OUR JOURNEY
Founded by Karla Cloete during her time as a Student Registered Counsellor, our NPO began as a community-driven project focused on empowering volunteers and running art-based mental health support groups in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
GROWING IMPACT THROUGH ART AND SUPPORT
In our first two years, we:
- Facilitated art-based mental health support groups in 7 communities.
- Empowered 20+ volunteers with the skills to run mental health support groups.
- Reached 70+ community members, offering psychosocial support through creativity.
We quickly realised there was a need to connect existing organisations and communities with unmet psychosocial needs to trained volunteers.
EXPANDING OUR MISSION
Recognising the impact of our work, we formalised Karla’s community project in late 2024. With Leanne Urdang and Sophie Manzie joining as co-founders, we strengthened our commitment to community empowerment through art-based mental health support groups and GBV prevention.
In 2025, we officially launched and registered as an NPO, with a core focus on art-based mental health support groups and community-driven programs dedicated to GBV prevention and psychosocial support.
We continue to grow, ensuring volunteers and communities have the resources they need to heal, connect, and create change.
Mission Statement
Our mission at TTP is to provide psycho-education and socio-emotional support to our community.
We aim to empower and support existing NPOs with our trained volunteers.
To provide willing volunteers with mentorship and skills training.
To uplift and build resilience for vulnerable communities through art-based mental health support groups.
Promote mental health literacy and coping skills
To decrease the effects of gender-based violence in the South African community.
Meet Our Team- Board Members
Karla
Chairperson and Project Director
Originally from Vanderbijlpark, Karla is a Registered Counsellor, children’s book author and marketing manager with a passion for using her platforms to speak on issues near to her heart.
She has written for platforms worldwide, like ArtsHelp, a platform dedicated to furthering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through art and To EmpowHER, which aims to uplift South African women and has been a creative writing fellow for Fundza. (Fix the passive voice here)
She is an avid reader who loves debate, theatre, pottery and sewing.
“The rapid rise of technology, social discord and economic pressures have made us not only lose touch with each other but with ourselves. Creating opportunities for connection is the first step in healing.”
BA Psychology and English (NWU)
Honours Psychology (NWU)
Honours Creative Writing (NWU)
Bpsyc Equivalent (SACAP)
HPCSA- PRC 0045179
Sophie
Vice-chair, Treasurer and Head of Fundraising
Born and raised in Durban and now based in Johannesburg, Sophie is a Registered Counsellor and qualified teacher with experience across various educational settings, including remedial schools. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Learning Support, Guidance, and Counselling at the University of Pretoria, she is passionate about creating inclusive environments that nurture mental well-being and growth.
With a love for hiking and reading, Sophie often finds inspiration in the outdoors and the power of storytelling. Sophie’s passion for art-based support further aligns with TTP’s vision of promoting mental health and psychoeducation through creative and accessible approaches.
The quote by Lou Holtz, “It is not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it,” resonates with Sophie, reflecting both her personal and professional journey. It highlights the importance of equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to manage life’s challenges effectively—an ethos she embodies and brings to TTP’s mission.
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET (UP)
Bpsyc Equivalent (SACAP)
MEd Learning Support, Guidance and Counselling (UP) – Current
HPCSA- PRC 0045330
SACE- 12736154
Leanne
Vice-chair, Secretary and Head of Marketing
A born and raised Joburger, Leanne is currently pursuing her Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report (Psychology) through the University of the Witwatersrand.
Leanne is a passionate advocate for mental health and emotional well-being. She has merged this passion with her work in marketing and social media management as a way to drive positive social change.
In her free time, she enjoys creative-based activities, spending time with animals, and reading – having completed 65 books in 2024 alone.
“Depression isn’t pretty, but having depression doesn’t make you ugly. Anxiety is a burden, but having anxiety doesn’t make you a burden. Even though you are struggling right now, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You are so, so much more than your problems, and you are a warrior for continuing to fight them.” – The Depression Project
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History (WITS)
Bachelor of Arts Honours (Psychology) (WITS) (with distinction)
Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report (Psychology) (WITS) – Current
Martin
Board member, Head of Research
Originally from the Northern Cape, Martin is a registered research psychologist (PS0164682) and specialist wellness counsellor (SWC25/14047) who focuses on addressing matters pertaining to public health and wellbeing. He retains expertise in research project conceptualisation, development, and implementation and management and is an expert in psychometric research and test development and statistics. He aims to continue implementing his skills for the betterment of the well-being of South Africans, whether it be through clinical trials, intervention development and implementation, or research focusing on problem identification and addressment. His research has always focused on the South African context, including research on personality disorders, orphan wellbeing, psychometric testing and test development, physical and psychological wellbeing, and public health intervention evaluation, development, and implementation. Within his counselling practice, he provides a person-centred approach to providing support and care for patients. Believing that each individual presents with their own unique needs and should therefore be treated as such. With each patient being the expert, as they are the ones who carry the story of the experiences they are going through. He believes that we cannot choose who needs help, and we cannot choose who we help, only that everyone should help each other.
“Any man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind”
-John Donne, 1624.
BA Psychology and Physiology (NWU)
Honours in Psychology (NWU)
MS Research and Experimental Psychology (NWU)
HPCSA- PS0164682
Meet Our Team- Board Members
Nazliyah Phillips
Volunteer coordinator
Nazliyah, who goes by Naz, was born and raised in Cape Town and relocated to Johannesburg in 2022 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology. In 2025, she completed her Honours degree in Psychology.
The Together Project is an organisation that holds deep personal significance for her, because of its commitment to combining creativity with psychosocial support to empower communities.
Naz’s interest lies in art, film, painting, visual storytelling, and fashion. She finds meaning in how creativity can serve as a language for understanding both the self and others.
Vincent van Gogh’s words, “I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart,” reflects the way in which Naz approaches people and the process of learning, care, and growth.
Ayanda Shironge
Volunteer coordinator
Born and raised in Boksburg and now based in Centurion, Ayanda is a psychology graduate with an Honours degree and a strong interest in trauma, family systems, and mental health advocacy.
She has volunteered with SADAG, where she supported individuals navigating mental health challenges through compassionate listening and psychoeducation. She also volunteers at Headway Gauteng, gaining experience in supporting individuals and caregivers adjusting to life after brain injury.
Ayanda serves actively in her church, where her faith plays a central role in how she shows up for others and informs her values, work ethic, and commitment to service. In her spare time, she finds joy in reading and crocheting, valuing the calm and creativity they bring. She aspires to become a clinical psychologist and contribute to accessible, ethical mental health care within underserved communities.
“The value of success is found in how much of your potential you use to impact others”- John Maxwell
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (UJ)
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology (UJ)
Tebogo Matsemela
Volunteer coordinator
Tebogo is committed to creating supportive spaces where volunteers feel valued, empowered, and connected to meaningful initiatives. He believes that volunteers are the backbone of community-driven organisations and are motivated by growth, connection, and positive change.
This outlook is reflected in the words of Paulo Coelho: “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” For Tebogo, supporting individual growth is central to strengthening communities.
Education:
Bsc Occupation and Environmental Health
BA Honors in Psychology
