Lecturers

Dr Ian Weinberg is a practising neurosurgeon, author of Quantum Leap and a pioneer in the application of psychoneuro-immunology, PNI, the scientific study of the influences of mind states on immune function.  Passionate about human consciousness and its enhancement, Ian developed a comprehensive coaching programme in 1992 which has evolved to the present time. 

Based on the integration of the neurosciences with PNI, the program is designed to enhance wellness, performance and leadership in the personal, clinical and corporate environments.  A further unique component is the online diagnostic (psychometric) which provides an accurate quantification of the user. 

He continues to practise neurosurgery in his private practice as well as providing personal neuro-coaching (neuromodulation) in the clinical and corporate environments.  Additionally, Ian facilitates corporate-based workshops as well as workshops for the training of coaches seeking accreditation in the use of the programme.

Debbie Howes is a clinical psychologist in private practice. She qualified with a Master’s degree in 1986 from Potchefstroom University. She completed her thesis on Movement and Body Therapy relative to Self-Concept, Depression and Anxiety. Debbie furthered her studies in Eriksonian, Ego-State Hypnotherapy, Medical Hypnoanalysis as well as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and EMI (Eye Movement Integration). She also holds Movement and Sound Therapy Workshops and has an interest in complementary and energy healing techniques. 

An interest in the relevance of children’s stories – which hold numerous truths that serve to illuminate, educate and inspire through simplicity, beauty and depth – has resulted in the technique and therapeutic model that Debbie works with, namely the Little Red Riding Hood Reconditioning Technique. Debbie is the author of two books which describe the model and therapeutic process. 

Debbie presents seminars and papers both nationally and internationally and is currently teaching the technique to professionals as a therapeutic modality. 

Denise Grobbelaar is a clinical and analytical psychologist working in private practice in Cape Town. She has been in private practice since November 2011. Prior to commencing private practice, she gained eight years’ experience working in the field of adult mental health. This includes having worked at state facilities such as Groote Schuur and Valkenberg hospitals as well as managing Fountain House, a center for people with chronic and disabling mental illnesses in Observatory, Cape Town – a Cape Mental Health Society project.  

Denise has a keen interest in consciousness, archetypal patterns, mythology, shamanism, dream work and the Enneagram. She is affiliated to Integrative Enneagram Solutions with whom she underwent in-depth training in the use and application of the Enneagram, both for personal growth as well as for team and leadership development in corporate business. She also attended advanced Enneagram training with Jeromy Wagner, psychologist, and international Enneagram specialist. 

As a Jungian Analyst, Denise sits on the Public Program Committee of the South African Association of Jungian Analysts which is affiliated to the International Association for Analytical Psychology. She is one of only two South African authors to have been published in the prestigious international Jung Journal – Culture and Psyche.

Toby gained his physiotherapy qualification in the UK in 1985, followed by a postgraduate Dip in Manip Therapy in 1990 at Curtin University.  He then went on to complete a Master of Science
in 1996 and a PhD in 2010 also at Curtin University. He has lectured extensively within Australia and more than 30 countries. He is heavily involved in research working with several groups around the world. He has presented at many conferences, published more than 20 book chapters and 120+ articles related to research in the area of neural tissue dysfunction, headache and the Mulligan Concept. Toby is co-author of 3 textbooks published by Elsevier entitled Mulligan’s Mobilisation With Movement: The art and the science & The Mulligan Concept of Manual Therapy: Manual of Techniques (1st & 2nd edition). He is a Member of the International Advisory Board for the journal Musculoskeletal Science & Practice and an Associate-editor for the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.

Kim has developed a reputation as a leading figure in manual therapy education. He was formerly a lecturer and clinical teacher on the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in manipulative therapy programmes at Curtin University for many years before establishing Manual Concepts with Toby Hall. He has conducted a variety of clinical workshops and courses based on current research and
evidence, throughout Australia and in many countries around the world.  Kim gained membership to the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2009 as a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist.  Kim is an accredited teacher of the Mulligan Concept and a member of the International Mulligan Concept Teachers Association. His research interests and publications include
manual diagnosis, cervicogenic headache, neck pain and the application of the Mulligan Concept.

