Meet the Team
We have incredibly dedicated, passionate and skilled staff and are grateful for them every day. Our goal at the Centre is to graduate young men and women who are employable and, together with their families, are empowered to deal with their challenges.
Jami Kastner
Founder and Chairman
Jami Kastner is the founder and chairman of the Butterfly Centre, a registered NPO started in 2014. The oldest of her three sons, Jack, has Global Developmental Delay. The Kastner family searched high and low for answers and the right learning environment for their child, but failed to find the right fit. They could no longer watch his confidence erode as they tried to force him through the mainstream school system, and they knew that there must be other parents in a similar position. Now 13 years old, Jack is a student at the Centre. As with the other Butterfly children, the improvements in his learning capacity and general wellbeing have been remarkable.
A family tragedy in 2013 was the driving force behind the start of the Butterfly Centre. In order to honour the life of their youngest son Sam, lost that year in a drowning accident at only 18 months, they started the NPO. The Centre itself was started in a rented premises in Stanford with Jack and just one other boy. In the years since, they have successfully raised enough money to build a permanent home for the Butterfly Centre at Stanford Hills Estate, the Kastner farm just outside the village of Stanford.
Jami was named Overstrand Woman of the Year 2019 for her commitment to helping children who are “different” and her fight for inclusivity and opportunities for all. She is the author of a book entitled Sam and Me and the Hard Pear Tree, detailing her journey with special needs as well as her continued healing and search for meaning in the wake of Sam’s loss.
Bronwen Lotter
Principal
Bronwen has over 30 years teaching experience. She began her career in London, working in inner city schools. There she quickly promoted to Assistant Head of one of the buggest primary schools in London, at the time. Later she worked as a locum for Tower Hamlets borough, advising on Assessment for Learning. After thirteen and a half years, she returned to her beloved South Africa. Since being back, she has worked in cottage schools, as well as in mainstream education. She was appointed as Head of Chesterhouse in 2014. However, her heart and passion work, has always been to work with Neurodivergent families. She began doing home intervention, supporting parents, siblings and neurodivergent family members. She was appointed as Principal of The Butterffy Centre in January 2025. She remains committed to changing the narrative and challenging the myths that surround Neurodiversity and is mindful of the enormous need to provide support to not just our Butterflies at the learning centre, but to teachers and the greater community.
Vanessa
Teacher
After completing school, I pursued my passion for horse riding, earning my South African colours during a dedicated gap year. My journey led me to study Montessori teaching and start my own riding school, which included therapeutic horse riding for people with diverse needs. Recognizing the physical demands of equestrian sports, I also studied remedial sports massage to support my riders and others during competitive training. My curiosity and love for horses took me to the USA, where I gained further knowledge and hands-on experience. Beyond my equestrian career, I explored agriculture as an orchard quality controller on a blueberry farm where I had the privilege of working with and learning from diverse cultures. This exposure broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for people from all walks of life. I’ve always been passionate about working with people and children, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found my purpose at The Butterfly Centre. It’s a privilege to be part of such a nurturing and inspiring environment where I can contribute to the growth and joy of our students every day.
Anja van Dyk
Teacher
I am a qualified Intermediate Phase teacher with a deep passion for education and an unwavering committment to making a difference in the lives of children with special needs. Currently pursuing my honous degree in Special Needs Education, I am dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique challenges these learners face. My teaching philosophy is rooted in inclusivity, believing that every child deserves a supportive environment where their abilities are celebrated and nurtured. I have a strong interest in fostering holistic development, ensuring every child feels seen, valued and empowered to reach their full potential. My dedication extends beyond the classroom, as I advocate for a society that embraces diversity and offers opportunities for growth to every individual, regardless of their challenges. With a compassionate heart and a vision for inclusive education, I aim to create spaces where every learner can thrive and find their place in the world.
Mardean Maans
Teaching Assistant
