OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Nadia Cusack
Founder H.O.P.E Studio
Practice Owner
- BSc Occupational Therapy (WITS) 2003
- Ayres Sensory Integration (SAISI) 2006
- Quickshift Therapeutic Listening Provider 2008
- NICU Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care 2013
- Movement Analysis and Educational Strategies Therapist (MAES) 2015
- Interactive Metronome Practitioner 2015
- General Movements Assessment Practitioner 2016
- SOS Feeding Therapist 2018
Nadia opened her own practice in the beginning of 2007. She has extensive experience in Sensory Integration, special needs and early intervention and is involved in the local Neonatal ICU. Nadia has a passion for the development of therapists, parent support and providing therapy of a high quality, where both the child’s and parent’s needs are meet in an emphatic and effective manner. She is a parent of 3 boys and therefore divides her time between H.O.P.E Studio and her children.
Cathryn Manuell
Senior Therapist
- BSc Occupational Therapy (WITS) 2009
- Sensory Integration Trained (SIE 2025)
- Interactive Metronome Practitioner 2022
Cathryn worked for 6 years at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) where she gained extensive paediatric experience in burns, oncology, neurological conditions, neonates,
Cathryn has a passion for working with and making a difference in the lives of young children and their families and has undertaken numerous courses on the treatment of the young child. She believes that teamwork and including the family within therapy is significantly beneficial to the development and improvement of the children whom she has the privilege to work with.
Her experience as a mother of two young daughters and baby boy has provided her with greater perspective and understanding which she brings into her therapy. Cathryn balances her time between H.O.P.E Studio and her family.
Brittany Scher
Therapist
- BSc Occupational Therapy (WITS) 2018
- Interactive Metronome practitioner 2022
- Currently completing Ayres Sensory Integration training
After working for 2 and a half years in mental health, Brittany has found her passion within the paediatric field. She is continuing to grow her knowledge and skills in this field and hopes to complete her Sensory Integration training in the near future. Brittany strives to advocate for the mental health and well-being of her clients and supporting parents through the therapy journey.
Caitlin Ullbricht
Therapist
- BSc Occupational Therapy (UCT) 2018
- Interactive Metronome Practitioner 2022
- Currently completing Ayres Sensory Integration training
During her community service year, Caitlin headed her therapy department which enabled her to experience and work with a wide variety of conditions and individuals. She has a special interest in physical rehabilitation and has found a passion in paediatrics. She has completed courses regarding neonates, infant behaviour, cerebral palsy as well as hand rehabilitation and will continue to develop her therapeutic skillset. Making connections with each of her clients, Caitlin strives to ensure her kids are well supported in their therapy journey.
Shannon Wurdeman
Therapist
- BSc Occupational Therapy (UCT) 2022
During her community service year in Thabazimbi, Shannon headed her therapy department, and this allowed her to see and treat a variety of individuals and diagnoses. She has always had a passion for working with children, and often worked with children with scholastic difficulties, CP and autism during community service. Now that she is working full-time in paediatrics she looks forward to furthering her education and qualifications to be able to better help the children she treats.
Celine Anderes
Therapist
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BSc Occupational Therapy (2022) WITS
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Currently completing Ayres Sensory Integration
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Completed Makaton Level 1 (2024)
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Ponseti Method for Clubfoot Training (2024)
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Montreal Cognitive Assessment Training (2022)
Celine has been working at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital since her community service in 2023, where her passion for paediatrics and family-centered care developed. She has experience working with children with a variety of conditions including developmental delays, ASD, ADHD, CP, genetic conditions and neonatal complications. Celine is passionate about helping children reach their full potential and loves supporting and empowering families. She is a life-long learner and has done additional courses in neonatal care, paediatric sleep health, cortical visual impairments and executive functioning in children and adolescents. In her spare time, Celine enjoys hiking, pilates, reading and spending time with her friends and family.
Melissa Smith
Therapist
- BSc (OT) WITS 2024
- Wheelchair Service Delivery: Professional Basic 2025
Melissa completed her community service year in 2025 at Kalafong Tertiary Hospital, where she developed a deep interest in working with children and supporting their developmental needs. She has experience working with children presenting with sensory processing difficulties, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy (CP), Down syndrome, ADHD, developmental delays, learning disorders, intellectual disability, epilepsy, Williams syndrome, microcephaly, and achondroplasia and a range of neurodevelopmental conditions. She is passionate about advocating for children and their families and is dedicated to working collaboratively to help each child reach their full potential.
Chene Stander
Therapist
- BOccTher (UP) 2025
- Currently completing Ayres Sensory Integration
Chené completed her community service year in Madibeng Subdistrict where she served as Head of the Occupational Therapy Department across 23 clinics, where she gained extensive experience working with children of various ages and a wide range of diagnoses. She has a longstanding passion for working with children and their families, focusing on empowerment, support, and helping each child reach their full potential.
