Our Team

We’re a family on a mission to share joy, grow hope and UPskill ourselves and all others. Since mid 2022, The UP has been building a strong team of advisors, directors and other key players to sUPport UP to scale UP. These include certified physicians, licensed psychotherapists and social workers, as well as leading television distributors, producers and show runners, and leaders in social enterprises, and startup innovation. All agree UP is ready to scale UP and test our model, to see if it can become a change leader – on a global scale.

Our Board of Directors

Nikki
Director

Nicola Jackman, our founding cheerlady, impact producer, and joyful catalyst. With 32+ years of captivating performances, and global facilitation, she spreads joy and transforms lives, inspiring all to step UP & co-create a flourishing peaceful world for all.

Zen
Director

Jenny Braun, is passionate about bringing joy and upliftment to little people and has written 3 children’s books and facilitated numerous story sessions for little and big people. She’s a core part of our ECD curriculum development.

Karen
Director

Karen Justine, intuitive facilitator of movement, shares joy worldwide through music & movement training. She believes in the power of flow and presence to call in a life of gratitude. Karen’s one of our leading “Joy Catalysts” in Cape Town.

Our Advisory Board

Sixolile Mabombo-Benson (CGMA, ACMA)
OPERATIONS ADVISOR

Experienced CMA specializing in financial & operational management for non-profit & for-profit orgs. LGBTQ+ advocate driving authentic leadership & inclusive impact.

Shahir Chundra (AFDA Degree in Motion Picture Medium)
STORY ADVISOR

Experienced showrunner, producer, director & content producer in media production. Skilled in camera operation, film & TV production, and writing. Strong professional with degrees in Motion Picture Medium & Acting for Film.

Anushka Singh
LEGAL & SCALE UP ADVISOR

Attorney at law- with over 15 years experience in the legal sector – running her own law firm and legal academy, Anushka attends to our due diligence, legal compliance and governance .

Dr Bianke Van Rooyen
Scale up sustainable coordinator

Registered counsellor, advocate for social change and passionate about being part of processes that supports the well-being of children and youth. Values connection with others and has a keen interest in other healing modalities such as mindfulness and breathwork. Strongly believes in the integration of body and mind for healing to take place.

Our Joy Facilitators Team

Kirsten
Team WELLNESS

Karen-Lee
Tech & Online

Tarryn Grobler
Media Management

Gauteng JOY Facilitators

Buyisiwe Njoko
Soweto& PR

Kim Pistorius
Pretoria & Events

Chantel
Pretoria & Service

Other JOY Facilitators

Candice
Cape Town & SWAG

Soretha
Cape Town

Simone
Garden Route

Siya
Swellendam

JOY Facilitators in Partnership

Lebo Wamopeli
Soul Dance Eastern Cape

Susy MAcFarlane
Herschel Red Nose Eagles

Minnelie Minnaar
Rising kids

Emily Jones
Secret sunrise Eastern cape

And here’s some more Joy Facilitators

Nicky Lewis, Julian Wenn, Alice Cowley Owen / Allicat, Cheye Breed, Sadia Chand, Fred – Cecil John Frederik Hayman, Talia Aviv Hughes, Lanel Van Der Kolff, Hayley Skerritt, Sanja Lutzeyer, Sadia Chand, Rina Butterfly, Sarah and Cherie

Apprentice Joy Facilitators

Hélène, Jeanne-Louise, Joshua, Elani, Chris, Dominiqe, Prianca, Carla, Momo, JustB, Shelani, Andre, Bianke, Edward, Liesl, Berverly, Mamello, Margie & Kate