Juliet Carter is the national director of Autism South Africa, where she has led a dedicated team
Claudia is a hotelier by profession and worked in the hospitality industry...
Leryke Kleynhans is the National Training Coordinator for Autism South Africa...
I am the sister to an Autistic young man. I've been the office Administrator for Autism SA for the past 5 years.
I was married for more than 27 years to my Greek husband who was in a fatal car accident in 2013.
I am Kokeletso Sibisi I am Autistic, I have a big brother and he is my best friend...
I am the mother of an adult with autism and I have been working for A;SA for the past 12 years...
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I co-founded a Support Group and NPO -Autism Sinethemba, started a little Early Intervention...
Elfreda Baartman is an autism advocate, speaker, author, and Regional Development Officer
Rosemary Nomalanga Shezi nee Mtshatsha, affectionately known as Jijiza in my home townand as Mom Autism in disability corridors.
Passionate about my work, in love with my family and dedicated to spreading the light.
I am a mother to a now 10 year old low support boy. I have worked in the South African Air Force,
I completed my studies at RAU and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education as well as Qualified Teachers Status in...
My name is Cobie Lombard. I started my career as a French teacher with a keen interest in special needs. i had the...
RESOURCE DEVELOPER AND FINANCE OFFICER
Claudia Ceresa is the Finance Manager at Autism South Africa. She joined A;SA in 2008 after 30 years in the hospitality industry. Her duties include fundraising, monitoring income and expenditure, financial reporting for donors and the board, procurement and events management. She is the proud granny of 5 granddaughters and enjoys reading, cooking and travel!
NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Juliet Carter is the national director of Autism South Africa, where she has led a dedicated team for almost seven years in advancing autism awareness, advocacy, and support across South Africa. With more than 30 years’ experience in social work, her career spans the NPO sector, education, and corporate facilitation, including training ECD practitioners and lecturing in higher education. She is currently a PhD candidate in Social Work at North-West University, focusing on autistic adults. As the parent of autistic adults and a relative of autistic individuals, she combines professional expertise and lived experience, driven by a passion for helping people thrive.
COUNSELLOR
I joined Autism South Africa is 2015 as a Parent Counsellor. Prior to this I worked for the Department of Education in the ESS Unit as a Speech, Language and Hearing Therapist, later as a Therapy Consultant for Lusito School, The Lighthouse, Tshepong Special School and Nokuthula Special School; and post that I worked at the Sunshine Centre Association as an Early Intervention Facilitator where my core function was the development, implementation and monitoring of their Early Intervention Programme in their three centres. I am also an Assessor and Moderator registered with the ETDP SETA. I completed my studies in Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy at Wits in 1986, then went on to complete a BA (Health Sciences & Social Services) majoring in Psychological Counselling with Honours in 2007 with UNISA, obtained a Certificate [PYC206B] in Aids/ HIV Care and Counselling with UNISA in 2005. I later enrolled for and completed a BA Honours in Augmentative and Alternative Communication at UP in 2016 and in 2025, I graduated with a Masters in Early Childhood intervention (MECI) also at the University of Pretoria. I reside in the Midvaal region on a small holding. All three of my grown children have completed their postgraduate degrees. When I am not working, you will find me doing volunteer counselling at our local Community Centre, yoga, meditation and participating in our local Book Club activities. I am also a U3A member. I am passionate about support for parents of CWD and marginalised individuals and regard my work with this group as my “calling”. I believe providing counselling at the Neuro-development Clinics to be the most fulfilling aspect of my work.
EASTERN CAPE
I grew up in the Western Cape, my family moved to Saldana Bay when I was 10 and I matriculated at Vredenburg High School in 1986. I spent two years in the South African Air Force as a Radar Operator where I met my loving husband, JB, in 1988. I moved to East London in 1989, married in 1996, had two beautiful children, Kayleigh and Daniel. Daniel was two years old when we noticed his social skills and speech disappeared. It took another two years for him to be diagnosed with Autism. This placed my life on a completely different path. I co-founded a NPO - Autism Sinethemba, started a little Early Intervention Centre for our first 6 children in 2008, our school is 12 years old, it has 4 classrooms – built up after COVID 19 -, 8 staff members. In 2011, I started working for Autism South Africa as their Eastern Cape Regional Development Officer. I attended varied courses to learn new skills, I do ongoing research about Autism and am part of this amazing team of people who teach and support others about this complex, interesting, unique and life-long condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder. I still learn more every day, not just from the parents, children and professionals I work with but also from my own precious son, Daniel. Autism South Africa shares factual knowledge, resources and practical advice with anyone who needs it. My greatest love is to help other parents and care givers to manage their child’s daily life and education. Life is bigger than Autism, we need to live it. If Daniel can find meaning in his own life, so can I and therefore will never stop fighting for our children and families.
