Charles Black
Treatment Centre Manager
Charles is a graduate of Michigan State University with an extensive background in the hospitality industry. About 2 decades ago, following his own journey into addiction recovery from alcoholism, Charles made a profound shift in his life’s direction. He requalified in the helping professions, earning both a diploma in counselling and an advanced diploma in Logotherapy.
Today, Charles specialises in Existential Psychotherapy, a therapeutic approach that explores the human condition in its entirety, embracing personal responsibility, meaning-making, and the richness of the human experience. His work is grounded in a deep appreciation for human potential, while also honouring the reality of life’s limitations.
Having lived in St. Francis Bay for many years, Charles is a dedicated member of the local recovery community. His personal experience with substance use disorder has instilled in him a compassionate and empathetic approach to healing and recovery. He understands firsthand the pain and challenges that addiction brings, not only for individuals but for their families and loved ones as well.
Charles’ belief in the transformative power of addiction recovery is highly personal. Through his work, he helps others discover the same resilience, hope, and growth that emerged from his own experience with addiction into a life of sustained recovery.
Tony Augustyn
Head Addiction Counselor
With over seven years of experience and a diploma in Psychosocial Counselling, Tony is a certified Addiction Specialist through ACCSA. Still, it’s his personal journey in active addiction recovery that shapes how he shows up for others.
He brings more than clinical knowledge to his work; he offers compassion, patience, and a calm, grounded presence that meets our clients where they are.
With respect for every individual’s journey, Tony walks alongside our clients, helping them face hard truths, rediscover their inner strength, and build lives grounded in purpose, boundaries, and self-respect. His goal is to make the complex process of recovery feel possible.
For him, recovery isn’t just about staying clean and sober; it’s about rebuilding a life that feels worth living.
Margie Spicer
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
For over 20 years, Margie has been helping her clients as they navigate some of life’s most difficult issues: addiction, anxiety, trauma, depression, and the struggles of everyday life. As a clinical psychologist working in the communities of St. Francis Bay and Port Elizabeth, she has become a valued and trusted professional, offering hope, healing, and genuine connection.
Her approach is grounded in the latest research and therapeutic techniques, offering evidence-based support, compassion, presence, and a strong belief in the human potential for positive change. When working with our clients, she brings wisdom, warmth, and dedication to each session.
Margie sees therapy as a collaborative journey, one where each client has the capacity to grow, change, and thrive. Her work reflects her values: empathy, integrity, and a commitment to well-being and addiction recovery.
Andrea Peard
Head Nurse
Andrea’s journey in healthcare began in the UK, where she completed her nursing training and became a registered nurse in 1997. She has always been drawn to the deeper side of care, psychiatric and community health, where connection, compassion, and presence matter most.
After moving to South Africa in 2008, Andrea became an anchor in the local healthcare community, bringing with her much needed skill and experience. For over a decade, she’s been a familiar and trusted presence, offering care that goes beyond the clinical, meeting patients with warmth and respect.
Andrea listens with empathy, making clients feel seen, safe, and supported. Her calm presence and clear communication put those she works with at ease, empowering them to take an active role in their own healing.
Debbi Burman
Nurse
Debbi is a Registered Nurse, Midwife, and Private Nurse Practitioner with over 40 years of experience in both clinical and community healthcare. Over the years, her career has evolved to embrace both medical and holistic care, including therapeutic reflexology. She is deeply passionate about community service and has volunteered extensively throughout her career. Debbi has completed multiple professional development courses in palliative care, counselling, trauma support, and anger and grief management.
She brings a warm, holistic, and deeply experienced approach to all aspects of care, grounded in compassion, professionalism, and a lifelong dedication to helping others.
Dr Keets
Medical Practitioner
Dr. Keets is a trusted and well respected medical practitioner in St Francis Bay, known for his compassionate care and deep commitment to the well-being of the local community. Over the years, Dr Keets has earned a wealth of experience in treating the complexities of substance use disorders and plays a critical role at Ocean Bay Recovery especially during early intervention and providing continued medical support for our clients during addiction recovery treatment.
Wade Inglis
Bio-kinetist
Wade is a passionate biokineticist who believes in the transformative power of movement, especially for those on the journey of addiction recovery. Since becoming registered in 2017 and completing his Master’s in Human Movement Science in 2020, Wade has dedicated himself to using physical activity as a tool for restoration, resilience, and renewal.
Wade leads weekly light exercise sessions tailored for our clients. These sessions go beyond fitness, aiming to reconnect clients with their bodies, calming the nervous system, and building strength from the inside out, ensuring that our clients feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.
Ali Brown
Pilates Instructor
Ali discovered Pilates in 2004 after being diagnosed with osteopenia which was a turning point that not only restored her physical strength but ignited a lifelong passion. By 2010, she had completed her training in both mat and reformer Pilates and has since dedicated herself to guiding others through the life-changing benefits of the practice.
She is especially passionate about supporting individuals in addiction recovery, using Pilates as a gentle, empowering tool to help reconnect body and mind, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild physical and emotional resilience.
Daniela Reynolds
Mindfulness, Meditation and Shiatsu Practitioner
Daniela is a passionate guide on the journey to healing, serving as Ocean Bay Recovery’s Mindfulness Coach and Shiatsu Practitioner. With a background in Psychology and a Diploma in Shiatsu, her work is grounded in both science and spirituality. Having lived, studied, and practiced in both the UK and South Africa, Daniela brings a global perspective and a deeply compassionate heart to her work.
Her true passion lies in supporting individuals on their addiction recovery journey. Through weekly mindfulness sessions that combine gentle movement, breathwork, guided meditation, and deep relaxation, Daniela helps clients reconnect with themselves, regulate their nervous systems, and find calm amidst transformation.
She also offers Shiatsu therapy during the Secondary Recovery phase, using healing touch to support physical and emotional balance, reduce anxiety, and promote overall well-being.
Vaughn Bam
Admissions and Administration Manager
Vaughn brings professionalism, empathy, and purpose to his role in addiction recovery. With a strong background in corporate administration and leadership, he manages complex systems. Still, it’s his deep understanding of people that makes him ideally suited to his role at Ocean Bay Recovery.
Passionate about helping others overcome addiction, Vaughn connects with clients at a human level. His insight into human behaviour, calm presence, and authentic care create a space where our clients feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Andi Didiza
Head Housekeeper
Andi is more than the Head Housekeeper at Ocean Bay Recovery; she’s a daily source of warmth, care, and connection for clients. With a kind heart and a quiet strength, Andi plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and dignified environment where healing can truly begin.
Her passion for supporting those in addiction recovery shines through in every interaction. In the often-difficult early days of recovery, her compassion provides comfort and stability, demonstrating that healing doesn’t only happen in therapy, it also occurs in the small, meaningful moments.
Rose Carter
Chef Caterer
Rose is our beloved chef and caterer who brings much happiness and joy to Ocean Bay Recovery, not only through her delicious meals but also through her endearing charm and vibrant personality. Rose caters to several of St Francis Bay’s specialised delis, bakeries, and coffee shops. Her extensive experience in the hospitality industry makes her one of the most reputable and sought-after chef caterers in the area.
Rose focuses her menu at Ocean Bay Recovery on offering delicious, balanced, home-cooked-style meals tailored to meet the ideal nutritional requirements of our clients in addiction recovery.
