Invited Speakers

International Speakers

Prof David Coghill

Prof David Coghill is the Financial Markets Foundation Chair of Developmental Mental Health Department of Paediatrics and Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and serves as the President of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA). He is a highly esteemed and globally recognised leading researcher in child and adolescent psychiatry, celebrated for his significant contributions to the field of ADHD. Prof. Coghill's research focuses on developing a better understanding of the causes of ADHD, and related disorders, the development of effective treatments and their translation into practice. Dave maintains a strong clinical presence and has worked hard to develop clinical pathways that facilitate the rapid transfer of research evidence into routine clinical practice. In addition to his academic role at the University of Melbourne, Dave leads the Neurodevelopmental Disorders team at Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

Prof Samuele Cortese

Samuele Cortese is currently NIHR Research Professor, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton, Honorary Consultant for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, UK and professor of child neuropsychiatry at the university of Bari, Italy. Prof. Cortese’s main research interests are around neurodevelopmental disorders. He has published more than 450 peer-review papers. He has secured funding as main/co-applicant for more than £ 23 M. Since 2022, he has been included in the top 1% scientists in the field of psychiatry/psychology (Web of Science). Since 2022, he has ranked #1 worldwide in terms of expertise on ADHD (Expertscape). He is the Chair of the European ADHD Guidelines Group.

Prof Manfred Doepfner

Professor emeritus of Psychotherapy at the Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, Germany. Professor Dr. Doepfner is supervisor in cognitive behaviour therapy and director of the School for Child and Adolescent Cognitive Behavior Therapy at the University of Cologne. His main research interests are assessment, prevention, and treatment of ADHD, Conduct Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and Tic Disorders. He was principal investigator of several multicentre trials on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy of ADHD and conduct disorders, of prevention studies for externalizing problem behaviour in children, and on self-help-interventions for parents of children and adolescents with externalizing disorders. He received the German Psychology Prize for his scientific work in 2005.

Prof Melissa Milanak

Melissa Milanak is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Dr. Milanak holds a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and a PhD in Clinical & Community Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She completed her post-doctoral training at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where she maintains an active academic career providing clinical services in the Sleep & Anxiety Treatment and Research Program, serving as the Director of Continuing Education, and conducting federally-funded research. Dr. Milanak played a pivotal role in establishing MUSC’s Resiliency Clinic, offering support to healthcare workers during the pandemic, and designed innovative, empirically-supported treatment programs for sleep, stress, and anxiety for intensive outpatient addictions programs. Most recently, her work has extended to global initiatives, including a pilot program with Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Medical System in South Africa, aiming to roll out a culturally adapted sleep treatment protocol for adolescents. As the founder of MIND Impact Consulting, Dr. Milanak frequently serves as a keynote speaker on sleep and its impact on workplace effectiveness, stress, anxiety, and wellbeing for businesses around the world, and she recently gave a TEDx talk on sleep and optimal performance highlighting the critical importance of sleep for professional success and personal well-being. She actively engages in pro bono work, supporting athletes, active military, veterans, and entrepreneur groups, emphasizing the critical role of sleep in overall well-being.

Prof Jeffrey Newcorn

Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics; Director of the Division of ADHD and Learning Disorders, and the Center for Excellence in ADHD and Related Disorders; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Newcorn is a highly regarded researcher in the areas of ADHD, aggression, descriptive psychopathology of child and adolescent disorders, and child and adolescent psychopharmacology, whose work spans both clinical and translational topics. Over the course of his career, he has published over 350 articles and book chapters on these and related subjects. Dr. Newcorn has received numerous awards for his work, including the Hulse Award for lifetime achievement from the New York Council on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2002), and the Elaine Schlosser Lewis Award for Research in Attention Deficit Disorder (2018). He was elected to the CHADD Hall of Fame in 2014. Dr. Newcorn has been the Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on several NIH-funded grants that examine the clinical, genetic, neuroanatomic and neurophysiologic basis of ADHD its treatment, as well as the neurobiological basis of substance abuse risk. He also directs an active clinical trials program, and has studied many of the recent medication treatments for ADHD. Dr. Newcorn is an internationally recognized educator and mentor, and is an editorial board member of several leading child psychiatry/psychology and psychopharmacology journals. He was a member of the steering committee of the NIMH-funded multicenter study “Multimodal Treatment of Children with ADHD (MTA)” and the DSM-IV advisory committees on child and adolescent disorders and disruptive behavior disorders. He was a founding member of the board of directors of the American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD), and served as President from 2020-2022.

