Our Board
DEIDRÉ BAATJES
Deidré is an Learning and Development professional with international corporate and NGO experience. She holds an Honours degree in Organizational Psychology and Business Science from UCT. Now in private practice, Deidré champions accessible mental health and offers holistic approaches to tip the scales against stress and trauma. Deidre joined the ECP board in 2021.
CHERYL CORNELISSEN
Cheryl is a senior Finance Manager at Old Mutual and also a Trustee on the Old Mutual Staff Volunteer Trust Fund. As a Finance Manager, she is deeply committed to integrating sustainability into financial practices, leveraging her skills to drive positive change and contribute to a more sustainable and socially responsible business environment. Cheryl is deeply passionate about social development and it’s a priority for her to dedicate her time, skills and resources to initiatives that empower underprivileged communities and promote women and youth development.
JANNA KRETZMAR
Janna holds a degree in Anthropology and Psychology, is a qualified yoga instructor with experience in informal education and youth facilitation. Her role is to ensure that the team works with integrity and passion in a way that is sustainable and professional, and in turn to provide our children with positive role models, high quality programmes and valuable skills for life. She believes that through deeply connecting to ‘self, other & earth’ we can co-create a world where people and the planet can thrive!
LISA PANTANI
Lisa Pantani is one of the founding members of the Earthchild Project. With a background in psychology, education, and storytelling, she brings over two decades of experience in programme development, facilitation training, and curriculum design within the non-profit sector. Lisa works globally as a storytelling coach and facilitator, supporting individuals and organisations to craft and share their stories in impactful ways. Her work is grounded in holistic education and mindfulness, using storytelling to strengthen connection, deepen learning, and support community transformation.
PHINDILE DHLAMINI-MOTSHEGWA
Phindile contributes to sustainable solutions that support and expand human flourishing. Her work centres in burgeoning industries, where she concentrates on ESG Impact through investment and innovation; storytelling and experiences; as well as advisory services. She shares accessible expanded expressions of holistic well-being for People (individual and collective) and Economies (enterprise and entrepreneurship), while considering their Impact in Nature (environment). Phindile feels aligned with ECP’s vision, joining the board in 2021 to apply governance good practice and provide practical risk management mechanisms.