About Us
ACC Accredited Podiatrists Who Care
Merivale Podiatry is led by Podiatry specialist Sophie Walls, whose dream is to educate and support every patient, so they feel confident and able to achieve their goals. We are a small, devoted team who have worked to build a clinic you can trust. We listen. We understand your challenges. We are passionate about diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing foot problems, no matter how big or small, our podiatry health services are designed to put your first.
We care about your complete health, beyond just your feet, so we work with other professionals you know and trust, such as local physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors to treat your health issues completely.
Give us a call today to book your podiatry appointment.
SOPHIE WALLS – Lead Podiatrist
I vividly remember visiting my local podiatrist when I was seven years old, and ever since I’ve only ever had eyes for podiatry. I love what I do, helping people manage their lower limb and foot problems. I love helping people get the most out of their lives through better foot health.
I am a passionate advocate of podiatry. Stop for a moment and think about what your feet allow you to do. They are amazing, and yet we often only think about them when they’re in pain. I am a firm believer that we should all see a podiatrist once a year. Whether it’s for some TLC, footwear advice, a foot health check-up, or to treat an issue, I’m sure you’ll be surprised with the difference it can make to your everyday life.
I have been fortunate to have had many opportunities that led me to where I am today. I’ve worked within busy metropolitan podiatry practices in Australia, established a Rural and Remote Podiatry Service in regional NSW, and then come back to my hometown, Christchurch, to run Merivale Podiatry.
I am so glad to be a part of the Merivale Community. The community spirit here is incredible and the support I’ve received has meant so much to me. I am lucky to also have the support of my husband, Nick, and the extended Merivale Podiatry team, who make this all possible.
Georgina Barr - Senior Podiatrist
CONSULTANT DANCE PODIATRIST AND RHEUMATOLOGY PODIATRIST
Georgina works extensively in two specialty areas: dance podiatry and podiatric rheumatology.
Georgina has great skill in, and passion for, helping all ages of dancers improve their technique and performance for both social dance and high-level competitive dancing. She has experience in managing a diverse range of dance-related injuries, assisting with optimising recovery and return to dance, and planning future re-injury prevention. Impressively, Georgina is also the first person world-wide to receive the Juon Pointe Gold Standard award for her original qualitative research on custom pointe shoe fitting and the relationship to lower limb malalignment and injury.
Georgina’s experience as a podiatrist with a special interest in rheumatology started in the second year of her podiatry degree, when she received the AUT Arthritis New Zealand Research Scholarship. The resulting research project led her to present the findings both nationally and internationally.
Georgina has an intricate understanding of how both inflammatory and degenerative arthritides affect the lower limbs and the lives of her patients. She employs evidence-based strategies to help her patients stay mobile, active, comfortable and doing the things they love for as long as possible.
Outside of being an exceptional podiatrist, Georgina actively participates in Highland Dancing examinations.
Kirsten Harvey – SENIOR PODIATRIST
CONSULTANT SPORTS PODIATRIST
Known for her positive energy, Kirsten genuinely cares about her patients. She’s often going above and beyond to make sure patients are back to being pain-free as soon as possible.
Kirsten joined us in November 2021 with a Bachelor of Heath Science (majoring in Podiatry) and a Sports Accreditation from Podiatry New Zealand. Her previous experience saw her working nationwide and in Australia, in medical centres and physiotherapy clinics. She is excited to work alongside other podiatrists at Merivale Podiatry and enjoys learning from her peers.
While Kirsten enjoys many aspects of general podiatry, her true passion is Sports Podiatry. She wants to help people get back to doing what they love, whether that’s hitting the courts or hiking trails. Kirsten believes in both treating injuries and working with patients to strengthen their lower limbs and reduce the risk of future accidents. Education is a key part of this, so Kirsten talks with her patients, so they know that when they next hit the court, their feet are ready to go. Sports Podiatry often requires a multi-disciplinary approach to care, so Kirsten often works with other health professionals to help her patients.
