After 16 years at Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre – many of which were spent as deputy manager, Laetitia Goosen has moved to Tarentaal retirement village, where she will hold the same position.

Wedge Gardens is a substance abuse treatment centre in Whitney Gardens that offers holistic care, while Tarentaal provides subsidised accommodation to senior citizens. Both are owned by NPO Rand Aid Association.

“There has been many a patient who has benefited from Laetitia’s guidance over the years. They have been fortunate enough to experience Laetitia’s soothing and nurturing nature; she was a ‘mother figure’ to many,” says Wedge Gardens manager Adél Grobbelaar.

Laetitia started at Wedge Gardens as a part-time therapist before being appointed full time and eventually being promoted to deputy manager. She played an integral part in the development and implementation of the ‘Full Circle’ therapeutic treatment programme at Wedge Gardens, and helped the transition from Wedge admitting only men over the age of 28 with alcohol abuse issues, to men 18 years and older suffering from various substance addictions.

“In addition to her duties, Laetitia facilitated groups of students from various academic institutions who did their practical experience at Wedge Gardens. Her input and participation will be missed.  Wedge staff and residents wish her all of the best for her future and the new challenges she will face as deputy at Tarentaal Village,” says Adél.

Laetitia replaces Annchen Henshaw as Tarentaal’s second in command.