Silver Wolf Enterprises was established in 1995 by Yvonne van Dijk and has seen continuous growth. Val expanded the business into Canada in 2008, and Marianne joined in 2006. Distance and time zones are no longer barriers.
Though small by company standards, we’ve shown that size isn’t everything; it’s about attitude, experience, application, and motivation. We've proven that age doesn't limit ability, motivation, or attitude. We embrace new technologies and have spent years designing and maintaining websites. With determination and courage, we decided it was time for change.
Marianne and I enrolled in the BYU Pathway program, qualifying us to study at BYU-Idaho. Online studies have been challenging, but we persevered. We both earned TEFL certificates and are pursuing TESOL certification.
I am now a licensed English reading tutor, qualified to assess students for dyslexia upon parental request. Using proven methods, we help struggling readers become confident, fluent readers.
TEAM MEMBERS - SOUTH AFRICA and CANADA
Yvonne, affectionately known as "The Boss," strongly believes in the importance of teamwork and collective effort.
Her down-to-earth personality enables her to connect with people of all ages and work well with others. Yvonne is a dedicated worker who often prefers to tackle tasks alone but is frequently reminded of the importance of delegating to the team. She understands the power of collaboration and knows she is not an island.
Yvonne has always had a passion for teaching. Serving as a missionary at BYU Pathways has highlighted her talents and strengths. She loves her work, and her students love her.
Marianne always says, "If it is on the internet, I will find it." and she does. She does not stop!
When Marianne sets her mind to something, she is relentless in achieving her goal. While she sometimes doubts her abilities, now that she recognizes her strengths, there's no stopping her. She is my operational backbone. Once she is clear on what needs to be done, she gets to work without hesitation.
Marianne loves serving others and is thrilled to see them progress and achieve their goals. Her own goal is to travel, and with her skills, she can tutor students from anywhere in the world.
Val joined the team in 2008, just to proofread. With a thirst for learning and gaining knowledge, surprises were in store.
Yvonne believes you’re never too old to learn, regardless of societal expectations. She proved this to Val when, under her guidance, Val launched her first website. Val is likely still in shock over that accomplishment, but she soon followed it with several more.
Val brings solid managerial and administrative experience, demonstrating exceptional versatility and adaptability. Her dedication, hard work, and outstanding communication and team-building skills make her a valuable team member. Though health challenges have slowed her down, she remains an integral part of the team.
The wolf is our company symbol with the motto: "Instinct linked with Intelligence." Yvonne believes that we instinctively know what we like, what we want, and what is best for us at that moment. When we look at it with wisdom, we will act appropriately. We can not control the future, only control the moment now, and she strives to make each moment the best moment she can.
Other members of the team are consultants who live locally and abroad, and whose services are utilized when required.
Last, but not least, are our fur children, who keep us company when we put in long hours.
The wolf embodies faithfulness, inner strength, intuition, and a commitment to learning. Sometimes, growth requires crossing boundaries and taking risks, even when it seems uncomfortable or painful. Despite its reputation in folklore, the wolf is a highly social, intelligent, and friendly animal.
For over two millennia, the wolf has been portrayed negatively in stories, especially those aimed at children. However, its true nature and positive associations have persisted. Baden-Powell recognized this when he founded the Boy Scout movement, naming the youngest members "wolf-cubs" and their leader "Akela," inspired by the wolf-pack leader in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. This connection holds special meaning for Yvonne, whose father was a high-ranking Scout Master and who was actively involved in the Scout, Brownies, and Girl Guide programs.
Just as Merlin found companionship in a wolf, we too can learn from it. The wolf teaches us to trust ourselves and to embrace the parts of us that are still unfamiliar.
The closest Yvonne has ever come to the wolf is with Alaskan Malamutes. Sadly, when her last Malamute passed on she could not take the heartbreak anymore and decided to step into the opposite side of the dog world.
We are sadly down to one fur child now, Miya, the Pekingese. Her sister Coco and Gizmo (a Jack Russell) have crossed over the rainbow bridge, as have Yaesu and Cody (two Schnauzers).
The company will always have at its heart, the spirit of the Wolf Pack.
