Wendy attended Wits University to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy which was completed in 2004. Thereafter, the government requirements of community service lead her to work in Soweto at one of their largest and busiest clinics, Zola clinic. During a year at Zola clinic, Wendy worked as a generalist in Occupational Therapy. Her role involved treating patients, young and old, with both acute and chronic disabilities in physical and psychiatry. Additionally, she had the opportunity to manage clinic staff and contribute to improving the departments and the available services.

 

After community service, Wendy joined a Child Support center and worked in various Johannesburg schools treating children with learning difficulties, in the areas of gross and fine motor development, and cognitive and perceptual skill development.

 

During that year, Wendy became a member of a Private Practice in Rosebank, Johannesburg focusing on Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation. She joined the Society of Hand Therapy and slowly grew her knowledge in the field of hand therapy both through the knowledge of the senior therapist and through various courses she attended through the South African Society of Hand Therapy and the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa.

 

The following year in 2007, Wendy returned to part time studying at Pretoria University where she completed a Diploma in Hand Therapy at the University of Pretoria, while also continuing to manage a practice at a Johannesburg school treating children with learning difficulties, but with a growing interest in Hand Therapy. She also married her husband Mark that year.

 

In 2008, Wendy was given the amazing opportunity to visit Boston and attended the American Society of Hand Therapy’s annual congress. This was a great experience which allowed her exposure to new information from the latest research to bring home to be applied in South Africa at the practices. It was a phenomenal learning experience.

 

In 2009, Wendy closed the Paediatric Occupational Therapy practice in the schools, and began to work full time in Hand and Upper Limb Therapy. Through strong growth of the practice client base, satellite practices were established, in which Wendy had the privilege of being involved.

 

In June 2010, Wendy started up my own practice with a partner at Wilgeheuwel Hospital. Her team continued to grow the practice at Wilgeheuwel Hospital over 7 years with a special interest in Hands and the Upper limb as well as Lymphoedema Management and Breast care (fascial massage) post cancer treatment.

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Wendy had been exposed to Lymphoedema management and treatment since 2009. She had been mentored by other Lymphoedema therapists and completed short courses. In 2016 she completed her International Lymphatic and Wound Training Course.

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In April 2017, Wendy sold her interest in the practice to move down to Cape Town with her family. She took a short break until November 2017 after which, she had established a new practice again following her passion of treating Hands and the Upper limb as well as Lymphoedema with a special interest in Breast care.

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In 2019, Wendy completed her Modern MLD Certification Course and in 2021, she completed her Lymphoedema Review Course.

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Wendy remains current with her CPD requirements continuing to attend conferences and courses both in Lymphoedema and Hand Rehabilitation. She is currently studying further under the Virtual Hand and Shoulder Fellowship.

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Wendy is also a full time Mom of 3 boys, 14 years, 12 years and 6 years old who keep her afternoons busy and entertained between all their sport activities.

 

Wendy's hobbies are hiking and flyfishing. She is passionate about wildlife and spending time in the bush. She loves reading and spending time with her dogs or pottering in the garden.

 

 Her greatest achievement other than her family has been summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 2024.

 

"My hands are my everything, both as a Therapist, a family member and an active member of society.

Hands are such an integral part of our daily lives, they maintain our independence, they allow us to express ourselves both through touch, and language, and allow us to learn.

Can you imagine life without them!!"