expert interdisciplinary team
Our Medical Director
Dr Leon Geffen holds an MBChB from UCT (where he is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Ageing in Africa) and is a fellow of the College of Family Physicians SA. He has served the Cape Town community as a GP since 1990. He is the Founding Director of the Samson Institute for Ageing Research and an interRAI fellow. Leon serves on the World Health Organisation’s Global Network on Long-Term Care and Clinical Consortium on Healty Ageing, and chairs the World Organisation of Family Doctors’ interest group on Ageing in Health. At the onset of the COVID pandemic, he joined forces with experts across the globe to create an action plan for mitigating its effects on older persons, and has provided input on a global, national, local and hyperlocal level. Leon has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles and serves on the International Advisory Panel of Age & Ageing Journal. In 2022, WHO named him among 50 Global Leaders Transforming the World to Be a Better Place to Grow Older. Leon served as Highlands House’s Honorary Medical Superintendent 1994-2016, President 2009-2011, and Trustee 2018-2020. In May 2020, he became acting Executive Director and was appointed officially in March 2021 and served in this position until 1st July 2025. Leon took up the position of Medical Director directly following his tenure as Executive Director.
Our Executive Director
Delia Kaplan started her professional career as a Social Worker at Child Welfare. In 2000, she was appointed as Deputy Director of Highlands House following a meaningful 8 years as Director of Cape Jewish Seniors Association (CJSA). She found purpose in the progression of her career from managing a community-based organisation for older persons to developing service delivery for those in residential care. Delia’s contribution to Highlands House has spanned 24 years and she has been instrumental in the growth and development of the services provided at the Home. Delia stands steadfast in her commitment to the ongoing improvement of quality of life for older persons, creating a safe and comfortable space for people to enjoy their later years. She has been inspired by the courage and resilience displayed by our residents as they embrace the challenges that ageing presents.
Our Care Services Manager
Maureen has always had a passion for caring for older persons. She joined Highlands House in 1991 as a part-time professional nurse. Since 2000, Maureen has served as the Care Services Manager, overseeing a substantial carer staff and the development of our expert Memory Care services including staff training. Through the years, Maureen’s responsibilities have progressed from Zone Sister to Deputy Matron, Matron and oscillating between Health and Care Services management as needed. During her leisure time, Maureen enjoys exercising, particularly dance and yoga, and the great outdoors.
Our Senior Social Manager
Adrienne Todes is a Social Worker specialised in Older Persons Care with over 35 years’ experience. She has worked in both community-based older person care and residential care. Her MA thesis considered the potential of mobilising the well aged to assist the frail aged. She has galvanised residents at Highlands House to become engaged volunteers in mutual-help projects since 2018. As the Senior Social Worker since 2022, she takes leading interest in applications, assessments and room allocations.
Our Health Services Manager
Robyn Black is a UCT-trained Occupational Therapist by profession and brings 20 years of experience working with older persons to Highlands House. She has served in various roles in the UK’s National Health Services and in private practice in Cape Town. Since 2013, Robyn has been involved in training and development projects at Highlands House. Between 2017 and 2022, she piloted various interRAI projects for the Samson Institute for Ageing and Research. She was appointed as the Health Services Manager in 2022. Robyn has a love for animals and nature. She enjoys hiking, walking and spending time with friends and family.
Our Memory Care Manager
Colleen Jansen has served Highlands House with dedication for 30 years. She started as caregiver in 1994, and completed her Auxiliary Nursing Assistant training in 1997. She has a passion for working with older persons and has experience with managing persons with dementia, and supporting their families. Colleen manages, guides, trains and supports caregivers who work with residents with dementia. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, walking on the beach, and spending quality family time.