Dr. Heidi Haavik, Ph.D. in  neurophysiology ,she is one of the most popular speakers in the world today. Director of Research at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Dr Haavik is best known for her ground-breaking research on the impact of spinal manipulation” on the brain and central nervous system. She is the author of the best-selling book ‘The Reality Check:  This book describes in easy-to-understand language what happens in the brain when a chiropractor adjusts the spine (available at www.heidihaavik.com or on Amazon). Dr Haavik runs a company with the mission of enlightening the world about the science of manual therapy(@ www.therealitycheck.com) and runs an online learning academy (@ www.chirosacademy.com) for students and chiropractors who want to understand the physiology of the vertebral dysfunction, the effects of spinal manipulation, effects of stress and nature of pain among many other topics.

Dr. Eyal Lederman is the director of CPDO, an international centre providing continuing professional development for manual and physical therapists. He graduated from the British School of Osteopathy and been in practice since 1986. Dr. Lederman completed his PhD in physiotherapy (PT) at King's College, London, where he researched the neurophysiology of manual therapy. He also researched and developed Harmonic Technique, Functional Neuromuscular Re-abilitation and Functional Stretching. He is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at UCL where is currently conducting research into therapeutic stretching. Apart from these activities Dr. Lederman regularly teaches manual therapy to various groups and universities in the UK and abroad. He has published several articles in the area of manual therapy and is the author of the books Harmonic Technique, Fundamentals of Manual Therapy, The Science and Practice of Manual Therapy, Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in Manual and Physical Therapy and Therapeutic Stretching: Towards a Functional Approach

Prof Tim Watson PhD BSc MCSP DipTP trained as a physiotherapist in London, UK, qualifying in 1979. After spending some years in the National Health Service (mainly musculoskeletal orthopedics and rheumatology), and with various sports clubs and National Teams, he took up a lecturing role at West Middlesex Hospital, then Brunel University and now at the University of Hertfordshire. He undertook a degree in Biomedical Sciences followed by a PhD from the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Surrey in 1994. His PhD thesis was 'The Bioelectric Correlates of Musculoskeletal Injury and Repair'. He researches in several fields associated primarily with electrotherapy and tissue repair and is currently Professor of Physiotherapy, School of Health & Emergency Professions at the University of Hertfordshire. He has published many papers, is editor of a core text on electrotherapy and has contributed several chapters to other edited texts. He is a reviewer for more than 25 journals and grant authorities and has presented more than 800 professional lectures, short courses and conference papers.

Dr. Adam Cunliffe  Having completed a Masters degree and PhD in Human Nutrition Adam spent two years working with critical care patients in the intensive therapy unit at the Royal London Hospital. He then established a career as a researcher and educator, teaching at several major London Universities. He also founded Cavendish Health Services, a successful nutrition and health screening and advisory service at the University of Westminster.

With expertise in anti-ageing, weight loss, clinical nutrition, sports nutrition and management of stress and fatigue, Adam has been featured on CNN, BBC TV, Channel 4, national and local press and BBC Radio.

Adam has published his research findings on multiple aspects of diet and health including diabetes, obesity, fatigue states, human performance and nutrition for healthy ageing. He has shared his expertise in nutrition and health as an inspirational speaker for government departments and major corporations in London. He has also provided professional development services to private and NHS healthcare professionals.

In addition to teaching, research and media commentary, Adam also offers one to one nutrition counselling to clients, providing nutritional guidance for a wide range of health conditions ranging from helping those wishing to optimise health and wellbeing or sports performance, through to long term health conditions and stress states.

Tom Denninger, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, has spent his career working in a multidisciplinary pain and spine center. Tom has specialized in the care of patients with complex pain conditions including chronic back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, central sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, and whiplash associated disorders. He completed his DPT and Orthopedic Residency at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT and completed his fellowship in manual physical therapy through Evidence in Motion. He has presented at national conferences and has multiple peer reviewed articles on the topic of manual therapy and medical screening. He works in Greenville, SC serving as Sr. Director of Market Research and Development for ATI Physical Therapy.

