Our Team
Jacques van der Walt
Founder & Managing Director
BComm Commercial Accounting
Post Graduate Diploma - Marketing & Advertising
Active Addiction Recovery
Jacques brings to the centre the perspective of lived experience, long-term addiction recovery and a deep commitment to helping others rebuild their lives.
His own recovery journey took root in St Francis Bay, where the ocean, natural surroundings and restorative rhythm of the Eastern Cape coast became an important part of his healing and reconnection with life. Ocean Bay Recovery was founded from this experience and from Jacques’ purpose to give back what St Francis Bay and its recovery community gifted to him.
Jacques believes that effective addiction treatment must address more than substance use or addictive behaviour. Sustainable recovery requires deeper work around the underlying causes of the addiction.
His vision for Ocean Bay is to provide a family home-like boutique beach lodge treatment environment whilst remaining clinically structured where clients receive individual attention, therapeutic depth, active addiction recovery support, family reintegration, movement, mindfulness, the restorative benefit of the ocean’s natural surroundings and extensive after-care support.
Jacques’ lived experience informs the values and recovery-focused culture of Ocean Bay, while treatment is delivered through the centre’s multidisciplinary clinical team. His purpose is to help clients and families see, through his example, that recovery is possible, sustainable and capable of becoming the foundation for an exciting, fun and fulfilled life.
Matthew Grobbelaar
Lead Addiction Therapist
ACCSA Advanced Addiction Specialist Certification/ Member of BAPSA
Bcomm (Hons) Financial Analysis & Portfolio Management
Active Addiction Recovery
Matthew brings a unique blend of professional expertise and heartfelt passion to his role. After earning his Honours degree in Investment Management from the University of Cape Town, he dedicated 18 years to the investment management industry.
Five years ago, guided by his own recovery journey, Matthew made the courageous decision to leave the corporate world behind and pursue a more meaningful path. He qualified as a field guide in the Kruger National Park, reconnecting with the natural environments that had always grounded him.
Matthew followed his calling to support others in their healing and completed his ACCSA Advanced Addiction Specialist Certification. He now describes his work in recovery as the most fulfilling chapter of his life.
Joining Ocean Bay Recovery is a full-circle moment for Matthew. Having grown up in St. Francis Bay, much of his youth was spent in the ocean and exploring the coastline, and his journey has brought him back home in a deeply meaningful way.
Matthew is passionate about walking alongside others as they rebuild their lives in sobriety. His greatest wish is to help those seeking recovery discover that this journey can offer them a life not only free from addiction, but deeply fulfilling and worth holding onto.
Margie Spicer
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Master of Arts (MA) Clinical Psychology /HPCSA Registered
EMDR Therapy (Advanced Level)/BWRT (Level 2)
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.
Liezel Hannam
Counselling Psychologist
B.A. Psychology Honours / B.Economics
HPCSA Registered/ BHF Registered
Certified Level 1 BWRT Practitioner
Certified NLP and Life Coach Practitioner
Liezel is an HPCSA-registered psychological counselling practitioner with a background in Economics and Psychology, holding a B.Economics from Stellenbosch University and a B.A. Psychology Honours degree. She is also BHF registered and has additional training in Brain Working Recursive Therapy, NLP, and Life Coaching.
Within the addiction rehabilitation setting, she provides a compassionate, person-centred therapeutic space where clients can safely explore the emotional, relational, and life challenges that often sit alongside addiction. Her work focuses on trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, identity, and personal development.
Her approach integrates Person-Centred Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Life Coaching principles, supporting clients to build self-awareness, reconnect with their values, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and develop practical tools for sustainable recovery and long-term personal growth.
Daleen van Biljon
Social Worker
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
SACSSP Registered
Daleen is a registered professional social worker with almost three decades of experience in clinical, forensic, statutory, therapeutic and family-focused social work practice.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Social Work from North-West University and has extensive experience in trauma counselling, psychosocial assessment, child and family therapy, mediation, rehabilitation investigations, pre-sentence reports, parental guidance and supervision.
