Executive Committee
Meet Our Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the Craniosacral Therapy Association of South Africa (CSTASA) is dedicated to guiding and supporting the growth, integrity, and professional standards of craniosacral therapy across the country. Comprised of experienced practitioners and leaders in the field, the committee works tirelessly to ensure that members receive the highest level of support, training, and professional development.
Through their collective expertise and commitment, the Executive Committee fosters a thriving community of practitioners, advocates for best practices, and champions the advancement of craniosacral therapy in South Africa.
Dr Drupad Kara
Chairman
Professional Background
Drupad Kara is a qualified and experienced dentist and craniosacral therapist based in Mafikeng, Northwest Province. His journey into craniosacral therapy began from a deep personal interest in stillness and bodywork, seeking to learn a healing therapy that would benefit both himself and others.
Journey to Craniosacral Therapy
Drupad completed his craniosacral therapy training at the South African Institute of Cranial Studies in 2009, followed by an additional diploma course at Body Intelligence Training, where he qualified as a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist in 2016. He further expanded his therapeutic approach by obtaining certification in mindfulness-based interventions in 2018.
Practice and Philosophy
Craniosacral therapy has brought significant balance to his life as a dentist, continuously supporting and informing his professional work and personal wellbeing. He provides individual craniosacral therapy sessions to clients who seek additional support through this gentle, yet profound healing modality. Drupad describes his engagement with craniosacral therapy as “a learning journey of discovery”
Service to Association
Drupad became involved with the Craniosacral Therapy Association to support it and to maintain a connection with a community of like-minded practitioners. He assumed the role of Chair in 024 and continues to serve in this capacity through 2025. In this leadership position, he has found both challenges and valuable learning opportunities, while remaining committed to supporting the association’s ongoing endeavours and future development plans.
Contact Information
Mobile: 082 493 6144
Email: drupad.cstasa@gmail.com
Dhaneshnee Pillay
Vice Chair
Name of Practice:
Creative Life and Wellness
Area of Practice:
Cape Town- Milnerton and Century City
Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor of Optometry Degree -UDW/UKZN -1997
- Diploma in Craniosacral Therapy -SAICS/ATMADA-2010
- Auricular thermotherapy -Beauty academy international /City and Guilds-2011
- Life Coach and Transformational Life Coach- Transformation Coaching Academy 2019
- Negative emotional therapy practitioner- Transformation Coaching Academy 2019
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner-Transformation Coaching Academy 2019
Journey to Craniosacral Therapy
Traumatic health events in 2008 instigated her search into alternative methods of healing.
This led to a Craniosacral therapy qualification with SAICS (now known as ATMADA) in 2010.
Practice philosophy
Dhaneshnee prepares a safe, respectful, supported space for her clients to be held during a craniosacral therapy session. This allows them to tap into their creative intelligence to acknowledge, release, reset, recalibrate and restore their craniosacral system… when we hurt, we hold. Being held, we heal.”
Service to the Association
In respect of the remarkable healing that Craniosacral therapy has brought not only into her life and her family’s life, but also into the community that she had served. She would like to assist in maintaining the credibility of the association and its affiliation with both local and international schools and associations. She hopes to create more opportunities for the members to continuously develop their skills, thus maintaining our international standards.
She hopes to support the Craniosacral Therapy community and the CST Association by serving as Vice Chair.
Contact Information
Contact number: 083 227 4316
Email address: dhanesh.cst@gmail.com
Anita Desai
Treasurer
Name of Practice
CranioCare
Area of Practice/City:
Rondebosch, Cape Town
Qualifications
- Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (1994) and Quality Management (1997)
- Diploma in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy -SAICS/ ATMADA 2014
- Craniofascial Therapy (Barry Gillespie) – 2015
- Distant Craniosacral Integration (CCST UK) – 2021
Journey to Craniosacral Therapy
Anitas path to craniosacral therapy began in 2008 after becoming a mother for the second time. Personal family health experiences opened her eyes to the world of alternative and holistic treatments, leading her to discover the profound benefits of Craniosacral Therapy firsthand.
