About Us
What is a Podiatrist?
- Specialists in feet and the lower limb
- University-educated foot health professionals
- Diagnose and treat specific foot problems
- Provide a range of services;
Sports Podiatry: Foot pain, lower limb pain, injuries, ingrown toenails
General Podiatry: skin and nail problems, verrucae, fungal nails and skin
- Work alongside Physiotherapists, General Practitioners, Osteopaths, Pharmacies, Chiropractors
Lauren Earl – Podiatrist & Director
Lauren started Step Forward Podiatry in 2015, shortly after returning from overseas when she worked in general and sports clinics in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Initially opening in Takapuna, Step Forward Podiatry has now expanded to include a Birkenhead clinic with three podiatrists providing care to our clients.
Lauren graduated from AUT in 2007 with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Podiatry, and has continued to support the University as a Clinical Educator for seven years, where she taught the undergraduate podiatrists. Lauren is committed to further education and completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Podiatry in 2021.
Whilst not currently practising Podiatry, Lauren is heavily involved in the management of both clinics and is frequently in the clinics providing guidance to her Podiatrists and support staff. Lauren lives in Murrays Bay on the North Shore with her Husband and three young children, Hunter, Sienna, and River.
Juire Gill
Juire graduated from AUT in 2016 with a Bachelor of Health Science, in Podiatry and has worked at Step Forward Podiatry for seven years.
Her passion lies in providing patients with the utmost care, expert treatment, and invaluable advice concerning their feet and lower limbs. She loves that as a podiatrist, by treating people’s feet it enables them to get back to what they love doing, whether it’s walking the dog or running a marathon. Juire enjoys the variety that podiatry offers, including working with children, athletes, ingrown toenails, people with chronic conditions, and those who just want to take care of their feet.
Juire is driven by a genuine thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking to expand her expertise to benefit each and every patient. She firmly believes that a well-informed patient is better equipped to understand their condition and actively participate in their treatment journey. Juire is currently on maternity leave and spending precious time with her husband and two boys. She looks forward to returning to podiatry, and we will be in touch when she is back practicing in the clinic.
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Prarthana Foolchand – Podiatrist at Takapuna
Prarthana graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Podiatry in 2016, and had the pleasure of working in Australia for 5 years. Prarthana has worked in a range of different settings and expanded her knowledge through working alongside various other health professionals and working in large podiatric teams in Australia. Prarthana enjoys all aspects of podiatry, in particular nail and skin care, ingrown toenail surgeries and biomechanics.
Prarthana is originally from South Africa and is of Indian heritage, she came to live in New Zealand with her family in 1999. She returned from Australia in 2022 and has enjoyed being back with all her family who she is very close to. In her spare time, she loves cooking and attends many family gatherings where they cook up a storm in the kitchen.
Mia Clarke – Podiatrist at Birkenhead
Mia graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry and more recently an honours degree (First Class). Mia spent the first few years of her podiatry career working in a private
practice in Christchurch before returning Auckland and joining the Step Forward Podiatry team while she undertakes her PhD.
Mia is passionate about power of movement and the role it has on our overall health and wellbeing. Mia implements this philosophy into her clinical practice, where she will work
alongside you to overcome and prevent pain or injury to get you back to doing what you love. Outside of the clinic Mia spends her time running, skiing, and working on her research.
Prue Molyneux – Takapuna (Thursday evening)
Prue is an experienced podiatrist and is currently practicing at our Takapuna clinic on Thursday from 2-7pm. Prue graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Podiatry. From 2012 to 2016 Prue worked in a private practice in Christchurch. In 2017 Prue returned to Auckland to complete her post graduate certificate in rehabilitation and honours degree (First Class) to advance her skills in musculoskeletal podiatry.
Prue is also a Lecturer at AUT and has recently submitted her PhD. As a podiatrist working within the New Zealand health system for over ten years, Prue has integrated clinical practice and research to drive improvement in delivering best practice and patient focused care.
Chelsea Halling – Reception at Birkenhead
Chelsea has been working as a clinical administrator for ten years, within physiotherapy. She has brilliant personable skills and enjoys organising the team. You’ll find her at our Birkenhead clinic, helping Nathan out with all things admin. In her spare time when she isn’t driving her daughter to and from all the sporting events, she enjoys coaching various sports and teams. She studied Sport and Recreation at AUT, Community Studies at Unitec and is a NZ Level 1 & 2 Qualified Coach. Chelsea enjoys a healthy lifestyle and is passionate about making sure her family, friends and the community are healthy and safe too. She is always open for a good conversation and makes sure the patients feel welcome and comfortable when in the clinic.