Chené has a special interest in paediatric occupational therapy and enjoys working with children presenting with developmental delays, ASD, ADHD, CP, special needs, and school-related difficulties. She is committed to ongoing professional development and actively pursues further training to enhance her clinical skills. As a strong believer in collaborative care, Chené values working within a multidisciplinary team, recognising the important role this plays in providing holistic, child-centred intervention.
Candice Naidoo
Practice Owner
- BSc Physiotherapy (WITS) 2013
- Movement Analysis and Educational Strategies (MAES) Therapist 2018
- Msc Physiotherapy (WITS) 2019
- Ithemba: Foundations of Neonatal Therapy 2022
- Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Course (CPC-CSDS) 2025
Candice has enjoyed spending time and being around children from her teenage years. She spent the first 4 ½ years of her career working at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital where she honed in on her paediatric knowledge and treated children with a wide variety of conditions. She then went on to work at Netcare Garden City Hospital, where she gained even more vital experience and knowledge. She has attended many postgraduate courses on paediatric management. One of which includes; MAES (Movement Analysis and Education Strategies), a type of Neurodevelopmental therapy training. She also has a special interest in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy and childhood pyschology supporting her holistic approach to care. She is so passionate about working with children as she feels that they warm her heart and help her to appreciate all the small things in life. Candice has two beautiful boys of her own and understands the challenges of being a parent, she aims to improve her client’s quality of life by helping each individual reach their highest potential.
Anna Mlizane
Practice Owner
- BSc Physiotherapy (WITS) 2017
- Ultimate Taping Techniques 2018
- Task Oriented Movement Therapy for Infants 2019
- Test of Infant Motor Performance Scale 2019
- Foundations of Neonatal Therapy 2021
- Whole Body Vibration Therapy 2025
- Sleep Systems 2025
- MSC Physiotherapy (WITS) 2025
Anna is a paediatric physiotherapist with over eight years of experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Paediatric Physiotherapy from the University of the Witwatersrand.
She has worked at South Rand Hospital, Netcare Clinton Hospital, Netcare Garden City Hospital, and Netcare Waterfall Hospital, and also gained international experience as a community therapist in Auckland, New Zealand. Her experience includes neonatal and critical care, early intervention, and the management of children with special needs.
Anna is a strong advocate for a multidisciplinary, family-centered approach and is passionate about early intervention and its long-term benefits. Her goal is to support each child in reaching their optimal developmental potential in a fun and engaging way.
Caitlin Madeley
Therapist
- BSc Physiotherapy (WITS) 2014
Caitlin has had a passion for working with children since she was in high school. She strives to learn and grow as a therapist, and is always open to new ideas and treatment options.
Caitlin completed her Community Service year at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, where she gained experience with a variety of different paediatric conditions. She then spent seven years in a general practice where she was able to continue treating children in a variety
of settings. Caitlin loves working in a multidisciplinary team and values the importance of shared goals for the benefit of the children.
Lindo
Bsc Physiotherapy (UCT) 2020
Lindo completed her Community Service in 2020 at Far East Rand Hospital where she was exposed to different conditions and where she developed an interest in paediatrics. She has made it her aim to learn as much as she can in the field of paediatric physiotherapy. She hopes to develop further as a professional to offer the best evidence-based care to patients and their families. Her goal is for her work and ideals be a net positive for society.
Nqobile Nale
- BSc Physiotherapy (SMU) 2022
- Buggy seating and wheelchair training (2023-4)
- Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Course (CPC-CSDS) 2025
Nqobile is passionate and loves working with children. Her love for paediatrics started in her community service year where she was given the responsibility to run paediatric groups & give mother and child talks at the maternity ward. She completed her community service 2023 at Chiawelo clinic and worked at Wesrandse skool, where she worked with children with special needs and was exposed to different paediatric conditions. She is eager to expand her knowledge, committed to professional development in paediatric physiotherapy and believes in the best interests of the children she works with. Nqobole believes in helping children overcome their physical challenges through evidence based practice and exercise.
Lauren Ross
Practice Owner
- BSc Speech-Language Pathology (UP) 2018
- MA Speech-Language Pathology (UP) 2019
While in her community service, Lauren gained experience working with English second language children and children with special needs. As part of her masters, Lauren researched new ways to assess the articulation of English Second Language learners in the South African context’. In 2020 she moved to Johannesburg and started at H.O.P.E Studio. She is passionate about working with children with special needs, articulation disorders and language delays
Kailin Westwood
Therapist
With a special interest in early childhood, neurodiversity and early language development, Kailin is passionate about working with the paediatric population. She has worked at Hope Studio since 2023. Kailin has her Masters in Speech-language therapy and is recently trained in the PROMPT technique. Her goal with every child who walks through the door is to tailor her therapy to what best suits the child’s and the family’s needs, opting for a dynamic and holistic approach.
