Meet Our Team

Michele Walker is the Chief Executive Officer of Bergzicht Training and Development, bringing over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and learning and development industry. She stepped into the role in June 2025 after serving as Academic and Accreditation Coordinator, continuing a career defined by service excellence, skills development, and community engagement.

Her journey began at Roux Restaurants in London, working alongside Michel and Albert Roux, which ignited her passion for food and hospitality. She went on to lead training and development initiatives at Sun International, the Michelangelo Hotel, and Hilton International, where she supported management programs across the Middle East and Africa.

In 2007, Michele became Joint General Manager of Umngazi River Bungalows and Spa, overseeing operations, HR, and community upliftment projects through the Friends of Umngazi Fund. After a leadership role at Mashatu Nature Reserve in Botswana, she co-founded The River Wellness Retreat & Spa in Limpopo, a successful venture in the wellness industry.

Now based in Cape Town, Michele leads Bergzicht Training and Development with a commitment to advancing vocational education and empowering communities through hospitality training.

Minette moved with her family during late 2024, from Bloemfontein to the beautiful town of Stellenbosch and joined Bergzicht Training and Development and Development in January 2025, taking leadership of the academic programmes at Bergzicht.  She holds a master’s degree in social work and has extensive experience in managing her own private practice- focussing on family- and community wellness. Experience includes managing the MBA program at the School of Business UFS, employee wellness and empowering individuals with life skills and coping mechanisms. For the past 5 years she has been involved in training programs for various organizations and facilitating programs for people coming from disadvantaged backgrounds equipping them with skills to break the cycle of poverty. She has a passion for serving people, strengthening families and communities by building on their own strengths and developing competencies.

Corine joined Bergzicht in September 2023 to assist with student placements and public relations and to build and maintain relationships with our WIL (Work Integrated Learning) partners in the hospitality and frail care industries.

She obtained a BA degree in Communications and Psychology in 1988, where after she built a career in sales and marketing.

She is passionate about people and believes in establishing and managing strong professional relationships through building mutual respect, trust and credibility.
She gained extensive sales experience in the car rental, wine and advertising industries, selling advertising space at Stellenbosch Visio, managing the national and international sales portfolio at Hazendal and ensuring excellence in service to corporate customers at AVIS.

Nathalie Skippers joined Bergzicht Training and Development and Development in February 2018 and is responsible for Student Support at our organization. Nathalie is a registered social worker with more than 12 years of experience as a social worker and probation officer for the Department of Social Development, as well as in the non-profit sector. Her dedication to the field of social work is evident from the various awards she has received from the Department of Social Development over the years – from the award for Most Promising Newcomer in 2003 to the Merit Award for Outstanding Social Work Services in 2013. Nathalie also worked as Co-coordinator of the Johann Rupert Bursary Fund of the Johann & Gaynor Rupert Foundation, where she provided career guidance and mentorship to learners. In her private capacity, she works with Kingdom Kids & Prospering Parents, a private community outreach program. She was also responsible for conceptualizing youth development programs and provides career guidance and mentorship to learners through the organization.

Gillian Denyssen joined Bergzicht Training and Development and Development in June 2024. She is responsible for managing the organisation’s facilities, training venues, and assets. Additionally, she provides managerial and operational support to the team. With 20 years of experience as an administration clerk at the Department of Agriculture, Gillian brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her role at Bergzicht. She has completed a Secretarial Course at Boland College and a Personal Assistance Course at CPUT.

Gillian is a resident of Stellenbosch and lives with her family in Jamestown. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends.

Roxanne joined Bergzicht Training and Development and Development in August 2024. With six years of experience as an E-Centre Manager in Klapmuts, she has a strong background in administration and client relations. Recently, Roxanne earned an International Computer Driving License and successfully completed a Data Science course, demonstrating her advanced ICT skills. In her current role, she is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of programs, supporting academic policies and procedures, and overseeing student administration. Roxanne is a resident of Klapmuts and is the proud mother of two daughters.

Monique Pretorius holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Linguistics from the University of the Western Cape. Driven by a profound dedication to accomplish positive change, she excels in fostering meaningful interpersonal connections and building lasting relationships, leveraging her diverse life experiences. Her exceptional administrative abilities and meticulous attention to detail empowers her to deliver unparalleled support to her colleagues and the clients of the organization.

As a passionate music enthusiast, she actively volunteers and engages in diverse musical endeavours within her church and the broader community, embodying her strong belief and commitment to giving back. Her integrity, determination, and vibrant spirit distinctly positions her as an exceptional professional poised to make a significant impact. Monique joined Bergzicht during February 2025.