OASIS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Kathryn de Gouveia
Clinical Director
Kathryn is warm, empathic and knowledgeable and is a leader by example in all she does. With 16 years of experience, 10 years as Clinical Director of an internationally recognised eating disorder clinic in South Africa, she has an involved and hands-on approach to treatment and recovery. Kathryn believes in life-long recovery. Addiction is treated as the behavioural symptom of an underlying problem or need.
“Each person who walks through my office doors, comes in with their own story, their own pain and their own journey into recovery. Recovery is not found in abstinence alone, but in the new life that is built daily.”

Warren Pezaro
Oasis Centre Manager
Warren is determined, caring and committed, with a natural flair for organisation. He joined the Oasis team in May 2019, and is responsible for the day to day operational management of the centre. Beginning his 16 years in the healthcare industry with 7 years of clinical work; Warren then moved on to establish the first standalone private adolescent psychiatric hospital in South Africa. In this time, he discovered his enthusiasm for organisational health.
With a successful background in the strategic, financial and day-to-day running of hospitals, Warren went on as the head of establishment of recognised psychiatric hospitals within SA and headed up the Business Development Team for these groups.
His focus is aimed at effective and efficient systems, while consistently and continuously striving for best patient care and outcomes. Warren has a strong belief that a supportive, non-judgemental and no-blame culture is the most effective way in creating, and maintaining, a motivated, dedicated and focused team.
“The opportunity to work with people on a daily basis affords me the gift of fully understanding that change is not part of any process, but rather that change is the process.”
OASIS CLINICAL TEAM

Lelani Walters,
Clinical Psychologist
BA in Psychology, Hon in Psychology, MA in Clinical Psychology (Social Science), EMDR
therapy level I, EMDR therapy level II (Trauma Specialist)
Lelani was introduced to the rehabilitation space at her first post-community service job at SANCA. Over the years, working with those struggling with dependency in places such as The Cabin in Thailand, led her to a passion for new research in the field of trauma, and its effect on people’s development.
Lelani brings that passion and experience to the Oasis team in her role as Clinical Psychologist. Our clients will benefit from her deep interest in, and understanding of, the devastating effects of trauma on the human body.
“The fact that I can be part of someone’s healing and growth is a privilege. I learn so
much from the clients and the more I learn, the more I can bring that learning to help
people heal. I love the magic that happens in a therapeutic relationship.”

Alicia Coetser
Registered Dietitian
BSc Human Life Science (Stel), BSc Hons in Human Physiology (Stel), BMedSc Hons in
Human Nutrition and Dietetics (UCT), Eating Disorder Training (Shawna Melbourne,
Canadian DT)
Alicia found her way to the rehabilitation space when she stood in for one of the Oasis dieticians over the festive season in 2021. It made her question her long term career in mainstream dietetics, where weight loss and dieting was the predominant focus, and led her to find a way to use her experience to educate people on the dangers of weight loss and dieting.
Alicia moved from her private practice in Knysna to being the on-site dietitian at Oasis in March 2022, working with clients with disordered eating and body image concerns. She also works closely with the on-site chef to develop the client menus to suit their dietary requirements.
Alicia’s move across the dietetics aisle, because of her experience at Oasis with the staff and the clients, offers a completely unique point of view to future clients.
“Working at Oasis has deepened my love for human beings and the complexity of our nature. I am deeply dedicated to helping people realise that weight loss is not the answer and that being skinny does not equate to being happy. My biggest wish is for all people to have freedom around food and body.”

