SPEAKERS
Robert Botha
Social Entrepreneur
Robert Botha, a registered Organisational and Business Coach, specializes in transformative coaching for leaders driving societal change. As Director of James Social and Ethics Consultancy (JSEC), he focuses on compliance, governance, and stakeholder relations. Robert is also the founder of the James 1:27 Trust, a Not-for-Profit and Public Benefit Organization dedicated to supporting children and young adult-headed households for over two decades. Furthermore, Robert co-founded the James Institute for Justice and Peace (JIJP) and brings extensive experience as a former diplomat, diplomatic trainer, and pastor. Currently, he shares insights on transformational leadership within an MBA program and is nearing completion of a PhD in Leadership and Development.
Nousheena Firfirey-Brijlal
Deputy Director
Nousheena Firfirey-Brijlal is the Deputy Director of the Service Priorities Coordination Directorate at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, focusing on health programs for adults aged 25 and older. She has over 19 years of experience in public health and specializes in policy development, community health initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Her work addresses critical areas such as HIV, TB, mental health, and chronic disease prevention, aiming to promote health equity and improve community health outcomes through data-driven decision-making and advocacy.
Barbara van Heerden
Leadership Coach
Barbara van Heerden, a distinguished Life and Health Coach, empowers leaders to manage multi-cultural and cross-cultural teams effectively. Her strengths-based leadership coaching model leverages leaders’ strengths while mitigating weaknesses. Barbara holds a PhD in Leadership Coaching Towards Intercultural Competence (2016) and is an accredited Enneagram Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She’s currently pursuing ICF accreditation in Positive Intelligence® coaching. At My-E-Health, she focuses on wellbeing, coaching clients globally, including Papua New Guinea, Australia, Namibia, and Egypt. Barbara’s expertise extends to management consulting, program, and change management.
Cornelis Johannes (CJ) Nel
Registered Counsellor
CJ Nel is a Registered Counsellor with a great passion for mental health and the myriad of diversity found in sexuality, culture, religion and race. The majority of CJ’s experience lies in assisting individuals who have survived brain injuries, experienced loss and are undergoing major life transitions. CJ’s personal and professional experience has also provided a background and experience in understanding and assisting individuals with various forms of neurodiversity as it pertains to life adaptations and considerations.
Gavin Fish
Life Coach and Mentor
Waseem Hava
Psychologist
Waseem Hava is the Principal Psychologist and Head of Department at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital, where they also lead the Child Criminal Capacity Assessment Service. With extensive experience in clinical psychology, they previously worked at Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital and Breede River Correctional Services. Waseeem is also a lecturer at the University of Cape Town and has maintained a private practice since 2014.
WORKSHOP FACILITATORS
Gideon Williams
Addictions Counselor
Gideon Williams is an experienced Counsellor and Coach and has been practicing since 2006. Having worked in both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment settings and many reputable and registered treatment facilities in Cape Town.
During 2012 he obtained his Postgraduate Diploma in Addictions Care at the University of Cape Town and has his own lived experiences, being in long term recovery from his own addiction.
Catherine Valentine
Occupational Therapist
Cath Valentine is an experienced Occupational Therapist with a BSc from the University of Cape Town, where she graduated in 2006. After a decade in the public health sector, she earned a certification in Integral Coaching from UCT’s Graduate School of Business in 2016 and transitioned to private practice. With nearly 20 years in the field, Cath specializes in individual and group therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and recovery program management.
Tal Ardenbaum
Women's Health Specialist
Founder and CEO of Femmflo, Tal Ardenbaum is a leading expert in women’s health, specialising in hormonal balance and psychological performance. With a background in functional medicine and counselling, Tal is dedicated to transforming women’s healthcare through innovative solutions and a holistic approach.
Nikki Edwards
Mental Health Care/Addiction Specialist Counselor
As a Case Manager, Nikki leads a team of Recovery Coaches and Peer Recovery Specialists, providing addiction prevention and treatment services. She also coordinates international training for these roles. With a Postgraduate in Addiction Care from UCT and currently pursuing a Master Coach Certification, she also holds certifications in Systemic Wellness, Trauma-Informed Care, and Relationship Coaching. Nikki often consults as an Addiction Counselor and facilitates Systemic Wellness groups at Mauni. Her mission is to support and empower individuals with substance use disorders and mental health challenges, helping them overcome obstacles and live fulfilling lives.
Leigh Garlick
Specialist Wellness Counsellor
Leigh is a Specialist Wellness Counsellor (ASCHP) and Breathwork Facilitator. With a deep passion for supporting children and adults, Leigh is dedicated to helping individuals notice the authentic expression and power that lies within. Through an integration of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), breathwork, and other body-based techniques, Leigh creates a safe, holding space for emotional awareness and resilience-building. Believing in an integrated holistic approach to well-being, Leigh hopes to foster a path toward self-expression, compassion, empowerment, and healing.
Aneeqa Abrahams
Researcher
Aneeqa is an emerging intersectional feminist researcher and published author. Graduating from the University of the Western Cape in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Gender Studies, and Sociology, she completed her Honours Degree in Psychology in 2018. Currently, Aneeqa is pursuing a master’s degree in Gender Studies with a focus on critical men’s studies and ‘coloured’ identities among young ‘coloured’ men in South Africa. As a fellow with Soul City at the feminist academic institute (FLAC), she works with men to redefine notions of masculinity, violence, and healing.