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
- Interactive Metronome Practitioner 2022
- Currently completing Ayres Sensory Integration training
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 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.
Meghan Hamman
Practice Owner
- BSc Occupational Therapy (WITS) 2014
- Movement Analysis and Educational Strategies Therapist (MAES) 2017
- Interactive Metronome Practitioner 2022
- SOS Feeding Specialist 2023
Meghan worked for a one and half years at Heidelberg Hospital before joining the H.O.P.E Studio team in July 2016. She is passionate about working with children with Cerebral Palsy and similar neurological conditions. She annually attends the Low Vision Conference and feels it is important to provide therapy to children who have poor vision. She also has a special interest in treating children with sensory integrative difficulties, learning difficulties and developmental delays. Meghan has had further training in AAC, seating of Cerebral Palsy children and the screening of preschool children.
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.
Samkelisiwe Mthethwa
Therapist
- B. Occupational therapy HONS (UKZN) 2020
- Certified Kinesio taping practitioner (2022)
- DIR: FLOORTIME Basic certification (ICDL) (2023)
- Makaton (in progress)
- Currently completing Aryes sensory integration training
- Master’s (Med) Child life and paediatric psychosocial care (WITS) (2024-25)
Sam has a passion for working with the paediatric population, she believes in the phrase “every interaction/moment with a client is an OPPORTUNITY for intervention”.
She completed her community service in 2021 in a rural hospital in KZN, where she introduced and coordinated projects that allowed children with cerebral palsy to have proper seating using ATP and also assessments (identifying learning barriers) to prepare learners for school and placement in special schools where necessary while working with primary caregivers as volunteers.
She is currently working at a school for learners with special educational needs and has undertaken numerous courses on treating children and teenagers which shows her passion for children as she is always eager to learn a new thing and wants to ensure effective therapy.
When she is not with “little humans” she loves spending her time meditating, with family, praying and engaging in community-based activities such as Fun walks and volunteering whenever possible.
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.
Tegan White
Therapist
Kayleigh Wasserman
Therapist
BSc Occupational Therapy (WITS) 2022
Interactive Metronome Practitioner 2024
Currently completing Ayres Sensory Integration training
Kayleigh worked in the Ekurhuleni District during her community service year where she developed her passion for working with children and their families. Kayleigh has completed courses regarding child development, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and neonates. She values furthering her professional development and is currently completing her Sensory Integration training. She believes that teamwork is important and focuses on helping each child that she has the privilege of working with reach their full potential
Robyn Tacon
Practice Owner
- BSc Physiotherapy (UCT) 2007
- Neurodevelopmental Therapist (NDT) SANTA 2009
- TheraTogs Practitioner 2011
- Advanced NDT in Babies 2013
- Advanced NDT in Children with Dyskinesia 2012
- NICU Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care 2013
- Advanced General Movements Assessment Practitioner 2017
- Movement Analysis and Educational Strategies (MAES) Therapist 2017
- Brazelton (NBAS) Practitioner 2019
- EMBA Candidate 2023
Robyn learnt early on the importance of communicating appropriately with and upskilling her patients and their families in order to get the best carry over from therapy. She has extensive experience working with children with special needs, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Robyn has an additional interest and experience in Medicolegal Practice and hopes to make a lasting difference in this sector. She has a passion for working with babies, in the NICU and with children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Both Nadia and Robyn have a strong sense of duty to the community, providing therapy and support within their practices for orphaned children and families that cannot afford intervention.
Caitlin
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.
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
Jodi Zimmerman
Therapist
- BSc Speech-Language Pathology (UCT) 2016
- MSc Augmentative & Alternative Communication (UP) 2022
- Makaton 2021
- Prompt 2022
Prior to joining the Hope Studio team, Jodi previously worked at a government school for children with autism for four years, gaining valuable experience and knowledge. She was selected to be on the Dean’s List during her master’s in AAC. Her dissertation focused on facilitating participation for youth with disabilities and vulnerabilities through youth empowerment programmes. She has a passion for facilitating participation and communication for children with complex communication needs using augmentative and alternative communication. Jodi’s experience in working with children with autism and other disabilities has helped develop her knowledge and skills as well as provide her with the empathy required to work with a variety of children.
