Margaret Sasse Memorial

Margaret's single goal was to get the bureaucracies of the day to adopt her natural physiological development rationale into the health (covering 0-5 year olds) and education systems. Sadly, bureacracies appear to be typically resistant to new ideas. That is the reason why Margaret established ANSUA and then Toddler Kindy GymbaROO in her usual style – well if they will not do anything then I will jolly well do it myself. So she did. The outcome is a network of outstanding specialists in the natural neuro- physiological development of children, who being vocational franchisees rather than employees, have effectively invested their future into personally developing their knowledge and ability to help children and parents in their area of expertise. Many franchisees have been specialising in this area for over 20 years of practical day to day implementation, and have evolved into Mini Marg’s, with a powerful capacity to contribute signficantly to their local community. The knowledge these franchisees carry and their ability to use it to help children is Margaret's living legacy.

Her dying wish (one of many we have to admit) is that the bureacracies of the day identify the value of the network she has created, identify its unique methodology for knowledge retention and building (vocational franchisees) and be able to harness this knowledge to provide guidance and support in health and educational institutions across the land.

Today empirical science is very much behind the underlying rationale, and she was no longer regarded as a witch and her methodologies as witchcraft (as vested interests claimed at a senate enquiry into her work in the 70’s!). That, and the fact that after 26 years many thousands of young Australians and their parents attend GymbaROO and KindyROO with growth consistently around 5-15% per annum, means that sooner or later bureacracies will have to sit up and take note. The sooner the better for our children's sake. Hopefully this tribute site and any contributions you would like to make to her memorial issue of First Steps will continue to provide positive pressure on them to discontinue resisting change.

Dr Jane Williams, Professor Frances Page Glascoe, and Margaret Sasse 2008

Margaret passed away on the 2nd of May in Calvary Wakefield hospital resulting from complications following open heart surgery to address a dissected Aorta. Margaret was up to her usual self, attending The Third Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurses in Adelaide as the major sponsor, enjoying their company and had just joined the line dance at the dinner function when the initial symptoms (fainting and losing colour) presented. After recovering from the initial symptoms in hospital later that evening (actually 2am in the morning) and in typical form she sat up in bed demanding her cowboy hat (from the dinner) and her laptop so she could continue reviewing her new book 'Smart Start' as “hospitals are such boring places”. Doctors initially gave her the all clear, however persisted with ensuring there was no underlying cause and discovered she had undergone an Aortic dissociation, which untreated would lead to a burst Aorta within 12-36 hours. Immediate open heart surgery was undertaken. Seven hours later they finished, and 48 hours later this 80 year old amazed the doctors by walking around and acting as if fully recovered, even starting to plan her replacement artery (on discovery that it only would last 15 years). Unfortunately 10 days later and just before she was planning to return to Melbourne (after the time we would normally might expect to occur) she suffered a rather bad stroke (probably a clot resulting from the operation). Once again she attacked the recovery process with vigour and stamina regaining use of her legs and much of her left side. Unfortunately she could not recover her swallow reflex quickly enough and this led to aspiration pneumonia and her eventual passing. Once again when the inevitable was clear to her, she pushed on autographing copies of her new book – one each for children and grandchildren – until she could write no more. Then she demanded her body let her go and join her Lord and her sisters, but even it put up a fight (which the family blames on her vitamin C focus), as per usual her will won through and she slid away peacefully in the early morning of the 2nd of May.

Margaret leaves a legacy for all the children of the world that will stand out even amongst her immediate ancestors (her late uncle founded the GPA (General Practitioners Association), her late aunt was one of the first female medical practitioners trained in Australia – at the age of 50 — and her father was the remarkable Sir Wilfrid Kent Hughes, to mention a few).