Outside of the clinic, Kirsten dabbles in running and Pilates. She enjoys hiking and spending quality time with her husband and two young kids.
KIMBERLY SCOTT – Locum Podiatrist
Kimberly joined the team in August 2021. With a Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry and over ten years of experience, Kimberly is excited to use her knowledge and expertise to help Merivale Podiatry patients.
Her empathetic approach pairs well with her vast expertise to give each patient a holistic treatment. “I see much better results when my patients have a complete care package tailored to them,”
Kimberly realised podiatry was for her after her mother took her along on a trip to a podiatrist. “She’s a smart lady, my mum,” Kimberly said. “She told me I’d be a great podiatrist.” After trying different courses at university, Kimberly discovered her mother was right and started a career in podiatry.
Kimberly loves to travel—for work and for adventures. She frequently helps people at clinics throughout New Zealand, and Merivale Podiatry is her first Christchurch stop. Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys exploring the world, rock climbing, horse riding—anything that gets her outside and having fun.
“I love helping people,” Kimberly explained when asked what drew her to podiatry. “People feel better when they walk out the door. I get to improve their quality of life.”
RAEWYN PHIPPS – Locum Podiatrist
Raewyn has many years' experience in general and biomechanical Podiatry. She also has MSM Rehabilitation qualifications. We welcome Raewyn's expertise to the practice over the next 2-3 months.
TALYSHA REEVE – Locum Podiatrist
Talysha is an extremely passionate, experienced podiatrist, in addition to being a career coach & mentor.
Throughout her career she has gained a wide range of experience in both injury management, clinical rehabilitation and career development.
Talysha spreads her time between musculoskeletal clinical practice, academic lecturing & biomechanics clinical supervision at the University of South Australia, developing & delivering educational content for The Progressive Podiatry Project & other educational organisations within Australia, injury management consultancy and contributes to the operations of the Podiatry Board of Australia.
She obtained her undergraduate degree from Western Sydney University (NSW) in 2007 and completed further post-graduate education in clinical rehabilitation from Flinders University (South Australia) in 2015. Having been in practice for 16 years, her particular area of clinical interest has evolved into the assessment and management of complex & chronic musculoskeletal conditions of the lower extremity, with particular focus on their treatment via exercise & movement-based therapies.
As the founder of The Progressive Podiatry Project Talysha has developed a number of online & live continuing professional development (CPD) courses for allied health professionals, including leading the expansion of the P3 education platform into Japan (P3 Japan) and contributing to advocacy of podiatry as part of the Japan Podiatry Association.
In addition to her above roles, Talysha is also appointed as a Sessional Academic Lecturer at a number of other Universities throughout Australia, contributing to the education of undergraduate podiatrists in the area of musculoskeletal injury management.
TINA HOBSON– Clinic Coordinator
As our Clinic Coordinator, Tina is in charge of making sure the clinic runs smoothly. She strives to create a seamless, enjoyable experience for our clients while ensuring our business systems are fit for purpose and our podiatrists have everything they need.
Tina joined us in June 2022 with a Bachelor of Management, a Diploma in Marketing and two years of experience as a Medical Receptionist, giving her a solid knowledge base to draw on in her role here at Merivale Podiatry.
Tina is passionate about her work. She thrives on a challenge, which is partly why she enjoys the diversity of her role. No two days are the same and Tina loves that. She’s excited to continue developing and learning in her role, and to see Merivale Podiatry thrive and grow.
When asked what she loves about her job, Tina always says it’s the people: the podiatrists, who are so kind and talented, and the clients, who she sees improve and get back to doing the things they love.
Outside of work, Tina enjoys Pilates/yoga, skiing and catching up with friends and family.
WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES AND ASSOCIATIONS
We know feet. We want you to walk out of our clinic feeling confident in your feet. We’d love to help, so get in touch and book an appointment with one of our expert podiatrists.