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Jade Nell graduated from Stellenbosch University and has built extensive experience across diverse clinical settings, from community clinics and sub-acute facilities to sports and private practice. She has worked with a wide range of conditions, including neuromusculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, cardio-pulmonary, and geriatric care. Jade has also contributed to academia as a clinical supervisor at Stellenbosch University and a research assistant at the University of Cape Town. Passionate about holistic rehabilitation, she values working within multi-disciplinary teams to deliver safe and effective care. Outside of practice, Jade enjoys continuous learning and has pursued advanced training in areas such as pain management and foot and ankle rehabilitation. Jade is currently completing her Masters in Public Health.
Director & Founder: Tokai Physio
Marchelle Jones is passionate about holistic, structured and individualised care for patients with chronic pulmonary conditions and breathlessness. Her clinical experience includes treating lung transplant patients at Groote Schuur Hospital and ventilated patients in the ICU at UCT Private Academic Hospital. She has completed multiple courses in cardiopulmonary healthcare and rehabilitation and is a Director of Tokai Physiotherapy and lead physiotherapist of the pulmonary rehabilitation department.
Clinical Manager
Sara van Velze is the Clinical Manager at Tokai Physiotherapy, with 14 years of clinical experience and a Master's degree in Chronic Pain Management from the University of Cape Town. Her particular interest in chronic pain has shaped her holistic and compassionate approach to rehabilitation. Sara focuses on quality assurance and professional development, working collaboratively with the physiotherapy team to promote high-quality rehabilitation that optimises independence, safety and quality of life.
Laura Jacobs is a Junior Occupational Therapist at Faircape Health Somerset West.
She graduated from the University of the Western Cape in 2022 and completed her community service at Paarl Hospital. During this time, she gained valuable experience working with diverse populations and conditions, including neurological disorders, burns, pediatrics, and orthopedics.
Her professional interests include cognitive rehabilitation, neurological conditions, and palliative care. She is passionate about Occupational Therapy as it allows her to collaborate with patients to help them achieve their full potential and independence in all aspects of life. She values the holistic approach of Occupational Therapy, which addresses the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of individuals.
Rosé is our dedicated Occupational Therapist and OT Practice Manager at the Sports Science institute of South Africa (SSISA). She graduated from The University of Cape Town and completed her community service in Pofadder, rural Northern Cape. Her passion includes; neurological rehabilitation and amputation management.
“Healthcare is not merely a basic right to life but is also rooted in our right to dignity and respect” is what she lives by both personally and professionally.
Bernalee Herbert is a Junior Occupational Therapist at Faircape Health Somerset West.
She graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2022 and completed her community service at Mosvold Hospital in rural KwaZulu-Natal, where she developed a deep passion for rural rehabilitation.
For her, being an Occupational Therapist is not just a profession but a calling. She is passionate about helping people regain the ability to engage in meaningful occupations through a holistic approach. She has a special interest in neurorehabilitation, spinal rehabilitation, and hand therapy and continues to grow her expertise and passion in these fields.
Taahirah graduated from the University of the Western Cape and completed her community service in Kimberley, Northern Cape. She has a keen interest in upper limb rehabilitation and helping individuals reach their full potential in daily life.
Liann Meyer is a Junior Occupational Therapist at Faircape Health Institute Somerset West. She graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2023 and completed her community service at Elizabeth Ross Hospital in the Free State. During this time, she developed a deep appreciation for serving rural communities and learned the importance of creativity, adaptability, and resourcefulness in delivering patient-centred care. She is passionate about physical and neurological rehabilitation and values building strong therapeutic relationships with her patients. She enjoys walking alongside individuals on their rehabilitation journey, helping them achieve independence and reaching their full potential. She has a particular interest in assistive technology and its role in enhancing participation and independence in daily life. She hopes to further her studies in this field in the future.
Christelle graduated from the University of Stellenbosch and completed her community service in Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape. She has a keen interest in stroke rehabilitation and helping individuals reach their full potential through compassionate meaningful treatment.
Kim Schaffers graduated from the University of the Western Cape and completed her Community Service in Bizana in the Eastern Cape. Her interests include neuro rehabilitation and upper limb rehab.
