I see myself as a devoted mother and loving wife who treasure memories of family times around the camp fire with a glass of good red wine. I live in Roodepoort but my favourite place is the Bush veld. One of my favourite quotes about life is “Don't walk behind me I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” I am in private practice and love working with children. It makes me excited that I can be part of creating memorable experiences for little ones while improving their quality of life. I want to help children and their families to engage and enjoy meaningful every day activities. I am part of the SAISI family since 2004 and it fills my bucket.

Gina Rencken has served on the SAISI board since 2013, most recently in the portfolios of vice chair and international liaison. She lectures in the theory and test interpretation courses for SAISI. Gina is an exco member in the international council for education in Ayres Sensory Integration (ICE-ASI) in the research portfolio. She works at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she teaches and supervises the paediatric aspect of the OT degree, as well as supervising masters research projects in paediatrics. Gina joyfully represents SAISI in many other multi professional spaces and has recently published two chapters in the Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry and Mental Heath textbook, where ADHD and maternal mental health are addressed with SI input. In addition to SAISI, she serves on the South African Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Heath (SAACAPAP) committee and the Newborn Brain society (NBS). She is passionate about research, education and clinical application of Ayres Sensory Integration, and has this as an essential tool in her OT toolbox.

Ray Anne Cook has been an occupational therapist in special schools and private practice for over 40 years. She was the director of Sensorykidzone, specializing with children and adults with sensory integration difficulties, Autism and ADHD. At present she is in the process of retiring in Plettenberg Bay but still involved in mentoring and lecturing. Her passion is the misunderstood child, empowering their parents in the upbringing of their child and developing the art of playfulness in all of us. She has been involved in the South African Institute for Sensory Integration for 34 yrs, as a board member and lecturer. She is the head for training Ayers Sensory Integration in South-Africa. She is on the executive committee for South African Association for child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I have 2 grown boys and as a family we all love nature, the sea and camping. My ADHD is still keeping me involved in the children at Sabrina Love training the therapist. My latest venture is vegetable gardening.

Liani was born and raised in Pretoria, with a few enriching years spent working as an occupational therapist in London. She is passionate about incorporating Ayres Sensory Integration®️ (ASI) in two private schools in Pretoria East, where she enjoys collaborating with educators and parents. Her mission is not only to deepen their understanding of ASI®️ but also to empower children to flourish and reach their full potential. A proud mother of two, Liani is also a passionate adoption advocate, bringing both personal insight and empathy to the complexities of trauma and joy involved in the process. As the current editor of the SAISI newsletter, she embraces her love of writing, which she also channels into poetry. Liani finds joy in moments of creativity through writing, playing with her children, spending quality time with family and friends, and bringing playful energy into her therapy sessions.

Originally I am a small town girl, born and raised in the Loskop valley. I completed my studies at the University of Pretoria in 2001 and then travelled and worked in various settings abroad and locally. My husband and I have been married for 15 years and we have two beautiful teenage daughters. Currently we are settled in Centurion and I am working for the Gauteng Department of Education in the LSEN school setting. I joined the SAISI board in 2018 and it has been a privilege to serve the ASI community and make ASI accessible to all.

I started my journey with Ayers Sensory Integration® in 1999 when I completed my SASIC 1 and SASIC 2 (on the SCISIT) and I am a fully qualified ASI therapist. I have served on the SAISI board since 2009 and have been a SAISI lecturer since 2012. I have been a full-time paediatric occupational therapy lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand since June 2018. I am enthusiastic about teaching and am a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) since September 2023. I obtained my undergraduate degree at the University of Stellenbosch in 1997 and after qualifying worked in paediatric private practice, first with another therapist and later in my own practice from 1998 to June 2018. I started working as a part-time clinical supervisor at WITS in 2009 and decided to do an M.Sc. Occupational therapy. I am currently also a Ph.D. candidate at WITS. I am married and have two daughters.

Elize is an experienced occupational therapist with a special interest in the fields of sensory integration, peadiatric occupational therapy and neurodevelopment. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in occupational therapy from the University of the Free State. Elize was a lecturer and part-time private practitioner for 11 years before returning to full-time private practice since the end of 2020. She has served on the executive board of the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA) and the South African Institute for Sensory Integration (SAISI). She currently serves as treasurer and Faculty Head of SASIC3 of SAISI and is also part of the SAISI lecturing team. Elize loves contributing to research in her field and has authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She also presents at local, national and international congresses to diverse audiences. She is a wife, and a mom to two beautiful children. She loves reading, crochet, camping, good coffee, good wine, and spending time with her loved ones.

