About Us

We offer our services in the Pietermaritzburg, Hilton and Howick hospitals, to outpatients at our rooms and to patients in their homes.

     

     

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    Our Team

    Jen Irons (nee Greenhough)

    Occupational Therapist and Practice Owner

    Hi, I am Jen Irons, a farm girl from Dundee who founded Greenhough Occupational Therapy Inc in 2014. My husband, Rowan and I have two children and live in Pietermaritzburg.

    I obtained my BSc Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Cape Town in 2006. Since then I’ve worked in various countries, contexts and in different scopes of Occupational Therapy.

    I am passionate about assisting people in need and meeting them where they are at. I enjoy being an Occupational Therapist because it’s a diverse profession which is focused on enhancing clients’ well-being. It requires constant problem-solving and out-of-the box thinking to meet the individual needs of the client. I consider it a privilege to be able to journey alongside our clients and have worked with both children and adults. I believe in advocating for the OT profession and have a heart for providing learning and growth opportunities for younger therapists. Outside of work, my focus is on my family, outdoor adventures and exploring new places.

    Amy humprhies

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I am Amy Humphries. I was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg and have always had a deep connection to the community I serve. I completed my Occupational Therapy degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville campus) in 2014, graduating cum laude. After completing my community service, I returned home and have been practicing in the Pietermaritzburg area ever since.
    I’m passionate about working with adults who are living with neurological and physical conditions, and I’m especially interested in the field of driver assessments and rehabilitation. Helping clients regain independence and confidence after illness or injury—particularly in returning to driving—is a key part of my practice.
    What I love most about being an OT is the opportunity to connect with people and support them through life’s challenges in a practical, creative way. Every day in this field is different, and every client brings their own unique journey, making the work both rewarding and stimulating.
    Outside of work, I enjoy running, spending time in the garden, and sharing life with my husband Warren and our two children.

    Nicola Rodger

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I am Nicola Rodger. I grew up with my family in Cape Town, obtained my BSc Occupational Therapy at the University of the Western Cape, and completed my community service year in Estcourt, KZN.
    I joined the Greenhough Occupational Therapy team in 2018 when I moved to Pietermaritzburg.
    I have a passion for adult physical and and neurological rehabilitation.
    I strive to motivate my clients to embrace the life they have been given and in the same breath, am constantly motivated by my clients by their strength and courage as we journey together.
    Outside of Occupational Therapy, I enjoy adventuring outdoors, dancing, spending time with friends and family, and walking my dogs.

    Kate wade

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I’m Kate! I graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy in 2020 and kicked off my career doing community service in rural Mpumalanga. Since then, I’ve wandered my way through private rehab facilities, a community health clinic in Cape Town, and even helped run the OT department at a district hospital in Alice, Eastern Cape. Now I’ve landed at Greenhough OT INC, KZN—my fourth province—and I’m loving the journey. I’m especially passionate about neuro-based rehab, wheelchair and assistive device work, and making at least one person smile every day. When I’m not in OT mode, you’ll probably find me out hiking, camping, playing the fool with friends, reading, or dancing around to music (badly, but enthusiastically).

    kirsty prentice

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I’m Kirsty.

    jess heaver

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I am Jessica Heaver. I grew up on a farm in the small community of Paddock which is located on the lower South Coast in KwaZulu-Natal. I obtained my B. Occupational Therapy cum laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. I spent my community service year at Murchison District Hospital before joining the Greenhough OT family and continuing my love for hospital-based intervention.

     I am passionate and motivated about going the extra mile to ensure a positive difference in the lives of others. I value working alongside and supporting patients and their families during their therapy journey. I strive to empower individuals and to assist them to regain their independence and to facilitate their return to daily activities, that bring meaning and purpose to their lives. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, I love the outdoors, and always seek out new adventures.

     

    Kirsten Smith

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I am Kirsten Smith. I was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg where I attended one of the local schools. I obtained my B. Occupational Therapy degree at the University of the Free State, in Bloemfontein, after which I moved to Port Shepstone, to complete my Community Service Year, where I gained experience in both a hospital and rural setting. I have been incredibly blessed to have been a part of the Greenhough Team from 2023. 
     