Margaret was the pioneer implementer of the natural development process, whereby natural brain development could be directly related to naturally repeating physiological activity. She identified that children who missed out stages that occurred in the 0-5 year age timeframe, or had minimal time in those stages, and who later had reading and learning difficulties could be recovered by repeating the missed stages. Such was her success with children with reading and learning difficulties from primary to secondary school ages that she helped others to emulate her methodologies, and then decided that rather than continuing to address the symptoms she should address the core issues. The core issue being that modern life means many parents are not aware of the natural developmental stages their babies from birth to five years old need to pass through to maximize their learning potential. Thus GymbaROO was born; the main objective of which is parent education, the secondary objective of which is to provide a highly specific physiologically stimulating environment to aid children's physiological development, and the third objective was for it to be an enjoyable experience for the parents and the children.

Margaret never ceased continuing her research and sharing her findings with the world. She (together with her sister, Doctor Mary Louise Sheil) created the (now) 5 DVD series, The Importance of Being an Infant, One, Two, Three and Four, which takes parents, educators and professionals through the key physiological developmental stages and relates them to their future skills. These have been kept updated with latest research information. She also has produced three books plus a learning to read book. Margaret's latest book which is just being published now is 'Smart Start'.

This year (her 80th) has been a great year for Margaret. She has finally received international recognition by a world authority; Professor Frances Glascoe, who has also come on board as a GymbaROO Patron. GymbaROO continues to gather acceptance and more centres both locally and internationally, as it begins its 26th year, and her daughter Dr Jane Williams continues to increase her profile and prominence in GymbaROO’s area of expertise excellence, so she was looking forward to a productive retirement and planning her next book 'How to teach your child to read before they get to school'. Although Margaret has left much for us all to continue, she was an active christian and would look to those whom she has left behind to celebrate her life and her passing.

This web site has been established to celebrate her life and acheivements. We know there are many out there who would like the opportunity to express their thanks and appreciation for what she has done for their families and we invite you all to contribute your experience and share your thanks on this site, so that others may share your experiences and spread the word. With any luck maybe we can get the government bureaucratic silos of medicine, education and health to look outside of their realms and see that there are solutions that cross all boundaries.

Margaret started her foray into solving the issue of reading problems at schools while her family was still on the farm. This cartoon by Tom Kerr (family) probably gives some clues as to how life was then and maybe some idea of an incentive!

Margaret Sasse Cartoon

This second cartoon also recently provided by Tom Kerr and his family provides a entertaining perspective as how her life evolved.

Margaret Sasse Cartoon

Please also find below a brief history of how Margaret become involved in where she ended up and some key milestones on the way.