At Ocean Bay Recovery, Daleen forms an integral part of our multidisciplinary team, supporting clients and families with specialist social work input, family-system insight, trauma-informed care, emotional regulation and reintegration planning. Her experience strengthens our clinical capacity to address addiction within the wider context of family dynamics, social functioning, accountability and sustainable recovery.
Wernice Pretorius
Occupational Therapist, Equine Facilitated Therapy
Bachelor’s Degree: Occupational Therapy
Specialised in mental health, neurology, paediatrics, public health, online occupational therapy, hippotherapy and equine facilitated learning.
Wernice Pretorius is an Occupational Therapist who forms part of Ocean Bay Recovery’s multidisciplinary team, bringing specialist experience in equine facilitated therapy, mental health and sensory-based therapeutic work.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Stellenbosch University and has experience across public health, online occupational therapy, hippotherapy and equine facilitated learning. Her work integrates occupational therapy principles with structured equine-based activities, supporting clients in areas such as coping skills, communication, sensory regulation, emotional connection and self-confidence.
At Ocean Bay Recovery, Wernice facilitates Equine Therapy sessions as part of the broader therapeutic programme. These sessions use ground-based interaction with horses to create a safe and experiential space where clients can practise emotional regulation, connection, presence and trust. Her approach supports clients in reconnecting with themselves in a grounded, non-judgemental environment.
Wernice is also available to Ocean Bay Recovery clients for one-on-one Occupational Therapy sessions on an elective basis, where clinically indicated or requested as part of their individual treatment journey.
Through her contribution to the MDT, group programme and individual therapeutic support, Wernice strengthens Ocean Bay Recovery’s commitment to clinically grounded, holistic and experiential care.
Daniela Reynolds
Mindfulness, Meditation & Ocean Therapist
BA Social Science (Psychology)
Diploma: Shiatsu, Educare, Mindfulness, Counselling
Certification: Ocean Therapy
ACCSA Basic Addiction Counselling Certification
Daniela Reynolds brings a grounded, compassionate and holistic presence to the Ocean Bay Recovery team. Originally part of the programme as a mindfulness and meditation practitioner, Daniela’s role has expanded to include ocean and nature-based therapeutic support following her completion of Ocean Therapy training.
She facilitates Ocean Bay Recovery’s weekly ocean and nature adventure therapy sessions, helping clients reconnect with themselves, their bodies and the natural environment as part of the recovery process. Her work supports emotional regulation, presence, confidence and meaningful engagement beyond traditional therapy rooms.
Daniela also forms part of Ocean Bay Recovery’s multidisciplinary team, contributing her observations and therapeutic perspective to the broader treatment process. Her role supports the integration of mindfulness, embodied practice, nature-based engagement and recovery-focused care within the clinical programme.
Daniela has also completed her ACCSA Basic Addiction Counselling certification, strengthening her understanding of addiction, recovery and client support within a structured treatment setting. Her personal experience of addiction within her own family has deepened her empathy and passion for walking alongside people in recovery with care, respect and authenticity.
Through mindfulness, meditation, ocean-based practice and lived compassion, Daniela contributes to Ocean Bay Recovery’s integrated approach to healing, where clinical treatment is supported by meaningful connection, nature and embodied recovery.
Dr Ryan Keets
MD: General Practitioner (GP)
Bachelor of Sciences (Hons)
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)/ HPCSA Registered
Post-gradute Diplomas: Primary Emergency Care Dip (PEC)
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.
Cathy Ferreira
Nurse
Diploma in General Nursing
SANC Registered: General Nurse
Additional training in Health Services Management, Adult Primary Care, Basic Ambulance Assistant, HIV/AIDS Management, Quality Management and Risk Improvement, VMMC, and clinical CPD
Cathy Ferreira is a qualified and SANC-registered General Nurse with extensive experience in psychiatric and addiction treatment environments. Her clinical background enables her to provide attentive, informed and appropriately structured nursing care within Ocean Bay Recovery’s multidisciplinary programme.
Her role includes client health monitoring, medication administration and management, and supporting the safe coordination of care throughout treatment.