Dr Tanya O'Callaghan

Dr. Tanya O’Callaghan has 30 years of experience as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, she brings clinical expertise from a diverse range of practice settings both local and international. Tanya grew up in South Africa, and studied at the University of the Witwatersrand, Medical School obtaining her honors degree in Occupational Therapy with distinction. She went on to work in a specialized educational setting for children with learning disabilities. In 1998 Tanya moved to the USA and took a pediatric position in a school district in Illinois, where she served children with a range of needs through the early intervention program, school district special education services and region wide specialty assistive technology services. Tanya was involved in program development for pediatric services at a community hospital. In 2001 Tanya took on further study through Creighton University completing her post professional Doctorate with a focus in pediatric program development and advocacy. She achieved the Occupational Therapy Doctorate award and graduated Suma cum laude. Tanya worked in Oregon in the Early Intervention program and then accepted a teaching position in the United Kingdom at Oxford Brookes University. While teaching undergraduate and Master’s level students Tanya pursued an advanced diploma in higher education teaching. Tanya has a broad range of clinical expertise which influences her passion in serving the families and children. Tanya completed her Sensory Integration and Praxis Test Certification in 2008 and in 2009 she fulfilled her vision of opening a community based clinic to address the need for community based Pediatric Therapy Services. Under her guidance and direction Kids At Play Therapy has grown to provide specialized therapy services to the community and support families advocate for their children to achieve maximum participation in all aspects of their lives. In an ongoing effort to identify new and innovative therapy perspectives Tanya completed the advanced Integrated Listening System Certification in July 2010. Tanya is not only passionate about the children and families she works with, she is also dedicated to her own family and enjoys spending time with her family, pets, the outdoors in the beautiful Pacific North West and travelling to explore new places.

Dr Roger Paterson

Dr Roger Paterson (MBBS, FRCPsych, FRANZCP, Certificate child psychiatry) graduated in medicine from the University of WA, and subsequently trained in child and adult psychiatry in London and Perth. He worked extensively in both the public and private sectors in general child, adolescent and adult psychiatry from 1989, moving to full-time private practice in 1996. He was the founding director of the Hollywood Private Hospital Eating Disorder Programme from 1997 to 2011, and remains engaged in managing binge eating disorders (bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder), particularly in the field of pharmacotherapy. His solo private psychiatric practice now in central Perth specialises mostly in adolescents and adults with ADHD, a field where he has been active as a clinician, researcher and community advocate. Since 1994, he has supported the charity ADHD WA, both on the Professional Advisory Body and on the management committee. In 1999, he led a private/public team which published the 1st ever trial of dexamfetamine usage in adult ADHD. In July 2017, he joined the inaugural board of the national Australian ADHD Professionals Association and remains an active member. In September 2022, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists WA Branch . The award was for his “outstanding contribution to psychiatry in recognition of his many years of tireless service as a leader in the field of ADHD”.

Mr Antonio Pesqueira

Antonio Pesqueira holds a master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management from Universidade Europeia, as well as a postgraduate degree in Organizational Systems and Information Technologies from ISEG-IDEFE. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Technology on Dynamic Capabilities for Healthcare Innovation Management at ISCTE-IUL. He currently serves on the Editorial Review Board of the International Journal of AI in Medicine and Healthcare (IJAIMH, IGI Global) and leads operations management initiatives in healthcare and life sciences. As a research fellow at ISCTE-IUL's Technology and Architecture Research Department, his scholarly endeavors are focused on the following areas: digital health technologies, data management, and innovation strategies. He has co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles and chapters in top journals and regularly speaks at international conferences.

Dr Margaret Sibley

Dr. Margaret Sibley is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She has authored over 120 scholarly publications on ADHD in adolescence and adulthood with research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Institute of Education Sciences. She is Secretary of the American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD), a Professional Advisory Board Member for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and an Associate Editor of the Journal of Attention Disorders. She is the author of Parent-Teen Therapy for Executive Function Deficits and ADHD: Building Skills and Motivation published by Guilford Press in 2017.

