Meet The Team

Project Director

Natalie Barnett

Transitioning from the corporate world in 1995, Natalie became a dedicated volunteer in various community organisations with a focus on education, social-emotional learning and inculcating Jewish values. Her commitment to integrating different aspects for the greater good is evident in her past and current leadership roles. Natalie’s passion for community wellbeing, continuity and sustainability led to the establishment of ’Jewell' – the Cape Town Jewish Community Wellness Project.

Project Manager

Samantha Wiener

Raised in the Cape Town Jewish Community, Samantha graduated with a postgraduate degree in Marketing from UCT and moved to JHB to join the Pick n Pay Graduate Recruitment programme. After completing the programme, Samantha worked within the JHB Jewish Community for ORTJET as Marketing Coordinator. She and her husband relocated back to their roots in Cape Town to raise their 3 boys. Samantha then joined Addis, a local plastic manufacturer, as Field Sales Manager. She is passionate about nurturing and raising her young Jewish family, is an outdoor swimming enthusiast and creative thinker. Combining her interest in health and wellbeing and marketing experience, Samantha joined JEWELL in 2025.

Website Manager

Sidne Barnett

Following on from her Herzlia schooling, Sidne obtained a BA Honours degree in Theatre and Performance. She is currently pursuing her Speech and Drama Teacher licentiate from Trinity College London. With interests in reading, sewing, and graphic design, her creativity is evidenced by her imaginative digital content and social media skills. Sidne values her upbringing in the Cape Town Jewish Community and is enthusiastic about contributing through her involvement with ‘Jewell’.

Advisory Committee

Hayley Rubin

Drawn to a process of discovery, hope and meaning, Hayley is a Clinical psychologist with over twenty years experience in private practice, community services and the educational sphere. Hayley works with adolescents and adults integrating from perspectives that value a dedication to change, personal attributes, relationships and community. She is currently also supervising psychotherapy students who work in Jewish community in Israel and the UK and is inspired by collaborating with others.

Karen Kallman

After graduating with a Masters in Development Studies, Karen worked for the Black Sash amongst other NGOS and currently works as an independent researcher with a particular interest in social history. Karen is a serial volunteer. She is currently chairperson of the Cape Town branch of the Union of Jewish Women, volunteers for Limmud Cape Town and sits on the Cape Jewish Board of Deputies. She is passionate about women’s rights, socio-economic rights and Jewish learning. She is married with 5 children and enjoys travelling with them in developing countries.

Barbara Nussbaum

Barbara is an award -winning social innovator. She is also a Penguin author and honorary research affiliate at the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies (UCT). Inspired by Ubuntu values and its correlates in Judaism, she seeks to build bridges within and between individuals. As the founder of Finding Us in Music, Barbara’s focus is on music and well-being. She is also interested in the Israel-Gaza conflict and how it impacts the Cape Town Jewish community and is delighted to be part of the advisory committee of JEWELL.

Martin Chesnow

Martin has spent most of his adult life in the Wellness space. Brought about by a disillusionment with modern medical care, he began a search for alternative healing methods. His journey has traversed from learning of movement - Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique - to Fitness Instructor, the study and practice of Meditation and Mindfulness, to the development of a daily Yoga routine. Martin is a qualified AAPC Life Coach with the Refuah Institute, who thrives on sharing his experience and knowledge with others. As we naturally change, grow and develop, our learning continues.

Hazel Levin

Chief Operating Officer of Centralised Care Services of seven Welfare Organisations in the Cape Town Jewish Community, as well as Executive Director at Jewish Community Services, Hazel brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom to the wellness space. She is a strong and vibrant leader, dedicated to the community and wellbeing of others.

Robyn Slot

With over 25 years experience in the health & wellness industry, Robyn is also enthusiastic and skilled in project and event management, relationship development, operations, and design. Robyn became involved in communal fundraising in 2012 whilst working for the United Jewish Campaign. As a holistic wellness and life coach, Robyn has a diverse background in health and fitness, various psycho-spiritual models, mindfulness training, leadership, and 12 Step recovery support. She is passionate about the Cape Town Jewish Community and contributing to the wellbeing and longevity of its members.