Who We Are

Vatiswa is a trained lay counsellor and has a special interest and training in play therapy. Vatiswa coordinates our prevention programme and she is the go to lay counsellor in the Dunoon community. She provides counselling to children and families affected by trauma and abuse, as well as providing psychoeducational programmes to pre-school children. Vatiswa is highly respected among the child protection professionals that work in Dunoon and she is often in the front line of managing child protection concerns. Vatiswa speaks multiple African languages and she has high ambitions this year to reach even more children who need therapeutic services in the greater Dunoon area. She also intends to pursue her studies and gain a certificate in working with pre-school children. Vatiswa is a warm and sincere person who goes over and beyond what is expected of her.

Alida is passionate about children and their wellbeing. Her gentle manner enables her to connect with children effectively using play and creative activities to build her relationships with children, facilitating their recovery from trauma. She is a much valued member of our Jelly Beanz team.

Yvette is the well-oiled machine behind the scenes of Jelly Beanz that keeps the office running. Yvette was Edith’s right hand lady long before Jelly Beanz was the fully established organisation it is today. Yvette manages all of Jelly Beanz finances and the office. Yvette was also part of the management team for the anatomical doll project. She is well equipped to manage people and she always ensure a quality service is delivered. Yvette is not only highly efficient at her administrative position but she has a wonderful sense of humour that warmly lightens the serious nature of the work we do at Jelly Beanz. Yvette is always willing to assist and has very good insight into the needs of others.

Danni was a Newfoundland dog. This breed of dog is known as gentle giants, they are fluffy, gentle, soft natured and love children. They are used overseas in therapeutic work with children, however, Danni was the first Newfoundland in South Africa to be trained as a therapy dog (this breed of dog is rare in South Africa). She weighed approx. 65 kg’s, was chocolate coloured, loved being in water or playing with it, enjoyed tummy rubs and did not play fetch with a ball, but preferred playing soccer kicking the ball as she ran. Many of the children referred to her as our bear-dog, as she looked like a baby bear.

Often children that have experienced trauma and abuse may feel labelled or different from others, ashamed or undervalued because of their experiences. Animals create opportunities for children to connect and feel valued without anything being expected of them in return, no words are necessary, and it doesn’t matter who you are or what you have been through, a dog will accept you unconditionally. Further, children can love or play with the animal, and receive positive feedback from the animal. Dogs in particular, as they are so intuitive, can also help therapists understand children better and thus be able to tailor make a more effective therapeutic plan for the child. Children may also project some of their own feelings or thoughts on to the animal, thereby giving us clues as to how they may be feeling e.g. Danni is feeling very sad today. Danni became an integral part of the Jelly Beanz family and the work we do for our children. In December 2021 Danni passed away peacefully.