Our Team

Pierre Kennedy

Overcame his own struggle with depression, anxiety, and addiction, (2011) now celebrating over 10 years of sobriety.

Believe in serving others by serving on the World Service Board of Directors for the Cocaine Anonymous Fellowship for 6 years (2016)

Following his passion to help other people suffering from mental health and substance problems – Started YouTurn House a Halfway and Sober Living programme (2014).

Studied in the field of Addiction Treatment – SACC (Specialist Addiction Certified Counsellor) 2023, studying towards a Bachelor of Applied Social Science degree, 2024.

Areas of interest are systemic family relationship healing, surviving trauma and abuse, addiction recovery and substance use and mental health support for the LGBTQ community.

Inspired by international therapists such as:
Clinical Psychotherapist Esther Perel with her work in Relationship Therapy,
Dr. Alexandra Solomon Relationship clinical therapist,
Dr. Mary Jo Barret for her work in Trauma with refugees,
Clinical Psychologist Marcelo Bronstein in his passion for his work in contemplative experiences combining spirituality, mindfulness, and psychology.
Kristina Wandzilak for her intervention work with people suffering from substance abuse problems.

Andrew Kennedy

Andrew is an independent Certified Financial Planner who has been living with an addict for over a decade. To learn to deal with this situation he attended Family Groups, addiction counselling courses and is a member of a 12 step family support group and serves on their World Service Board.

His passion is to help family members and friends of someone who is suffering from substance abuse to cope with their difficulties and find tools for their own personal growth and have a more serene approach to life and be able to deal with any situation.

With his years of experience Andrew facilitates family groups and provides individual family counselling.

Dr. Jodi Waisbrod

Clinical Psychologist (M.A)

Jodi has been practicing in private practice for over 20 years. Special interest in working with addiction and in association with YouTurn Halfway House and Pierre Kennedy since 2013. Jodi is a systemic therapist who believes strongly in the healing capacity of healthy systems and a team approach.

Dr Kim Laxton

Dr Kim Laxton qualified as a medical doctor from Wits University in 2006 and has worked in various hospitals in South Africa. She qualified as a psychiatrist in 2016. After having worked in the state sector since 2007 she moved into private psychiatric practice. She currently works at Akeso Crescent Clinic in Randburg. She is passionate about female mental health and addiction psychiatry and is also involved in independent medical examinations for life insurers. She thoroughly enjoys the bush and any type of sport. 

Kate Powell

Occupational Therapist

Kate found a passion for working in the field of addiction over 9 years ago and her extensive experience has allowed her to work within this field both in South Africa and abroad. She has completed post graduate studies in Dual Diagnosis to gain further understanding of the unique relationship between addiction and mental health, this combined with her experience in working with both the addict and their loved ones allows her to add a unique perspective to the therapeutic team at Youturn Halfway House that helps its residents to develop the lifeskill’s to be able to grow in their recoveries.

Skye Warrener

Skye Warrener holds a Specialist Addictions Counselling Certificate (ACCSA) and a BA in Health Science and Social Services with a focus on psychological counselling. She has both personal and professional experience in addiction counselling. Skye advocates for a holistic, person-centered approach, tailoring treatment to each individual. She is well-versed in the 12 Steps of recovery programmes and helps clients integrate these principles into their daily lives for overall self-improvement.