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Physiotherapy 1988
Master of Science (M.Sc) Physiotherapy (Orthopaedics) 1998
Post-graduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy 1996

Caren has travelled extensively internationally & nationally with various sporting codes & multi-coded events over the years.  She was a physiotherapist at 3 Olympic Games - Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 & Beijing 2008,  Commonwealth Games, Melbourne 2006, All Africa Games - Johannesburg 1999,  Nigeria 2003 & Algeria 2007, Maccabiah Games 2001 & 2005 in Israel, SA Women’s Soccer team (Banyana Banyana), SA men’s baseball team, referees, Rugby World Cup 1995, baseball Spring Training with the Atlanta Braves & Chicago White Sox 1997.  Caren also lectures to post-graduate physiotherapists on Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy course (OMT) in Johannesburg & KwaZulu Natal, & on Sports Physiotherapy course.

She presented a taping workshop on “Proprioceptive Neuromuscular taping at the South African Society of Physiotherapy Congress, Sept 2007.  She is a guest lecturer on various other courses. She was a contributor & presenter on the Discovery Acute Low Back Pain programme.  When not travelling and lecturing Caren works in private practice in Johannesburg.

Evan is a founding member of the Centre for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics. 

He has been the team physiotherapist for the following teams: Transvaal (Gauteng Lions) and Springbok Rugby; South African National soccer team; Gauteng Men’s Hockey Team; Gauteng Swimming team; Indian National Cricket team; various PSL Soccer Teams: Kaiser Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns & Moroka Swallows.  At present he is the official physiotherapist for the Bangalore Royal Challengers cricket franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and consultant physiotherapist South African Mzansi Ballet.

Marni qualified as a chiropractor from the University of Johannesburg in 2017. Along with working in her practice in the Blouberg area, she acts as the chairperson for the Chiropractic Association of South Africa, Western Cape Branch.

Passionate about education, she has worked as a dry needling instructor since 2020.

Recent appearances include guest lecturer at National CASA Congress 2022 and television appearances on the Expresso morning show for the World Spine Day initiative in 2021 and 2022.

I am a registered Physiotherapist who specialises in Body Talk therapy. I combine a Western approach with mind body practices to achieve optimal results. I am a practitioner of the healing sciences . I practice Physio Talk (a unique combination of Physio, Body Talk and Wellness Tools to achieve optimal health.  I am a healer, entrepreneur, practice manager and health nut. Combined with my own lived and learned experiences I am perfectly placed to assist you on this journey to calm.

Graduated MBBCh – University of Witwatersrand 1985. 

Specialised in orthopaedic surgery at University of Witwatersrand 1990 - 1993.

Fellowship of College of Medicine of South Africa in Orthopaedics 1993. 

Orthopaedic specialist (upper limb surgery) at JohannesburgHospital 1994 – 1999. 

Full time private practice at Linksfield Orthopaedic, Sport and Rehabilitation Centre (Johannesburg) 2000 - .

Practice limited to shoulder and elbow pathology.

Member of South African Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons 1995 - . 

Secretary 2007 – 2009. 

President 2012 - 2014.

Publications in South African and International Journals:

Injury 1991. A combined flexion—extension injury of the atlanto-axial complex.

Injury 1993. Delayed presentation of a vascular injury by an Ilizarov external fixator.

South African JBJS. Examination of the Elbow

South African JBJS. Examination of the Shoulder.

Int. J. Shoulder Surgery 2008. Sport related stress fracture of the clavicle with non-union: Case report and review

Presentations in South African and International Congresses:

ICSES 1998. Traumatic rotator cuff interposition in the glenohumeral joint.

ICSES 1998. Surface replacement arthroplasty for shoulder tuberculosis.

ICSES 2007. Shoulder internal rotation: The correlation between internal rotation and reach behind the back.

ICSES 2001. Indications for shoulder surface replacement arthroplasty.

SAOA 2008. New method of surgical fixation for acute ACJ dislocation.

SAOA 2003. Lateral Epicondylitis: Treatment and outcome.

SASES 2013. Latarjet procedure: 2001-2011.

SASES 2015. Return to sport after shoulder replacement arthroplasty.

SASMA 2015. Surgical approach to elbow stiffness.

MSc Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists.  Accredited Mulligan Concept Teacher Faculty Teaching Staff at Manual Concepts Vaidas trained as a physiotherapist in Europe before completing 2 Masters degrees at Curtin University. He has undertaken extensive training in manual therapy at various institutions and was recently awarded Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists, and is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. 