Ms Kath Smith

Kath Smith is a dynamic and internationally respected Consultant Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience advancing sensory integration (SI) and occupational therapy (OT) practice across the lifespan. A pioneer in developing resources and care pathways for applying Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) beyond childhood, Kath has led innovative developments that have reshaped practice in mental health, neurorehabilitation, and neurodiverse care for people across the lifespan in the UK and Ireland. In partnership with other organisations, this innovation has also been shared globally. She is the Director Lead of ASI Wise, a not-for-profit initiatives that provide modular internationally accredited ASI education, and founder of the sister organisation; The Sensory Project, developing clinical tools, including Sensory Ladders, Sensory Spiders and Grids. Sensory Ladders training is a free resource to support OT-informed sensory approaches, available worldwide, currently being translated into languages from every continent. Her passion lies in ensuring equitable access to sensory integration knowledge and therapy, championing the idea that "Sensory Integration is everyone’s business” and “no one is left behind." Kath’s expertise spans practice, research, and education. She delivers teaching and learning on Ayres Sensory Integration, serving as an instructor for ASI Wise and the CLASI Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration (CASI) in the UK and Ireland. She is the ASI Wise Education Lead for the partnership MSc in Advancing Practice at Ulster University and serves as an executive member of ICE-ASI, where she contributes to leading international standards for ASI education. Additionally, Kath was the UK and Ireland Regional Lead for the international EASI Normative Data Collection Project. Kath’s innovations include the Sensory Ladders, Spiders and Grids, the Be SMART Programme, and Parenting Through the Senses, tools and programmes used nationally and now, globally to support people navigating sensory challenges related to trauma and neurodiversity, with a focus on mental health and well-being. Her clinical and research work has been published and presented across continents - from the UK and South Africa to Portugal, the US, and Brazil—garnering awards, including RCOT Merit Award (2025), OT Show (2016), Occupational Therapist of the Year (2007) and Medical Futures finalist and winner (2005 & 2007). A fierce advocate for accessible learning, Kath spearheaded the early adoption of blended learning and telehealth therapy solutions for parents living in remote and rural areas in 2005. She applied this learning to support therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic and humanitarian crises, including into Syria, and Ukraine. She mentors and inspires OT’s worldwide, encouraging research beyond childhood, through conference participation, freely sharing evidence-informed practice about Ayres’ Sensory Integration education across the lifespan. Kath currently delivers therapy at the Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre in Cornwall, where she has helped transform adult neurorehabilitation and develop their sensory integration service as part of an MDT team through sensory-informed practice and therapeutic space design, for clients across the lifespan.

Dr Aaron Winkler

Dr Aaron Winkler is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in California who specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults with ADHD. He founded and directed the Adult ADHD Clinic at Stanford University, writes and publishes peer-reviewed and award-winning work in psychiatry and neuroscience, and regularly presents new work at major academic conferences internationally. Currently he serves on the APSARD National Guidelines Taskforce working to create guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults in the United States, and has developed real-world, freely available clinical tools to improve the diagnostic process and treatment outcomes for adults with ADHD. His approach utilizes psychodynamics, enhacing patient insight prior to starting medication, and fully mentalizing the life experience of someone who has stuggled with executice function since childhood: http://www.aaronwinklermd.com/.

Dr Dora Wynchank

Dr. Dora Wynchank is a psychiatrist, researcher and educator specialising in adult ADHD. After her career in South Africa, where she worked as a consultant psychiatrist and held leadership roles in psychiatric organisations, she relocated to the Netherlands in 2014. There, she completed her PhD on adult ADHD and biological rhythms at Amsterdam University Center/VUMC. Currently, she works at PsyQ in The Hague, focusing on adult ADHD treatment. Her current research interests include the clinical presentation of ADHD in women, the impact of hormonal changes on ADHD, sleep disorders in ADHD, and cardiovascular presentations related to ADHD.. She is also editor of the of the DIVA Foundation, which has developed a diagnostic interview for adult ADHD in over 30 languages. She has published numerous peer-reviewed papers, lectures widely and is actively involved in ADHD advocacy. She serves as a professional board member of ADHD Europe. In collaboration with Prof. Sandra Kooij, she has developed the ADHD Powerbank, a resource providing concise online educational videos that address various facets of adult ADHD.

Local Speakers

Mrs Michelle Baker

Michelle is registered with the HPCSA as a Clinical Neuropsychologist as well in Clinical Technology: neurophysiology. She participates in supervised training groups and continued professional development. She works in private practice in Kloof, Kwa Zulu-Natal and specialises in general psychotherapy with two key areas of expertise: Neuropsychology: She helps adolescents and adults with medical and neurological conditions that affect their cognition, behaviour, and emotions, such as Autistic Spectrum and Attention Deficit Disorders, concussion, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, dementia, pain, trauma, and Functional Neurological Disorders. She provides neuropsychology assessments, cognitive rehabilitation, family systems intervention, and individual therapy. She also does assessments for boarding and insurance purposes. She is registered to NeuropsychologySA and a full member of SACNA. Sleep Disorders: Michelle completed a fellowship in Insomnia at Penn University USA in 2010. She is the vice-chairperson of South African Society for Sleep Health (SASSH). She performs home-based sleep screenings for obstructive sleep apnoea and CPAP titration with sleep physician Dr Alison Bentley. Michelle is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Clinical Medicine (Psychiatry) at University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, where she is researching Insomnia. Her background in general psychology, sleep disorders, and neuropsychology enables her to offer comprehensive expertise in her areas of focus.

