Beautiful Life Team
Wendy La Vita
Position: Founder/ Director
Profile Wendy La Vita holds a BA Honours degree in Counselling Psychology from UNISA and a Masters Degree in Research Psychology from Stellenbosch University. She has a world of knowledge and experience in community development and is passionate about education and believes in life-long learning. Our motto “shaping a generation together” is her ideal for South Africa as a Nation. Wendy La Vita holds the office of Executive Director of Beautiful Life and offers her services on a voluntary basis along with a team of dedicated volunteers who assists in the area of administration, accounting, fundraising, marketing, publicity and community work.
Mary Percent
Position: Associate Director
About Mary has an Associate In Management Diploma(AIM) from UCT Graduate School of Business. And 34 years experience in financial management in the Commercial Sector. She is community orientated and enjoys sharing her faith with others. She distributes Bibles to the community in Beaufort West in her own capacity. Children and the elderly are very dear to her heart. Mary loves to encourage others to develop their potential and to improve their circumstances. Mary will be offering her services to Beautiful Life (TCDA) in the areas of Financial Administration and Community Development.
Willson Tarusarira
Willson Tarusarira is a PhD candidate in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Stellenbosch University. He is a primary and high school Teacher, a disability specialist, and LGBTQI+ advocate. Willson’s great passion is on Disability and Migration issues. In particular, he has an interest in refugee mothers of children living with disabilities. This is an area that is not well researched in Southern Africa, and child disability has never been acknowledged as one of the factors compelling people to migrate across the region.
Dr Gisele Chloe Lavita
Role: Advocacy & Public Relations
Gisele La Vita is a professional with a Masters Degree in International Relations, specializing in Global Governance, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with expertise in Property Law.
A tenacious individual with exceptional interpersonal skills, profound leadership abilities, and the ability to thrive in multicultural environments. I believe in servant leadership and value the ability to work in teams, priding myself in working in inclusive, diverse spaces.
Amy Rudolph
Amy is a Library and Information Studies graduate from the University of the Western Cape. She is an avid reader of self-help books. Books has changed her life and contributed to her personal growth. A quote that has stuck with her since grade seven is, “Strive towards excellence and do not settle for mediocrity”. Her love for books has contributed towards the excellence of achieving her first degree with Honours. She owes reading from a young age the empowerment to succeed and believe in oneself. If you don’t know something, read!
Lerato Maimela
I’m an aspiring psychologist in my 3rd year at the University of Cape Town. My passion for giving back to my community comes from the influence that Ubuntu has had in my life for as long as I can remember.
I believe it is part of everybody’s duty to strengthen and support their community however they can.
I enjoy the simple things in life like having some alone time and listening to music or watching a gripping series while cuddled up in my bed.
Desmond Koopman
Position: Community Development Associate
Professional Educator
Melvyn Fortune
Position: Admin Support/Photographer