Tircher Collop is a Junior Occupational Therapist at Faircape Somerset West. She obtained her degree from the University of the Western Cape in 2022, after which she completed her community service at Cradock Hospital in the Eastern Cape. During this time, she developed a strong passion for person-centred care. Tircher is dedicated to supporting individuals in regaining independence and participation in meaningful activities of daily living. Her professional interests include neurorehabilitation, hand and upper limb therapy, geriatrics, and mental health.
Annaleen Voges graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2016 and has dedicated her career to working with the elderly. This is a passion that she has held since childhood. She believes deeply in the wisdom older adults carry and is guided by the principle that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. Annaleen finds genuine fulfilment in serving others and making a meaningful difference in their everyday lives.
Marijke Scrooby is an Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of experience spanning the paediatric field and older adult care, both locally and abroad. She has been part of the Onrus Manor team for nearly ten years and is devoted to making a meaningful difference in the daily lives of older adults. This provides purpose, maximises independence, and improves quality of life.
Lauren van Eck graduated from the University of the Western Cape in 2016 and has since built a career spanning disability, mental health, and cognitive rehabilitation. She holds a Master's degree focusing on traumatic brain injuries and executive functioning, and has progressed into clinical management within the mental health sector. Lauren currently serves as Occupational Therapist to the long-term residents and village at Faircape Health Institute Tokai, and as Group Manager of the Long-Term Occupational Therapy Department. She is devoted to ensuring that residents receive professional, person-centred intervention that maintains dignity, purpose, and quality of life.
As the Occupational Therapist at Cle du Cap, part of the Faircape Health group, Tatum is deeply passionate about geriatric care and committed to enhancing the quality of life, dignity, and independence of every resident she serves. Through occupational therapy, she supports residents to maintain their functional abilities and engage in meaningful, purposeful activities. With a warm, compassionate, and person-centred approach, she creates enriching experiences that reflect Faircape Health’s dedication to excellence, care, and respect. She endeavours to bring joy, purpose, and comfort to the lives of those she serves, helping each resident feel valued, empowered, and truly at home.
Demi Southgate graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2018 and completed her community service in a rural Northern Cape setting, gaining valuable experience in under-resourced healthcare environments. She subsequently spent three years in adult neurological rehabilitation before completing her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy through Stellenbosch University in 2025, with a focus on visual impairments. Demi's work reflects a passion for enabling people with neurological and visual challenges to participate more fully in their daily lives.
Tamlyn is a passionate speech therapist who believes in advocating for her patients and their return to daily occupation. With an interest in neurorehabilitation, she completed her community service year at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg, and later, did three rotations in hyperacute stroke units in England. Her passion is working with the adult population through helping them relearn how to talk, communicate and swallow following a stroke or a traumatic brain injury.
Gail Hunter is a registered Social Worker and partner at Empowered to Thrive, specialising in geriatric care and discharge planning. With a strong background in psychosocial support, she works closely with patients and families to ensure safe, dignified transitions in care. She is trained in palliative care, oncology, and suicide risk assessments, bringing depth and sensitivity to complex situations. Gail’s compassionate, client-centred approach focuses on maintaining quality of life for older adults through thoughtful and supportive care planning.
Sherae is a dedicated social worker committed to creating meaningful change and empowering individuals to live their best quality of life. Passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations, she promotes well-being, provides support, and helps individuals navigate challenges with dignity and resilience. Grounded in a person-centered, strength-based approach, Sherae believes everyone has unique strengths and takes joy in helping them harness their potential. Through compassionate care, advocacy, and resource connection, she uplifts those facing hardships, ensuring they have the tools to thrive. Her commitment to social work is driven by the belief that everyone deserves opportunities for growth and well-being.
Tamsyn Woods is a qualified Social Worker with over 15 years of experience, including more than a decade in senior roles within the United Kingdom. She has extensive expertise in child and family work, safeguarding, and supporting individuals through complex and high-risk situations. Since returning to South Africa in 2024, Tamsyn has brought her wealth of international experience into her practice. She joined Empowered to Thrive in August 2025 as a locum social worker, where she provides compassionate, client-centred support. Tamsyn is particularly recognised for her calm, empathetic approach and her ability to guide individuals and families through times of crisis with professionalism and care.
