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ACCOUNTANT
| Lesley Kotze joined the Clinic in April 2004 and has 25 years experience in the financial field, qualifying from Greenoaks Secretarial College in 1970. She has worked, amongst others, for MGM Film Company and kept five sets of books for Gary Player! She views balancing the books and budgets for the Clinic as a fulfilling challenge and privilege, knowing that may children benefit from diligent care of the financial aspect of the Clinic. Her empathy for young children was evident when she became a Sunday school teacher when still in her teens. Lesley’s creativity is evident in the lovely curtains, gowns and tablecloths she has sewn and the flower arrangements she has made for functions. She is married with one daughter and she enjoys bushveld and wildlife getaways. |
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PROJECT
COORDINATORS / REGIONAL MANAGERS
| My name is
Marilu Murray and I am 27 years old. I have a BA in Psychology through Unisa and also did my Honours. I started working at Teddy Bear Clinic in 2000 as a court preparation volunteer and eventually became a fulltime staff member in 2005. I now run the Jhb Court Prep Project as well as our new school project – S.A.F.E for Schools. We have also just implemented a new Anger Management programme for parents as well as a Bullying Programme for youth offenders. I am extremely passionate about the work I do and find it healing to an extent, being able to help children in need. |
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PSYCHOLOGISTS
Charl Louw first began his career at TBC as a Kids Court Support volunteer in 2000. He completed his Counselling Psychology Masters programme at the University of South Africa and did his internship at the 1-Military Hospital in Pretoria. Charl is recently married and has now been involved with the Clinic for the past six years! He also works at WO+MEN Against Child Abuse. The need for psychological assessments to assist the Courts seems to be always increasing so we keep him very busy!
With a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, Sharon Kruger has worked in the field of Life Skills, AIDS and Child Abuse for the past 12 years. She has developed a range of educational materials including Life Skills flipcharts and Sexually Transmitted Infections flipcharts that were distributed nationally to schools. Sharon has developed various curriculum documents for the Gauteng Department of Education and National Publishers. Her special interests include working with children and families, trauma and children with special needs. Sharon is a psychologist in private practise and is also consultant to the Teddy Bear Clinic. |
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ADMINISTRATORS
I am Ellen Selepe, administrator of Protea Court Kids Court Support Project, Soweto. I enjoy visiting new places and learning new things. I am mother to a baby girl. I started to work at Teddy Bear Clinic in 2001. I think I have helped some people. I always want to thank those who opened the door for me to enter at Teddy Bear Clinic. I hope and wish the Clinic were known worldwide. Teddy Bear Clinic is where children always get help. I enjoy sharing jokes with the children and love to see them laugh and smile!
My name is Nonkosi Ndukwe. I was born in the Eastern Cape, Queenstown. I am the second of six children. When I finished high school I went to PE Technicon to study a Diploma in HR Management but could not complete it due to financial constraints. I then did a one year diploma in Small Business Management with PC Training at Business College. After a year I moved to Jhb to seek employment. I was employed as an administrator at the Jhb Magistrates Court (Kids Court Support project). This was a completely new field of work for me. I am married and my husband and I have one child. I am convinced that the work the TBC is doing is very important to the children and their families. One of the things which soon became obvious to me is how child abuse harms not only the child but causes the whole family a lot of distress, so the Clinic’s support means a lot to the whole family. Even though I am not directly involved in helping the families, I am extremely glad to be contributing something on the admin side to a meaningful service.
I am Edith Ditshego, a social work student at Unisa. I’m an administrator and intake worker at the Randfontein branch. I also work with the Kids Court Support programme. I am a good listener and am patient. Children are able to trust me, I am empathetic and I feel children communicate freely with me. I love working at the Teddy Bear Clinic because we help children who need our help and love.
My name is Matshidiso “Tshidi-baby” Motete. I was born in 1972 in Soweto. I have a secretarial diploma, an HIV certificate and am currently studying social work through UNISA. I believe that it is never too late to study or achieve what you want in life. Working at TBC mad me realise my strong point and soft spot for children. My motto is “live life to the fullest, because you don’t know what the future holds for you”.
Gabriel Mathole was born in Ga-Mamabolo, 30km outside Polokwane City in the Limpopo Province. He matriculated in 1996 and has a BA in Social Science and BAH in Criminology, both from the University of the Limpopo. He is currently studying BA SW through UNISA. He is single, with the intention to marry! He joined the Clinic as a volunteer intake worker during 2004. He currently is employed as an admin assistant and intake worker. Gabriel has a wonderfully gentle and respectful manner with the families and is always keen to assist the police inspectors with any request. He says he feels privileged to work with such dedicated workers in a traumatic environment. “Joining this team is a blessing to me as my heart and love are with the children.” |
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SOCIAL WORKERS and INTAKE WORKERS
Thembie Mkhwananzi is 30 years old, with one adorable son and a better half – JB. She has an honours degree in Social Work and received an award for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare during her final year. She has a certificate in Tutoring from Wits, child abuse training and a secretarial certificate with the Social Works Student Association (SOWSA). Above all, she is a Christian and adores children. Her passion for the little ones keeps up her energy levels.
My name is Thabo Moemise. I was born in the seventies, am currently not married and have a lovely daughter named Thato. I completed my matric at Maxeke Secondary School in Sebokeng and thereafter entrolled for a BA Ed at Vista University in Soweto, now known as the University of Johannesburg. I am passionate about football and reading books. I feel strongly about a nation that looks positively at its most valuable assets, the children, because they are our future leaders. Lastly, my strength lies in my smile. Thabo is cherished for his cheerful demeanour and is always willing to help.
