Originally from Pietermaritzburg, I completed my undergraduate and specialist training at the University of Stellenbosch. During my 20 years in private practice, I have developed a special interest in children with neurodiversity conditions. My interest in chronic pain comes from a deep empathy with children struggling with persistent pain who are often dismissed by parents, teachers and medical professionals. I believe that pain should be managed using a team approach and that for many children deep listening and acknowledgement is the start of their recovery. There is a lack of specialised pain management services for children, particularly teenagers, and I hope that with this service I can be part of creating a space where they can have their voices heard, where they become a part of their own treatment team and where we can work together to find answers.