Cathy is deeply valued by our clients. Her exceptional interpersonal skills, warmth and natural ability to connect with people allow her to build trust quickly and provide reassurance during what can be a vulnerable and challenging stage of recovery.
Wade Inglis
Biokineticist
BA (Honours) Biokinetics
BA Human Movement Science
MA (Masters) Human Movement Science
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
Certified Pilates Practicioner
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.
Elize Opperman
Office and Admissions Manager
Diploma in Business Administration
Diploma in Nursing and Caregiving
Diploma in Police Management
Elize brings extensive experience in administration, client service and regulated healthcare environments to her role at Ocean Bay Recovery. Her professional background includes medical-claims investigation at Medscheme, administrative coordination, hospitality and guest services, as well as many years of investigative experience with the South African Police Service. She is highly organised, calm under pressure and experienced in handling sensitive information with discretion, accuracy and strong ethical judgement.
As Office and Admissions Manager, Elize supports clients and families through the admissions process, coordinates essential programme and administrative functions, and works closely with Ocean Bay Recovery’s therapeutic and operational teams. She is passionate about helping others and values the opportunity to give something back through work that supports people during a significant turning point in their lives. For Elize, being part of a recovery environment provides a meaningful way to combine her professional experience with compassion, purpose and service.
Greg Kennedy
House and Facilities Manager
Bachelor of Education Degree
Active Addiction Recovery
Greg forms part of the Ocean Bay Recovery team as House Manager, bringing a calm, supportive and recovery-focused presence to the daily life of the programme.
His journey with Ocean Bay Recovery began as a client, giving him a personal understanding of the courage, structure and support required in early recovery. This lived experience informs the way he connects with clients, offering encouragement, accountability and practical support as they adjust to treatment and begin building a healthier way of life.
Before joining Ocean Bay Recovery, Greg worked as a teacher, developing strong skills in communication, leadership and mentorship. These qualities continue to support his work with clients from different backgrounds and help him contribute meaningfully to the therapeutic environment.
Greg is a proud member of our team and is committed to walking alongside clients as they develop stability, confidence and a foundation for lasting recovery.
Andi Didiza
Housekeeper
Certificate to perform Basic Life support and First Aid Procedures (FA level 1)
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.
Vuyo Duda
Security Officer and Carer
Certificate in Home Base Care
Certificate in Psira security training A7 Scorpion Risk Protection Services
Armed Response training, Tivumbeni Training Academy
Vuyo Duda serves as a Security Officer and Carer at Ocean Bay Recovery, supporting the safety, structure and wellbeing of clients, particularly during evening and night-duty shifts. He has completed PSIRA-related security training, including Grade B and Armed Response training, and also holds a Home Base Care certificate through St John.
Vuyo brings a calm, open and relatable presence to the therapeutic environment. He connects naturally with clients and plays an important role in maintaining a safe, supportive atmosphere during the quieter hours of the programme.
Rose Carter
Chef Caterer
Qualified Chef
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.
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.
Matthew Grobbelaar
Specialist Addiction Counsellor
Matthew brings a unique blend of professional expertise and heartfelt passion to his role. After earning his Honours degree in Investment Management from the University of Cape Town, he dedicated 18 years to the investment management industry.
Five years ago, guided by his own recovery journey, Matthew made the courageous decision to leave the corporate world behind and pursue a more meaningful path. He qualified as a field guide in the Kruger National Park, reconnecting with the natural environments that had always grounded him.
Matthew followed his calling to support others in their healing and completed his ACCSA Advanced Addiction Specialist Certification. He now describes his work in recovery as the most fulfilling chapter of his life.
Joining Ocean Bay Recovery is a full-circle moment for Matthew. Having grown up in St. Francis Bay, much of his youth was spent in the ocean and exploring the coastline, and his journey has brought him back home in a deeply meaningful way.
Matthew is passionate about walking alongside others as they rebuild their lives in sobriety. His greatest wish is to help those seeking recovery discover that this journey can offer them a life not only free from addiction, but deeply fulfilling and worth holding onto.
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.
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.