He is a member of the International Mulligan Concept Teachers Association. Vaidas has more than 20-years clinical experience working in private practice and the public sector. He has been working with Manual Concepts for many years teaching in Australia and internationally. He has contributed towards the COMT, Cert in Advanced Sports Rehab, and Cert in Spinal Manual Therapy as well as Peripheral Manual Therapy courses.

Professor Nikiforos (Nick) Saragas is an orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in foot and ankle surgery. He obtained his undergraduate medical degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1982, his FCS(SA)Ortho in 1991 and his MMed(Ortho Surg)(Wits) in 1993.  He has been and still is in full time private practice in Johannesburg for the past 30 years as well as Honorary Adjunct Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand and Head of the Foot and Ankle Unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Prof Saragas is author and co-author of over 55 scientific publications in peer reviewed journals and author of a chapter. He has been speaker, invited speaker, chairman, lecturer, surgical skills workshop and congress organizer in numerous congresses and related events both nationally and internationally and is the recipient of several literary awards. He is past president of the South African Foot Surgeons’ Association (2007) and member of both the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and the European Foot and Ankle Society. Professor Saragas is reviewer for several journals, including the Foot and Ankle International, Foot and Ankle Surgery and the South African Orthopaedic Journal of which he is also section editor.

He is founder and current director of a sought-after Postgraduate Foot and Ankle Fellowship programme that caters for national and international qualified orthopaedic surgeons. He obtained his PhD (Orthopaedic Surgery) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2019, and the thesis is entitled: A new lesser metatarsophalangeal joint replacement arthroplasty design-in vitro and cadaver studies. This is a total replacement of the toe joints for end stage degenerative disease. No effective such replacement is currently available and thus brings an extra option in the armamentarium of the foot and ankle surgeon. This implant has been approved by the Human Ethics Committee for clinical trials. A summary of this thesis has been published in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders journal.

Prof. Ponky Firer is a world-renowned knee surgeon who has been specializing in knee surgery for over 40 years.

After completing a BSc Engineering, he then studied Medicine and ultimately specialized in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Witwatersrand. In 1982 he was awarded his MMed (Ortho Surg) Cum Laude for his work on the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. During his undergraduate years, he represented South Africa in Field hockey.

His interest in Sports Medicine resulted in him travelling the world to find new techniques to treat his patients at the Johannesburg General Hospital, where he and Dr. Clive Noble started the first Sports Injury Clinic in Johannesburg in 1976. Prof. Ponky then moved into Private Practice with Clive Noble at Rosebank Clinic specializing in sports injuries.

In 1996 he established the Linksfield Orthopaedic Sports and Rehabilitation Center. He focused his practice on knee surgery and helped many younger surgeons establish their niche in Orthopaedics and Sports medicine by running an internationally recognised fellowship program.

He is widely published in international and local journals and currently edits and reviews for local and international publications.

He remains as a senior lecturer in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Witwatersrand and is a senior consultant in the Soft tissue knee clinic at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

He continues to practice as an Orthopaedic knee surgeon with a special interest in knee replacements and degenerative conditions of the knee. He pioneered the use of biological management of osteoarthritis of the knee and continues to remain at the cutting edge of knee ligament and reconstructive surgery.

He also enjoys playing golf occasionally.

Phyllis is a physiotherapist in private practice with over 40 years of clinical experience in treating musculoskeletal and chronic pain disorders. She has developed innovative approaches to Pain management, Electrical Technologies and Acupuncture. 

She is a former Chairperson of both the Gauteng Pain Management Physiotherapy Group (2010 – 2012) and the Acupuncture Group of Physiotherapists for South Africa (2016).  In addition, she is a part-time lecturer on Pain Management at the University of the Witwatersrand. She has also  lectured, led workshops and hosted webinars nationally and internationally on advanced medical technologies that expedite treatment outcomes.  

Phyllis is the author of the acclaimed, comprehensive book entitled  The journey to pain relief  which was published in 2003.  She currently publishing a series of modules on electrical technology topics to assist physiotherapists in their approach to improving patient health and quality of life.

