Prof. Maepa serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). In addition to her primary role, she collaborates with several other universities in various academic and professional capacities.
As an active researcher, her scholarly interests include trauma and adolescent mental health, autism spectrum disorder, men’s mental health, and medical health psychology. She is an NRF grant holder for the period 2023–2025, with her current research focusing on adolescent mental health. Owing to her research expertise and contributions, she currently chairs the Research Scientific Committee in the School of Medicine at SMU.
Prof. Maepa is also a registered independent Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Her professional experience spans clinical work in government hospitals, the private sector, and higher education institutions. She values and practices self-care as an essential component of maintaining balance between her personal well-being and professional responsibilities.