NATIONAL RDO COORDINATOR
I am the mother of an adult with autism and I have been working for A;SA for the past 12 years. I live in Gauteng, which is where I work, and I am also the regional development officer for both Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
AUTISTIC ADULT - OFFICE ASSISTANT
I am Kokeletso Sibisi I am Autistic, I have a big brother and he is my best friend.I went to different schools because my condition was not understood.I ended up doing skills training at The Living Link, that helped me a lot.I am a volunteer at ASA.My special interest is SAPS. I am a full member of the Young Men's Guild(YMG) in my church.
NORTHERN CAPE
Elfreda Baartman is an autism advocate, speaker, author, and Regional Development Officer for the Western Cape at Autism South Africa. After relocating from the Northern Cape, she continued her passion for creating awareness, promoting inclusion, and supporting autistic individuals and their families across South Africa. Drawing from both professional knowledge and lived experience as part of an autistic family, Elfreda has facilitated autism training for educators, police officers, and community groups. She was part of developing the “Be Buddy, Not a Bully” programme, now running in schools across all provinces. In 2025, she graduated with a Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development. Elfreda is also the author of I’m Not Princess, My Name is Abigail, sharing her family’s inspiring autism journey.
NORTH WEST PROVINCE
I am a mother to a now 10 year old low support boy. I have worked in the South African Air Force, at an American Mining Equipment Manufacturing company in Gauteng then at my Events company in Mahikeng. One job I can never ever resign from is parenting my boy, I love it and would never trade it for anything. Working for A;SA has given me a grand purpose assisting caregivers and service providers working with Autistics. What more can I say…
KWAZULU-NATAL
Rosemary Nomalanga Shezi nee Mtshatsha, affectionately known as Jijiza in my home townand as Mom Autism in disability corridors. I am from Pietermaritzburg born at St Mary's Hospital in Marianhill my husband is from UMlazi in Durban South and we settled at KwaNdengezi. We have been married for 30 years! I Received my basic education in PMburg and Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies at The University of Natal Howard College. A Mother to beautiful girls, one is an attorney, one is an environmentalist, one is a pension keeper and handsome young man, a corporate communication strategist and an Autism Advocate. I am a staunch Christian who does not discriminate against other Faith's. Harmony, Honesty, Humour and Empathy are my way of life. I am a passionate Autism Development Officer in the KZN Province, a Children's Rights Activist and strongly believe in a Just and Inclusive Society for All. It is this passion that saw me leave the corridors of the Department of Health, but fate ensured the strings will never be cut for my work entails building and keeping strong bonds with the same department. ' I believe in doing Right even when no one is watching' The excellent networks and rapport formed as I execute my duties makes it a breeze to refer and seek advice, the life of 'work on travel' has brought positive growth in me. '... wherever I lay my head, that' s my home'
LIMPOPO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
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FREE STATE
Since 2014, I have had the privilege of serving as the Regional Development Officer for the Free State region at Autism South Africa. My career is rooted in a deep passion for supporting and advocating for children on the autism spectrum and their families. Before taking on my current role, I spent four rewarding years gaining hands-on classroom experience as a class assistant at Martie du Plessis. During that time, I balanced my work with my studies to earn a teaching diploma from Motheo FET College. Over the years, I have continually expanded my specialized skills, including valuable experience with SNAP (Special Needs Adapted Program) and working closely with families as an au pair for children on the spectrum. Today, I am proudly based in Bloemfontein, where I enjoy life with my husband, Mpho, and our three wonderful children.
Mpumalanga Regional Development Officer
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CONSULTANT TRAINER
I completed my studies at RAU and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education as well as Qualified Teachers Status in the UK. After graduating I headed to the UK to teach and travel. Autism in the classroom grabbed my interest while teaching at a school for learners with severe intellectual disabilities in London. I went on to open the first ASD specific class at that school before taking a position at an ASD school also in London. Every day brought with it new adventures and I learnt so much from all my leaners. It was because of this that I went on to specialise in Autism. I believe that each child has a voice and deserves to be listened to. I currently share information with teachers, parents and other proffessionals on Autism specific intervention strategies. After leaving my role as the Autism Specialist at the Gauteng Department of Education in 2018 I went into private practice and work 1:1 with ASD individuals ranging from toddlers to adults. As well as being a consultant for Autism South Africa I am also a Makaton Tutor and a Timian Behaviour Tutor. I am also completing my training as a Spelling to Communicate Practitioner. Outside of my many different roles I am ruled by 2 beautiful but crazy black cats who I share my home with. My therapy is gardening and am learning how to not kill all the plants in my garden.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR | GAUTENG REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Hello my name is Elizabeth Mosehla, I am the sister to an Autistic young man. I've been the office Administrator for Autism SA for the past 5 years. I’ve had a rather minimalistic upbringing, and because of this, I find that I continue to value hard work and frugality. I take life as it comes and believe in drawing happiness out of the small things in life. I'm an easy going and flexible person.
National Training Coordinator
Leryke Kleynhans is the National Training Coordinator for Autism South Africa. With a professional background in Occupational Therapy and a personal journey as an autistic adult diagnosed later in life, Leryke brings a unique perspective to the topic of autism in women. Passionate about raising awareness and fostering understanding, Leryke combines lived experiences with evidence-based information to provide insightful and impactful presentations on neurodevelopmental disabilities.