    I have a deep desire to utilise the skills that I have gained as an Occupational Therapist to provide services and care that are specific to each one of my clients, through building firm therapeutic relationships,  and ensuring that both they and their family feel supported throughout their recovery journey. I so enjoy working in the sphere of physical rehabilitation, with a special interest in providing neurological interventions  
     
    In my free time, I’m always up for a coffee with friends, reading a good book on a rainy day, adventuring around the Midlands, and experimenting with new recipes.

    nicole van heerden

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I’m Nicole van Heerden. I am originally from Kloof, Kwa-Zulu Natal and went on to complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at UKZN, Westville. I completed my Community Service year in a small town of Escourt and quickly fell in love with small-town living, in Winterton. Making the move to Pietermaritzburg to join the Greenhough OT team was one of the best decisions I have made. 
     
    I am extremely passionate about the work I get to do and the journey I get to walk alongside my patients and their families. I value building a therapeutic relationship with my patients and ensuring they feel supported throughout the journey. I am passionate about empowering them to regain independence in their daily activities. 
     
    Outside of work you might find me exploring the outdoors, going for a run, reading a good book, spending time with my family or enjoying a good coffee in the morning sun.

     

    sarah whiteley

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi I’m Sarah Whiteley. I am from a small farming town near Ixopo in KZN.  I went to the small primary school of Lynford and then completed high school at Epworth High School in Pietermaritzburg. 
     
    I studied OT at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.  Once I completed my studies I did my community service in rural KZN. 
     
    I decided to do OT so that I could help others in need. I have always had a passion for helping others and developing special relationships with those around me. 
     
    In my spare time I love to cycle, cook and bake. 
    I love to spend time outdoors and with my family. 
     
    I love being apart of the Greenhough team

    thembi ndivheni

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I am Tshanduko Thembi. I am a compassionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist, with a deep commitment to serving others through both my professional skills and my Christian faith. I enjoy seeing myself helping individuals of all ages regain independence and improve their quality of life. I enjoy offering not just physical rehabilitation, but emotional and spiritual support to those in need. I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients, reflecting Christ’s healing touch in every interaction. 

     
    In my spare time, I enjoy participating in church activities for a sense of community and spiritual fulfilment. I am also an outdoor person who enjoys nature, or just the fresh outdoor air. I also love music. I’m also on the creative side, particularly when it comes to upcycling. I love creating useful items from everyday trash and getting a creative second life from them. 
    “Healing Beyond the Body—Therapy Rooted in Faith.”
    Thank you

    tegan raath

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I’m Tegan Raath. I was born in the North West province and grew up with my family across various parts of KwaZulu-Natal. I earned my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein.
    After graduating, I returned to KZN to complete my community service year at a small clinic in Mthwalume. There, I gained valuable experience working in both outpatient and rural community settings, treating a wide range of adult and paediatric cases. I was fortunate to join the Greenhough OT team after my community service year, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
    I’m deeply passionate about restoring hope and helping patients rediscover a sense of joy and purpose. I take a creative and person-centred approach to therapy, crafting meaningful activities that not only support progress but bring light into the rehabilitation process. It’s a privilege to walk alongside my patients, offering encouragement and support as they work toward becoming the fullest version of themselves.
    Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exploring new coffee shops, and catching up with friends.

    Ruby wares

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I am Ruby Wares. I grew up in Cape Town and earned my BSc. Occupational Therapy Cum Laude from the University of the Western Cape. I moved to Pietermaritzburg to complete my community service year at Grey’s Hospital, where I discovered a passion for hospital-based therapy. This experience – along with the incredible community of people – led me to stay on and continue my OT journey in the private sector with the Greenhough OT team.
    I have a special interest in physical and neurological rehabilitation and find great purpose in walking alongside my clients – celebrating small wins, rebuilding independence, adapting to new challenges, and rediscovering meaning in everyday life. Working at Greenhough has allowed me to deepen this passion in a supportive and dynamic setting. Outside of work, you’ll likely find me outdoors – adventuring and exploring, discovering hidden gems in nature, spending time with friends and family (and visiting home whenever I can), or soaking up the unique charm of KZN.

     

    tanner van den bergh

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I’m Tanner-Rae van den Bergh – or just Tanner.
    Originally from Amanzimtoti, I’ve always been drawn to the ocean, movement, and connecting with people. I studied Occupational Therapy at UKZN and completed my community service in rural Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, where I had the opportunity to build a rehab service from the ground up.
     
