Erica Jacobs:  Head, Children & Violence  

Erica has a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Western Cape. Prior to joining the Trauma Center Erica was employed as a lecturer in psychology at the University of Western Cape. In addition to managing the training department of the Trauma Centre she is also involved, on a voluntary basis, in adoption screening for Diakonale Dienste. Her special interests are in the fields of community psychology, violence prevention - particularly amongst children in disadvantaged communities and community empowerment.

Jackie is a qualified Social Worker and has a Masters degree in Research Psychology from the University of Cape Town. She has extensive experience in the mental health sector. Whilst working at the Cape Mental Health Society, Jackie launched a corporate division with specific emphasis on trauma in the workplace. Her specific interests are in trauma reduction intervention and crisis management, particularly the management issues and structures that need to be in place to enable and support counsellors in their work.

Miriam received her Bachelor degree in Social Work from the University of Western Cape in 1973. She worked in the mental health field for many years. She worked for 6 years at NICRO counselling pre-trial and long term prisoners as well as parolees. She also worked at a Mental Health organisation for 13 years, where she was involved in counselling psychiatric patients and their families. Miriam joined Trauma Centre in April 2003. She is a counsellor in the Political Violence Team, working specifically in the Refugee Project. Her tasks entails counselling, debriefing, support groups for people in the refugee community, including children, workshops dealing with care for the caregivers, networking, lobbying, advocacy, awareness raising and public education as well as psycho education.

Fatima holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work and a Honours degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Cape Town. She also has a Diploma in Personnel Management from Damelin. She worked at the National Council for the Repatriation for South African Exiles in 1992 and then worked in the Forensic unit at Valkenberg Hospital as a Senior Social Worker until 1999. Fatima went into pivate practice in 1999 and is a part-time supervisor of final year social work students at University of Cape Town. She joined the Trauma Response Team as a counsellor in 2001 and her main interests are groupwork and individual counselling.

Haseena is a University of the Western Cape graduate in Social Work (1987) with seven years experience at Groote Schuur Hospital in the fields the alcohol, psychiatric assessment and crisis intervention. Thereafter she was employed at Annie Starck Children's Home from 1994 to1998, as both Social Worker and Unit Manager (Principal), counselling children who were emotionally, physically and sexually abused. Haseena joined The Trauma Centre in February 2003 as a counsellor in The Trauma Response Team.

Margaret works part-time for the Trauma Response Team. She holds a Masters degree in Biochemistry. She qualified as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in 1976 in the UK, having trained at the Arbours Association in London. She has been in private practice for 30 years. In London she worked at The Women's Therapy Centre, developing women-centred psychotherapy services, and has taught trainees at the Arbours Association and at the Centre for Attachment-based Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Margaret returned to South Africa in 1999 and started work at the Trauma Centre as a volunteer in 2000. She has has extensive experience of working with and empowering people targeted by various forms of oppression and with adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

Vimla Pillay:Executive Director

Shafieka Moos: Trainer, Training Team

Shafieka is a registered professional social worker. She has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Cape Town and a M. Phil degree in Women's and Gender Studies from the University of the Western Cape. Previously she worked at Rape Crisis (Cape Town) as the training co-ordinator before joining the Trauma Centre's training team in 2002. She has also supervised social work undergraduate students at UCT and UWC. Her particular focus is violence against women and sexual violence trauma. Her approach centres around community based intervention strategies.

Charl Davids: Acting Head, Training Team

Carmen Taylor: Trainer, Children & Violence Team

Carmen is a trainer on the Children and Violence programme she trained and completed a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch. Her field of interest is working in disadvantaged communities especially with children and women.

Emma is a massage therapist and trainer at the Trauma Centre. She has an MSc in Social Work studies from London University and qualified as a massage therapist in Cape Town in 1991. She uses aromatherapy, reflexology, South African flower remedies and jin shin jyutsu. She also teaches relaxation and wellness techniques. Emma contributes to the training programme with emphasis on "Caring for the Caretakers".

Jessie Lutta: Massage Therapist

Jessie is a massage therapist at the Trauma Centre. She has the ITEC of London Aromatherapy qualification and studied reflexology at the Natural Health Clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to her work with the Trauma Centre she provides voluntary services to the community. Through massage Jessie offers support and healing to victims of violence following referrals by Trauma Centre counselling staff.

Support Services Staff

Logie is the leader of the administration team, and is responsible for HR and welfare of staff.

Bernard oversees maintenance and is the driver for staff, clients and visitors of the Trauma Centre.

Olga ensures the offices are clean and sets up venues, including flower decoration.

Norma Neethling: Receptionist