Annesta Hofer
Counselling Behavioural Therapist
Specialising in Grief and Trauma Therapy
BSW Honours degree (Social Work and Psychology)
Grief Loss and Bereavement intensive training
Prior to working within the Addiction Field, Annesta began her work as a Forensic Social Worker, specializing in fighting against child abuse and domestic violence and rape within the Criminal Justice System. Part of this work was initiating and advocating Victim Friendly Facilities for victims of abuse in South Africa.
Over the past two decades, Annesta has spent her life passionately working in the field of addiction and psychiatry as a Counselling Behavioural Therapist. Annesta has been involved in the management and supervision of various rehabilitation centres across South Africa, and had a successful Private Practice for over 7 years.
Annesta will be leading our grief and program, therapy groups, carrying a case load of individual clients and bringing a new aspect to our program, called PURPOSE, where Annesta shares her passion of nature and re-engaging in life through various activities and outreaches in Plettenberg Bay. Annesta is passionate about empowerment, holistically understanding her clients, and bringing compassion into her client’s life that is depleted of this through addiction.
Annesta firmly believes that there is hope after addiction and that the process towards ongoing recovery can be defined by respect, dignity, and empowerment. The joy that family members express when their loved ones start to change and redirect their lives remains a tremendous award for working in this field. Annesta’s approach is gentle, kind and caring, as she aids her clients in understanding the dysfunction in their life, in order to help them find emotional freedom and maturity. Those who work with Annesta describe her as dedicated, committed, compassionate, caring, and uplifting.
Annesta’s greatest aim in life is: “To be an agent of change where it is most needed in life.
And working in the addiction field, she has found her place, in being part of an intensive and heartbreaking journey with her client’s that is transformative.”
OASIS SUPPORT THERAPISTS

Stuart Palmer
Drama Practitioner
Stuart has been facilitating drama-based workshops at Oasis for 3 years. He focuses on bringing the clients into the present moment to experience creativity, exercise their imaginations, find their playful selves and, most importantly, to have fun. After 37 years in film and theatre, he embarked on the journey of using theatre as a tool to enlighten, empower, educate and uplift.
Stuart runs the Lunchbox Theatre that gives educational theatre shows in rural and underprivileged schools around the country. They run workshops with kids in Plettenberg Bay and develop their life skills through the arts. He also runs team building workshops for corporates and small businesses, curriculum-based drama classes at local schools and drama therapy classes at recovery centres.
People in recovery are all on a deeply introspective journey, Theatre-based exercises gives the opportunity to remove themselves from introspection and forward planning. And to find within themselves, the power of the present moment and how that can be turned into something fun and playful.
I get paid to play. But seriously, watching how the arts and theatre can light up people’s faces. I love to see the moments when clients get lost in their creativity and play and just have fun. The words I most want to hear from anyone is, “I learnt to laugh again!”
OASIS OPERATIONS TEAM

Mandy van Rooyen
Clinical Coordinator
After working in administration in the public sector, Mandy began managing clients and ensuring the smooth running of the daily therapeutic program for a Specialised Eating Disorder Unit. She also facilitated therapeutic groups for abused women with addictions in the NPO sector.
Mandy manages the critical role of coordinating the daily therapeutic program and introducing the 12-step program with the necessary guidance, support and direction. Boundaried and empathetic, her own recovery from addiction drives her passion for helping others find their own freedom.
“There is nothing as powerful as seeing clients start fighting to live. I am passionate about fullness of the human experience and how we constantly need to stay open to evolve.”

Alberto Wilskut
Financial Administrator
Alberto has a certificate in Business Administration and is currently working for his Diploma in Accountancy. From previous positions as a Bookkeeper and Tax Compliance Administrator, he has been with Oasis since 2019.
Alberto’s dedication, reliability and work ethic are invaluable to the Oasis team.
I love working for Oasis and have grown so much here. They are also so supportive of my goals and learning. I am passionate about working here because I know I am playing a part in something big and important to so many people.”

Dylan Braun
Kitchen Manager & Maintenance
WIth over 11 years in the hospitality industry in all departments, Dylan brings his commitment to service, hard work and constant improvement – both of self and his environment – to the Oasis team.
Dylan meets and exceeds the needs of the employees and clients, making sure that everyone is happy and comfortable and working in the best conditions.
“I love the fact that every day I get to work with passionate and energetic people who love what they do and really care for the clients that come through these doors. And that the clients leave either changed or equipped with the help and knowledge they will need to go forward again and start a new life.”
OASIS RECOVERY ASSISTANT TEAM
OASIS NURSING TEAM

Nomthandazo Olive Kumalo
Nursing Manager
Nomthandazo is a humble and caring professional nurse. She has many years of experience as a psychiatric nurse for multiple hospitals and rehabilitation clinics. She has Diplomas and Certificates in general and psychiatric nursing.
Nomthandazo is particularly passionate about working with eating disorder clients. Her ability to stand her ground in a loving and supportive way, paired with her passion for constant learning and understanding of the rehabilitation space and the clients, is an example to the Oasis team.
“I am proud to journey with clients, getting to know and understand each of them, and having them know that my care for them doesn’t waver even when they push me away. I believe in them.”
“I am proud to journey with clients, getting to know and understand each of them, and having them know that my care for them doesn’t waver even when they push me away. I believe in them.”

