Our Podiatrists
Wagga & Surrounds Podiatrists
Ben Hinton
Principal Podiatrist and Co-Owner
Ben has always had a desire to work in the field of health and to help people. He has a keen interest in sports based rehabilitation and thrives on a challenge when presented with a complex biomechanical case. He loves seeing the treatment that he prescribes helping a patient overcome their problem.
Marie Hope
Senior Podiatrist
Marie completed a Bachelor of Podiatry at the University of South Australia in 2006 and is passionate about her work, not only does she enjoy being able to work with a wide range of people she also enjoys the challenge of assisting her patients on a daily basis.
Matthew Angel
Senior Podiatrist and CEO
Matt chose to be a podiatrist as he has a keen interest in health and the human body. He liked the idea of specialising in one area of the body and being an expert in that area. He also loved the idea of being able to help people with their pain and to reduce or resolve that pain quickly.
Ben Paget
Senior Podiatrist and Mentor
Ben started his working life working at an aged care facility doing exercise classes and physio programs. From there, he felt compelled to study podiatry and completed his degree through the University of Newcastle.
Sophie Keogh
Senior Podiatrist
Sophie is a local Wagga girl, growing up on the family farm between Mangoplah and Cookardinia. She attended CSU in Albury and studied a bachelor of Podiatric Medicine. Sophie says she chose to be a podiatrist “because it is a specialised field of work.
Shannan Russell
Senior Podiatrist, Mentor and Lecturer in Biomechanics and Paediatrics
Shannan always knew she wanted to work in the health industry. After beginning her studies in Health and Rehabilitation Science, Shannan developed a specific interest in podiatry due to its broad scope of practice and transferred across, graduating from CSU Albury with a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (honours).
Sam O’Connell
Podiatrist
Originally from Wagga Wagga, Sam returned to the area after studying at LaTrobe University. A fascination in the biomechanical function of the lower limb inspired Sam to become a podiatrist, and he has a particular interest in sports injury-based rehabilitation. He finds it rewarding to be able to help people reduce pain and return to activity pain-free.
Outside of work, Sam spends time with his partner and his friends. He is looking forward to returning to the Osborne Football Club, and stays active by playing a variety of sports and running regularly. He enjoys exploring the local region, camping and hiking in the great outdoors whenever he can.
Zoe Cumming
Podiatrist
Zoe originated from a farm outside Coolamon and graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Podiatry. She enjoys working as part of the vibrant and knowledgeable team at Active Foot Clinic and finds that the diversity of the work she does as a Podiatrist keeps her on her toes. What she likes most about being a Podiatrist is the positive impact that her treatments have on her patients, making daily tasks easier and life better.
Shannon Seaman
Podiatrist
Shannon Seaman is a dedicated podiatrist who is passionate about improving her patients' quality of life. Her interest in healthcare and podiatry was sparked after a few days of work experience at Active Foot Clinic. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine at Charles Sturt University.
Sarah Smith
Podiatrist
Sarah hails from Culcairn, where she grew up the youngest of three siblings. Sarah always had a strong interest in health with a nurse and occupational therapist in her family. Sarah began her journey in podiatry at CSU in Albury and completed a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine in 2022.
Janie Cronje
Podiatrist
Originally from South Africa, Janie and her family relocated to Australia during her early teens where they then settled in Mildura. It was during her work experience in year 10, that Janie found a particular interest in podiatry. From there she studied a Bachelor of Podiatry at the University of Newcastle, completing her studies at the end of 2023. Janie is interested in all aspects of podiatry from complex biomechanical patients to nail care and corn removal.
Janie decided to join the Active Foot Clinic team due to the ability to work with a large, supportive team of experienced podiatrists and is excited for the opportunities available to grow as a practitioner. She has always wanted to move back to a regional area after completing her studies and was drawn to Wagga Wagga and the small towns of the Riverina. Away from podiatry Janie enjoys spending time with her friends, swimming and going for long walks.
Albury & Wodonga Podiatrists
Bernadette McCrohan
Podiatrist
Bernadette hails from the Albury/Wodonga region, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Podiatry Medicine from CSU Albury. After working in Shepparton, she returned to the Albury area and is one of our enthusiastic podiatrists at the Albury clinic.
Bowral & Mittagong Podiatrists
Shania Roberts
Podiatrist
Shania Roberts is passionate about her job as a podiatrist. "Every day, I come to work with the satisfaction of knowing I can make a positive impact on my patient's health," she says. With a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine from Charles Sturt University and extensive experience in all areas of podiatry, including wound care, general treatment, and musculoskeletal issues, Shania is well-equipped to make a difference in her patients' lives.
Reception Team
Marg Gilmour - Wagga
Reception Manager & Shoe Fitting Expert
Marg is motivated, compassionate and very easy to talk to. “I love sitting and having a chat with the patients, we have such lovely patients,” says Marg.
Mel Lugton - Wagga
Retail Manager, Receptionist & Shoe Fitting Expert
Born and bred in Wagga, Mel chose to stay here with her husband and 3 beautiful children because they love the community spirit this town possesses.
Nicole Zervos - Bowral/Mittagong
Receptionist & Shoe Fitting Expert
Originally from the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Nicole and her husband moved here for a five-year contract, and thirteen years later, they’re still in love with the place.
Every day is different for Nicole, and she loves being able to meet and help such a variety of people. She gives expert advice about shoe fittings and advises on booking just the right appointment. Outside of work, she spends time with her family and friends, exploring the smaller towns and scenery in the area by car and on foot.
Simone Griparis - Albury
Receptionist & Shoe Fitting Expert
Simone is one of the bright and happy faces you’ll see as you walk into our Albury clinic. She loves her job at Active Foot Clinic as it keeps her busy, she gets to meet lots of lovely customers and most importantly she loves shoes!
Outside of work Simone is kept very busy with her two children and helping manage their football/netball teams. Simone and her family also love spending time at the Hume Weir water skiing over the summer months.
Suzie-maree Mcdowell - Albury
Receptionist & Shoe Fitting Expert
Another of the lovely staff in our Albury clinic, Suzie loves spending time helping customers and fitting shoes. Suzie is fascinated by all the different ways our podiatrists are able to assist our patients with their needs.
Suzie is a busy mum of two children often spending her spare time watching the kids play sport or getting away for the weekend in their camper. She loves the great Albury/Wodonga community and how we are blessed to have everything the city has, yet bushland is only a stone throw away.