I started my Sensory Integration journey in 1995 changing from SCSIT to SIPT to EASI, from SAISI member to board member. During my journey I’ve learned about adaptive responses. I have always been amazed at our ability to adapt to the changes and challenges that we are faced with. I have served on the SAISI board since 2011 in various portfolios where I have been involved in “revamping” the SASIC 4 course, implementing the Fidelity in South Africa, normative data collection, making changes within our constitution, and building the first sensory space playground of SAISI. My current position on the board is SASIC Qualification Manager (SASIC course coordinator) and I am responsible, together with Office, for the smooth running of all SASIC courses. Outside of my capacity as a SAISI board member, I have 30 years of experience in the field of paediatrics in private practice. I am passionate about therapy and early intervention for children with special needs. I have a private practice in Monument Park (Pretoria) where I support and share in the lives of very special children and their families. I have always been dedicated to furthering and sharing my own knowledge. I thus count it as an honour in being involved in training and mentoring. Elize was a lecturer and part-time private practitioner for 11 years before returning to full-time private practice since the end of 2020. She has served on the executive board of the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA) and the South African Institute for Sensory Integration (SAISI). She currently serves as treasurer and Faculty Head of SASIC3 of SAISI and is also part of the SAISI lecturing team. Elize loves contributing to research in her field and has authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She also presents at local, national and international congresses to diverse audiences. She is a wife, and a mom to two beautiful children. She loves reading, crochet, camping, good coffee, good wine, and spending time with her loved ones.

When Yumna started her Sensory Integration journey, she did not know how much it would change her life as an OT. Yumna has been working for the Western Cape Department of Education since 2016 and her journey in Sensory Integration has allowed her to expand her role in so many different ways. Yumna is currently work within the Inclusive Education Team and have her own private practice too. Yumna has completed my Masters in Education and have served on the SAISI board since 2021. In her spare time, Yumna enjoys playing hockey, eating ice cream and time close to the sea.

Aletta has been employed by SAISI since 2004. In my capacity as the office administrator, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the office and report directly to the SAISI EXCO and EDCOM. I enjoy learning new skills, and one of my life mottos is to 'work smart, not hard'. About myself, married with one child. Love spending time with my boys (there is always much laughter and a prank or four).

Mother of two young adult boys and wife to Otto. Working in Private Practice in Stellenbosch with a special interest in paediatrics. What I love about working with children is their unfiltered responses to life. The kiddies in my practice challenges me to re-look at things happening in the world around us and having to re-think why we respond and react the way we do. They keep things real. They keep things fun. When I am not at my practice I love the Stellenbosch mountains and rivers. Spending time outdoors is food to my soul and re-energises me. I love listening to music, read a good book and spend time with friends. At my age friends are like treasures you want to cherish every moment with. My life moto is “Be”. To be who you are, to be in the moment, to be real, just be.

Stefanie Kruger is an occupational therapist (UP 1997) who started her career in a long-term psychiatric hospital where she worked with various ages and diagnoses for two years. This is where she encountered sensory integration for the first time in 1998. Since then, she has been working in private practice for 24 years. She has a special interest in Ayres Sensory Integration® and completed her post-graduate training through SAISI in 2002. She stayed up to date with the latest developments, e.g. qualified to administer and interpret the EASI and her intervention adheres to the ASI® Fidelity Measure requirements. She believes in early intervention and enjoys working with diverse diagnoses such as autism and cochlear implants. She believes in a holistic approach and enjoys working in a multi-disciplinary team, including the parents. She completed her masters degree in occupational therapy in 2020 (UP). Stefanie has served on the SAISI board since 2004. Her current portfolio is Head of Faculty Intervention and Fidelity Measure. She is involved in post-graduate training and is a lecturer on the ASI® theory and intervention courses. Stefanie enjoys photography, hiking and spending quality time in the outdoors with her family and friends.

I have an immense passion for ASI and working with neurodiverse children and their families. I work in private practice with a wonderful team of Occupational and Speech and Language therapists. Since joining the SAISI board I have fulfilled various roles but enjoy the journey of mentoring and training the next generation of ASI therapists the most. I live in Centurion with my little family of husband and two fur babies. In my free time I enjoy a good book, live music, traveling, scuba diving, and watching loads of sports. I am a big food and wine enthusiast and if I wasn’t an OT, I would have loved to have a little restaurant on a wine-farm.

