Who We Are

As a team of established treatment professionals,

​we are one of the first and by now the most established ibogaine clinic in South Africa.

Dr Martie Underwood (PhD)

Dr Martie Underwood (PhD)

Owner & Ibogaine Researcher

Martie joined the centre as partner in 2019 and is now the owner. She completed her PhD in Psychology in 2025, having chosen Ibogaine as her research topic. She holds an MSc in Transpersonal Psychology, a Diploma in Herbal Medicine, and she is registered with the African National Healers Association. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Global Iboga Therapy Alliance, and regularly delivers keynote presentations at conferences.

Anso Taljaard (1968 - 2021) - IN LOVING MEMORY

Anso Taljaard (1968 - 2021) - IN LOVING MEMORY

Our Founder & Mentor

Our founder and mentor, Anso Taljaard, was a clinical psychologist and a pioneer. During her years in private practice, she became frustrated by the inefficiencies of traditional clinical models. She became interested in Ibogaine at a time when not much was known about the substance and when non-traditional treatments were severely frowned upon. She pioneered our current treatment model and founded our approach on robust psychological principles. Sadly she lost her long battle with cancer in 2021, but she left a legacy that has profoundly changed the lives of so many.  Pic: Alon Skuy

Dr Durel Baruani

Dr Durel Baruani

Medical Doctor

Dr Durel Baruani is an ACLS and Advanced ITLS certified medical doctor with current emergency room experience. Dr Baruani has been with the Centre since 2018, and has successfully supervised numerous Ibogaine treatments without a single adverse event. More than his experienced medical skills, Dr Baruani’s bedside manner is impeccable. He is incredibly compassionate and empathetic, and truly cares about our clients and their safety. 

Keorapetse Tladi

Keorapetse Tladi

Trauma Nurse

Keorapetse Tladi joined the Centre in August 2022 as Trauma Nurse. She holds current BLS certification and certification in ECG interpretation. Her extensive experience and her kind and compassionate nature make her a valuable addition to our team. Keo, as she’s affectionately known, is passionate about the wellbeing of our clients, and consistently strives to ensure they feel safe and taken care of. 

Thato Ramagofu

Thato Ramagofu

Paramedic

Thato is an ACLS certified Paramedic and joined our team in December 2022. His current advanced emergency response experience makes him a valuable member of our team. Beyond his medical expertise, we value his respectful and compassionate bedside manner with our clients. We also thoroughly appreciate his gentle nature and his witty sense of humour.

Lebohang Johannes Mofokeng

Lebohang Johannes Mofokeng

Paramedic

Lebohang, or LeboH as he is affectionately known, has 16 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services. He is an ACLS certified Paramedic, as well as an instructor in Basic Life Support for healthcare providers. His wealth of knowledge is a fantastic asset for the Centre and our clients. 

Jeanine Slabbert

Jeanine Slabbert

Therapist & Treatment Guide

Jeanine is a Certified Master Life and Therapeutic coach with an Honours Degree in Psychology specialising in Cognitive Neuroscience. Jeanine started at the Wellness Center in early 2015, then moved into other alternative psychotherapeutic practices for a few years before recently rejoining the Center and finding her way back to Ibogaine. She has a deep passion for working with plant medicine and her relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise within the therapeutic realm has given her a deep understanding of emotional processing, enabling her to share lots of empathy and compassion with our clients.

Shayne Nowikow

Shayne Nowikow

Treatment Guide

Shayne has been involved since the Centre’s early days, facilitating journeys with various plant medicines. Following a period of absence to pursue other interests, he returned in November 2022. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in ibogaine treatment, not to mention his unique and upbeat sense of humour.

Johann Hattingh

Johann Hattingh

Centre Manager, Therapist & Treatment Guide

Johann joined the Centre in 2019 following his successful Ibogaine treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jo, as he is affectionately known, is an exceptional advocate for the use of plant medicine in treating trauma, and is the founding member of the PTSD SA support group.  After joining the Centre, he completed a qualification with UNISA in Victim Empowerment and Support and also holds current CPR certification. Clients are drawn to Jo, and resonate with his kindness and wisdom. 

Lebogang Molefe

Lebogang Molefe

Treatment Assistant

Lebogang, or LeboG as she is affectionately known, joined our team in November 2022. Her keen observation skills, along with her sunny personality and her willingness to learn, make her a valued team member, much loved by her colleagues and clients.

Liquorice & Team

Liquorice & Team

Professional Good Boy & Therapy Dogs

Liquorice is a professional good boy and the most senior of our therapy dogs. From taking shots at the vet, to cuddling on the couch, Liquorice has excellent manners down to a fine art. He tries his best to lead the pack of hooligans we have at the Centre, and mostly gets it right.