Dr Brendan Belsham

Dr Belsham has been in private practice in Johannesburg since 2000. He was a visiting consultant at the Johannesburg Parent and Child Counseling Centre for 15 years. He has served on the advisory boards of several pharmaceutical companies. He worked from 2001 to 2003 in a consultant post in the Department of Psychiatry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, as part of the postgraduate child psychiatry training programme. This entailed involvement in multidisciplinary child psychiatry teams and pioneering a child psychiatry clinic in the Orange Farm area. In his undergraduate years, he was awarded the Kurt Gillis Memorial Prize in psychiatry in 1993. He obtained the degree of MBBCh in 1994. He was admitted as a Fellow of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa in October 1999. He was awarded the degree of Master of Medicine in Psychiatry in November 2000, and was the joint recipient of the Louis Franklin Freed Prize for the most distinguished postgraduate student for the Master of Medicine degree in Psychiatry. He obtained the Certificate in Child Psychiatry (SA), in October 2003. Dr Belsham has published articles on a variety of subjects. He has delivered numerous presentations to various bodies, including local and international scientific meetings, educational groups, churches and schools. He has appeared on television, spoken on radio and written for magazines. His book What’s the fuss about ADHD? explores the current controversies around ADHD and its treatment. He has recently co-authored the updated SASOP guidelines for the management of ADHD in children and adolescents. Dr Belsham is married with 4 children.

Dr Rudy Bosch

Dr Rudy Bosch is a longevity-focused medical doctor and Emergency Department Manager at Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt. He co-founded the InnerSight Clinic in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs, where he applies a precision medicine approach to optimize muscle, bone, and brain health. Inspired by the work of Dr. Peter Attia, Rudy integrates advanced diagnostics with targeted supplementation and lifestyle strategies. He also co-hosts a podcast on the science of longevity. His talk, “Iron Deficiency and Supplementation for ADHD and Brain Health,” explores the critical role of iron in cognitive function and neurodevelopment.

Dr Naz Daniels

Dr Naz Daniels is a general adult psychiatrist working in Private Practice at Constantiaberg Mediclinic in Cape Town. She obtained her medical degree at the University of Cape Town and completed her specialist training in the United Kingdom. She has a particular interest in women’s mental health and is passionate about providing holistic care beyond the medical model, and interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues. She is currently convening the SASOP (South Africa Society of Psychiatrists) Women’s Mental Health Special Interest Group.

Ms Chrizanne de Beer

Chrizanne de Beer is the Deputy Principal of Eversdal Primary School and the founder of Neurotoys, an educational initiative that creates tailored resources to support neurodiverse learners. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Stellenbosch University, an honours degree from North-West University, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Special Needs Education, also through North-West University. With a strong background in primary education, curriculum design, and developmental psychology, Chrizanne is committed to advancing inclusive education. Her work focuses on identifying and addressing learning barriers, supporting neurodivergent learners through individualized support plans, and fostering environments that promote emotional well-being and academic success. As a passionate advocate for parent-teacher collaboration, Chrizanne also hosts Evertalk, a podcast aimed at equipping parents with practical strategies, expert insights, and guidance on supporting their children’s learning journeys. Driven by a belief in the potential of every child, she works to ensure that all learners are empowered with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Juané du Randt

Juané du Randt is a Registered Counsellor and the Operations Manager at the Goldilocks and the Bear Foundation, where she is dedicated to holistic well-being and transformative growth. She holds a BA in Psychology, a BPsych degree, and is a Level 1 DBT practitioner. With a passion for integrating lifestyle coaching, she emphasises the power of movement, nutrition, and mindset in managing mental health, particularly ADHD. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Juané brings deep personal insight and empathy into her work, making her a strong advocate for neurodiverse individuals. She is especially passionate about empowering families through education, practical tools, and a whole-person approach to care. Her special interest in sport and nutrition complements her clinical work, offering dynamic, sustainable pathways to thriving with ADHD.

Dr Elsa du Toit

Dr Elsa du Toit is a maternal mental health specialist with a passion for improving the lives of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She began her career as a general practitioner in 2000. While working, she earned her Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Stellenbosch cum laude in 2006. In 2010 she qualified as a General Psychiatrist but her focus was already firmly set on Women’s Mental Health. The first decade of her career as a psychiatrist she bridged the gap between State and Private Medicine by providing a Perinatal Psychiatry Service in both sectors, while doing much needed research in this field. Her PhD studies explored the complex intersection between mental illness and unplanned pregnancy in women, shedding light on the unique needs and vulnerabilities of this population and their babies. Currently, Dr. Du Toit practices as a perinatal psychiatrist at Panorama Health Care Psychiatry. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with colleagues across various disciplines, fostering an integrated care model. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Du Toit is actively involved in the Marce South Africa's regional women's mental health group. She also serves on the executive committee of SASOP Women’s Mental Health Subgroup. Furthermore, she developed the www.drelsadutoit.com learning hub, an online academic platform where healthcare workers and women can access valuable information about women’s mental health during the perinatal period. Through her commitment to advancing mental healthcare, Dr. Du Toit continuously strives to improve women’s health through research, clinical practice, collaboration and education.

