I am an experienced health professional, academic and researcher with more than 20 years of experience working in a variety of settings in South Africa, England, and Wales. This has provided me with comprehensive insight and experience of working in different health systems and of local and global public health issues.

Prior to joining the Children’s Institute as its Director in April 2023, I worked as an academic and researcher in the Division of Community Paediatrics at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. My role comprised undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and curriculum development, research and technical advisory work in the field of maternal and child health.

I am experienced in managing and conducting research using quantitative and qualitative methods. I am an accomplished scientific and technical writer and have published in international peer-reviewed journals, written book chapters and contributed to the development and drafting of national policies, strategies and implementation plans and tools. I am also an experienced public speaker and have presented in various scientific, academic and government forums, including as an invited or keynote speaker.

I am a recognised child health, early childhood development (ECD) and child disability researcher and expert, and currently serve on several international and national child health, nutrition, ECD and disability technical and advisory groups. I also have experience in developing policies and programmes, as well as implementing and managing projects and programmes in local and international settings.