About Sensory Spot

Meet our founder and co-owner, Leanne

Leanne Rowson is an energetic and passionate paediatric Occupational Therapist who graduated with a BSc in Occupational Therapy. Leanne has a special interest in premature babies, early childhood intervention, children on the spectrum and children who struggle in class. Leanne has completed her training in Sensory Integration and has done numerous courses in NICU, Perinatal experience, early childhood intervention and DIRFloortime (which is the advised approach for children on the spectrum). Leanne loves working alongside parents and teachers to ensure that a child gets the most out of their time in therapy. Leanne has represented South Africa in dancing and is also a qualified Dance Teacher.

Meet our co-owner, Stef

Stef Pyne-James graduated as an occupational therapist with distinction from the University of Cape Town and has also completed her Masters degree from Wits University. Stef has committed herself to being a lifelong learner in order to help children with a variety of difficulties. Stef has experience in both remedial and mainstream environments and has completed her training in Ayres Sensory Integration. Stef is passionate about empowering parents to be involved in their child’s therapy journey and has a published article in the South Africa Journal of Occupational Therapy on this topic. Outside of work Stef has many hobbies including baking, pottery and boxing.

Meet our occupational therapist, Carissa

My name is Carissa. I graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2012 and discovered my passion for children working in a community health centre. I started my career working as a school-based therapist and later completed my Sensory Integraton training and moved into private practice. I am passionate in my belief that understanding children’s sensory needs and individual differences can be transformative in helping us to support them and manage problematic behaviours. I love the work I do in supporting children and families to become the best version of themselves and reach their full potential.

Meet our occupational therapist, Anieke

Anieke graduated from the University of the Free State and completed her community service year in rural KZN. Anieke has experience in special needs education and community health centres. She is passionate about early childhood intervention, sensory integration and helping parents to better understand and aid the development of their child. She wants your child to exceed to the best of their abilities and is here to guide you along the way. Anieke cares deeply about each child that walks through the door and wants to walk the journey with them.

Meet our occupational therapist, Hannah

Hannah graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand and then went on to complete her community service. Hannah is passionate about early childhood development through personalised, play-based approaches. Hannah enjoys empowering infants, toddlers, and their families, addressing sensory integration, motor skills, and social-emotional growth. Through collaborative relationships, Hannah aims to create inclusive environments that stimulate curiosity, creativity, and independence, setting the stage for lifelong learning and success.

Meet our occupational therapist, Kate

Kate is an Occupational Therapist who completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Cape Town in 2018. She completed her Master’s degree in Perceptual Disorders at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2025 and is Sensory Integration trained. She has experience working with children in both special needs and mainstream school settings and enjoys working closely with families to support each child’s development. Outside of work, she enjoys walking and hiking with her dogs, reading, and craft-related activities.