Karen's spiritual journey really began as a result of her exposure from an early age to foreign cultures, esoteric books, spiritual healers, mediums and spiritualism. Living in Pretoria, her stepfather took her to Hindu temples, synagogues, various Christian churches and out to Zulu and Sotho tribal rituals. He introduced her to Eastern philosophies and yoga. Her latent spiritual gifts began to surface and personal astral experiences were clarified for her. Years later while working in the fashion, hospitality, management and training fields, she continued studying and developing these gifts in the USA and South Africa. She completed a PhD in Metaphysics and was challenged by the quality and level of the material offered, yet no other options were available. She married, moved back to Cape Town and began serving as a Reverend in a church of Higher Spiritualism she had been attending for years in Johannesburg. Inspired by her mentors, she started practicing as a full-time spiritual medium, past-life regressionist and metaphysical workshop facilitator. It was then she met Belinda Doveston, whose exceptional skills concretized the fulfillment of her dream of establishing a college of metaphysical study, creating a platform for career development in the field of metaphysics in a clear, concise, and structured manner.
Belinda holds a B Comm. Degree and an Honours in Information Systems. Belinda worked as professional IT consultant for close on 7 years, working in large corporate companies to identify ways of innovating these businesses and translating their needs into innovative systems and new processes. She also specialised in implementing quality management systems and innovative structures. A few unexpected out-of-body-experiences led Belinda into a new realm of experience. She sought out courses and books that could help her make sense of her puzzling experiences. This led her to meet Karen Barensché, who helped her develop her latent spiritual mediumship ability. After working as a professional spiritual medium for a few years quietly alongside her formal career, Belinda decided to take the plunge and begin MetaVarsity with Karen. Although she still practices as a spiritual medium, Belinda also writes, teaches, and co-develops all of MetaVarsity's learning material together with Karen.
Alexandra qualified for a BSc in Hydrology and Soil Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She then gained some experience in the field of research and environmental consulting before travelling to the UK, where she worked in various capacities from au pair to personal assistant within a large financial corporate organisation. Returning to South Africa, she was involved in database management, training, events co-ordination and project management. She officially left the corporate world in January 2005 to pursue her long-standing metaphysical interests on a full-time basis. Alexandra completed the MetaVarsity Introduction to Metaphysics and the Facilitators' Courses in 2004, and the Diploma of Metaphysics (Intuitive Practitioner) in 2006. She now facilitates the Introduction to Metaphysics and Applied Metaphysics Courses. In addition, she consults as a Project Manager and Distance Learning Campus Administrator for MetaVarsity, and practices as a Spiritual Medium and Past Life Regression Therapist. Her unqualified passion is to see the light-bulbs go on as people realise that there's so much more to life than they thought, and that they are always in choice. She considers it a privilege to be involved with empowering others to truly LIVE their lives.
Belinda holds a B Bus Sc Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Cape Town, and currently manages Industrial Relations in a large manufacturing concern. Her working background has spanned training, recruitment, social responsibility and labour law. In 2001 she reduced her working hours to allow her to play a larger role in raising her two beautiful daughters.
Gillian holds a Licientiate in Speech and Drama from the Trinity College of London, and the ASSMT01 and ASSMT02 – assessor and moderator – certificates and the Diploma of Metaphysics which she completed in 2006. She has worked extensively in the film and theatre industry, and from there moved into the corporate world in the field of training and development. She is a qualified Skills Development Facilitator and has in-depth knowledge and experience in the fields of training and development and legislation. From 1998 to 2005 she worked as a Training Manager within a large organization, as well as holding the position of Vice Chairperson of the Services SETA Regional Board and was a member of the Standards Generating Body for the Cleaning Industry.
A number of personal realizations, challenges and events indicated that it was time to move on from the corporate world. Gillian completed the Introduction to Metaphysics Course, Facilitators' Course and Diploma of Metaphysics (Intuitive Practitioner). She currently facilitates the Introduction to Metaphysics and Applied Metaphysics Course. She also practices as a Sacred Sound Healer, Intuitive Practitioner, Metaphysical Counselor and works part-time for MetaVarsity as Curriculum Manager and Human Resources Manager.
Lisa has a Diploma in Marketing and Business Management and is currently working in sales. Her work experience includes aspects of the hospitality industry, client account management and sales. From a young age, Lisa longed to travel and explore new places, to learn more about people and what is "out there", before choosing a career and settling down. After four years of travelling and working overseas she decided to move to Cape Town. Still driven by an inner knowing that there was more to life waiting to be discovered, she began an inward journey, exploring life from within. Gathering as much information as she could, and attending various courses, she was finally able to sink her teeth into the material that MetaVarsity presented. Lisa completed the Introduction to Metaphysics Course and then the Facilitators' Course in 2004. She works part-time as a facilitator for the MetaVarsity Introduction Course. Lisa feels very privileged to be able to assist others to empower themselves and to witness the transformations that take place. She believes that learning, exploring and understanding self and others is a richly rewarding life-long process.
Jeanne Hugo holds a B Comm. Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management and has worked in the Hospitality industry for 8 years. In 2002, after a back operation, Jeanne realised that there was more to physical illness than meets the eye. After questioning why she became ill, and what could be done to prevent physical illness a hunger for answers began that opened new avenues for her to explore. Jeanne was profoundly struck by the link between body, mind and spirit, particularly the chakra system and the psychological path to the Self. This was the start of a journey that would change her life! During her December 2004 holiday, she constantly noted the following Chinese proverb everywhere she went: "A journey of a thousand miles, starts with but a single step!" The first day back from the holiday, Jeanne resigned from her senior position at an International Hotel group without having the security of another job. Courage and trust in the Universe made it possible for Jeanne to take the leap of faith! Jeanne is the Communications Manager at MetaVarsity and attended the Diploma of Metaphysics (Intuitive Practitioner) in 2006. Jeanne currently facilitates the Introduction to Metaphysics Course and is an I Ching Consultant specializing in relationships - how to handle change or difficulties in relationships and how to handle new relationships. Jeanne’s motto is: Celebrate LIFE! |
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Debbie Caknis |
Debbie is a qualified professional nurse and midwife. She specialised in Neonatal Intensive Care nursing and spent the latter 8 years of her nursing career in nursing management. That was where her interest grew in alternative healing.
She noted that too many patients returned to hospital again and again for similar ailments and realised the need for alternative healing modalities that could compliment allopathic medicine, to offer a holistic healing programme. She now has a private practice offering: Kinesiology, Reiki, Bio chemical medicine, intuitive\ energy healing, mentoring and space clearing.
She shares her healing passion with both humans and animals, and as a result studied animal communication. All in order to offer our best friends the same holistic care.
She teaches Reiki, animal communication and facilitates the Introduction to mataphysics course for Metavarsity. She is at present completing her Diploma in Metaphysics at Metavarsity