PRESENTERS
Jacqui Jorge
Occupational Therapist
The Polyvagal Theory, Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety
Jacqui Jorge is a passionate Occupational Therapist who completed her studies at the University of Pretoria in 2005. After her community service year, she established her paediatric private practice in Edenvale, later co-founding Sensory Matters Occupational Therapy, which has grown to include practices in Benoni, Edenvale and Bedfordview.
She obtained her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy through WITS in 2012, specialising in Sensory Integration. Her research was published in the South African Journal of Occupational Therapy and recognised internationally for its contribution to understanding sensory processing challenges in infants.
Jacqui has extensive training in Neurodevelopmental Therapy, infant development and feeding, including the SOS approach. She has also completed additional training in DIR®, Therapeutic Listening, Makaton, autism support and CVI.
She is deeply passionate about supporting children through a sensory and nervous system-based approach and is committed to equipping parents, educators and professionals with practical strategies to better understand and support regulation and development.
Dr. Belinda de Villiers
Educational Psychologist
Trauma and Reporting Protocol for Suspected Incidents
Dr. Belinda de Villiers is a registered Educational Psychologist with a Doctor of Psychology specialising in Child Psychology. She has extensive experience in trauma, psycho-legal assessments and forensic evaluations, working with children and families in complex and sensitive cases.
Her work includes conducting comprehensive evaluations in matters such as child trauma, abuse, care and contact disputes, and providing expert input within the legal system. She is also trained in EMDR®, Somatic Experiencing® and Havening Techniques®, offering trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic support.
Dr. de Villiers is passionate about equipping educators, therapists and professionals with practical, ethical and effective strategies for responding to trauma and navigating reporting protocols with confidence and care.
.png)
Neurodiversity facilitator and coach
Pervasive Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Andrea Grant
Andrea Grant from Parenting on the spectrum is a qualified neurodiversity facilitator and coach with more than 17 years of experience in education, supporting neurodivergent children and their families through a compassionate, neuro-affirming approach. Her work focuses on practical, sustainable support strategies for PDA, autism, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
Andrea is known for helping parents, educators, and professionals better understand nervous system-based behaviours and supporting children through connection rather than control.