Jo Shapter

Lead Podiatrist

Jo is the visionary founder of East Kent Foot Care, which she launched in 2010 after identifying a critical need for a comprehensive, flexible podiatry, chiropody, and foot health care service in the community. With her passion, determination, and unwavering drive, Jo has grown East Kent Foot Care into a thriving service that continues to make a significant impact in the region.

Jo’s educational journey began with a degree in Sports Science from Roehampton University, followed by a Level 4 University-accredited diploma in Foot Health Care from the SMAE Institute. She then went on to pursue her First-Class Honours degree in Podiatry at the University of Brighton, where she was awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Podiatrist Prize by Siobhan Melia, Chief Executive of the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.

Jo’s commitment to professional development has been a cornerstone of her career. She recently completed her PGCert in First Contact Podiatry at HSU Bournemouth, placing her among only 70 first contact podiatrists in the UK.

In 2024, Jo’s dedication and leadership in the field were recognised when she was named the Tomorrow’s Podiatry Inspirational Podiatrist of the Year. Under her guidance, East Kent Foot Care has received numerous accolades, including the Prestige Award for Best Podiatry Clinic of the Year (London and South East) for the past three years.

Jo’s remarkable achievements reflect her commitment to excellence, both in clinical care and in leadership, ensuring that East Kent Foot Care remains at the forefront of podiatry services in the region.

Helen Sharp

Specialist Podiatrist (BSc Hons, PGCert First Contact Podiatry)

Helen is a highly skilled podiatrist, holding a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry from the University of Brighton, and a PGCert in First Contact Podiatry from Health Sciences University, Bournemouth. With extensive experience in NHS Podiatry settings within Surrey Trusts, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.

Helen’s specialism lies in the complex needs of the high-risk, vulnerable foot, with a particular focus on diabetes and the high-risk foot. Her advanced knowledge allows her to provide expert care for individuals with challenging and complex conditions, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment to maintain foot health and prevent complications.

Helen works at our Evegate Clinic in Ashford and also delivers First Contact Podiatry services for the Total Health Care Excellence Primary Care Trust from our Folkestone clinic twice a week. Her caring, collaborative approach extends to working closely with our home visiting team, ensuring that all patients, including those in more vulnerable circumstances, receive consistent and holistic care.

Sonia Stevens

Advanced Podiatry Assistant

Sonia is an Advanced Podiatry Assistant with a strong foundation in foot health, having originally trained at the SMAE Institute to achieve her Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner qualification. Driven by a passion to advance her career, Sonia is currently continuing her studies through the SMAE Institute to become an HCPC-registered podiatrist, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Sonia leads the Romney Marsh clinics, providing exceptional care at both the Romney Marsh Community Hub and Romney Marsh Osteopaths. In addition, she plays a key role in delivering the Ashford area home visiting service for East Kent Foot Care, ensuring patients in their homes receive top-quality, personalised foot health care.

Known for her dedication, professionalism, and passion for patient care, Sonia is committed to continually improving her skills and making a positive impact on the communities she serves.

Sarah Harknett

Advanced Podiatry Assistant

Sarah is an Advanced Podiatry Assistant with a Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner qualification from the SMAE Institute. Eager to expand her expertise, Sarah is currently continuing her studies through the SMAE Institute to become an HCPC-registered podiatrist, with plans to broaden her scope of practice to include surgical procedures, radial shockwave therapy, and EMTT rehabilitation programs for patients with musculoskeletal issues.

Based in our Folkestone and Ashford clinics, Sarah is passionate about providing comprehensive care that addresses a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions. Her dedication to ongoing learning ensures she stays at the forefront of modern podiatry practices, offering her patients the highest level of care.

Sarah combines her advanced clinical skills with a compassionate approach, ensuring every patient receives personalised, effective treatment for their unique needs.

Viki Duffield

Foot Health Practitioner (Level 4)

Viki is an experienced Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner, having graduated from the SMAE Institute in 2016. Since joining East Kent Foot Care, she has become a cornerstone of our team, leading our care home services. Viki works with both individuals in supported living environments and those residing in residential and nursing care homes, ensuring they receive high-quality, compassionate foot care.

In addition to her leadership role, Viki also provides valuable support for our home visit service in Folkestone, where she enjoys working closely with patients in their own homes. Her caring nature, dependability, and hardworking attitude make her a trusted and respected practitioner in every setting.

