The Mas' Behind The House

I was born in Angola, brought up in Portugal, and have been a Londoner for over 20 years. In my day job I am a mental health social worker with a psychology background and I have been working within the mental health field for over 16 years.  By night I am a dream chasing entrepreneur wanna-be with an adventurous and determined personality.  I came to the UK alone at the age of 19, with no English, no job, little education, but tons of passion and determination to grab all the opportunities I was confident would appear. This is how I still live my life, constantly looking for new and exciting adventures.

I am also a mum of two who, after having my first daughter four years ago, realised that we were really falling short on postnatal care that is focused purely on the mother’s needs (not her baby’s!). So basically, I created Ma’ House out of the need to still be myself and care about my changing self (body and mind) independently from my baby.  I couldn’t find this place I longed to go and be at least part of the girl I was before I had my baby. A place I could beautify, unwind, get pampered and have at least 30 minutes of pure coffee bliss without my baby’s focused attention, but where she could also be, taken care of by qualified carers while I took a moment to just be me, Vânia.  At the same time, I longed for a place where I would fit right in as a new mother.  A place I could connect with other women like myself, learn, share, and start new friendships.  I couldn’t find this awesome place I was looking for, so I set off to create it! The dream hasn’t fully come true yet but I hope that you’ll love the part of it that has, just as much as I do.

Dr Kasasa has been a practising Psychiatrist for over 20 years and a Health Coach for more than a decade, combining her love for mental health and her passion for maintaining a healthy body.  She comes in with a wealth of experience in working for both the NHS and the private sector.  At Ma’ House, as well as offering health coach and natural health services, she is also the lead consultant in Postnatal Depletion, offering this pioneering service exclusively at Ma’ House.  As a psychiatrist, Sophia has a strong interest in women’s mental health and illness, particularly in black perinatal mental health. Work aside, Sophia is a busy Ma’ juggling life between a busy family and friends’ schedule while weathering through the challenges of mothering a teenager!

Maria has been a physiotherapist for over 20 years and holds an MSc in Biomechanics and Neurosciences.  Having worked extensively with elite athletes, Maria developed a holistic and preventative approach to her practice and so she is passionate about hypopressive training which focuses on re-programming the core muscles (including the pelvic floor) to their natural functions. With this approach Maria supports women in developing and maintaining skills and effective strategies/exercises to help their bodies cope with the developing pregnancy, the  many issues and complications associated with it, as well as after birth when women are more likely to develop unhealthy habits such as bad posture and weight lifting (baby (ies)).

Maria is also passionate about teaching and research and has contributed to scientific research including research on pelvic girdle pain and paediatric research in innovative biomechanical treatments for children with Cerebral Palsy.  Work aside, Maria is a free spirited, fitness junkie, and an adventurous Ma’!

Renata is a highly skilled and professional aesthetician, qualified to a level 4 in Beauty Therapy.  She knew she wanted to be a beautician since the age of 10 and has now more than 20 years experience in the beauty industry. This includes working in various clinics, health clubs and spas across London as well as running her own business for over 10 years. Renata is experienced in delivering a wide range of aesthetic treatments including laser hair removal, specialty massages, and facial aesthetics including dermapen and plasma pen treatments.  Renata is now consolidating her knowledge and focusing her energy in nurturing her strong passion in ayurvedic and holistic approaches to therapies in pregnancy and postpartum.  A great believer of “the magical touch of hands”, massages and facials have always been at the top of her beauty and wellness treatments list.  She exudes a calm and relaxed approach which is easily transferred to her working environment and her one-to-one practice allowing clients to quickly feel at ease, creating a safe and trusting relationship.   Renata is also passionate about training others in the beauty industry and she regularly practices Yoga and Pilates.  She is a great fan of winter sports, particularly snowboarding, and has practiced handball from a very young age.

Rachel is the artistic force behind Ma’ House and comes in with strong experience in advertising and creative design having worked as an art director for a number of years now.  Rachel is involved in conceptualising, leading and executing the creative facets of Ma’ House through a variety of channels including photography and good solid design.  Her passion is her work and when not working for big people she dedicates her time to working creatively for small people.  Rachel is  the writer and illustrator of the children’s book “Harriet and the Blue Monkey” (available from Waterstones) which is about depression and feelings of sadness in children.

Originally from New Zealand, Rachel landed the London life while at university and has lived in different countries and cities, collecting a jar of friends wherever she goes.  A great lover of outdoor sports and running in particular, Rachel has completed 3 tough mudders, 2 half marathons, 1 triathlon and 1 hike from Germany to Italy through the Alps!