Our Story 

Up until 1994, Lilian sent au pairs overseas under the name Au Pairs Abroad. When the demand for au pairs in South Africa emerged in that year, focus shifted to local placements. We initiated the placement of au pairs in Cape Town and realised our passion lay with family and childcare right here at home. We are the longest running au pair agency devoted to Cape Town families.

With our 22 years of experience in this industry and the combined knowledge and understanding of our team, we have a very high success rate with many families and au pairs returning to us time and again. Part of our approach has always been to offer post placement support for both the families and au pairs. 

Centre to "who we are" are the families, children and candidates who share with us their personal wisdom which has added tremendously to our ever-evolving placement model. For this we are grateful.

Meet the Team

Lilian - Since a young age, Lilian has had a great passion and interest in family and people dynamics. Having completed her Psychology degree at UCT, she comes with a wealth of knowledge in childcare both locally and abroad with more than 22 years of experience in this and related fields including running her own play school for 5 years. As a single parent of 3 young children she experienced first-hand the balancing act between managing developing children, quality family time and growing her business. Lilian is always expanding on her knowledge and skills by continuously doing extensive research and completing courses in counselling, coaching and facilitating, to name a few.  Through the years she has specialised in working closely with families who have children with learning difficulties and special needs requirements.

Caron - Joined Au Pair at Home 17 years ago initially on the administration side of the business. Caron’s expertise are rooted in HR and recruitment.  It became evident early on that her passion for recruitment and extensive knowledge in the field, would help steer her towards involvement in all aspects of the business. The relationship between Caron and Lilian has developed, as the business expanded, into a business partnership. Having a husband and two daughters adds to her understanding of the family's need to coordinating work and family life.

Tracey - has a BBA degree and is currently in her last year of her honours in psychology. She has worked for us in an admin capacity for over 10 years and from this year will be assisting Lilian in the Newlands office and handling family placements. She has au paired for 13 years and has a unique perspective and understanding of the au pair-family dynamic. She brings her knowledge and experience together to assist in successful family/au pair relationships.

Candice - has worked in the childcare industry for the past 7 years, both in South Africa and the UK. She joined Au Pair at Home in March 2015 and assists Lilian and Caron from the Tokai office.