Name: Margaret Sasse

Position: Founder and Director of Toddler Kindy GymbaROO

Background

1929	Born in Kew, Melbourne, Australia
1947-1949	State Registered Nurse, trained at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia.
1969-1973	Secondary school teaching with extensive experience in remedial teaching in country and metropolitan schools.
1973-1982	Margaret Sasse founded and became Director of ANSUA (A New Start for the Under Achiever), Box Hill, Melbourne. In this capacity she was involved in new approaches to treatment of children with developmental learning and/or behavioral difficulties She lectured to teachers and parents widely throughout Australia and organised seminars in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for teachers and parents in conjunction with; Dr Ray Wunderlich - MD Paediatrician, Nutritionist, Allergist. Dr G Getman - OD, DOS Vision Dr Carl Delacato - Ed D, Motor Sensory Development techniques These techniques included developmental vision, nutritional care, allergy and biochemical factors, where children were referred to specialists if necessary.
1974	Initiated the establishment of the School for Intelligent Under Achievers and promoted the establishment of ANSUA centres throughout Australia. Undertook study at the Institute for Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured in Philadelphia, USA.
1976	Paper published by Margaret: A New Look at the Under Achiever. Australian Remedial Education Magazine, Vol 8, No 4.
1978	Paper presented at the AGSOMD Conference in Canberra: ANSUA, A New Start for the Under Achievers. Later published in the Australian Journal of Retardation.
1979	Wrote and published 'If Only We’d Known' for parents and children. Arranged an Australian lecture tour for Child Development specialist, Ray Wunderlich MD, from Florida USA.
1980	Paper by Margaret: Developmental Physical Education and Learning. Rebound, Rusden College of Physical Education, Melbourne.
1982	Resigned from ANSUA after the Council would not establish Early Childhood Education centres (birth to early school age) for parents and their children, to prevent the development of learning difficulties at school age. The Margaret Sasse Child Development and Learning Consultancy was established. This was the first of its kind in Australia for the education of parents and their children. Margaret went overseas to see what was available and did not find any centres involved in parent/child education, so returned to Australia and established Toddler Kindy Gym.
June	First experimental Toddler Kindy Gym centre was established in East Kew, Melbourne. The aims were: 1. To enhance motor development and thus assist children to earn to their genetic potential. 2. Prevention of later school learning difficulties. 3. To foster an awareness among parents of the importance of early childhood development to health, behaviour and learning. 4. To provide ‘watch dog’ early intervention services and guidance to parents. Techniques involving motor-sensory, integrative therapy and vision were successfully introduced into Toddler Kindy Gym activities. Parents were made aware of nutritional and allergy factors and referred to specialists as required.
1982-1989	Edited bi-yearly GymbaROO newsletter for parents.
1983	Was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthomolecular Nutrition from the International Academy of Nutrition, Australia Conducted a two day seminar on Child Development and Learning for Launceston Teachers Centre in Tasmania Undertook a seven weeks study tour to USA with; Dr Ray Wunderlich, Paediatrician, Allergist, Nutritionist Dr G Getman, Vision specialist Dr Jean Ayres PhD OT, Sensory Motor Integrative Therapy for Children Jack Capon, EdD Perceptual Motor Program Specialist
1983	Establishment of first GymbaROO centre in Kew, Melbourne
1984	Sponsored an Australian lecture tour in Perceptual Motor Programs for schools with Jack Capon and Dr Gerry Getman.
1985	Production of 'The Importance of Being an Infant', co-produced by Margaret Sasse and sister Dr Mary Louise Sheil.
1986	Production of 'Jump into Reading with GymbaROO' with flash cards, by Margaret Sasse. Overseas visit to Shanghai, China to observe their health department and Early Education Programs from birth to 3 years.
1988	Production of second video in ‘The Ladder of Learning’ series, ‘The Importance of Being One’, co-produced by Margaret Sasse and Dr Mary Louise Sheil. Sponsored and organised a return visit by Jack Capon in an endeavour to further stimulate movement programs within schools to assist children in the learning achievement.
1989	Study trip in US with Dr Burton White, coordinator of the Missouri Parents as Teachers study for children from birth to three years. Production of the third video in the series of 'The Ladder of Learning', 'The Importance of Being Two', co-produced by Margaret Sasse and Dr Mary Louise Sheil. Jack Capon visited Australia, sponsored by GymbaROO.
