I am an occupational therapist to the core! I am deeply passionate about unlocking the untapped potential in everyone I meet. With a focus on mental health, I strive to help individuals recognise and achieve their potential, regardless of the challenges they face.
I earned my MSc(OT) from WITS in 2023, building on my BSc(OT)WITS from 2013. I specialise in group therapy, which I find incredibly effective in fostering connection and support. In addition, my journey has included serving as an adolescent unit manager for many years, where I honed my skills in guiding young people through their mental health journeys.

I’ve pursued additional certifications in areas such as OT Grow group therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Functional Capacity Evaluations, and Parent-Infant Psychotherapy. This has enriched my expertise in individual assessments, and maternal and adolescent mental health.

My professional philosophy centres on collaboration and empowerment, as I believe that therapy should be a partnership which respects each individual’s unique story. I presented my master’s research at INSTOPP and the OTASA Congress in 2024, and I actively contribute to various OTASA projects, the latest of which was the Depression SOP Committee.

Outside of work, I embrace the spirit of the season as & “Mrs. Christmas,” and delight in spreading joy and laughter! I balance my professional life with my personal passions, thus fueling my drive to make a difference every day.

I began my academic journey in physiotherapy but soon discovered my true passion lay in mental health, prompting me to switch my degree.
I am deeply interested in understanding human behaviour and reshaping it through self-compassion and self-awareness. Building connections and offering insights into healthy boundary setting are central to my work, helping clients reach their full potential. I graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 2017 and valued my community service year, primarily working with clients facing psychosis and intellectual disabilities.

For the past five years, I have been working with CL Stander and Associates, where I’ve gained OT Grow training and extensive experience in group therapy.
I love group therapy and witnessing the remarkable changes that arise from group cohesion and support. I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing my research on the perceptions of occupational therapists regarding the implementation of routine outcome measurement in private psychiatric settings.

My goal is to uncover the reasons behind the lack of evidence in our discipline and to promote evidence-based practice. As a dynamic, fast-paced and dedicated occupational therapist, I bring a lot of love to my work while valuing authenticity and occasionally adopting a straightforward approach.

I love being outdoors, thrive in social settings, and actively seek out engaging physical activities.

Hi, my name is Melissa Joynt and I’m an OT who loves any opportunity to practice creative problem solving.
I feel blessed by the opportunity to engage with people in their vulnerable moments and support them in finding strength in themselves.

I received my degree in Occupational therapy from the university of the free state and completed my community service in Rural Transkei, where I managed my own department.

I am OT grow trained and have found a special interest in psychiatric OT.
My love for this sphere seems to stem from my intrigue in how humans can be our own strongest allies or worst enemies.
I’m zealous to help individuals find meaning in life and discover the power of small positive changes.

My life is deeply enriched by seeing individuals rediscover hope, this in turn has become an integral part of my therapeutic milieu.

In my free time you’ll find me anywhere the sun shines or water flows. I’ll be singing or laughing, hopefully surrounded my loved ones and eating hearty food.

I’m passionate about helping people reconnect with their passions and rediscover the occupations that brought them joy. I hold a degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Free State, with a special interest in psychiatric group therapy. Additionally, I’m trained as a Sensory Practitioner, ErgoScience practitioner, have OT Grow training.

I believe in creating a relaxed, supportive therapeutic environment and enjoy working with clients of all ages. My goal is to empower individuals by helping them tap into their hidden potential.

When I’m not at work, you’ll find me out seeking new adventures. I’m a collector of experiences, always on the lookout for authentic ways to connect with the world around me.

I graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Western Cape. I was honored to receive the Fathima Hendricks Award from OTASA, recognizing my contributions to building the scope of the organization and fostering engagement within the student body.

As a passionate occupational therapist, I advocate for our profession through various platforms, including my podcast, The Adventures of OT, where I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and collaborating with health professionals from South Africa and beyond.

I served as the Chairperson of the OTASA Marketing Sub-Committee 22/23, focusing on Marketing, Advocacy, and Communication. These roles have enriched my leadership and advocacy experience significantly.

My background includes working in both private and public psychiatric institutions, where I developed skills in program planning, individual and group therapy, and occupational rehabilitation. Additionally, I am SHE accredited and have assessed and treated clients from the mining sector, which has further enhanced my expertise in occupational health and safety.

With extensive clinical experience working with older adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, anxiety, and depression, I’ve cultivated a strong interest in mental health.
I am particularly focused on how our emotional blueprints shape our experiences and influence our coping strategies in the face of life’s challenges.

Outside of work I also enjoy engaging in corporate mental health talks, where I present on the importance of taking care of one’s health and well-being while discussing the vital role of occupational therapists in mental health.

Hi! My name is Shayna Berman, an Occupational Therapist at CL Stander & Associates. It is a privilege to be a mental health OT: to be able to meet so many incredible individuals and play a role in their therapeutic journey, assisting with restoring balance and meaning to their everyday occupations, as well as assisting with improving mood and developing important skills along the way!

I graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. I also became a Member of The Golden Key International Honour Society due to my academic performance in my first year of studies. I completed my community service at Tambo Memorial Hospital, where I worked primarily in adult psychiatry and neurology, as well as paediatrics. Prior to working at CL Stander and Associates, I’ve worked in the mental health industry in private practice for a couple of years.

I have also completed by Activity Performance Outcome Measure (APOM) training, and I am also OTGrow trained.
I also have a special interest with geriatrics, where I can serve and give back to the older generation who we can learn so much from!

I also find immense value in assisting my patients on their grieving journey.

In my spare time, I love expressing myself through playing piano, and my passion for activity engagement extends past my work, where I love playing games, whether it’s a loud 30 Seconds game with my family, or some quiet time working on a Sudoku.

My name is Thembiswa Osh, and I am an Executive Administration Assistant at CL Stander & Associates, as well as a recent psychology graduate from Northwest University. I aspire to become a fully qualified psychologist and am currently seeking to further my studies in this field, as I only hold an undergraduate degree in psychology.

I chose this career path not only for my own growth but also for the benefit of my community back home. Many individuals struggle with mental health issues and do not receive the help they need due to the lack of mental health professionals in my hometown. People often have to travel for hours to access necessary care, and I aim to be the catalyst for change by becoming the first mental health professional in a community that lacks such opportunities.

Working alongside talented occupational therapists has inspired me to pursue my dreams in the mental health field, as they approach their work with such ease and dedication. In addition to my career goals, I am also exploring my passion for content creation on the side.

As a young mom, I strive to be a strong role model while cherishing the time spent with my loved ones outside of work. I believe that nurturing these relationships is essential, as the moments we share with family are truly invaluable.