Ms. Geraldine Franciscus is a Counselling Psychologist, a Senior Lecturer, and the Head of the Psychology Department at Cornerstone Institute. She has been a Psychology lecturer for over 20 years. She has a special interest in Brain Working Recursive Therapy and Solution Focussed Brief Therapy and its application in South Africa. Geraldine has been involved in collaborative research. Some of this research has resulted in a publication in the International Journal of Higher Education and Democracy and conference presentations at the Psychological Society of South Africa’s (PsySSA’s) Annual Congress. Her Master’s thesis examined the ‘Attitudes and Responses of Teachers to Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure.’ She is passionate about promoting community mental health and emotional well-being. Geraldine is an executive member of the South African Association of Counselling Psychology and Division of PsySSA. She was the Chair of the division from 2019-2021 and the Vice Chair from 2017-2019. She has done several radio interviews addressing Mental Health and well-being. Geraldine completed a BA of Arts degree in Psychology (1994), Psychology Honours (1996), and a Masters in Counselling Psychology at UWC. She has also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and an HR Certificate through the University of Technology and completed Assessor training with the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Geraldine is currently pursuing PhD studies. She has a part-time counselling practice and enjoys the therapeutic space and facilitating training & workshops.

Eugene Brandt has more than a decade of experience in corporate South Africa.

Dr. Martin Khoaseb joined Cornerstone Institute in 2022 as the Head of the Centre for Teaching and Learning. This CTL ensures that Cornerstone integrates teaching, learning, and scholarship, emphasizing social justice education, integrated work program, and related academic initiatives. The life experiences and growing up as a young man during turbulent political unrest in the 80s and 90s have significantly shaped Martin’s life and worldview. The quest for self-actualization and self-identity has been his driving force, personal faith encounters, and inspirational leadership of liberation stalwarts greatly influenced these. Martin’s educational journey began with a Diploma in Primary Education, which led to him working as an educator at the primary school level for over eight years. Building upon his foundation, he pursued further qualifications, including a Licentiate in Theology from the Bible Institute of South Africa, a Bachelor of Honours from UNISA, a Master of Theology from the University of Free State, and a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from the University of Stellenbosch in 2014. Martin has worked in various administrative and managerial capacities for non-profit organizations (NPOs). He was the Director of Scripture Union Namibia from 1997-1999 and Provost/ Principal of Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary from 2003-2007. As Director and Principal, he was responsible for oversight of all operations. Some key performance areas were recruiting, retaining, and developing lecturers and staff and ensuring quality teaching and learning. Since completing his Ph.D. in 2014, he has held adjunct positions at different institutions with diverse levels of responsibility, but all engaged in teaching and learning. At the African Leadership University of Southern Africa (ALUSA) from 2016-2021, he was responsible for teaching and learning direction, lecturer engagement, student support, and academic administration. At Cape Town Biblical College (2016-2021), the responsibilities were for the program, course coordination, and lecturing, including designing and developing courses. As facilitator (2018-2020) of Bachelor of Theology Degree students of Northwest University, he was involved in contact and distance mode with students and lecturers. Martin has 12 years of lecturing experience at higher education institutions. Martin is a catalyst for alleviating social and structural injustices and causes of human degradation. He believes that the main challenge in Africa is the need for more credible and selfless leadership. His vision for the continent centers around nurturing value-based leaders who are dedicated to a transformative educational agenda, upholding human dignity, and championing social justice.

Geoff Schreiner holds a Master’s degree in the Sociology of Work from Warwick University (UK), which he completed in 1987 following his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. Throughout his career, Geoff has been deeply involved in the labour movement and played a significant role in the National Peace Accord, for which he was honored with the Martin Luther King Peace Prize. Geoff’s expertise extends to manufacturing and supply chain best practices and digital transformation in business. As an APICS Senior Supply Chain Professional, he has continually expanded his knowledge in these areas, staying at the forefront of industry trends. In 1996, Geoff established Performance Solutions Africa (PSA), focusing on management development and operational efficiency. PSA, which remains operational today, primarily caters to the educational and small business sectors. Additionally, Geoff spent 12 years at Competitive Capabilities International, where he held the position of Global Products Director. In this role, he was responsible for developing and distributing operations and supply chain best practices on a digital platform, catering to leading global corporations. In late 2021, Geoff joined Cornerstone Institute, assuming leadership in developing the Business Studies unit. His primary objective is to provide globally relevant teaching and learning experiences that prepare students for the rapidly changing landscape of the new world of work.