SMYRNA, TN, April 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Martha Booysen has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Driven by over 20 years of experience in social work and a deep belief that the arts are a universal language, Ms. Booysen is the owner of Children's Art Classes in Nolensville, Tennessee (since 2017) and Murfreesboro, Tennessee (since 2023). In this role, she leads instruction, mentors her team, and oversees all aspects of the studios, including operations, communication, and marketing all focused on program excellence.

Her vision aligns with the Children's Art Classes mission—to provide a comprehensive art education through a structured curriculum that enriches lives, builds confidence, and supports academic growth. Each program is thoughtfully designed to help students develop artistic skills step by step while enhancing problem-solving and fostering a genuine love of art.

When a child joins, they step into a safe, nurturing studio—a creative sanctuary where their ideas are valued and their potential is supported. Through a simple, easy-to-follow approach, children experience consistent progress, building confidence with every small success along the way.

Beyond weekly classes, it is a place where a child can find a true art community—one that encourages long-term growth, celebrates achievements, and opens doors to future opportunities such as scholarships, advanced study, and even professional pathways in the arts.

This commitment to both excellence and care has helped establish the studios as welcoming, community-centered spaces where children feel supported, inspired, and excited to create.

Prior to establishing Children's Art Classes, Ms. Booysen dedicated over 20 years to the field of social work, where her work was rooted in compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to serving others.

After graduating, she worked extensively with children and families in child protection, advocating for their safety and well-being during some of life's most challenging moments. As a community social worker, she partnered with the private sector to develop skill-based programs that uplifted underserved communities, empowering individuals with practical tools to create more stable and hopeful futures. Her work also included providing comprehensive support to families in need, offering guidance across a wide range of social and emotional challenges.

Following her move to the United States, she continued her service as a medical social worker in hospice care. In this role, she supported individuals and families with sensitivity and grace during deeply emotional times, helping them navigate complex decisions while ensuring they felt seen, heard, and cared for.

At the heart of her work has always been the belief that true impact comes from understanding people—listening with empathy, responding with compassion, and taking thoughtful action. Social work requires the ability to meet individuals where they are, to recognize both spoken and unspoken needs, and to create a sense of safety, trust, and dignity.

These qualities continue to shape the environment she has created at Children's Art Classes. Every student is welcomed into a nurturing space where they feel supported, understood, and encouraged. This foundation of empathy allows students to build confidence, take creative risks, and grow not only as artists, but as individuals.

Alongside her primary roles, Ms. Booysen is an active member of the Mid-Cumberland Council of Medical Social Workers, further demonstrating her engagement with the professional community.

Before relocating to the United States in 2003, Ms. Booysen pursued her higher education in South Africa, earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Pretoria. She further advanced her studies by completing an Honors degree in Social Work, with a focus on advanced research, policy analysis, specialized intervention methods, and supervision skills.

She is also a licensed social worker, reflecting her strong professional foundation and ongoing commitment to ethical practice and high standards of care.

Ms. Booysen's journey into social work was driven by a deep sense of calling—one that has guided her with purpose and compassion throughout her career.

Her transition from South Africa to the United States marked a significant and often challenging milestone. Like many immigrants, she navigated the complexities of building a new life—adapting to a different culture, re-establishing her professional path, and creating stability for her family while being far from familiar support systems. This journey required resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty with courage.

Through these experiences, she developed an even deeper understanding of the emotional and practical challenges families face during times of transition. This perspective strengthened her empathy and reinforced her commitment to supporting others with care, respect, and understanding.

When faced with life-changing circumstances following her divorce, Ms. Booysen leaned into her resilience and resourcefulness to create a new path forward. She reached out to a trusted friend for permission to use her established art curriculum, taking the first step toward building what would become her studio in Tennessee.

She began teaching from her home, later transitioning to an hourly rented space in town, transporting all supplies back and forth each day while continuing her work in hospice care. Through determination, long hours, and a clear vision, she steadily grew the program.

In 2022, she opened a dedicated storefront in Nolensville. In 2023, she formalized the franchise agreement for Children's Art Classes in Nolensville, becoming the third official franchise location in the United States—bringing the vision of a structured, confidence-building art education program to even more families.

Alongside her professional achievements, Ms. Booysen is deeply committed to civic engagement and volunteerism. She has actively served her church community and contributed her time to various school activities while her children were in school. Through these efforts, she has remained dedicated to supporting local families and strengthening educational initiatives.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Booysen attributes much of her success to her faith, which has sustained her through times of adversity and guided her decisions with clarity and purpose. The support of her close-knit nuclear family—her primary source of strength as an immigrant without extended family in the United States—has also played a vital role in her accomplishments.

She credits her resilience and strong sense of determination, developed through consistently stepping outside of her comfort zone, as key factors in pursuing new opportunities and overcoming challenges.

Her background in social work has been foundational in building and leading a successful small business. The ability to listen deeply, understand individual needs, and respond with empathy has shaped the way she connects with families, supports students, and leads her team. Skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, clear communication, and ethical decision-making—core to social work—translate directly into creating a nurturing, well-organized, and community-centered business.

This unique combination of compassion and practical leadership allows her to create an environment where both students and families feel supported, valued, and confident—while ensuring the studio operates with structure, purpose, and care.

On a personal level, Ms. Booysen is the proud parent of three adult children, whom she regards with deep pride. She describes her family as close-knit, drawing strength from their unity as they built a life together in a new country.

Her personal interests reflect her creative spirit and appreciation for meaningful, hands-on work. She enjoys creating her own artwork, a passion that naturally complements her work in the studio. She also finds joy in gardening, sewing, and reading—activities that bring balance, inspiration, and a sense of fulfillment to her daily life.

Looking to the future, Ms. Booysen is committed to expanding the reach of Children's Art Classes, with the vision of establishing the studios as premier destinations for children's art education within these communities. A key part of this mission includes hosting an annual art show that celebrates student achievement while fostering growth, confidence, and continued learning through high-quality instruction.

On a personal level, she aspires to continue building a strong and sustainable business that will allow her more time to develop her own artistic practice. Her long-term goals include pursuing opportunities to share and publish her artwork, while dedicating greater focus to her personal creative journey.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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