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, experienced and 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 – Clinic Owner & Specialist Podiatrist (Nails, Skin)

As Clinic Owner, Sophie’s vision for Merivale Podiatry is simple: to create a clinic that is warm, modern, and focused on delivering quality care. Sophie is a passionate leader who thrives on seeing both her team and patients thrive within a positive clinical environment.

With eighteen years of clinical experience across both private and public healthcare settings, no foot concern is too small, awkward, or embarrassing. One of Sophie’s greatest qualities is her ability to make patients feel comfortable, supported, and empowered when it comes to their foot health.

Sophie’s clinical happy place is helping patients with ingrowing toenails, fungal nails, cosmetic nail solutions, and education around ongoing foot care.
When she’s not at the clinic, Sophie enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their toddler son, Freddie.

Kirsten Harvey – Clinical Manager & Specialist Podiatrist (Sports, Pre and Post Operative Care)

As a Sports Accredited Podiatrist, Kirsten works with patients presenting with acute injuries, persistent injuries, recovery from injury, or new race goals. Her focus is sports podiatry and pre and post operative care.

With over 15 years of clinical experience, Kirsten is a trusted podiatrist amongst her referral network, which includes physiotherapists, surgeons, and a wider allied health team. This reflects the commitment Kirsten has to her patients and her strong understanding of injury management and best-practice care.

Kirsten additionally supports the team as a Clinical Manager, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

Outside the clinic, Kirsten enjoys staying active and balancing the needs of her young family.

Georgina Barr – Specialist Podiatrist (Dance, Rheumatology)

Georgina’s passions in podiatry are Dance Medicine and Podiatric Rheumatology - both fields in which she is nationally recognised as a leader.

Georgina works closely with dancers to manage dance-related pain and injury.
Georgina’s strong reputation in the management of dance injuries has seen her consult nationally and internationally, as well as mentor other podiatrists in the discipline of dance injury management.

Georgina’s interest in the management of patients with rheumatic and arthritic conditions allows her to work closely with rheumatologists across both public and private healthcare settings to ensure patients receive coordinated, evidence-based care.

As an expert Highland dancer herself, Georgina truly understands the physical demands placed on dancers and brings a unique level of empathy and insight to her care.

Katie Heugel – Specialist Podiatrist (Complex Injury Management, Pre and Post Operative Care)

Katie is a US-trained podiatric physician and surgeon, board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and has recently joined the clinic-based team at Merivale Podiatry.

Katie’s expert knowledge and treatment planning expertise are extensive. Katie’s warm and approachable style, along with her ability to support our experienced team of podiatrists, allows for advanced treatment planning and patient management.

Katie thrives on getting to the bottom of complex foot and ankle concerns, sports injury management, foot and ankle pre- and post-operative care, and education.

We are delighted to welcome Katie to our team and are excited to make her knowledge and expertise accessible to our community.

Formerly of Colorado, USA, Katie is joined in Christchurch by her husband, Nate, their two cats, and adored horse, Jupiter.

Kimberly Scott & Lili Rowe – Locum Podiatrists

We are very lucky to welcome both Kimberly and Lili into the clinic on a regular basis to support our permanent staff.

Both Kimberly and Lili are highly experienced across all areas of podiatry, ensuring you are well looked after while your primary podiatrist is away. Their warm personalities make them a natural fit within the team, and we are always excited to welcome them back to Merivale Podiatry.

While visiting Christchurch, Kimberly can often be found at Riverside Market when she’s not in the clinic, while Lili is usually out exploring the city and wider region on her bike.

Alice Hunter – Business & Operations Manager

Alice is a qualified pharmacist with 20 years of experience across community pharmacy, clinical care, and business management. Drawing on her clinical experience, Alice helps extend care beyond the treatment room at Merivale Podiatry.

Alice is often on hand to answer product enquiries, ensuring you are getting the most suitable product for your needs. Alice’s interests in skin and nail care, compression therapy, foot comfort, and independence make her highly knowledgeable.
Additionally, Alice contributes to ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

Alice juggles her workday with busy family life and enjoys travel whenever the opportunity allows.

Phillipa Moutzouris – Lead Administrator and Receptionist

Phillipa is usually the first smile you'll see when you walk through the doors at Merivale Podiatry, and the first voice you'll hear when you call, and she loves that part of her role.

What she appreciates most is being part of a clinic that genuinely cares about its patients and takes pride in doing things well. With a background in marketing and administration, Phillipa understands how much the small details matter to your overall experience.

Whether you're booking your first appointment or your fiftieth, Phillipa wants the experience to feel easy, welcoming, and warm.

Outside the clinic, Phillipa loves adventure, enjoys spending time with her grown family, who are always full of surprises - and walking the family dog.

Natalie Coetzer – Administrator and Receptionist

Natalie is one of the very friendly faces you'll meet at reception.

With years of experience across healthcare, retail, reception, and customer service roles, she's at her best when things are organised and calm - even when the clinic is at its busiest.

What Natalie loves most about her role is connecting with people and helping you feel comfortable and supported right from your first hello.

Outside of work, you'll find Natalie enjoying time with her husband, extended family, and friends.

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.