Ms Kate Farina

Kate Farina founded Be in Touch 8 years ago, with a focus on supporting parents and teachers to keep children safer and saner online. She’s an online safety expert but as a parent of teens herself, is also a "mum on a mission", helping other parents with practical tools to manage their family’s devices and stay connected to their children as they go and live online. She much prefers solutions to scare-mongering – the job of the modern-day parent is hard enough! Kate is one of the co-founders and CEO of the South African chapter of the global Smartphone Free Childhood movement, SFC-SA – now a registered not for profit. SFC-SA focusses on –
• Connecting and empowering parents to delay the introduction of smart devices and social media for their kids, encouraging mindful slow-tech, low-tech decisions that protect childhood.
• Supporting and encouraging schools to make the academic day smartphone free, to limit screentime in the classroom by integrating EdTech carefully and mindfully, and to implement digital safeguarding best practice.
• Engaging and working with regulators around policy and legislation for minimum age restrictions for social media and gaming platforms, smartphone free schools, and Digital Safeguarding of EdTech in schools.

Dr Leigh Gordon

Leigh is a Sport & Exercise Medicine physician in private practice at Cape Sports Medicine, based at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa in Cape Town. She sees concussed patients from all sports and levels of participation, and is actively involved in concussion management at school level, both boys’ and girls’ schools. She runs the first state-based concussion clinic at the Neuroscience Institute at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. She is the former team physician for the Springbok Sevens Rugby men’s and women’s squads. She is a World Rugby Medical Trainer as well as Independent Concussion Consultant, and works as Head Injury Match Day Dr for major Rugby events in Cape Town, both 15s and 7s rugby. She is a member of the Tools sub-committee of the Concussion in Sport Group, where CISG authored the latest Concussion Consensus document. Finally, she is a Medical Officer for the FIH (International Hockey Federation), for whom she was one of the 3 Federation MO’s for hockey’s Summer Olympic Games in Paris last year.

Ms Linda Hiemstra

Linda qualified as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Stellenbosch in 2002, and obtained a post-graduate diploma in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Pretoria in 2008. She completed her post-graduate diploma in Interdisciplinary pain management from UCT in 2018 an is finishing her M.Sc in Clinical Pain Management at the University of Edinburgh this year. Linda has her own private practice, Back2Work Occupational Therapy, which specialises in vocational rehabilitation and treatment of adults with physical and mental health conditions. She also holds the position of Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Collective PTY, a company that runs the PAIN Collective, which is a group of private practitioners working in 17 private interventional pain management clinics across the country. She manages the therapy service at all of the clinics and carries an active case load as an Occupational Therapist, seeing patients with complex persistent pain. Linda is a member of the Exco of the Occupational Therapy Pain Management Group and President Elect of PAINSA. She is passionate about education, research and excellent patient care, specifically in the fields of vocational rehabilitation and pain management. She teaches part-time at UCT on the post-graduate pain management program, and on the Occupational Therapy undergraduate curriculum. She regularly presents at courses, workshops and conferences.

Ms Anél Kirsten

Founder of Paarl Dietitians, Anél believe in a holistic approach and looking at each person individually. She is passionate about converting nutrition science into a practical lifestyle and finding a healthy balance between achieving your goals while still enjoying food. Anél studied at Stellenbosch University and qualified in 2002. After completing her compulsory community service year in Potchefstroom, she then travelled to the United Kingdom where she lived and worked for 4 years as a locum dietitian and later on worked as a Specialist Paediatric Dietitian. Anél gained a wealth of experience during her stay in the UK – consulting paediatric patients in the Allergy, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes and Feeding clinics as well as patients on ward level, stroke rehabilitation and adult ICU. Anél returned to South Africa in 2008 to persue a career in private practice and joined Stellenbosch & Vergelegen Nutrition Centres. Furthering her skills in adult and paediatric nutrition and dietetics. Anél continued her studies and completed her Master’s Degree in Nutrition (2011) – her thesis focused on Childhood Obesity. As an experienced public speaker, Anél often presents talks to the public and other health professionals – keeping them up to date with the latest nutrition-related topics and research. She consults regularly for the media and has contributed to publications such as Baba & Kleuter and Women’s Health magazines, as well as online magazine Parenting Hub, on various nutrition related topics. Anél have vast experience in managing a variety of diseases requiring nutritional treatment. Her time in private practice has provided her with special skills to treat and manage weight loss, insulin resistance and associated metabolic syndrome. Anél has worked closely with multi-disciplinary teams to treat eating disorders and is another special interest. She has also completed the evidence based course ‘Treating the Emotional Eater’.A person’s behaviour around food has deep roots that need to be acknowledged and understood-before that behaviour can change. Other special interest includes Women’s health (pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome) and Nutrigenomics (DNA testing). Anel has completed the Foundations in Nutrigenomics course as well as the in-depth Manuka Nutrigenomics course. This allows her to interpret an individual’s nutrigenetic results and transition them into practical and personalised food solutions.

