me, I made a bold shift toward a path that felt deeply aligned: working with parents in a way that honours both who they are and how they parent. My journey began informally in 2017, within Montessori environments where I created spaces for new moms to connect, reflect, and support one another. Though I was a volunteer at the time, I witnessed the quiet power of empathy, compassion, and presence—experiences that stayed with me and ultimately led me to formalise my calling as a PCI Certified Parent Coach®.
I always say that I don‘t coach parenting issues, but people who parent. That distinction is central to my work, which is why I established my practice as Parent & Personal Coaching. Grounded in Appreciative Inquiry and Reflective Inquiry, my approach supports parents as they navigate the everyday intensity of raising children while staying connected to themselves.
My business is called Living Undivided because I believe in helping parents move through the world with a sense of wholeness and integrity—where how they live, parent, work, and love all come from the same grounded place. At its core, my vocation is to help parents realign with their values, build emotional awareness, and live in alignment with their inner truth—in the beautiful and messy realities of family life.
I currently live in the breathtaking city of Cape Town (South Africa) and I meet parents online from all over the world. My services are available in English and Italian.
What Parents Say After Coaching With Me
“When I first started working with Martina, I was skeptical about whether I needed professional parenting support, and was unclear whether I had any issues worth addressing. What I discovered was both validating and transformative. She helped me recognise the strength in strategies I'd already implemented while equipping me with new tools to address challenges as my daughter continues to grow and test boundaries. The practical results have been fantastic: she no longer watches TV during weekdays, maintains a tidy room, and takes responsibility for cleaning her lunchbox daily. These might seem like small wins, but as parents know, establishing these healthy routines creates ripple effects throughout family life. What I appreciated most was Martina’s supportive approach that built on my parenting instincts rather than trying to replace them. I now face new phases of parenting with both confidence in my abilities and practical strategies to navigate whatever challenges emerge. I would recommend her services to any parent looking for thoughtful, practical guidance that respects their unique family dynamics.”
Simon Atwell, dad of a 8yo,
Dad of a 8 year-old
Cape Town, South Africa
“Working with Martina over the past 10 sessions has been nothing short of transformative. When I first started, I felt unsure and emotionally depleted—grappling with the pressure of being the “perfect” parent and often doubting my instincts. Through our work together, I’ve experienced a powerful shift in both mindset and confidence. From the very beginning, Martina held space for me in a way that felt deeply supportive and non-judgmental. She has a true gift for listening with presence, helping me reframe challenges, and mirroring back the strengths I didn’t always recognise in myself. One of the most meaningful breakthroughs early on was realising that my maternal instinct is something to be trusted—even when the outcome isn’t perfect. That lesson has stuck with me and shaped the way I now approach parenting. One of the biggest outcomes of this journey is the confidence I’ve gained. I no longer feel the need to prove myself to others. I've found a sense of calm in my parenting, grounded in the knowledge that I can be both kind and strong. I’ve also noticed how this inner shift has impacted my relationship with my partner. I’m more open to hearing her advice without becoming defensive, and I feel supported rather than challenged. What I’ve appreciated most about Martina is her ability to connect the dots between emotional growth and everyday parenting. She blends heart, science, and creativity in a way that never felt preachy—only empowering. Every session left me feeling seen, energised, and more equipped to parent with authenticity and grace. If you’re seeking a coach who can hold space for your messiness while helping you discover your strength, I can’t recommend Martina enough. This journey has not only improved my parenting—it’s changed how I see myself.
”
Terishia Reddy
Mom of a 2 year-old
Cape Town, South Africa
