Hi, I’m Shannon. Lover of life, food and people.
The Open Table is a concept that was derived from my dedication to psychological counselling and the love of food. Life so far has taken me on many a twist and turn and have just about experienced the whole gamut of life in equally tough and joyful measures. I simply have too many experiences not to share. And sharing similar topics with each other around a table with some good food – well who wouldn’t want
that?
I have been married for close to 30 years now and have two adult children and one gorgeous little grandchild who I am totally in love with. Newlands has been my home for the past 20 years, our children having long flown the nest, so am always looking to fill some spaces in the echoing halls of our home.
Travelling with my husband is another of my great loves and we continue to visit countries afar, combining our love of sailing, walking the cobbled streets of Europe and venturing into the African bush. We have shared some incredible adventures and can never wait to begin the next one.
My love of cooking began at a young age where I would take full notice of how my mother put together simple but delicious meals. I believe that a love of cooking always stems from family unions and whether it was a bobotie, bredie or braai, I would always try to enhance these meals by adding my own flair. By the time I was 18 I could make a seriously mean lasagne. So, my passion for cooking continues over a platform of weaving stories and assisting women at the same time, creating a marvellous space for problems and issues shared.
Since I began my studies in Psychology, hardly a day has gone by without me researching or reading something or other on the topic. I am fascinated by how the mind functions and connects with the emotions. Even more so when I see how lives can be changed through journeying with people, offering deep empathy and imparting good solid wisdom. I’ve witnessed the hardships and suffering of people who chose to turn their lives around and now lead a fulfilling existence. In fact, I was one of them.
(Dip) Counselling & Interpersonal Skills (SACAP). BA Major Psychology (Cornerstone Institute).