Dr Bonginkosi Mafuze

Dr Bonginkosi Mafuze holds an MBChB from UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine and completed his Fellowship in Psychiatry with the CMSA in 2024. He also holds a Diploma in Mental Health and is passionate about outreach, advocacy, and education. He is the host of Doctors of Minds, a mental health podcast that shares awareness and lived experiences of those affected by mental illness. With a strong interest in Sports and Exercise Psychiatry, he is actively involved in developing this emerging field in South Africa. He has obtained a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine and a certificate in Sports Psychiatry through the International Society of Sports Psychiatry (ISSP). In recognition of his community work, he was named an Associate Fellow of the Queen’s Young Leaders Royal Commonwealth Society in 2014. His work bridges clinical care, sport, and public mental health engagement.

Ms Mia Malan

Mia Malan is the founder and editor-in-chief of Bhekisisa. She has worked in newsrooms in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington, DC, winning more than 30 awards for her radio, print and television work. A former Knight International Journalism Fellow and a Reuters Institute Journalism Fellow, Mia speaks internationally about health issues in Africa and media sustainability in the Global South. Mia has published widely in books and academic journals, including the Brown Journal of World Affairs and the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. She was a TEDx speaker on how Covid changed news reporting and regularly moderates panels for high-level events.

Ms Nomfundo Ndlangisa

Ms Nomfundo Ndlangisa is an accomplished marketing and communications leader with 13 years of experience in brand strategy, stakeholder engagement, and integrated campaign delivery. She currently serves as Head of Marketing & Communications at Stellenbosch Business School, where she drives strategic initiatives that enhance the school’s reputation, foster meaningful engagement, and align brand narratives with global priorities, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout her career in higher education, corporate, and non-profit sectors, Nomfundo has consistently delivered results through innovative storytelling, collaborative leadership, and data-driven decision-making. She has led major brand repositioning projects, managed international events, and introduced process improvements that strengthen workflow efficiency and cross-functional collaboration. Before joining Stellenbosch Business School, Nomfundo held senior marketing roles at Brown-Forman Worldwide Beverages, Woolworths Holdings, and the Mr Price Group. In these positions, she managed multi-channel campaigns, developed strategic partnerships, and conducted market research to guide brand growth. She has also contributed to initiatives supporting small businesses and led multiple corporate social responsibility projects. Nomfundo holds an MBA from Stellenbosch Business School, an Honours degree from Vega School of Brand Leadership, and a BSocSci in Political Science and History. She is passionate about using strategic communication to drive social impact, empower entrepreneurs, and build purpose-driven brands that create lasting value.

Ms Liezel Nicholas

Liezel Nicholas is an AI Coach & Certified Trainer with over 25 years of technology experience across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. For the past two years, she has specialized in generative AI with a passionate focus on helping neurodiverse individuals navigate and succeed in all areas of life. Liezel is on a personal mission to break down the traditional barriers that have long frustrated neurodivergent learners and workers. She's discovered firsthand how AI can be transformative – not as complicated tech, but as practical everyday tools that actually work for ADHD brains. Her approach is refreshingly straightforward: she much prefers actionable solutions to overwhelming complexity.

Through her online courses and workshops, Liezel focuses on three key areas:
• Empowering individuals with ADHD to discover AI tools that enhance their personal organization, learning strategies, and daily productivity without adding stress or complexity.
• Supporting educators and workplace managers to understand how AI can create more inclusive environments that work with, rather than against, neurodivergent thinking patterns.
• Advocating for accessible AI education that meets people where they are, using her relatable teaching style to make complex concepts clear and immediately applicable.

Based in Hermanus, Liezel describes herself as "Relentlessly Curious" and a "Joyful Problem Solver." At the 6th Southern African Multidisciplinary ADHD Congress, she will share practical insights on how AI tools can help individuals with ADHD not just cope, but flourish in our modern world.