Emma Wijnberg is the owner of a busy private paediatric practice in the KZN Midlands. Her practice is shaped by post-graduate qualifications in Ayres Sensory Integration, DIR Floortime, Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment, and Hippotherapy, fostering an integrated approach to child development. Emma is dedicated to early intervention, recognising its crucial role in a child’s growth and future. As a mother to a child with ADHD, Emma is passionate about creating evidence-based resources for families. Her personal journey revealed the need for clear, trustworthy guidance among conflicting information, inspiring her to develop accessible workshops and practical strategies for therapists, teachers and parents. Emma serves on the board of the South African Institute for Sensory Integration (SAISI), heading up the online workshops and national networking portfolios, and contributes as a lecturer on SASIC 3. She has presented at national and international conferences, focusing on sensory integration and early intervention to promote children’s well-being.

In the OT world, I am a passionate ASI advocate who strives to educate about the power of ASI and support therapists in their journey to becoming ASI trained. I love learning and evolving my practice to be aligned with latest research. I have a private practice in Hillcrest, KZN and work alongside a beautiful team. My favourite part of being an OT is that I get to see families flourish and push their limits, whilst connecting with each other through play. I see this as a huge privilege. Outside of the OT world, I am a mum to my two girls and a bonus-mum to my almost teenage stepdaughter. My hubby and I are constantly learning on this parenting journey!

I graduated at the UFS and did my community service year in the Lejwelaputsaw district. I worked in the UK after this and mainly worked in adult mental health and neurorehabilitation. I returned to South Africa at the end of 2007, where I started working in acute psychiatry. In 2009 I completed my ASI qualification through SAISI. I went on to do my masters in ASI and adult acute mental health. In 2011 I started working in forensic psychiatry. I presented my masters at the ESIC in 2015 and when I returned I approached PDTS at CUT to develop and design adult suspension equipment. The design of adult ASI equipment is one of my great passions. In 2022 I completed by PhD in OT in the use of the EASI in acute mental health.

During her final year at Wits University, Reabetswe discovered Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI), sparking a passion for paediatric occupational therapy. This early exposure inspired her commitment to working with young people, a calling she fully embraced during her community service year at Witbank Hospital in 2020. There, she gained invaluable experience with children of diverse abilities, deepening her dedication to this field. Reabetswe has also enjoyed serving as a Novice Board member, actively contributing to SAISI’s vision and mission behind the scenes. Currently, Reabetswe works as a school-based OT at a remedial government school, where she also coordinates and supervises university students. In the afternoons, she runs a private practice, supporting children’s development and journeying closely with families. She is now completing her Fidelity Measure submission, a final step toward her qualification as an ASI® therapist. Living in Northern Jo’burg, Reabetswe values time with family, friends, and her partner. Her hobbies include reading, enjoying a variety of music, spending time in nature, and staying active with aerobics. She also relaxes with binge-worthy series and the occasional spa day. Reabetswe’s warmth, dedication, and focus on each child’s potential continue to guide her in making a meaningful impact in her practice.

Celebrating the Small Things.* Leanne is a gentle and passionate individual who finds joy in celebrating life's small moments. She began her career at Sensory Kidzone shortly after graduating, and after receiving mentorship from Ray Anne, she took over the practice for two years. Leanne holds certifications in ASI and Tomatis level two and continues to explore additional strategies to enhance her skills. With a heart dedicated to children in under-resourced environments, Leanne transitioned from private practice to community-based work at the Pebbles Project, a non-profit organization. She believes that every child deserves access to quality services and time, regardless of their circumstances. Currently, Leanne leads the Sensory Spaces portfolio, focusing on making ASI accessible. She enjoys networking and building relationships within communities to empower them in creating research-based playgrounds for children's development. In her spare time, Leanne enjoys hiking, drawing, woodworking, playing tennis, and enjoying life with husband.

Hello there! As an Ayres Sensory Integration and OT enthusiast, I'm dedicated to helping kids thrive! Not only my own two beautiful busy bees but all the wonderfully diverse kids in South Africa. When not managing sessions or family activities, I enjoy researching emotional development in children (one of my big passions), attempting exercise, and soaking up the sun whilst proprioceptive-fully gardening with my toddler.