Megan Arenson
Therapist
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Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology (Wits)
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Currently completing Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (Wits)
Megan has a deep passion for helping little ones find their voices and express themselves with confidence. She believes that every child deserves to be heard and understood, and she focuses on building strong foundations in language, communication, and articulation in ways that are fun and meaningful. Megan is currently completing her Master’s degree, exploring twin language development within the South African context — a topic close to her heart.
While her main love lies in paediatrics, Megan also enjoys working with adults, supporting them to regain or strengthen their communication and swallowing skills. She values a family-centered approach, working closely with parents and caregivers to ensure therapy fits each child and family’s unique journey.
Nic Engelbrecht
Therapist
- BSc Speech-Language Pathology (UCT) 2024
- Breastfeeding Course 2025
Nic enjoys working with young children and supporting their development during the early years. She has special interests in neonatal feeding and working with children with special needs. She recognizes that both feeding and communication play an important role in a child’s ability to connect with others and participate in daily routines. Nic is passionate about helping children develop communication skills that are meaningful and functional for them and their families. She values a family-centered approach and strives to create a calm, supportive space where children can feel safe, confident and supported as they grow.
Avela George
Therapist
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Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology (Wits) 2024
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Completed Intro to DIR: Floortime based approach (2025)
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Completed “Enhancing Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Neonatal care: a team-based approach” workshop (2025)
Avela completed her community service in rural Eastern Cape, where she started the Speech department that catered to all in patients (such as the NICU, paediatric, medical and surgical wards), together with out patients (in both paeds and adults). During her time in community service, Avela created an ECI clinic, which catered for babies who experienced prematurity and other such as conditions Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) in the NICU as they were at risk of developmental delays. This clinic ensured to monitor the developmental milestones of the babies at 3,6, and 9 months. This is where her love for early based intervention developed. She now aspires to further her studies in DIR floortime as well as in feeding specific courses.
Jennifer King
Practice Owner
- BA (HSSS) Psychological Counselling (UNISA) 2011
- BA Hons (HSSS) Psychological Counselling (UNISA) 2013
- Trained in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy 2013
- MA Educational Psychology (WITS) 2017
Jennifer has an interest in learning and development and offers play therapy for children as well as talk therapy for adolescents. She has a special interest in helping children and adolescents’ process anxiety and trauma. In addition, she offers psycho-educational assessments for children of all ages. Jennifer has a special interest in parenting and offers parent guidance and support for parents and families. Jennifer is also trained to work with adults and has an interest in supporting adults with unprocessed childhood difficulties. She offers forensic assessments for child custody matters.
Narescha Pandaram
Therapist
Amorie Liebenberg
Practice Owner
- BSc Dietetics – 2022 NWU
- Lactation Consultancy Certification – 2023 (SACLC accredited)
Amorie is a registered Dietitian and passionate Lactation Consultant. She obtained her BSc Degree from NWU in Potchefstroom in 2022 and undertook her community service at Nic Bodenstein Hospital in Wolmaransstad. She also has a passion for helping new mothers with lactation and feeding and obtained her Lactation Consultancy Certification in 2023. Amorie assists both adults and children with dietary requirements. She offers the following services:
- Food allergies & intolerances
- Feeding difficulties (Fussy eating)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Overweight/Obesity
- Underweight
- Gastrointestinal difficulties (Constipation, Diarrhoea, Reflux)
- Nutrition during pregnancy
- Breastfeeding problems
- Introduction to solids
Dr Shire Singh
Practice Owner
Dr Marain le Roux
Practice Owner
- BHSc.COMP.MED
- MHSc.COMP.MED
Dr. Marain le Roux, a committed homeopath, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a Master’s degree in Complementary Medicine. Her extensive training covered detailed studies in anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, and pathology. During her internship, she gained valuable experience by working in a community clinic for two years. Additionally, she dedicated her time to volunteering at a rural community clinic, where her passion for homeopathy flourished. Dr. le Roux particularly enjoys working with children and advocates for a holistic approach to healthcare. In her practice, she prioritises patient education and encourages sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term health and well-being.
Dr Simune Matthee
Homeopath
- BHSc. In Complementary Medicine (UJ)
- MHSc. In Homeopathy (UJ)
- Compounding and Dispencing Licence
Dr. Simune Matthee is a qualified homeopathic practitioner dedicated to supporting patients’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being through natural and individualized care. Her extensive training included detailed studies in anatomy, physiology, diagnostics and pathology. During her internship, she gained valuable clinical experience working for two years in a community clinic and also volunteered at a rural community clinic. She opened her private practice in 2025 and has a special interest in working with children. Dr. Matthee follows a holistic approach to healthcare, integrating therapies such as homeopathy, dry needling, bio-puncture, and cupping to support the body’s natural healing processes.