1990	Production of the video in 'The Ladder of Learning' series, 'The Importance of Being Three' co-produced by Margaret Sasse and Dr Mary Louise Sheil. Revision and fifth reprint of ‘If Only We’d Known’. Publication began of a magazine for parents 'First Steps on the Ladder of Learning'. This magazine was devoted to parent education and distributed to all parents attending GymbaROO classes. It was also given to patients in Maternity Hospitals throughout Australia. Production of 'Perceptual Motor Programs for 2 years old to Kindergarten Age'.
1990-1996	Wrote many articles for publication in First Steps and obtained contributions from many professional people for parent education.
1991	Production of the fifth video in ‘The Ladder of Learning’ series, 'The Importance of Being Four'.
1993	Sponsored and organised a lecture tour of Australia and New Zealand by Jack Capon and Jack Evans, Perceptual Motor Program international experts. Jack Evans is also renowned for his work in school playground organisation.
1994	Attended a training course in Cheshire UK with Jane (Now Dr Jane Williams) on primitive and postural reflexes at INPP with Peter Blythe and Sally Goddard, observed specialists in this area in Sweden and Denmark, following training in Cheshire. Trained in ‘Sound Therapy’ in Brisbane, Australia with Ingo Stienbach, a visiting specialist from Germany. Due to concern over the many children in Child Care Centres, who did not have access to GymbaROO centres, Margaret wrote a ‘Perceptual Motor Program for 3 and 4 year olds’ for use in Child Care Centres, and employed a qualified teacher who was also a franchisee, to oversee the establishment of PMP programs in Child Care Centres.
1995	Attended Berard Sound Therapy Training in Melbourne with a grandson with developmental difficulties. Re-wrote the Parent Handouts so that all parents attending GymbaROO centres could receive information each week as the handouts were age related. This involved many hours of research and the writing of approximately 376 individual information sheets on various aspects of early childhood development and their relationship to learning.
1996	Attended two weeks of training under Ingo Steinbach in Samonas Sound Therapy. Re-wrote parent information hand outs for individual age groups to encourage parents to provide activities helpful to their child’s development and learning at home.
1997	Wrote Fun, Jump and Learn program for use in Child Care Centres. Margaret was a finalist in the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year Award. Visited UK to attend Sound Therapy course 'The Listening Program' in an endeavor to learn more about Sound Therapy and its effect on young children and their learning and behavior.
2000	'If Only We’d Known' by Margaret Sasse revised and reprinted.
2002	On April 25, Margaret was awarded the ANZAC medal for her positive, selfless with compassionate manner of service to the community. Publication of new book ‘Tomorrow’s Children’ by Margaret Sasse with graphics by Georges McKail.
2005	Filming for the revised edition of 'The Important of Being an Infant' Margaret revised and re-wrote the parent handouts.
April	GymbaROO is recognised as high value by the Inaugural National Maternal, Child & Family Health conference in Melbourne, and becomes their Platinium Sponsor, for that conference and subsequent biennial conferences to date. Paper presentation by Dr Jane Williams: Listening to Mothers. What do you hear?
May	Attended Institute of Neuro Physiological Psychology (INPP) Annual Conference, Chester, United Kingdom. Paper presented by Jane Williams: Early prevention programmes for children. Margaret lectured at ICBO conference in Sydney immediately following return from Europe.
2007	Revised edition of 'The Importance of Being One' produced by Margaret released on DVD.
2007	Margaret coodinated with Tim Mirabella, the Hastings Council, and the Victorian Education department in a small pilot study applying Margaret's (GymbaROO's) Neuro Physiological developmental knowledge to a small groups of primary school children in a preliminary research study to determine if such methods could potentially have a positive impact on children's reading and learning skills.
2008	The above study indicated positive potential, and should justify a large formal study. Professor Frances Glascoe, a recognised world authority on early childhood development agrees to become GymbaROO’s Patron for support and research.
2009	Margaret is recognised by Professor Frances Glascoe, a world authority in early childhood development, as an "international authority on the value (and enormous fun) of movement in children's lives" in her forward to Margarets new book 'Smart Start' published by Exisle Publishing with graphics by Georges Mikail and due for release in May 2009.