Our Senior Occupational Therapist
Jeanti Steenkamp is a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist specialising in geriatric care. Since qualifying in 2017, Jeanti has been committed to enhancing her patients’ quality of life through personalised therapeutic interventions. Her expertise lies in developing comprehensive care plans that address older persons’ physical and emotional wellbeing. Jeanti ensures that every aspect of a resident’s life is considered, from mobility and daily activities, to social engagement, to mental health. She is driven to make a positive impact and strives to empower our elderly residents to lead fulfilling lives with independence and dignity.
management
board & trustees
Our Board President
Stuart Hendler is an integral part of Highlands House and has added immeasurable value to its leadership and strategy. Stuart joined our Management Board 10+ years ago as Treasurer when Bernard Osrin co-opted him, a position he filled for 5 years. In 2020, Stuart became President of the Home, excited to work with a board of relevant key players and strong leadership and leverage his financial expertise to the Home’s benefit. He was educated at Herzlia like his father, and always had a close affinity to Jewish community organisations and a strong sense of community involvement. He was educated in finance and provides financial professional services, becoming a managing partner at his accounting firm in 2015. Stuart uses his managerial and financial acumen to work towards the Home’s long-term sustainability. He is driven to position Highlands House as the preferred aged care facility in South Africa. His goal is to give the community a lasting legacy of dignified ageing.
Trustee
Bernard Osrin is a chartered accountant (BCom and PGDA) and chartered financial analyst (CFA) and has worked across the financial services industry, notably at Standard Bank, Merrill Lynch, and Investec Bank. He is the founding Director of Osrin Group, a financial advisory practice and is involved with numerous Jewish and other community organisations. Bernard has been involved with Highlands House for over 25 years and is a past president and treasurer of the Home.
Trustee
Glen Heneck qualified at UCT and Cambridge and worked as an attorney for five years before moving to a family trading business in 1989. He has occupied a series of roles in the years since then, including legal adviser and CEO. At the same time, he has served on the boards of a range of civic organisations, including the Cape SAJBD, and is a regular op-ed contributor to prominent newspapers, including the Jewish Report, Daily Maverick, Mail & Guardian, Business Live, Times of Israel, and Rand Daily Mail.
Our Honorary Medical Superintendent
Dr Orit Laskov is a Sea Point-based GP and holds an MBChB from UCT. She’s gained valuable experience in South Africa’s state healthcare system over many years and has been working in the private sector for over 10 years. Orit’s professional approach is rooted in evidence-based, holistic and ethical medical practice, and she takes special interest in family medicine and geriatric care. Since 2020, Orit has served Highlands House patients as part of its GP Programme, and since 2021, as its board’s Honorary Medical Superintendent.
Board Member
Sara-Lee Jackson is an experienced realtor and studied Industrial & Organisational Psychology at UCT. With over a decade of experience in sales and relationship management, she has a deep passion for community outreach and improvement, and pays it forward at Highlands House where her grandmothers were residents for many years. Sara-Lee channels her personal connection, commitment and drive to Highlands House’s fundraising efforts and public relations.
Board Member
Tammi Glick carries forward a legacy established by her father, Cedric Glick, as a community leader and company director in the property sector. Joining the management board in 2021, she brings extensive expertise in project management, maintenance, and fostering a vibrant culture. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply engaged in Cape Town’s creative scene, establishing the Maitland Institute in 2016, and actively contributing to fundraising and planning for community projects. Her commitment to nurturing creativity, looking after our campus, and growing community involvement is invaluable to the Home.
Board Member
Lari Levy is a Principal Architect and managing partner at LCK Architecture & Interiors. Her company specialises in residential and retail projects. Lari brings nearly three decades of experience in the industry to her board position at Highlands House in 2024. She has worked on a range of diverse projects locally and internationally and serves on our Maintenance Subcommittee. Lari is a wife to Darren and mom to Hannah & Ben.
Honorary Life Members
Honorary Life Member
A Champion for Residents
Abe Sank’s 50 years of dedication to Highlands House reflects his unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of its residents. Since joining the committee around 1972, Abe has championed various initiatives to improve the Home’s facilities and resident care. His efforts focused on fundraising and maintenance projects, ensuring a comfortable and modern living environment. Abe’s passion for supporting the underprivileged is evident in his particular interest in welfare cases and state pensioners, a theme that extends to his leadership roles in other organisations.