    I’m especially passionate about physical rehabilitation and adaptive sports. What I value most about OT is how it brings together creativity, science, and heart to make therapy meaningful and functional for each individual. It’s a real privilege to be part of someone’s recovery journey—whether it’s helping them regain independence in a daily task, reconnect with what matters, or rediscover their confidence and dignity.
     
    When I’m not in scrubs, you’ll find me on a trail run, playing sport, soaking up the sun at the coast, spending time with friends and family, or completely absorbed in a good book.

    megan chetty

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, I’m Megan Chetty. I grew up in Pietermaritzburg and later moved to Cape Town to pursue my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Stellenbosch University. I completed my Community Service Year in Bethlehem, a small town in the Free State, where I had the privilege of working in both semi-rural and urban healthcare settings. This experience laid a strong foundation for my career, which has since included working in acute hospital environments and a government regional hospital. These roles have allowed me to develop and refine my clinical expertise and interpersonal skills across a broad spectrum of patient needs.

    I am passionate about providing holistic, client-centred care and believe in collaborating closely with individuals to help them achieve meaningful, personalised goals. My particular areas of interest include adult neurology, orthopaedics, and general adult rehabilitation.
    Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, painting, and discovering new coffee spots around Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands with friends and family.

     

    chantell benecke

    Occupational Therapist

    Hi, my name is Chantell I’m a passionate Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of the Free State in 2022 and completed my Community Service year at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in 2023. I’m especially drawn to hospital-based care, where I find deep purpose in supporting and guiding individuals through some of their most challenging moments.
     
    I grew up on a farm, which taught me the value of resilience and hard work. In my downtime, I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and solving puzzles—anything that challenges the mind and brings calm.

     

    Sheri bharat

    Practice Adminstrator

    Hi, I am Sheri Bharat, and have spent my life in Pietermaritzburg. I come from an extended close-knit family which is where I first learnt the importance of teamwork. I developed a passion for administrative tasks, specifically in the healthcare sector, while working at a local ophthalmic practice.

    I am currently the Practice Administrator at Greenhough Occupational Therapy Inc. I love working alongside the therapists by supporting them with all the admin tasks that accompany their diverse roles. I enjoy engaging with clients and their families. The highlight of my job is witnessing the change in people as they find hope during their journey to recovery.

    julia O'Connell

    Operations Assistant

    Hi, I’m Julia O’Connell. I was born and raised on a farm in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, and now live in Eston with my husband and 5 dogs. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Science from Stellenbosch University, where I majored in disabilities, and I am also a trained caregiver.
    I help with the practice admin as well as help as an occupational therapy assistant at Greenhough Occupational Therapy Inc. I love working alongside the therapists by supporting them with the administrative and therapeutic responsibilities that accompany their diverse and meaningful roles.
    With a compassionate and gentle nature, I value connection, consistency, and kindness in everything I do. The highlight of my job is witnessing the transformation in people as they rediscover hope and purpose on their therapy journey. My background in caregiving and disability studies continues to shape the way I interact with both clients and colleagues with empathy, patience, and sincerity.
    Outside of work, you’ll most often find me walking my dogs, enjoying the outdoors, or curled up with a good book.

     

    thokozani mbambo

    OT Facilitator

    Hi, I am Thokozani (Thoks) Mbambo. I am bubbly, warm, and people-loving, I bring energy and heart to every interaction as an Occupational Therapy facilitator. Connecting with others comes naturally, and it’s this genuine love for communication that makes my work so rewarding. Being part of a company that shares my values gives me a strong sense of purpose and belonging. I end each day feeling upbeat and grateful because I truly enjoy what I do, even the hard days feel worth it.
    I am passionate about helping others to live their fullest lives. I bring energy, empathy, and a love for conversation to every session. Whether it’s guiding clients through therapeutic activities or simply sharing a meaningful chat, I believe that genuine connection is at the heart of healing and progress. I am known for my friendly approach and ability to make people feel truly heard. I am committed to creating a supportive space where clients feel empowered, understood, and inspired.
     
    Outside of work, I love unwinding with a good book or diving into a great movie, simple pleasures that help recharge a bright and joyful spirit.

    Some Areas of Expertise

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    Wheelchair Seating

    Assistive Devices and Housing Adaptations

    Return to Life Roles

    Caregiver Training