Tributes to Margaret

Margarets vision is that all the children of the world are given the best possible start to a life of learning.

To help her spread this vision, please share with her and all viewers of this site the benefits you and your family may have experienced as a result of the Kindybaroo programs.

She would like this to be a living tribute and applies to anyone who finds (or has found) value either in the past, present or future.

I am a new stuff here in kindyroo, and sorry to hear that . may god bless her .

Robinson Kiang, Jinyuan, Beijing, China

To Margarets Family and Gymbaroo Team

Thank you for sharing your mothers life with us all. It was sad to read her Memorial but also fantastic to see that she was still so actively involved with Gymbaroo until she passed away.

My first memories of Margaret was arriving in Australia to do my initial Gymbaroo Training - feeling very nervous, but only for such a short time. Margaret and Harry were there to welcome me into their home and made me feel quickly part of the Gymbaroo Team. The friendships I have gained through Gymabroo I was always treasure.

Margaret vast knowledge of child development balanced with her down to earth practical approach to education was a fantastic inspiration to me. The vast amount of knowledge I gained through my experiences with Gymbaroo has enhanced my ability as a mother and a teacher and have been well utilized for many years in a variety of Early Childhood settings.

Our thought and prayers are with you all, Trish and Paul Robbins

Trish Robbins, Coromandel NZ- Former Franshissee owner North Shore NZ

Hi Jane,

You don't know me personally, however I knew your mother well. I first met her in the late eighties and often spoke/met with her when she was in Whitehorse Rd.

I am a developmental psychologist and shared her interest in early child development. Recently my son and daughter-in-law presented me with a beautiful grandchild. As soon as she was 6months old I suggested Gymbaroo to them. I went to the Ashburton/Chadstone centre and met Cheryl. I asked whether she knew Margaret and she told me of Margaret's passing in April. I was both shocked and distressed by this news. I was outside Australia at that time hence knew nothing about Margaret's death.

First and foremost please accept my very belated but deep sympathy. Your mother was not only an institution but a passionate advocate for maximising little children's development through well thought out movements and music. I certainly know of nothing that is anywhere near as good as Gymbaroo. I know her wonderful work will continue to live on and that thousands of little ones have,and will continue to benefit from her practical knowledge and skill through movement and music programs.

I shall remember her always with admiration and affection.

Dr Judith E Paphazy
Counselling & Assessments Associates

Dr Judith E Paphazy, Camberwell, Victoria

I would like to acknowledge the fabulous team at Auckland Mission Bay Gymbaroo.

Sharon and Debbie have encouraged, supported, praised, taught and cared for both my daughters (Sabine and Claudia) over the course of almost 2 years.

Without fail, both Sharon and Debbie are enthusiastic and encouraging. They lead the classes with energy and purpose, confident of the journey we are to take for that week. The structure provided offers certainty without being rigid or boring, and my girls are continually excited by the new challenges and games introduced throughout the terms.

Their consistent attention to detail, I have come to take for granted. The children really do come first and Sharon and Debbie offer an environment in which my girls certainly thrived. I also learnt a lot as well, becoming far more inventive in our home play. Who knew what fun a balloon and fly swat offer, my holey stockings, a bent coat hanger or a simple sheet?! For 3 terms I attended 2 classes on the same day, with each of my daughters. I can vouch for the fact that no 2 classes are the same. The interaction is tailored to each group and most impressively so is the circuit.

Margaret, Thank you does not even begin to express my gratitude for the experiences created for my girls through Gymbaroo. It is wonderful to watch them give each other or their ‘babies’ massages. They are confident in their own bodies, love exploring and embrace challenges (knowing it’s ok to hesitate at first). Sharon and Debbie, thank you for empowering, loving and teaching my girls.

Suzie Matheson, Auckland

To Rob, Jane and the TKG team

We know that you will be missing the bright enthusiastic approach Marg always brought to the task. These flowers from us at Tessarose are to acknowledge our appreciation for all that Marg has done for us, and for her vision that allowed us extend the GymbaROO music programme. She has left a wonderful legacy and we feel very grateful that we have been able work with her and gain from her extensive knowledge. Thank you Marg. We hope these flowers will add a little brightness to your day, as you all adjust to a different time at Toddler Kindy GymbaROO. Our thought and prayers are with you all, from Tessa, Brian and Lyn from Tessarose Productions, New Zealand

Tessa Grigg, Brian and Lyn Rin, New Zealand

My son Andrew, just turned 25 and was among the kids who started off at East Kew. I went on to do some marketing for Gymbaroo around Australia as Margaret launched new franchises in Perth and Brisbane.

Margaret was an inspiration to everyone. As a young mother she taught me a lot. As a business woman she taught me even more.

As we see our children grow to adulthood, I often think of the happy days watching children experience spatial awareness, spinning, music and explore the Gymbaroo equipment.

My son is a music graduate, a race driver and now a high school music teacher.

Margaret was a remarkable woman before her time. She changed the lives of many children.

Pauline Moffat, Indianapolis USA

Reading all the tributes for Marg, brought back what a wonderful powerhouse this woman was.