Nadia is an enthusiastic occupational therapist with a keen interest in peadiatrics and sensory integration. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of the Free State in 2020 and is currently busy with her sensory integration training through the South African Institute for Sensory Integration (SAISI). Nadia has had the opportunity to expand her repertoire of OT in various fields, however her journey led her back to Bloemfontein where she was welcomed to the Sensory Roots OT family. This is where her love for sensory integration sparked and she was inspired to learn, practice and contribute more to this specific field. Nadia has a passion for children and loves assisting children of all ages to reach their full potential. Nadia also has a passion for learning and enjoys surrounding herself with knowledgeable experts. She believes that one can never learn or know enough, especially when it comes to the field of occupational therapy. Nadia is serving as Novice Board member and is excited for the opportunity to play a part in promoting awareness and assisting with enabling other occupational therapists to embrace sensory integration.

Shakira Mohamed is an Occupational Therapist who graduated in 2005. She completed her ASI training with SAISI in 2020. Shakira has a keen interest in sensory and nervous system dysregulation and processing challenges and it's impact on individuals' function in their school, work and social environments. While her experience has predominantly been in pediatrics, she has extended her reach to individuals across the lifespan, also incorporating complementary tools in her practice. Outside of work, she lives in Cape Town with her family and enjoys being in nature and spending time with family and friends.

Hi, I am Elrika Beukes. From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always dreamed of becoming an occupational therapist. I studied at University of Pretoria and graduated in 2012 and finished my master’s in 2018. My friend and I started Big Tree Therapy in 2015 and after the craziness of 2020 Big Tree Therapy moved into my living room, that is until this year! Over the past decade in this field, I’ve found that working with children is such a blessing and incredibly rewarding. My own two kids have brought a new dimension to my understanding, (and a lot of humbling moments), deepening my insights and always refining my approach to therapy. I enjoy spending time with like-minded therapists and hosting a variety of Info-Sessions at my practice to provide teachers and parents with valuable insights from a variety of professions. I am married to my best friend who also happens to be very handy in making and building all kinds of useful things. Like my tree house and my new practice. Thank you Jaco! In my free time I enjoy, spending time with my family, doing DIY projects creating art and being outdoors. I have also discovered a newfound love for homesteading looking after my chickens, rabbits, planting vegetables and fruit trees! Who knows maybe creating my own sourdough starter and start baking my own bread is next!

With 15+ years of experience in administration, design, and marketing, Leathicia has a passion for detail and dedication to excellence. Holding a diploma in Photography and Graphic Design, she expertly blends artistic vision with technical skill. Driven by a desire to make a difference, Leathicia derives joy from making a meaningful impact in people's lives and takes pride in delivering personalised support with warmth and expertise. Outside the office, Leathicia cherishes time with her daughter and family, finding serenity by the ocean.

My journey with Occupational Therapy (OT) began in childhood, where I experienced sensory integration difficulties myself. From an early age, OT had a profoundly positive impact on me, and it has been a guiding force ever since. I grew up in Johannesburg and studied at the University of Cape Town, graduating in 2021. After graduating, I moved to a rural village on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal for my community service year. From there, I spent two years working in Durban, and I have recently found my way back home to Johannesburg. I have a deep love for working with children - their joy is contagious, and I am inspired by them everyday to be more creative, to notice the small moments in life, and to keep learning and growing in my practice. I am passionate about learning, and I thrive off of connecting with others - whether through meaningful conversations, exploring new ideas, or growing through mentorship and guidance. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, running and hiking, getting lost in a good book, and travelling whenever I can. My passion for OT truly found its purpose through my training in Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI). The knowledge and insight I gained through this training transformed my work with children and their families. I’m incredibly grateful to SAISI for all it has given me, and I feel honoured to be part of this organisation as it continues to grow and make a lasting impact.

I graduated from UKZN in 2016 and began my career working at two special needs schools along the coast of KZN. After taking time off for an extended maternity leave, our family relocated to the Upper Highway area, where I was fortunate to join the team at Playwrite Occupational Therapy. What continues to draw me to Occupational Therapy, and ASI in particular, is its holistic, person-centred approach. It is a privilege to be an OT and part of a profession that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. My ASI journey began last year, in 2024, and I look forward to all I still have to learn. Being part of a team of ASI-trained therapists and having a dedicated mentor has been key to my growth. I am honoured to serve as a novice board member for SAISI, surrounded by experts in the field of ASI. At home, my engineer husband keeps things running smoothly, while our two little ones, aged 2 and 4, ensure life is filled with play, laughter, and learning.