Practice Philosophy
Anita brings a truly holistic approach to her practice. She works with clients not merely to feel better but to develop a genuine understanding of their nervous system. She empowers clients to make authentic body-mind-soul connections and experience self-healing through their inner wisdom.
Service to the Association
Currently serving her second term on the Executive Committee, Anita is passionate about supporting the craniosacral community. Her motivation extends beyond personal gain to enriching the entire Craniosacral Community. She believes in holding space for all practitioners and is committed to achieving the association’s goals for 2025.
“The opportunity to serve in the Cranio community allows me to make a difference to those around me and for me to learn,” Anita shares. “Serving this term isn’t for myself, but for the enrichment of our Craniosacral Community.”
Contact Information
Mobile: 078 803 8311
Email: anita.cstasa@gmail.com
Instagram: @Craniocare
Janet Leslie
General Support And Events
Qualifications
- Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and Trauma Doula
- Makhanda / Grahamstown Eastern Cape
- Upledger CST 1 & 2 2019, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy 2025, and currently working on a Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness course.
Practice Philosophy
Her work has the focus and intention of calming her client’s nervous systems. She wants to offer and bring into awareness all the personal resources available to her clients, and thus vision of the possibility of a way forward. She brings this into her new leadership role on the executive committee.
Service to the Association
She joined the Craniosacral Therapy Association of South Africa because it is such a valuable resource of connection, information, sharing, further learning and postgraduate offerings. She has volunteered to serve on the ExCo to further serve the Association and its members.
Contact Information
Mobile:072 422 7449
Email: janet.cstasa@gmail.com
Julia Nowicki
General Support and New Members Registration
Professional Details
Alive Dance Studio / Craniosacral Therapist
Muizenburg, Western Cape
Qualifications
- 30 years’ experience in dance and movement therapy.
- Diploma in Craniosacral Therapy 2001. South African Institute of Cranial Studies under Al
Pelowski from 2000 to 2001 - Postgrads attended with John Dalton, Hugh Milne, Mathew Appleton, Mary Shorthouse, Jacob Nell, Simon Gosling, Kitya Nowicki, and Ellen Groesser.
Practice Philosophy
Healing is Non-Linear & Inherent
Julia believes healing is an innate capacity in every human being – not something imposed or prescribed, but something allowed and supported. When the body is held in presence and safety, it naturally reorganises, releases, and heals. The Body is Sacred & Intelligent, influenced by spiritual mentors and therapeutic training, she regards the body as a sacred vessel – deeply wise, always working to process, store, and ultimately resolve life’s experiences. She views the body not merely as a physical entity but as a bridge between soul/spirit/blueprint and physical existence.
Journey to Craniosacral Therapy
My journey into movement therapy began under the guidance of Ann Fisk, where I discovered the profound ways in which movement, including stillness, invigorates the body and supports healing. This deepened my understanding of the connection between movement, the human body, and well-being, ultimately leading me to Craniosacral Therapy.
Service to the Association
Julia is a dedicated member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association of South Africa. Since its inception, Julia has served on the association’s committee since 2022. She is committed to advocating for Craniosacral Therapy as an integral part of mainstream healthcare and education.
Contact Information
Mobile: 082 499 3671
E-mail: julia.cstasa@gmail.com
Join us
Click here to sign up as a member of the Craniosacral Association of SA.
Find a Practitioner
View a list of our Craniosacral practioners across Southern Africa.
The Craniosacral Therapy Association of South Africa (CSTA SA) is a non-profit organisation that serves the public, and its members across South Africa, The Association also supports members in Botswana, Mauritius, Morocco and New Zealand, and welcomes new members from across the continent.
The Craniosacral Therapy Association of South Africa (CSTA SA) is a non-profit organisation who serves the public, and its members across South Africa,
The Association also supports members in Botswana, Mauritius, Morocco, and New Zealand, and welcome new members from across the continent.