It was always ever so slightly nervewracking when Marg was heading "down under" to check on her GymbaROO babes in New Zealand. You certainly made sure you really knew the Parent Information theme for that week!

I would be so proud to introduce her to all the classes, especially to a parent with a child of concern.

She would share her wealth of knowledge, and we would be all the richer.

Back in full time Primary teaching and my class still does crocodiles. I can hear Margs voice loud and strong anytime PMP or cross-lateral movements are mentioned.

Thankyou thankyou thankyou for your dedication and wisdom. Innumerable children have benefited from the wonderful legacy you leave.

Leigh Kennedy

Leigh Kennedy, North Canterbury New Zealand

Marg always wrote each of us a poem for our birthdays. rarely did we write one for hers. Here is our best "go" at a poem that encapsulates her life in a few verses! We were encouraged by those at her funeral to share this with you all. Thank you to all those who attended the service and joined with us to celebrate her life of family and dedication to the well being of many thousands of children. Marg will be missed, but she made sure there is a legion of people to carry on her work... and we intend to do this!

On the13^th feb in ‘29

Marg made her first proclaim.

A habit that she did perfect,

through infamy and fame.

Her early days were int’resting

with father gone to war.

No food, no fuel, no discipline,

it gave her wings to soar.

Life was not bad, she had a pet

Henny Penny was her name.

A chook renowned for laying eggs,

like Marg, was tough and game.

Her nursing years did leave their mark

as we found out last week.

I made her bed, and was clearly told,

“you need to straighten the sheet”

She certainly struck a pot of gold

when Harry she did meet.

Her rock, her joy, her sounding board,

she’d landed on her feet.

A city girl she found herself

mired 6 feet deep in muck.

A country life for 20 years

you may not consider this luck!

Milking cows and having 5 kids,

you’d thought would seal her doom.

But to keep us kids from running wild,

she used the wooden spoon.

To keep the farm from going broke

a teacher, off she went.

Wonthaggi tech did beckon her

she’d found her vital bent.

The battles of her teaching years,

did strengthen her resolve.

So many kids were failing,

the reason she must solve.

Her father died, we moved to town

she searched the world around.

For ways to help the children learn,

and ANSUA she found.

In 1982 you know,

she started GymbaROO.

Her catch cry was that famous line,

“why wait to fail at school?”

We have to thank her for her work

pooh-poohed by many at first.

A driving force, unstoppable

“to help the kids” her thirst.

Marg loved the call of GymbaROO,

loved family,…… and mint slices

A cappuccino and some cake,

this ode wont list more vices!

Retirement was slow to come,

but she planned a raft of cruises.

She’d thought it was a fabulous way

to heal poor Harry’s bruises

But all good things must end in time

tho' Marg was feeling frisky.

She fated chance by raging on,

line dancing at 80 is risky!

And in the words of GymbaROO

at the end when children sigh.

May God be with you 'til we meet again

goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

Marg's children, Melbourne

We first meet Marg in '95 and have enjoyed a wonderful association with her ever since. Although it was a bit late for our children to attend GymbaROO classes she took the time and interest in our children particularly our son to help us help him achieve better results at school. She has blessed our family in many ways, for which we will be eternally grateful. When we think of Marg we think of the fable of the King who built a new highway through his kingdom. Upon completion of the highway he had a contest, that all could enter, to see who could travel the highway best. People came in all kinds of costumes. Some ran while others dressed up and travelled in beautiful carriages. The one thing that everyone had in common was that they complained of a big pile of rocks in the middle of the highway that made there journey difficult. At the finish line all were gathered to see who would win the prize, when a man walked up to the king all dirty and fatigued and handed him a bag. To the king he said, "As I travelled the highway I came across a pile of rocks that was making the journey very difficult for everyone. I decided that I should move the rocks out of everyone's way. Underneath the pile was this bag of gold that should be returned to its rightful owner". "You are the owner of the gold", said the king. "It is your prize for travelling the highway best.” Everyone was puzzled so the king explained; "He that travels the highway best is he that makes it easier for those who follow". Marg certainly was such a traveller. Her life's journey has made the journey so much easier and enjoyable for those of us who follow.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Harry and family. Marg will be missed by many but by none more than her family we are sure. She lived a full life right to the end, a life worth remembering, and a life to be proud of. We have no doubt that she has been welcomed into the joy of our Lord (Matthew 25:21).