Viki is deeply committed to providing exceptional care, with a personal touch that makes all the difference for her patients.

Gemma O’Connor

Foot Health Practitioner (Level 4)

Gemma is a qualified Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner, having trained with the well-regarded SMAE Institute. She joined East Kent Foot Care in 2018 as an associate practitioner and has since become a valued member of our team.

Gemma provides home visit services in Hawkinge, Folkestone, Sellindge, Lyminge, and Elham, delivering reliable and compassionate foot care to patients in the comfort of their own homes.

Before qualifying, Gemma worked in the care sector supporting adults and older people. Her background in care shines through in her work—she brings a gentle, thoughtful approach to every appointment, ensuring each patient feels listened to and well looked after.

With her commitment to high-quality care, Gemma helps patients maintain their foot health and overall wellbeing with confidence.

Olivia Gough

Foot Health Practitioner (Level 4)

Olivia is a qualified Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner, having completed her training with the SMAE Institute. She is now preparing to take the next exciting step in her career, starting the Podiatry Apprenticeship to become a Level 5 Podiatrist.

Olivia leads our home visiting service across Dover, Whitfield, Deal, and St Margaret’s at Cliffe, providing accessible, high-quality foot care to patients in their own homes.

She also plays a key role in delivering our foot health services to residential and nursing care homes, as well as working closely with individuals in supported living environments. Olivia is passionate about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, receives the foot care they need to stay mobile, comfortable, and confident.

Approachable, driven, and deeply committed to patient wellbeing, Olivia brings both skill and compassion to every visit.

Leanne Gough

Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner

Leanne is a dedicated Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner, proudly graduating from the respected SMAE Institute. She leads our home visit service across Folkestone and Hythe, bringing expert care directly to the comfort of her patients’ homes.

With a particular interest in neurological conditions, Leanne is passionate about supporting individuals with complex needs. She delivers a weekly clinic at the Canterbury MS Therapy Centre, where she provides tailored foot health support to those living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.

Leanne combines clinical expertise with a warm, compassionate approach, ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of care.

Kirsty Aldis

Foot Health Practitioner (Level 4)

Kirsty is a Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner, having completed her studies with the SMAE Institute. She plays a vital role in supporting our podiatry team with the delivery of the Paula Carr Diabetic Foot Screening Clinics, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care.

Kirsty is responsible for assisting with procedures and providing patient education as part of the foot screening programme, helping individuals understand their condition and the importance of foot care. Additionally, she plays a key role in maintaining patient records, ensuring accuracy and continuity of care.

Known for her calm and reassuring manner, Kirsty is a caring and dedicated professional who takes the time to explain treatments to patients in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Her compassionate approach helps patients feel at ease during their appointments, making her an invaluable part of the team.

Louise Steele

Administrative Lead

Louise is the Administrative Lead at East Kent Foot Care, having joined the team in 2021. As the first point of contact for patients looking to book appointments, Louise plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the clinic. Located at our Evegate Clinic, her cheery disposition and welcoming nature make her a true asset to the team, helping patients feel comfortable and well-supported from the moment they arrive.

In addition to managing reception, Louise provides essential support to our clinical team, assisting with various administrative tasks that help maintain the high level of care our patients expect. Her attention to detail and dedication to patient satisfaction are key to the success of our clinic’s operations.

Louise’s positive attitude and organisational skills make her an invaluable part of the East Kent Foot Care family.

Gemma Bellamy

Administrative Support

Gemma plays a key role in supporting our Administrative Lead at East Kent Foot Care, handling a variety of administrative and operational tasks to ensure the smooth functioning of the clinic. With her keen eye for detail and ability to efficiently manage multiple responsibilities, Gemma ensures that the day-to-day operations run seamlessly.

Her organisational skills and proactive approach make her a vital part of the team, supporting both the clinical staff and patients. Gemma’s dedication to ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes helps us maintain the high standards of service that our patients rely on.

Gemma’s contribution is essential to the success of East Kent Foot Care, and her ability to handle a variety of tasks with ease makes her an invaluable member of the team.

You! Foot Health Practitioner

“Are you a passionate and dedicated foot health practitioner looking to take your career to the next level? We are an expanding business seeking a qualified Level 4 Foot Health Practitioner who is eager to progress towards becoming a fully qualified podiatrist through an apprenticeship. If you’re excited about growing with our team and making a real impact in foot care, click the link below to apply and join our dynamic and expanding enterprise!” click this link.