Esme de Weerdt also started her involvement with the Clinic as a volunteer in 2001. She is a social worker in private practise and has eight years experience as a nursery school teacher. Esme does play therapy, forensic assessments and counselling of children. Esme enjoys hiking and the outdoors and recently compiled a recipe book !!
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MANAGERS
My name is Bertha Shmukler. I am married and have three adult daughters and two grandchildren who are my pride and joy. I qualified as a social worker 25 years ago. At the time of qualifying I never thought that the main interest and focus of my career would be children. I have worked with children in Life Skills Programs, Childrens Homes, Childline and the Teddy Bear Clinic. Children are our future and I feel that hurt children are all of our responsibility. One of my most rewarding moments is when I receive the gift of a “smile of a child”. Happiness for me is the hope that I have been able to make the difference in the life of a child.
Not only is Shaheda Omar mom to four children and a soon-to-be glamorous gran, she has worked with families and children for over 18 years. “I belong to an army from which there is no resignation! I am both proud and privileged to serve as a team member of the TBC. I have worked for six years at this Clinic. Although the medical component has been in existence since 1986, the Therapeutic Unit became established when I joined the Clinic. When I started working at the Clinic, forensic assessments were introduced and implemented by me. I have since trained all the social workers to conduct forensic assessments. The forensic assessor acts as a consultant to the court, thus remaining neutral. I am glad to say that this service has flourished since its inception and has proven to be very valuable both to the child and the justice system. This also has assisted in the conviction of perpetrators (previously in the absence of medical evidence, perpetrators were acquitted and the victims had no legal recourse). In response to a need by primary caregivers/parents, a booklet called FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE was compiled. In 2001 I facilitated the development of a young sexual offenders programme, better known as SPARC (SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR ABUSE REACTIVE CHILDREN). This is a group work intervention programme. We have thus far had only two reported incidents of repeat offenders and have worked with over 400 young offenders. Manuals on this as well as the bullying programme have been completed. The rationale behind these programmes is to break the cycle of abuse.
Luke Lamprecht is the CEO of the Teddy Bear Clinic. He went to school in the Southern Surburbs of Johannesburg, and graduated from Wits University. He worked for Childline Johannesburg, Johannesburg Child Welfare as well as RAU and the Department of Social Services. He has occupied a number of positions in these organisations ranging from residential Child Care to Community worker, Project Manager and Policy and Training Development Co-ordinator. He is also a trainer and lecturer and has held positions at Universities. He plays an ongoing advocacy role in the sector and is currently completing a MSc In Child Health. He has 14 years experience in the Child Protection field and lives by a very simple motto “ to know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived is to have succeeded”. His current interest is sexuality and the disabled.
Karen Bailey initially joined in 2001 as a PA but is now responsible for the admin, public relations and fundraising. She has a BA in Psychology and has completed the volunteer training at TBC. Also a mother of two girls, Karen feels strongly that services such as those offered by the TBC should be accessible to all children. “It is possible for these children to heal and put this behind them, but they need help to do so. I’m glad there is somewhere for them to go for help. I love the Clinic and feel lucky to be here.” |
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MEDICAL
Dr Robbie Breuckner, together with Prof Lorna Jacklin, is the longest serving member of staff. She has been a consultant paediatrician here since the 80’s! Dr Breuckner is gentle, patient and professional and has also done lots of training for doctors on examining the sexually abused child and testifying in court and training for prosecutors. We are blessed to still have her as part of the team and hope that she continues to work here for many, many years to come. Dr Breuckner has three children (all also in the medical field) and five lucky grandchildren.
Dr Yvonne Reister has been working Thursday sessions at the Clinic since 2001. She also does medicals at the child abuse clinics in Boksburg and Alexandra township (WO+MEN Against Child Abuse). She has two children, a daughter and a son. Dr Reister said that this job has made her appreciate the importance of competent mothering in order to raise normal, happy, well balanced children, who are self-confident: they are less likely to be victims of abuse and should not have the tendency to abuse others. “The worst part of working in this field is encountering inadequate parenting. I enjoy working for Teddy Bear Clinic because the staff are competent, intelligent and pleasant. Am I good at my job? I think parents and kids feel fairly comfortable with me. I can listen.”
Prof Lorna Jacklin is a neurodevelopmental paediatrician who has a wealth of experience and expertise. As well as starting the Toy Library at Baragwanath Hospital for children with disabilities, she has won awards for excellence, contributed to numerous books and journals, written manuals, presented papers and supervised thousands of students. She is highly respected and very passionate about children. Prof Lorna has been on numerous task teams to benefit disabled and abused children. Since 1986, Prof Lorna has been Senior Consultant Paediatrician at The Memorial Institute for Child Health and Development in Parktown. Her responsibilities include the Assessment Clinic for children with learning disabilities and physical disabilities, assessment and therapy for children with visual impairments, the Childrens Disability Centre (nursery school for visually impaired children and autistic children as well as the Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children. She is currently solely responsible for running the Development and Behavioural Paediatrics courses of the MSc in Paediatrics, which runs over two years. Prof Lorna is an inspiration to all of us at TMI, a determined and energetic example of just how much one person can do! |
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