Belinda von Wielligh
Belinda completed her Occupational Therapy degree in 2001 at the University of Pretoria. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Play Therapy (UNISA) in 2007. She has work experience in a variety of settings, including Paediatric Private Practices, a School for Learners with Special Educational Needs specialising in learners with severe intellectual disabilities, a Children's home and the TygerBear Foundation for Traumatised Children and Families (Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town).
After moving to Cape Town, she worked at a well-established paediatric private practice in Table View for 5 years, where she was able to pursue her interest and passion in helping children and families with Sensory Processing Disorders, emotional difficulties and other Learning Difficulties.
Belinda took over the ownership and management of the Occupational Therapy Practice at Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard in 2010. In 2014, she was joined by Karen Machattie, and together, they shared the ownership, management and service delivery at Reddam House (ASB). In April 2020, Belinda discontinued her Occupational Therapy services at Reddam House (ASB) to focus on her family and practice in Parklands. She loves being a part of this vibrant and passionate team.
Belinda is a qualified Sensory Integration Therapist (SAISI) and a certified Therapeutic Listening® Practitioner (Vital Links). Belinda is a certified Tomatis® Practitioner (Level 1). She has also completed the MNRI® Dynamic and Postural Reflex Pattern Integration course through the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute®.”
Belinda has completed the DIRFloortime® 204 certification and qualified as a DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader in 2021. She is passionate about empowering and training Educators, Therapists and parents in the DIRFloortime® model and offers in-person and online training opportunities. Belinda attends courses, workshops and study groups regularly to ensure continuous professional development.
Belinda is the mother of two children, is married, and lives in Cape Town.
Karen Machattie
Karen completed her Occupational Therapy degree in 2004 at the University of the Western Cape, graduating Summa Cum Laude. After completing her community service year as the primary health care therapist for the Hantam District in the Northern Cape in 2005, she entered the field of paediatric private practice. Initially she worked in a well-established school-based practice, before practicing independently for a few years. Her areas of experience and skill include working with children with Developmental Delays, Sensory Processing Disorder, Learning Difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
In 2014 she joined forces with Belinda von Wielligh in the management and delivery of therapy services associated with the Occupational Therapy practice based at Reddam House (Atlantic Seaboard). In 2020 Karen took over the management and delivery of therapy services at Reddam House (Atlantic Seaboard). She also provides services at the practice in Gardens, based at Kleine Kloof Early Learning Centre. She enjoys being part of this small group of dedicated therapists who are passionate about helping children develop to their fullest potential. Karen is a qualified Sensory Integration Therapist (SAISI), as well as a certified Therapeutic Listening® Practitioner (Vital Links).
Karen is a certified Tomatis® Practitioner (Level 2). She has also completed the MNRI® Dynamic and Postural Reflex Pattern Integration course through the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute®. Karen also attended: MNRI® Archetype Movement Integration, MNRI® Tactile integration and the MNRI® Oral-Facial Reflex Integration Level 1 courses. She has successfully completed the DIRFloortime® 203 certification and has a DIRFloortime® Advanced Certificate (DIR-Advanced). She is passionate about learning and regularly attends study groups, workshops and courses for professional development.
Karen is the mother of one child and is married and lives in Cape Town.
Gabi Berman
After graduating from the University of Cape Town in 2022, Gabi went on to complete her community service at Holy Cross Hospital in rural Eastern Cape. As the sole Occupational Therapist at the hospital, she managed both in-patient and outpatient cases. Her most cherished aspect of this role was the opportunity to work closely with children and their caregivers, collaborating to create tailored therapeutic intervention that supported the development of the child and empowered their caregivers.
Having witnessed the transformative impact of Occupational Therapy on her twin brother, she carries a profound understanding of its potential. Gabi’s commitment is not just professional it’s a heartfelt dedication rooted in the belief that every child deserves to reach their full potential, just as her brother did.
Dedicated to continuous learning, she embarked on her Sensory Integration Journey through SAISI in 2023, and she plans to continue this journey in 2024. Additionally, in 2023, she successfully completed an introductory course to DIR Floortime® and aims to attain her Basic Certificate Course in this approach during 2024.
Karen is the mother of one child and is married and lives in Cape Town.