Morrison Family

Terry & Tuaine Morrison, Melbourne

I met Marg in 1987 at a job interview for a position at the Essendon Gymbaroo Centre. Her enthusiasm for Gymbaroo was contagious and being a Physical Education teacher I thought this job was going to be easy, after all its only pre-schoolers.

Boy did I get a shock.

Firstly, all the reading, videos and centre visits.

Now I think my children have every problem under the sun.

Yes says Marg but we can fix it.

Gemma with an immature gut, poor eye sight and grumpy disposition

Julia with allergies, eye sight and balance problems

We did the rolling, spinning and turning. Found out about the eyes and finally found out about the osteopaths and chiropractors, as well as paediatricians for food and asthma.

Both did Gymbaroo and Gemma was a participant in The Importance of being 2.3 and 4 years. Foxed everyone with her eye skills!

Marg was always getting the latest research from around the world. It was fantastic to be in the office if something came through as you could try it out immediately. One piece of news about cranial work and the improvement in eye sight was of particular help for my children.

My children are now 19yrs and 22yrs, both at Uni one doing Occupational Therapy and the other Osteopathy.

I had a tough passage through school but my children had a much easier time because of all the work Marg encouraged me to do in their younger years and even later.

Professionally, Marg was extremely generous with her time introducing me to new therapists and their work.

Whilst I haven’t met all Marg’s mentors I have done courses with Maureen Hawke, Peter Blythe, Sally Goddard, all the various people from Sound Therapy, Carla Hunnerford, Jack Capon and Jack Evans

Marg and I had our disagreements but she never held a grudge and I consider myself very fortunate to have known her all these years.

Over the last five years she has been training me be a Gymbaroo Consultant, encouraging me to do courses in Infant Reflexes and their influence on learning and Sound Therapy both of which have been invaluable in the consultancy work.

It is with a heavy heart that she is no longer at the end of a telephone to chat about children and life.

To Harry, thank you for being the unsung hero in this story. The equipment you helped to design and build, the support you gave Marg especially during the litigation.. The friendly face and cuppa when Marg needed to slow down.

To Jane and the boys you had a very special mother who shared her world with millions of people, but the people she cared most for were you, your children and most of all Harry.

With Love Anne

Anne Tattersall, Essendon , Victoria, Australia

With Margaret's passing, we have lost a great visionary in the world of childhood development. To spend an afternoon with Margaret and listen to her passion and insight was an uplifting experience; one that convinced us to take her teaching program to Thailand which we now use extensively in our school.

Margaret searched for answers to questions nobody else was asking and often developed ideas and exercices contrary to the then popular opinion of the "experts". The lifelong commitment to such a worthy cause leaves an enormous legacy that will continue on through her family and the many teachers who have recognised the wisdom in her philosophy. Our only regret is that we could not see her just one more time to say thank you and that she has made the world that much better for being here.

Panadda Hongsakul & Paul Kenny, Franchisee, Bangkok Thailand

Marg has been and will always be an awesome inspiration to us. She was a wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of children and the neurological makeup of the human body. We feel very privileged to have known her and studied under her. We will always remember her showing us the sights of Melbourne! We are praying for all of you!

Sandy Taylor, Colorado

My deepest sympathy to Harry and all the family. Marg's adventurous and unquenchable spirit caught our imaginations as children and her indefatigable generosity of heart which transcended sentimentality made her very special indeed. She was loved.

May God bless her and keep her.