Debbie Bloom is a highly experienced Social Worker with over 35 years in the field, holding a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her extensive background spans hospitals, residential care, trauma counselling, child protection, and private practice, giving her a well-rounded and deeply informed approach to care. Debbie is known for her ability to think creatively when navigating complex situations, particularly in developing safe and sustainable discharge plans for individuals with limited resources. She integrates professional, traditional, and holistic approaches to ensure support that is both practical and person-centred. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to dignity, independence, and emotional well-being. Debbie brings warmth, compassion, and depth of experience to her role, supporting individuals and families to navigate challenges and move towards healing and stability.
Anina is a passionate and driven Social Worker with a degree from the University of Cape Town. As a Discharge Planner, she applies her social work expertise to provide patients with the necessary support during their time in the facility. Working closely with the Interdisciplinary Team, she ensures that patients are discharged with the appropriate care and resources for a smooth transition back home. With unwavering positive energy and a deep commitment to advocacy, Anina strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of those she works with, always championing their rights and well-being.
Micaela is the Rehabilitation Communications Manager who ensures that patients and families receive timely, clear, and consistent information throughout their rehabilitation journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and is deeply passionate about patient care, independence, and functional recovery. Micaela works closely with the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team to support each patient’s recovery, facilitate effective discharge planning, and promote a smooth and safe transition from hospital to home. In her role, she is responsible for managing expectations, enhancing the patient and family experience, and ensuring that communication aligns with internal standards of care and best practice.
Rebekah qualified with a Bachelor of Social Work (Cum Laude), majoring in psychology, and has since gained experience in various settings, including a children's home, a homeless shelter, and a hospice. Over time, she developed a passion for the medical field and pursued further training in palliative care, striving to advocate for the best interests of patients and their families. In her role as Discharge Planner and Rehabilitation Coordinator, Rebekah utilises skills such as problem-solving, efficient and effective communication, and organisation to ensure a safe and seamless discharge and reintegration of patients into their home environment.
Miandré Botha is the responsible pharmacist at Tokai Health Pharmacy and obtained her BPharm degree at North West University Potchefstroom. She places utmost importance in providing a professional, ethical and efficient service with a background in hospital and retail pharmacies. She lives by the following quote: “The capacity to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice”.
Nafeesa Fortune is a qualified post basic pharmacist assistant. She has obtained her qualification at S Buys Academy in 2020. With having more than 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical environment, she is dedicated and loyal to her profession and patients. She is passionate about procurement and ensuring we meet all of our patients' pharmaceutical needs.
Tasriq Malherbe is a qualified basic pharmacist assistant. He completed his studies at S Buys Academy in 2018 and has over 10 years of experience in hospital requirements, procedure and the procurement of medications. Tasriq's responsibilities in the pharmacy includes pharmaceutical surgical stock management at Faircape Health.
Carla Liebenberg is the pharmacist at Tokai Health Pharmacy. She earned her BPharm degree from North-West University in Potchefstroom and brings extensive experience to our pharmacy, having refined her skills in both retail and government sectors. With a strong foundation in pharmacy practice, Carla has recently broadened her expertise by completing advanced courses in Antimicrobial Stewardship and Pharmacy-Initiated Management of ARVs. She is committed to delivering exceptional patient care with professionalism and a steadfast focus on ethical practice.
Christelle Erasmus is a highly experienced pharmacist, having qualified from North West University in 2001. With a career spanning over two decades, Christelle has gained experience in various sectors, including private, public, wholesale and distribution, and hospital settings. Christelle spent four formative years working in Seattle, USA, before returning to South Africa to continue their professional journey. She thrives on change and embraces the opportunities it brings. Outside of professional life, she passionate about baking and art, finding joy and creativity in both activities.
Senior Nursing Services Manager for the 6 Healthcare facilities. Her academic qualifications include Nursing training at Groote Schuur Hospital. She has worked in all fields of nursing and midwifery in South Africa and in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, where she was an active participant in achieving Magnet Accreditation - the highest recognised nursing accreditation internationally. She’s passionate about nursing and leading her team to achieve excellence.
Nursing Services Manager at Onrus Manor Healthcare. Academic qualifications include a Master of Business Administration, Honours in Bachelor of Arts: Health Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science, and a Diploma in Nursing & Midwifery. She returned to South Africa after holding the position of Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) in the UAE. Her experience in multi-disciplinary environments allowed her to have first-hand input in building organizational systems and processes that support the attainment of excellent patient care outcomes. She is passionate about her work with seniors to ensure and improve “quality of life with integrity.”