Nomusa Magwaza
Auxillary Nurse
Nomusa is a friendly and empathic auxiliary nurse, with a Diploma in Nursing and a certificate in Business Administration.
Nomusa joined Oasis in 2018 and assists the team in maintaining the wellbeing of the clients. Her gentle unassuming way makes her easy for clients and team members to trust and talk to.
“I love that I am learning more about rehabilitation and I am always excited to see our clients accept help and rebuild their lives”

Nancy Jacobs
Auxiliary Nurse
Nancy came to Oasis in 2021 having made a life change after caring for her mother with cancer. After years in client relations for a local animal sanctuary, she was inspired to find ways to care for others and help them to change their lives.
In aid of this goal, she completed Hope Foundation-Famhealth/NMMU Home-based Caregiver Training and a course on Eating Disorders. Nancy’s joy and belief in changing lives for the better makes her an excellent Auxiliary Nurse.
“I am energised by witnessing and taking part in the challenging journey clients are on from the day they arrive at Oasis, through the progress they make and sending them off to live healthier and happier lives”

Sharnlee Avelar Garcia
Registered Nurse
Sharnlee has a Diploma in Nursing, specialising in general, midwifery, psychiatric and community based nursing.
She has a heart for service, with years of volunteering in an Old Age Home, a Down Syndrome Facility, a Children’s Village, and through her Nursing College, while studying and working full time, before joining Oasis in 2022.
“I have a great passion for psychiatric nursing. I am grateful for the opportunity Oasis provides to grow in my understanding of helping those suffering from addiction and other underlying psychological conditions.”
OASIS HOUSEHOLD TEAM

Gladys Vuyiswa Desi
Household Manager
Gladys has been with Oasis since 2005 and takes pride in guiding and assisting the housekeeping team in upholding the high standards she has established over the years. Hard-working, straight-forward and compassionate, Gladys understands the value she and her team bring to Oasis; deeply affecting the feeling of security for the clients.
“It means so much to me to see what a difference we make in the lives of our clients, because they feel at home at Oasis.”

Zinziswa Doro
Oasis Housekeeper
Zinzi came to Oasis in 2021 and is our perfectionist. She is dedicated and professional with a warm and caring nature. She has a certificate in Management Assistance and she loves meeting new people.
“My goal is to learn as much as I can from the people around me and to be a nurse one day.”

Nondumiso Gloria Vellem
Oasis Housekeeper
Smart and always smiling, Gloria loves learning. She has her N4 and N5 Management Assistant certificates and is busy with her N6. She has received certificates in Teamwork and Leadership, Civic and Democracy Education and received a commendation in a Life Skills course.
Her role at Oasis is that of housekeeper, but she can also be found assisting the chefs in the kitchen.
“I am a very caring person and I enjoy seeing the people around me happy. Whenever or wherever I see a person who is in a bad space, I do my best to make sure that person is smiling before I leave.”

Yvonne Bottoman
Oasis Housekeeper
Intelligent, kind and with a quick wit, Yvonne is the self-proclaimed housekeeping and laundry Queen at Oasis. She takes great pride in providing a clean and light environment for clients, in both their physical and emotional space.
“I love to make people laugh and bring a smile to their faces. I work hard because my work is important. I really enjoy being a part of the Oasis team.”

Peliswa
Oasis Housekeeper
Peliswa is a passionate, dedicated and self-motivated person, who not only adapts to, but embraces change. She takes pride in everything she does and enjoys new challenges and has aspirations to study nursing.
“I would like to see all the Oasis clients reach happiness and full recovery.”