Abe leveraged his experience as director of Market Toyota to build a strong business network, bringing many committee members into the fold. Abe’s focus on fundraising ensures financial stability for Highlands House, allowing for continuous modernisation and resident support. His leadership and dedication continue to be a driving force for our Home.
Read more about Abe Sank.
Honorary Life Member
A Life Dedicated to Service
Pinchas Gutter, a Holocaust survivor who now resides in Canada, left a lasting mark on our community. He was a highly involved board member of Highlands House, serving in various capacities like cantor, committee member, and eventually president.
Known for his dedication to improving the lives of others, Pinchas actively participated in repairs, fundraising, and the modernisation of the kitchen. His efforts extended beyond Highlands House, playing a key role in the establishment of the Cape Jewish Seniors Association (CJSA). Despite his relatively short stint, Pinchas’ positive impact, particularly on residents requiring special care, is still remembered today.
Read more about Pinchas Gutter.
Honorary Life Member
A Guardian and Visionary Leader
For over 30 years, Herbie left an indelible mark on Highlands House. His dedication extended far beyond committee service, reflecting a passion for resident safety, staff development, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Herbie championed security initiatives, instrumental in securing grant funding and installing the Home’s electrical fencing. He drew inspiration from international best practices, visiting old age homes in Canada to benchmark their security services.
Beyond security, Herbie’s vision extended to enriching the lives of residents. He actively participated in fundraising and public relations, attracting speakers to the Lifestyle Centre. Recognising the importance of staff development, Herbie spearheaded the creation of SETA courses with Sanlam to empower senior staff. Herbie’s leadership roles included serving as vice president and president. He played a pivotal role in transforming the vibrant Lifestyle Centre into what it is today, and still hosts monthly men’s groups here.
Read more about Herbert Maltz.
Honorary Life Member
A Legal Eagle Dedicated to Our Residents
For over 50 years, Ben Zion Surdut has been a cornerstone of Highlands House. Since his involvement began around 1972, he has dedicated himself to the well-being of our residents. His expertise as a legal professional provided guidance on several matters, from amending the constitution to handling deceased estates and property investigations. Ben’s commitment extends beyond legal issues, as he has also played a role in the financial aspects of admissions. He even played a part in the creation of the Leiserowitz Wing alongside Ivor Schneider.
His dedication to the Jewish community is evident in his service to other organisations, including the Cape SAJBD and the Holocaust Museum. His unwavering dedication and expertise continue to be a pillar of support for our Home.
Read more about Ben Zion-Surdut.
Honorary Life Member
A Visionary Woman who Treasures Community
Moonyeen Castle, a treasured leader and the only female honorary life member, dedicated 45 years of service to our Home. Her passion for resident wellbeing shone through her fundraising efforts, improvement projects, and commitment to open communication. Moonyeen spearheaded the creation of the on-site coffee shop, fostering a welcoming space for residents and their loved ones. Her leadership extended beyond Highlands House, as she held prominent positions as the first female chair of the Cape SAJBD, and President of Bnoth Zion WIZO South Africa, among others.
Moonyeen’s legacy is not only in the tangible improvements she brought about but also in the sense of community she nurtured. Her monthly President’s Teas ensured resident voices were heard and shaped decision-making in our Home.
Read more about Moonyeen Castle.
Honorary Life Member
A Professional Dedicated to Smooth Operations
Dr Clive Rabinowitz dedicated 35 years of his life, from 1985 to 2020, to a profound journey of service. Throughout his tenure, he exhibited an unwavering commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and human resources management. His impact reverberated through his pivotal role in policy overhauls and the establishment of streamlined procedures within the committee.
Dr Clive’s leadership shone brightest during moments of challenge. Notably, his adept handling of labor disputes during strikes in the 90s and his collaboration with Max Florence on extensive renovations underscored his ability to navigate complex situations with grace and efficacy. Rising through the ranks to become president and chair of the Trustees at the Home, his legacy is marked by transformative leadership and a tireless pursuit of excellence.
Read more about Dr Clive Rabinowitz.
