Our Therapists

MA Neuropsychology University of Cape Town

Lesia has a deep interest in working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders), as well as children and adults with hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, and genetic disorders. She enjoys working on medicolegal cases too.

MB BCh (University of the Witwatersrand)
MMed(Paed) (University of Pretoria)

Dr Elizabeth Goosen is a paediatrician who has relocated from Pretoria. She worked in private practice as part of a multi-disciplinary team assisting children and their families, their teachers and therapists in the holistic management of ADHD for the last twelve years. She also guides parents through the process of diagnosis and management options (prescription or otherwise) in the journey of achieving the child’s full potential scholastically, as well as socially. She considers both these facets of equal importance in a child’s development and self-esteem. She is a mother of two teenage daughters and hopes to make a contribution in the Garden Route.

B.A. (Speech & Hearing Therapy) Wits

Lindsay qualified as a Speech-Language Therapist in 1992. She has worked in a private practice setting and as part of multi disciplinary teams in many schools. She is passionate about helping children who experience language, reading and spelling difficulties. Lindsay has presented talks to therapists and teachers on teaching phonics and has developed books and games to assist children with literacy difficulties. Lindsay is married with two sons.

B.OT(Stell), Adv.DipOT (Wits) MSc.OT(Wits)

She is an occupational therapist with 25+ years of experience in private practice where she has developed proficiency in treating Sensory Processing Disorders (including praxis) in children, adolescents and adults. She is a consultant, hands on therapist and teacher (lecturing and mentoring postgraduate students in sensory integration therapy).

Daniela de Kock is a registered occupational therapist with a special interest in neuro-science. As part of her services at therapy connect she offers Biolink Attention training; a neurocognitive program that improves executive functions. "Executive function" refers to a group of skills which are responsible for the managment of thoughts, the contol of actions and the regulation of emotions to name a few.

Biolink Attention Training assists with

• - Focus
• - Attentional control
• - Self-regulation
• - Inhibition and
• - Working memory

These are crucial skills for learning, social interaction and independence.

BSc OT (UCT) MSc OT (WITS)
Member of the South African Institute of Sensory Integration (SAISI)
Member of the South African Association of Neurodevelopmental Therapy (SANDTA)
DIR:FCD Floortime – Trainers Certification (Profectum Academy, New Jersey, USA)

Kate Bailey is an occupational therapist with more than 25 years experience in the field of paediatrics. Her areas of interest and expertise include working with children who have sensory processing difficulties, neuromotor challenges, developmental delay in babies and toddlers, learning challenges and children with autistic spectrum disorder. She is proficient in the techniques of sensory integration, neurodevelopmental therapy and DIR/Floortime. Kate has a passion for working with children, in partnership with their parents and caregivers.

Higher Education Diploma (Junior Primary);
Advanced Certificate in Education – Learning difficulties;
Honours Degree in Education (Schoolguidance and Counselling);
Masters Degree in Educational Psychology.
HPCSA No PS 0126241.

Helga Uys is a registered Educational Psychologist, qualified teacher and an Educational Kinesiologist (Brain Gym).

She is passionate about children, understanding their uniqueness and the importance of enabling them to reach their full potential. In this regard she views parents and teachers as a team and assists them in their task of developing and educating children with challenging circumstances.

Registered counsellor registered with the HPCSA with a speciality Masters degree in Play Therapy (MA Psych)

Lianca Fourie is a registered counsellor registered with the HPCSA with a speciality Masters degree in Play Therapy (MA Psych). Sessions aims at giving emotional support to children between the ages of 3 & 18 years through the use of play therapy techniques.

The aim of the sessions is to create a safe space for a child where emotions can safely be expressed. Children do not have the cognitive ability to verbally communicate their feelings and therefore, different play activities help the child to express their feelings on their own level of understanding. During the sessions the therapist will aim at understanding the world of the child as seen through the child’s perspective.

The strengthening of the child’s self is very important throughout the counseling process. The counselor can not change the circumstances of the child, but will aim to strengthen the child in order to be stronger in handling that same circumstances.

The reason for therapy can differ from:

• Focusing on a specific problem.
• Supporting your child through a difficult time.
• Developing your child’s emotional intelligence.
• Strengthening your child’s self.
• Becoming more aware of your child’s emotional state.
• Building relationships (in group sessions).

Registered Dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

RD(SA), IBCLC

Lize is a Dietitian and Lactation Consultant with a passion for women’s health, pregnancy, breastfeeding & lactation, introduction of solids and paediatric nutrition, which includes growth monitoring and picky eating. She also has experience with managing various other diseases through medical nutrition therapy. Another focus area is the first 1000 days of life (day of conception to the second birthday) as it influences the long-term health of an individual. She believes in individual treatment plans as behaviour change can be influenced by numerous factors. She also runs a breast pump demo center through All Things Breastfeeding. Different breast pumps can be tested and measurements can be taken to ensure proper flange sizes. She can assist with claiming through your medical aid and offer pumping support. Lize is a wife and has a little boy.

B.OT (UFS)

Carla is a paediatric Occupational Therapist and is currently receiving her qualification in Ayers Sensory Integration. Her area of treatment includes children with Sensory Processing Disorders, Learning Difficulties, problems with concentration, and specific diagnoses such as children on the Autism spectrum, Down’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Epilepsy.

B.OT (Stell)

Mariana joined the team in 2020 after relocating to George. Her specific areas of interest are Sensory Integration, Early Intervention, Neuro-developmental therapy and postural conditions, Social and Emotional engagement.