Who we are

Get to know our team

Meet Kendal

Kendal Pietersen’s passion for working with children began early, leading her to qualify as a Swim SA Instructor in 2007 and establish two private swim schools. She graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy from UWC in 2013 and dedicated a year to community development, focusing on early childhood programs in informal settlements. She completed her community service at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, treating paediatric patients across various wards.

In 2016, Kendal transitioned into private practice and opened her own practice in Sunningdale in 2018. Her experience as a mother has deepened her insight as a therapist, allowing her to approach therapy with both professional and parental perspectives. She works closely with schools to advocate for child-specific learning and environmental adjustments.

As co-founder and Therapeutic Head of Kensio House Therapeutic Academy, Kendal supports neurodiverse learners from Grade R to matric and beyond. She has completed postgraduate training with SAISI and the DBT Institute of South Africa and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Occupational Therapy at UWC.

Outside of work, Kendal cherishes family time, beach outings, and exploring new cuisines. Her motto: “You only live once—make every day count and never forget where you came from.”

Meet Preshaanya

Preshaanya Naidu is a dedicated Occupational Therapist at Arise where she has been contributing since June 2023. After graduating from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), she completed her community service at a public hospital, gaining valuable experience in diverse healthcare settings. Preshaanya also volunteered at a government school for children with special needs, further honing her skills and passion for working with young individuals.

Currently, she is embarking on specialized training to become a Sensory Integration therapist, reflecting her commitment to expanding her expertise in occupational therapy. Outside of her professional life, Preshaanya enjoys spending time immersed in books and has a keen interest in exploring Asian cuisine. Through her experiences, she has learned that every child possesses a unique and expressive personality, and she firmly believes that no one should be underestimated, regardless of age.

Pre’s life motto is, “Life’s greatest revelation: Never underestimate yourself; your potential always exceeds your expectations.”

Meet Martine

Martine graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Occupational Therapy in 2022, at the University of the Western Cape. In 2023, she completed her community service at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in the Eastern Cape where she gained experience in the following clinical areas – Paediatric wards, general medical and surgical wards, ICU, burns units, psychiatry and mental health wards. Martine has always had a passion for working with children from a young age, which is seen through her experience of au pairing and starting up a creative initiative driven by developing fun activities for children to engage in during the holidays. Martine has a keen interest in providing therapeutic services to individuals who are neurodivergent and is in the process of beginning her sensory integration course through SAISI. In addition, Martine enjoys supporting each child’s development and growth by playing a key role in their journey, offering personalized therapeutic plans tailored to their unique needs. Martine lives by, “Helping little hands do big things!”

Meet Himali

Himali graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021 from the University of the Western Cape. She then completed her community service at the Sedibeng District Health Services in Gauteng in 2022, where she provided various OT services to several clinics within the district. In the same year, she co-authored an article published in the Journal of Occupational Sciences, focusing on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the daily lives of young adults in South Africa.

Himali has always been passionate about working with children, believing that they are inquisitive little humans who motivate her to explore her own imagination and creativity. This passion led her to pursue work with the paediatric population. In 2023, she began working at an NGO focusing on early childhood development in underprivileged communities. She has since transitioned to private practice at Arise OT, where she is excited to empower and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. Himali is also in the process of becoming Ayers Sensory Integration (ASI) trained, further enhancing her skills and expertise as an Occupational Therapist.

When not in therapy, Himali enjoys exploring the outdoors, listening to music, watching movies, spending time with her family and friends, and visiting new restaurants. She believes that these activities not only bring her joy but also help her maintain a balanced and creative approach in her professional life.

Himali’s motto is, “Live wholeheartedly, laugh freely, and trust that what’s meant for you was always destined to find you”.

Meet Kaydee

Kaydee graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy in 2022, following a BSc in Sports Science completed in 2017 at the University of the Western Cape. In 2023, she fulfilled her community service at Cofimvaba Provincial Hospital in the rural Eastern Cape, where she managed a diverse range of cases, including burns, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, hand injuries, and cerebral palsy. She also completed a specialized course in Cerebral Palsy in 2023. Kaydee joined Arise OT at the start of 2024 and is currently advancing her expertise in sensory integration through SAISI.

Outside of her professional commitments, Kaydee is an avid hockey player. Her passion for working with children of all ages shines through in her therapy sessions, where her energetic and fun-loving “Tigger” personality helps create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for her clients.