Danielle Scrutton
Therapist
- B.Communication Pathology in Speech-Language Therapy (UP) 2016
- TalkTools Practiitoner 2019
- Prompt 2021
- Makaton 2021
Danielle has a passion for working with young children and children who are neurodiverse. She believes that the ability to communicate is what defines us as individuals. To support a child in being able to express themselves enables them to become their own unique person – there is no greater gift to give. Danielle is also working to develop her skills with regards to feeding intervention as eating is not only important for nutrition but for community socialisation as well. Danielle attended the Family-Centred Early Intervention for Children who are Deaf or Hard in Hearing conference in 2017 and has a special interest in children with hearing difficulties.
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.
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.
Dominique Ribeiro
Therapist
- BA English & Psychology (WITS) 2014
- BA Hons Psychology (WITS) 2015
- MA Educational Psychology (WITS) 2019
Dominique has a special interest working with children on the Autism Spectrum and is passionate about helping children with barriers to learning not only reach their potential, but thrive academically. In addition to psychoeducational assessments and assessments for academic concessions, Dominique also offers subject-choice and career assessments, psychotherapy and play therapy and study-skills and other school-based workshops.
Zaakirah Loonat
Therapist
- B.Ed Education [Foundation Phase and ECD] (WITS) 2010
- B.Ed Honours in Education (WITS) 2011
- Psychology major (WITS) 2011
- B. Ed Honours in Educational Psychology (WITS) 2014
- Sign Language (WITS) 2017
- M.Ed Educational Psychology (UJ) 2021
Zaakirah welcomes each individual’s journey towards attaining self-growth. She is passionate of the mental, behavioural and socio-emotional state of others affecting their holistic well-being. She has a keen interest of the personal, social and emotional narratives of individuals and how this shapes their lens. Zaakirah incorporates a systemic framework with an integrative interactional approach and utilizes various modalities ensuring each session is tailored to meet the needs of the client. She offers a therapeutic and safe space to a diverse range of individuals focusing on inclusivity of their background, culture, religion, values, possible neurological and physical barriers as well as working with the deaf. Zaakirah provides a range of therapeutic and assessment services across the lifespan from early childhood to adults. She offers parent-child therapy, parent-guidance, crisis management, family therapy, and individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults. In addition, she provides learner support, career guidance and academic counselling. She further offers psychoeducational and psychosocial workshops to support and guide school management, teachers, parents, students and undergraduates. Zaakirah was formerly trained within the educational field and practiced as a teacher, learner support specialist, mentor and academic counsellor at schools, tertiary institutions and organizations. She has experience in special needs, remedial and mainstream schools.
Zaakirah interned at a NGO children’s home and served the greater community affected by complex trauma and mental health challenges. She has a fond interest in the academic field and continues to engage with current trends in wellness, psychology and education to enrich her skills further. She enjoys learning about brain development and she’s presently training in a comprehensive course for dialectical behavioural therapy.
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 Bathabile Pearl Nkosi
Practice Owner
- Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry (2005) Wits
- Bsc Honours in Biochemistry (2006) Wits
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (2012) Wits
- Diploma in Child Health (2015) Colleges of Medicine SA
- Fellowship of Peadiatricians (2021) Colleges of Medicine SA
- Advanced Paediatric Life Support (2015, 2022)
I have worked with children since 2014. I completed 2 years of internship at Sebokeng
provincial hospital (Vereeniging) then went on to do my community service for 1 year in
Klerksdorp (NW) in their Paediatric department. That’s where my love for paeds solidified
and my future in medicine became clear. I did 2 more years in paeds at Thelle Mogoerane
hospital (Vosloorus, Gauteng) and Tembisa provincial hospital. In 2017 I enrolled for the
registrarship programme specialising in paeds at the University of Pretoria. I worked at
Steve Biko academic, Kalafong and Tembisa hospitals where I was training under the best
paediatric Professors and specialists in the land. I even had the honour of working at the
magnificent Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in 2021 and gained further knowledge and
experience. I joined H.O.P.E studio in September 2022 because of their multidisciplinary and
holistic approach when treating patients. The practice looks like home, feels like home and
it is a home for everyone that comes through to our doors.
Outside of working and caring for children and their families, I do love to travel with my
daughter, spending time with family, our dogs and close friends.
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.