Dr Sharon Price is the Founder and Co-Owner of Carol's Oil and has been researching and developing medicinal cannabis extraction and treatments for more than fifteen years.During this time she has worked alongside Medical Doctors and Integrative Medical Practitioners supporting adult and child patients to support diseases and conditions such as: Alzheimer's, arthritis, asthma, cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy and HIV. Sharon’s most profound influence is Israeli organic chemist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry Raphael Mechoulam’s. Sharon’s research journey involved many inspirations like SACIM’s Dr. Bernard Brom, Metaphysicist and Metaphysical Reflexologist Lynn Pretorius and Health Optimizing’s Dr Helen Muir.

She has also collaborated with or drawn much knowledge from great minds like Erica Drewars, Fred van der Reit, Dr. Cristina Sánchez, Manuel Guzman and the doctor who helped save her Mom during her fight with Pancreatic cancer, Specialist Physician Dr. Gonzalez. When Sharon began this holistic approach to healing illness in South Africa there was little recognised professional knowledge and support of the treatment concepts, which forced Sharon to default into her own world of research and development. Ultimately this resulted in treatment protocols that have substantially impacted symptom relief, vastly improved quality of life and in numerous cases, resulted in full remission of disease. Her in-depth knowledge of medicinal cannabis extraction and treatment protocols bolstered by deep appreciation and respect for what natural medicine can do to change a person's life perfectly position her to provide training to others.

Dr Mandla Mazizi is a former CEO of King Edward Tertiary Hospital, PHC Services, Emergency Medical Services, Forensic Pathology Services, Hospital and Health Support Services and Charlotte Maxeke Academy. He has also had exposure as the Sales Manager for vaccines at SmithKline Beecham and was Head of Corporate Affairs for GSK Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Carmen James is an integrative medical doctor and health coach. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to transform their mental, physical and emotional health to truly live their best lives and believes Cannabis can play an important role in this.

Dr Shan Holmes holds a research fellowship from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (USA), a PhD in Science (Australia), a MSc in Science a PG Dip. in Law (South Africa). She has a specialist background in proteomics and genomics as applied to human molecular systematics, vaccinology, immunology and virus based oncology. She has over 40 years of applied molecular bioscience and technology experience in a range of successful start-ups involving top specialist scientists from a wide range of expertise. Shan is also the CSO / Director of PureCann Pty (Ltd).

Jenny Perkel is a clinical psychologist specializing in infant, child and adolescent mental health. She offers online and in-person consultations to parents and care-givers who are concerned about their children’s emotional, mental, social and behavioral problems. Her focus is on clinical child psychology in the context of today’s complex and ever-changing world.

Jenny has been working in clinical practice since 1996. She is trained to work across many different theoretical paradigms, with a particular focus on a psychodynamic, object relations perspective. Nowadays she incorporates other theoretical models as well, leaning more towards the framework that is best suited to the person with whom she is working.

Jenny is the author of the books Children in Mind and Babies in Mind. Her writing is informed by recent evidence-based research in psychology, epidemiology, neurobiology, and genetics. Her other publications include academic book chapters, professional journal articles, numerous articles for parenting magazines and her Psychology Today blog entitled 21st-Century Childhood. She is on the editorial board of the professional journal, Psychoanalytic Practice. She is a member and past chairperson of the Cape Town Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Group and an active member of the South African Association for Infant Mental Health.

Clare is a Sports and Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapist in private practice. She is a part-time lecturer at the Wits Physiotherapy department and is the facilitator of the Clinic @ Wits and Wits Sports Clinical teaching programme. She has also lectured final year Biokinetics students at Wits and UJ. In addition, she has lectured and examined on the SPT (Sport Physiotherapy) course in Gauteng. 

She is completing her Masters in Sports Physiotherapy at Wits University. 

Clare has over 20 years’ experience with University and Provincial sporting clubs including Rugby, Hockey, Netball,Soccer, Swimming and Rowing clubs. She has been involved in designing training and injury prevention programmes for the Wits and UJ sporting clubs.  

She has presented numerous taping workshops and has developed her own taping techniques for sports injuries and orthopaedic conditions. She has a passion for improving function and helping with practical rehabilitation ideas to focus the rehabilitation effect and improve patient compliance.