John Thom, USA

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We only met your mother once, about a month ago – in fact, she was leaving for Adelaide just after the last time I spoke to her on the phone. She had emailed a letter to our kinesiologist, Brendan O’Hara, who she knew well and was going to work with to treat James. Poor thing was concerned that the email had bounced back and she couldn’t work out why. I promised to pass the letter on for her so she could get on with her trip to Adelaide without any further worries. We, too, are quite saddened by this sudden news. We participated in a Gymbaroo program when James was younger and knew nothing of Margaret. Having met her we saw instantly that she was a wonderfully, delightful woman with so much still to give to the world, even at her age. Such an inspiration!!! She was wonderful with our son, and us, for that short time we spent together. James loved her, despite having just met her, and we so looked forward to working with her and gaining the benefits of her mountain of knowledge and lovely, kind and fun personality. Unfortunately, God had other ideas. We had an inkling that something was not right when our phone call was not answered. The last email was more to confirm our fears. We haven’t told James yet … As for his treatment, we are not concerned and don’t feel sorry at all. We feel privileged to have worked with her even for only two hours. The things she told us to do are already working and Brendan can probably help us out with the Sound Therapy.

You know, sometimes special people come into your life, if only briefly, and make a certain impression. Margaret was one of those special people. We thank God every day for people like her who give so much of themselves to help families like ourselves with not much more than personal satisfaction as a reward. I can only imagine what kind of grief you, her daughter, are going through – because however dear she was to us as strangers she would have been a thousand times over to you. Even though we have never met you, know that we are thinking of you and your family at this terrible time. Be proud of her and who she was and be grateful that you had someone so special as your mother.

Marie, Mt Waverley Victoria

Dear Rob and Family, We share both your sorrow at her loss and the wonderful assurance of God's claim on her life and promise for the future. The impact of her life for good awaits eternity to be fully realised. It has always been a privelege to provide the support we have been allowed to give through the initiative of your mother. Be assured of our prayers as you say your farewells and adjust to life without her.

Dr. Jim Ridgway, Integra Resources, Melbourne

We are very grateful to have met Marg and we remember the wonderful days we have spent with her in Melbourne and in Budapest. We have learned so much from her, not only for business but even much more for life. We miss her and love her!

Zsofi and Fabian

Zsofia Müller, Budapest, Hungary

We owe yhou a great deal, margaret. God Speed

Bob Williams

OEP Foundation

Bob Williams, Santa Ana, California

Our thoughts in the West of Sydney NSW are with you and your families. You can rest assure that Marg's work will continue to help many children and their families. She has left a legacy that will not be forgotten. May she have peace in the fact that she has had an effect on so many. We need to continue this great work now and beyond. I am pretty sure that she will have plenty to say in the world above and will continue to influence those of us she has left behind.

May she rest in peace and for us to continue spreading her work and commitment to our children.

Kim Hall, GymbaROO - Sydney West

We are all very sorry to hear Marg's passing away. I know she has gone to a better place. It would be such an accomplishment to create something that her memory will go on forever. I would to thank her for giving us the knowledge to make a difference in our lives.

She will always have a special place in our hearts. I feel very privilaged to have met her.

We love you very very much.

Ogan Ibrisim, Turkey

I am so very sorry to hear of Marg's death. It is so hard to imagine that the incredible energy and creativity she had is not there now. The way you describe how she decided to leave this world is so in keeping too with how she lived her life. She was an amazing person and I am so very privilaged to have met her.

She influenced my life a great deal - mostly by being such an example of how to stick to your guns when you know what you are doing is right and good. I have tried to follow this (without the her level of energy or confidence) but she definitely made quite an impact on me and my life since I met her.

She achieved so much and I know the family is very proud of her achievements. You say that perhaps the education service in Victoria/Australia will not be so sorry to hear of her demise but her work has influenced what we have here in some of Scotland's schools and nurseries and long may that continue to grow. I have been using her brilliant videos only this month with nursey staff.

I shall always have vivid memories of my visit to Kew and of meeting Marg and can only wish all the family much love at this sad time,

With kindest regards

Liz Duguid, Scotland

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