Introduction
Hello! Welcome to PLAY SPEAKS by Tanu, where healing begins through the language of play.
Founded by Tanuja Nair, a passionate and certified Child Life Therapist with years of hands-on experience, this space was born from her deep belief in the power of play and connection to comfort and empower children and families through life’s toughest moments, thereby improving overall mental wellbeing. Click on the menu tabs to learn more…
About Tanu…
Tanuja (Tanu) brings over 20 years of experience supporting children and families across early childhood education, special needs, and paediatric healthcare. Her work is rooted in therapeutic play, emotional empowerment and culturally responsive care.
From classrooms to hospitals, Tanu has championed child well-being through every stage of development and challenge. Now, through PLAY SPEAKS by Tanu, she offers specialised support, mentorship, and partnerships that make a meaningful difference.
education
Master of Counselling, Australia
Specialist Diploma in Teaching and Supporting Children with Special Needs, Singapore
Graduate Certificate in Education (Special Education), Australia
Bachelor of Social Science (Children and Family Studies), Australia
Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Leadership and Teaching), Singapore
credentials
Certified Child Life Specialist [CCLS], USA
Certified Professional Life Coach, USA
ACLP Certified, Singapore
Psychological First Aid [PFA] for Children Trainer, Singapore
Certified Children’s Relaxation Teacher [CCRT], USA
Trauma- Informed Yoga Educator for Children & Youth, USA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
International Symposium of Paediatric Pain (ISPP), Glasgow (UK), 2025
“Child Life Specialists: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Care- The Role, Impact and Resilience Behind the Work”
Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, 2025
“The Role of Play in Hospital & Children's Development”
Advent Links-SAUC Education Centre, Singapore, 2024
“Parent-Child Workshop: Coping with Children with Special Needs”
Singapore Museum, Singapore, 2023
“Play is Serious Work- Understanding the Importance of Play”
Asian Society of Paediatric Anaesthesiologists (ASPA), Seoul, 2023
“A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Post-Operative Pain Management in Children with Multiple Traumatic Injuries”
PUBLICATIONS
Nair, T. and Abdullah, S.
“Preparing a Child for A Heart Operation-
A social story and prepatory activity book to prepare children for an upcoming heart operation”
National Library, Singapore, 2023
Nair, T., Choo, C., Abdullah, N.S., Lee, S., Teo, L., Chen, Y., Nah, S.A. & Chiang, L.W.
“Home Initiated Programme to Prepare for Operation (HIPPO): Evaluating the Effect of an Animation Video on Peri-Operative Anxiety in Children”.
European Journal of Anaesthesiology, 2020
Nair, T., Wong, K. C., Ang, L., Koh, S. & Lee, P.,
“Addressing and Extending Psychosocial Care and Support to Patients and HCWs During COVID-19”
Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare, 2020
Goh, T.Z., Lim, T., Foo, M., Ong, S.Z.A., Nair, T., Kang, Y.Q., Agarwal, P.K. & Sung, M.
“Supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Medical Settings During COVID-19”.
Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020
Nair, T. & Lee, P.
“Matched Sibling Donor Support Program Expressive Activity Journal”.
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, 2015
HONOURS
2025 Singapore Health Quality Service Award (SHQSA)Best Team Award (Patient Experience Improvement Category)
2022 National Commendation Medal (COVID-19)
2022 Hospital Management Asia- Gold Award (Community Involvement)
2022 SHQSA Superstar Award (Allied Health)
2018 SingHealth GCEO Excellence Awards: Outstanding Allied Health Professional Award
mission
PLAY SPEAKS by Tanu champions the power of play to create safe and therapeutic spaces where hearts heal, voices rise, and stories unfold.
vision
PLAY SPEAKS by Tanu envisions a world where every child is empowered to thrive, families are supported with strength and compassion, and professionals are inspired to create connected, healing-centred communities.
play speaks by tanu aims to:
Support children, siblings and families through challenging medical journeys with empathy and creativity
Coach parents and caregivers to feel informed, capable, and connected to their child’s needs
Provide therapeutic play-based services to empower children with special needs to thrive
Extend supervision and mentorship to child life students and helping professionals to grow with confidence
Facilitate and build capacity across education and healthcare systems through workshops and training sessions
Services
PLAY SPEAKS by Tanu is a mobile service delivered in the comfort of the client’s home and/or office space.
Virtual consults are also available!
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Engaging play-based sessions tailored to support children’s emotional, developmental, and coping needs. Play is used as a tool for healing, expression, and resilience building.
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Empowering parents and caregivers with practical tools, emotional guidance, and confidence to support them through their child’s medical and developmental journey.
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Reflective, strength-based supervision and mentorship for child life and allied health professionals.
Lending insight to help sharpen one’s practice, build confidence, and stay grounded in his/her purpose. -
Personalised coaching that nurtures self-awareness, communication, and emotional agility.
For children navigating big feelings and professionals aiming for growth and clarity. -
Partnering with healthcare teams to design and expand impactful child life services.
Providing guidance in creating sustainable, child-centred environments and practices. -
Purposeful and playful holiday sessions designed to engage children and siblings.
TRAINING and FACILITATION
CONSULT DETAILS
1ST SCREENING & CONSULT
SGD $280 SGD $220
1.5 HR
Exclusive promotion price!
ON SITE SESSION
SGD $250 SGD $200
1 HR
Exclusive promotion price!
3 SESSION PACKAGE
FROM SGD $550 FROM SGD $500
3 HR
Exclusive promotion price!
LAUNCH OFFERS! *
virtual consults
Free 30 min virtual consults up for grabs!
Limited slots available so book yours today.
SPECIAL SAVINGS
Enjoy up to 10% savings on selected sessions.
Secure your spot and invest in care!
BONUS OFFERING
Sign up for a package.
A special extra dose of care awaits after you join.
*Promotion is valid till 31st Oct 2025
Ready to forge something extraordinary ?
Let’s explore new horizons together!
Please reach out and connect with:
Play Speaks by Tanu!
Contact
Hours
Monday–Friday (excluding PHs)
9am-4pm (SGT / GMT+8)
WhatsApp
PLAY SPEAKS by Tanu
(+65- 8134 7397)
Important Notice:
Play Speaks by Tanu is away on conference leave from 17 June till 29 June.
We'll resume responding to all messages from 30 June 2025.
Thank you for your kind understanding as we continue to grow and learn to serve you better!