Dr Larissa Panieri-Peter

Dr Larissa Panieri-Peter is a forensic psychiatrist in Cape Town, working in independent private practice with a focus on psycho-legal assessment, treatment of mostly adult patients with psychiatric illness, and crisis and risk management. She graduated with an MBCHB from UCT in 1994, and as a psychiatrist in 2001, whereupon she worked at the Valkenberg Forensic Unit and University of Cape Town as one of two psychiatrists assessing Criminal Capacity in the Western and Northern Cape, treating in- an out-patient state patients and teaching medical students and registrars. Her current psycho-legal work involves a spectrum of civil and criminal cases, determination of psychiatric influences in legal matters, and looking at psychiatric factors motivating or determining behaviour and current functioning. She provides expert testimony for Courts and other forums; opinion and assessments of risk to legal, psychiatric and psychological colleagues. Increasingly her practice provides outreach in the form of crisis intervention, strategic planning, coordinated management of multiple members of a crisis team, in which support and leadership is required for colleagues, parents, and institution leaders in her community, in clinical practice, at local hospitals, Universities and schools. Her particular focus is on negotiated resolution, and de-escalation of conflict and crisis.

Dr Nerica Ramsundhar

Dr Nerica Ramsundhar is a Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician practicing at St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban. Dr has undergone training under the guidelines of Neurodevelopmental Paediatricians and Paediatric neurologists at Red Cross War Memorial Hospital, Cape Town. She was the first clinically trained and HPCSA certified developmental paediatrician in Kwazulu-Natal. Developmental paediatrics is sub-speciality of paediatrics that focuses on conditions that impact on a child’s developmental trajectory and behaviour. She is affiliated to the International Child Neurology Association (ICNA), Paediatric Neurology and Development Association of South Africa (PANDA), South African Medico Legal Association (SAMLA) and was an executive member of the KZN cerebral palsy association. Dr Ramsundhar has presented on local and international forums. She has a keen interest in ADHD and Autism. Her practice focusses on individualized care with a trans disciplinary approach ensuring comprehensive management. She is a strong advocate for educating and spreading awareness on Neurodiversity.

Prof Renata Schoeman

Prof Renata Schoeman (MBChB, MSocSc, MMed, FCPsych, PhD, MBA, PGDipFS) has been in full-time private practice as a general psychiatrist (child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry) since 2008. As a psychiatrist, she has special interests in ADHD, eating disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Renata also holds appointments as associate professor in Leadership, and as head of the MBA in Healthcare Leadership at the Stellenbosch Business School. She serves on the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health (South Africa), where she chairs the sub-committee on Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health. She serves on the advisory boards of various pharmaceutical companies and is a past director of the Psychiatric Management Group (PsychMG). She is the convenor of the South African Society of Psychiatrist (SASOP) special interest group for ADHD, and co-founder of the Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation (www.gb4adhd.co.za). She is a well-published academic, and respected thought leader and mental health advocate who has received many awards during her career, amongst others, the Young Minds in Psychiatry award from the American Psychiatric Association, the Discovery Foundation Fellowship award, a Thuthuka award from the NRF, and an MRC Fellowship. Other awards include a Media Excellence Award as Thought Leader (2018 and 2019), and the Media Excellence Award as Newsmaker (2019) from the University of Stellenbosch. She was honoured as a Mental Health Hero by the Discovery Foundation during 2019, as well as by Welum in 2021. In 2022, she was recognised by Prestige South Africa as Psychiatrist of the Year. Dr Lwandile Tokwe

Dr Hugo Theron

Hugo has been a registered clinical psychologist since the late 90s. He studied clinical psychology at Stellenbosch University, and medical and health psychology at Leiden University. He obtained his Phd in Child Psychology from the University of the Free State. He has worked with both children, adolescents, and adults in South Africa, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. His fields of interest is varied, covering anxiety and mood disorders, as well as behavioural and neurodevelopmental problems across the developmental range from childhood, through adolescence, into adulthood. He did his PhD research on the use of informaLon and communicaLon technology (including social media) and the impact it has on children and adolescents; and enjoys discussing (and helping people to manage) the joys and piOalls of technology.

Mr Neil Tuck

Since qualifying as a clinical psychologist in 1984, Neil has gained extensive experience working in both psychiatric facilities and private practice. In addition, he has extensive experience in performance consulting in both the corporate and sports arena. Neil is based in Newlands, Cape Town, at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa where he consults in the following areas:
• Individual psychotherapy
• Individual and team sports performance
• Corporate performance consulting
Neil’s passion, expertise and experience is dedicated to empowering people to understand and master the psychology of performance and wellbeing.

Ms Emma Wijnberg

Emma Wijnberg is an occupational therapist and a proud representative of the South African Institute for Sensory Integration (SAISI), where she serves on the board. She leads the online workshops and national networking portfolios and contributes as a SAISI course lecturer. Emma owns a busy private paediatric practice in the KZN Midlands, offering an integrated approach to child development shaped by her post-graduate training in Ayres Sensory Integration, DIR Floortime, Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment, and Hippotherapy. She is a strong advocate for early intervention, believing in its powerful role in shaping children’s futures. As a mother to a child with ADHD, Emma is deeply passionate about ADHD education, advocacy, and empowerment. Her personal and professional experience has highlighted the need for clear, trustworthy, and evidence-based guidance in a space often filled with confusion and contradiction. This passion has led her to develop practical, accessible workshops and resources that support families, therapists, and educators. Emma has presented nationally and internationally, with a focus on sensory integration, early intervention, and championing the needs and strengths of neurodivergent children, especially those with ADHD.

