Meet Our Team

Chrisna has been an occupational therapist for 21 years. After sustaining a serious upper limb injury 27 years ago, she was exposed to the field for the first time. Almost instantly Chrisna knew this was the career she should pursue. After working and traveling overseas, she studied again and settled down as a hand therapist in the Lowveld – having obtained her postgraduate diploma in hand therapy from UP in 2007.

The opportunity arose to start her own private practice approximately 12 years ago, after workng in the goverment sector for almost 10 years.   They are currently based at Mediclinic Hospital in Nelspruit with services rendered as needed in Busamed and Kiaat Hospitals. Outreach services to Nelspruit Hoerskool and Komatipoort.

Qualified Occupational Therapist (UP 2002)
Post Graduate Diploma Hand Therapy (UP 2007)
Ergo Science Accredited
PGAP provider
Chrisna is an active member of the SA society of hand therapists
Chrisna is currently the Liaison Director for the Institute for Occupational Therapists in Private Practice (INSTOPP)

Mikayla grew up in Nelspruit, and although she had been exposed to occupational therapy as a child, it wasn't until her third year of varsity at the University of the Free state that she grew an interest in hand and upper limb rehabilitation.

Mikayla stood as a community representative on the student representative council in her final year. This aided her in sharpening her empathy, interpersonal skills and leadership skills.

She started her Occupational Therapy career in a district hospital in rural Mpumalanga. It was during this time that Mikayla really began to pursue her passion for hand therapy through patient advocacy and various courses including the Grounded Rehab course in Hand Therapy.

Mikayla joined Chrisna's team in 2024 and has since also become a Certified Lymphoedema Therapist, adding value to the practice's services offered and the treatment of patients.

Estelle started her Occupational Therapy journey at Kalafong Spinal Unit after qualifying at the University of Pretoria in 1992. During this time she spent any moment she could growing her passion for hand therapy and absorbing knowledge.

In 1995 she moved to Mpumalanga and worked at Themba Hospital briefly before opening Nelspruit's very first hands- and physical rehab practice. She was also Chrisna’s therapist when she sustained her radial nerve injury in 1996!

In 1998 she completed the Post graduate Vocational Rehab Diploma and in 2001 completed her Post graduate Hand Therapy Diploma.

While raising her family, Estelle handed over her practice to colleagus and continued work related assessments with more flexible hours.

Since 2022 Estelle joined Chrisna Goddefroy Occupational Therapists as a part time team member, to return to her first love ... hand and upper limb therapy.

Rebecca Ries is an Occupational Therapist who qualified at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her interest and passion for hand and upper limb rehabilitation developed early on in her career. Her OT career started at the Dr. Harry Surtie Hospital in the Northern Cape, where she was exposed to the critical role that hand therapy plays in improving patients’ quality of life and functional abilities. Driven by a desire to deepen her expertise, she pursued the Grounded Rehab Hand Therapy course to further develop her skills.

She is currently working at Chrisna Goddefroy Occupational Therapists in Nelspruit, where she continues to grow professionally and helps patients achieve greater independence and hand and upper limb function. She is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based care to all her clients, always striving to improve their outcomes and enhance their overall well-being.

Efficiency and organization are at the heart of our practice, thanks to Riekie Delport, our Practice Manager, and Theresa Bieldt, our Administrator. Riekie's strategic management and Theresa's meticulous administrative support ensure that our practice operates seamlessly, allowing us to focus on your well-being.