who we are
We are a team of occupational therapists who are passionate about the rights of people with disabilities and assisting them to achieve their full potential.
OUR VISION
To create a better everyday quality of life for adults with disabilities
in the Western Cape, South Africa.
OUR MISSION
Senecio is committed to improving the lives and circumstances of adults with disabilities in underprivileged, under-serviced areas through therapeutic intervention, lobbying and establishing strategic partnerships.
Senecio is further committed to offering sustainable support and care by empowering the caregivers through effective training and placing them in contact with relevant resources.
OUR VALUES
Respect, care and commitment with integrity.
Meet The Team
We also have various supporters and volunteers that support us on a daily basis behind the scenes.
tony,
board chairman
Service above self is Tony's motto in life. Assist others, when and where possible with one’s own resources and experience, is his practice.
Non-profit organisations constantly need support and guidance in the administrative, managerial and financial areas.
Tony's some forty years of working experience in the above mentioned areas, with the relevant accounting and auditing qualifications, He feels, can be fully utilized to the advantage of non-profit organisations
ignus,
board member
Ignus Roeleveld is the General Manager at International Engineered Products which distributes Muster Fire Suppression systems globally. He graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) in 2019. Ignus developed a strong sense of devotion for general business management and brings over 15 years of experience within general business management. Ignus is married and has three children, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family. He is the kind of person that not only talks the talk but walks the walk.
liezl,
general
manager
Liezl has been at the helm of Senecio as General Manager since 2016. She completed her Honours degree in Psychology in 1996 and registered as an Independent Practice Psychometrist in 1997.Liezl has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Human Resources field and brings a well-rounded view of management of staff and finances. As Liezl has a physical disability herself, she has an innate passion for the plight of all people with disabilities and believes unequivocally in the life-changing work that the amazing Senecio team does. Liezl is an eternal optimist, which is grounded in her faith in God. She is mom to two boys, lives in Somerset West and a self-confessed plant-a-holic.
VERONICA,
ADMINISTRATOR
Veronica moved to Somerset West in 2017 with her family. In 2018 both her kids started going to preschool and she wanted to start working while her kids were at school. She knows that God’s hand was in getting the interview and then getting the job as the administrator for Senecio. She had never before worked for an NGO but was very excited to join the team whom she knew was making a difference in so many people’s lives. She has always had a love for kids, the underprivileged, and people with disabilities.
Being Senecio’s Administrator, her duties are organizing, scheduling, answering the office phone, setting up meetings, taking minutes, and assisting the wonderful team. This has so far been a dream job.
RUTH,
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Senecio’s senior OT, Ruth, joined the team in 2019. After receiving her honours degree in occupational therapy at the University of Cape Town, she spent 11 years working in rural Kwazulu-Natal, 7 of which were at a special needs school. Her special interest had been in working with children with cerebral palsy, and she completed post-graduate training in neurodevelopmental therapy. However, since spending time in centres for adults with disabilities, she has been struck by the lack of support for adults living with disabilities in Adult Day Care Centres and the staff who work with them. She has a passion for creating better quality of life for people with disabilities, and believes in the importance of balance in all life areas.
BARBARA,
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Barbara has been practicing occupational therapy for the past 6 years, which has mostly been involved in working with persons with disabilities. During that time Barbara has enjoyed the opportunities and daily obstacles that come with working in communities where children and families with disabilities need insight and information on disabilities as well as more access to services and resources to be able to live full meaningful lives.
She has a passion for taking any situation or challenge and adapting or making something out of nothing. She believes that no matter the circumstances or context, there is always a way to improve an individual’s way of living as well as the earlier the intervention the better the outcomes.
tessa,
financial consultant
Tessa Pritchard, our bookkeeper, has been working for Senecio since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science from the University of South Africa, which she obtained whilst working in London. On her return to South Africa she began working in the NPO sector and is delighted to be able to apply her knowledge and expertise in this arena. Not only does she make sure that our books balance but she is a mom to 2 very energetic boys, Aaron & Brody and wife to Morgan. Tessa loves to make memories with her family and friends and to explore new places.
Mieke,
Marketing consultant
Mieke is Senecio’s marketing consultant, with over 5 years of freelancing experience. She has a business commerce degree in communication and an honours degree in Marketing. She has been involved with Senecio since 2017 and manages the website, social profiles, PR and assists with any fundraising activities. Mieke is a strategic thinker and problem solver. Thinking outside of the box is her go-to-motto