Mr Rorke Wilson

Rorke Wilson is an Associate at The Digital Law Company, where they bring a rare combination of academic rigour, generational insight, and frontline experience with young people and technology. They completed their LLB with Honours at the University of Edinburgh, where Rorke focused their research on the intersection of addictive behaviour, legal systems, and the philosophy of free will. This foundation deeply informs their approach to the legal and psychological dimensions of digital life. As a digital native and elder Gen Z, Rorke has an intuitive understanding of internet culture, platform mechanics, and the subtle ways in which social media shapes identity, relationships, and decision-making. They have worked with teenagers, schools, parents, and professionals to unpack the real risks of the digital world, including sextortion, cyberbullying, cancellation culture, platform addiction, and privacy failures. At The Digital Law Company, Rorke presents regularly to schools and corporations on the legal, reputational, and disciplinary risks of social media use. They advise companies on employment-related legal issues arising from online conduct, draft customised social media policies for schools and businesses, and advise individuals on how to navigate the variety of negative consequences that can come with digital citizenship. Rorke has been widely interviewed across radio and television on issues of youth digital behaviour, online safety, and platform ethics. Their debut book, co-authored with Emma Sadleir, How Not to Mess Up Online: The Teenager’s Guide to Not Getting Catfished, Arrested, Sued, Cancelled or Addicted, was published in 2025 by Penguin Random House.

Dr Merryn Young

Dr Young obtained her medical degree at the University of Pretoria. After completing her internship and community service in a rural area of Limpopo she continued to work as a Medical Officer in psychiatry and paediatrics, both in Limpopo and Johannesburg. She then trained in Psychiatry at the University of Cape Town and further completed the Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. She has been in private practice in Cape Town for several years and enjoys collaborating with colleagues and serving as the current convenor for the SASOP Child and Adolescent Special Interest Group (CAPSIG).

Prof Monique Zaahl

Prof Zaahl completed her PhD in Human Genetics in 2003. As a Commonwealth Split-site scholar, she completed most of her study at Oxford University. She was appointed Head of the Genetics Department at Stellenbosch University in 2011. Strategic positioning of the department within the national context was key to her role. She has published 26 research articles in international peer-reviewed journals (8 first author publications and 18 co-author publications), one book chapter, a review article in the field of human genetics, and has trained numerous postgraduate students. Prof Zaahl was also the recipient of the 2006 South African National Research Foundation “Women in Science” award, in the category “Best emerging young scientist”, the South African representative at the International Council of Science (ICSU) meeting in April 2007, has been awarded the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) awards, category: Young Black Researcher, in 2009, was a recipient of the National Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze (awarded by President Jacob Zuma) in 2010, was listed as Mail and Guardian Top 100 women in South Africa (1 of 10 women in the health sector) in 2011 and several others awards. Following her successful professional career as a scientist, she attained her MBA in 2012. These studies developed her competence in strategic planning and enhanced her skills as innovator and entrepreneur. Her entrepreneurial skills were evident with the establishment of GENEdiagnostics (Pty) Ltd in 2010, a genetic testing company. ENEdiagnostics were awarded the SMME Award for most innovative company (awarded by AfricaGrowth) in 2013, was selected to form part of a Bridge International Bootcamp (sponsored by ABSA, Barclays, CEDAR and Stellenbosch University) in 2014, obtained an award at the SA Innovation Summit (category: company with most growth potential) in 2017 and has been selected in 2018 as a Shanduka Blackumbrella company (previous Cyril Rhamaphosa foundation), finalist of the ESKOM Entrepreneur competition in 2021, finalist of the Cyril Rhamaphose Blackumbrellas people’s choice, selected as a LEAP/Metropolitan EDP company in 2022 and various others. Furthermore, in 2012, she was appointed as Professor and Executive in the office of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor at Stellenbosch University. The focus of her appointment was to increase the capacity of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor’s office and to actively support initiatives that would progress transformation at Stellenbosch University. Prof Zaahl has been appointed on the Boards of Directors as a non-executive director at People Living with Cancer (PLWC), a non-executive director at Terresan Pelagic Fisheries and a nonexecutive director and Chair at Blue Ocean Mussels and an executive director of GENEdiagnostics (Pty) Ltd. She is also affiliated with the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) and Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an assessor.