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Meet our Speakers
Speaking in Auckland
Dr Tanya Breen
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Dr Tanya Breen isn’t just a Consultant Clinical Psychologist—she’s a champion for neurodiversity. With a mix of deep expertise and a knack for making complex ideas accessible, Tanya works to create a world where strengths shine, and barriers crumble. Whether consulting for government agencies or presenting at international conferences, she brings insight, warmth, and plenty of relatable anecdotes to the table. As an expert witness in the New Zealand court system, she navigates big, serious topics but never loses her human touch. Tanya’s work is about connection, inclusion, and maybe even a little humour along the way!
Abstract: Neurodiversity encompasses the natural variations in human cognition, sensory experiences, and social interaction styles, including conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Recognising neurodiversity in podiatric care is essential for fostering inclusive and person-centred practices. This entertaining presentation will explore key neurodiversity traits, discuss the challenges neurodiverse individuals may face in podiatry settings, and introduce strategies for neurodiversity-affirming care. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to adapt their communication, clinical environment, and treatment approaches to serve neurodiverse individuals better while promoting their autonomy and comfort.
Kate Bryce
University of Sydney
Kate Bryce is a musculoskeletal physiotherapist from Christchurch, New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, and a Master of Health Science. Kate is a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney and her research focuses on enhancing behaviour change using digital technologies in the treatment of osteoarthritis. This includes behaviour change strategies used in the OA Coach mobile app for knee osteoarthritis and implementing an eLearning platform internationally (called ATLAS), to upskill clinicians in osteoarthritis care.
Speaking in Auckland
Speaking in Palmerston North
Professor Matthew Carroll
Auckland University of Technology
Matthew is a Professor of Podiatry within the School of Clinical Sciences at Auckland University of Technology. His research focus is on chronic long-term conditions that affect the lower limb and foot. Since commencing his academic career in 2009 he has published widely in quality-assured peer-reviewed journals and presented nationally and internationally. He is active in the supervision of higher degree students and lecturing in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Matthew is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Foot & Ankle Research and PLoS ONE, a past Associate Editor for BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2015-2021), and an expert reviewer for NZ Foot & Ankle Research Review. He is an experienced academic leader having held various senior academic leadership positions. In recognition of his contribution to the leadership of learning and teaching, Matthew has been appointed as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority and a Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
Dr Mike Frecklington
Auckland University of Technology
Mike was awarded his BHSc, MPhil and PhD from Auckland University of Technology where he is currently Head of Department for Podiatry. He has sat on several national working groups tasked with addressing workforce pipeline, education pathways and access to podiatry, as well as being a past director of the Australasian Council of Podiatry Deans.
Speaking in Palmerston North and Christchurch
Speaking in Auckland
A/Professor Kim Hébert-Losier
University of Waikato
Kim Hébert-Losier, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor in Applied Biomechanics (clinical and sport) with over 125 peer-reviewed publications. She is the Lead Biomechanics researcher at the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance and a Senior Academic for the Division of Health in Tauranga. She has worked as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Canada and has acquired vast international postdoctoral training in biomechanics and sports (NZ, Sweden, USA, Malaysia).
Kim's research and academic leadership bridge physiotherapy and sports biomechanics. Here research has global recognition in the areas of running and footwear, ACL injury prevention, and calf muscle function. She is especially proud to have developed the free-to-use Calf Raise mobile application (downloaded over 30K) to help clinicians and researchers better quantify heel-rise test outcome.
Aaron Jackson
Auckland University of Technology
Aaron Jackson is a clinician, researcher, and lecturer in podiatric biomechanics, footwear, and foot orthoses at Auckland University of Technology. As a PhD candidate, his research focuses on the clinical application of lateral foot wedges. Aaron has a keen interest in how clinicians prescribe footwear and foot orthoses. As a regular trail runner, he will be combining his personal and professional interests in this field.
Aarons presentation at the regional conferences will address the demands of off-road running and walking. He will explore how podiatrists can influence these activities, particularly by examining the evidence surrounding appropriate footwear.
Speaking in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch
Speaking in Palmerston North and Christchurch
Ryan Kennedy
GO Orthotics
Ryan Kennedy is a Kiwi-trained podiatrist graduating from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) in 2016.
Since graduating Ryan has predominantly spent time in solely musculoskeletal clinics across Auckland and Melbourne before returning to New Zealand in late 2020. Ryan has a strong foundation in lower limb biomechanics and now with 5 years experience in orthotic prescription triage, design and manufacturing, he has a deep understanding of the clinical needs driving orthotic prescription.
GO Orthotics leverages their advanced CAD/CAM software and advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver industry leading orthotic solutions. Ryan is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical insight and technical execution, ensuring practitioners get the most out of their orthotic prescriptions.
Dr Prue Molyneux
Auckland University of Technology
Dr Prue Molyneux is a practicing podiatrist, early career researcher, and Senior Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology. Prue was awarded her PhD in 2024, supported by the Health Research Council of New Zealand fellowship. Prue’s work focuses on the innovative use of diagnostic ultrasound to detect early inflammatory features that predict osteoarthritis. Prue’s research has been showcased at nine international conferences, contributing to 17 publications. Prue actively contributes to the wider profession through her roles on the International Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis Consortium, the Osteoarthritis Research Partnership Panel, the ECR ambassador for New Zealand on the Osteoarthritis Research Society International organisation and is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.
Speaking in Auckland and Christchurch
Speaking in Auckland
Associate Professor Byron Perrin
La Trobe University, Australia
Byron Perrin is a podiatrist and Associate Professor at La Trobe University, Australia holding an Associate Dean-Academic Partnerships role in the La Trobe Rural Health School. He is the Chair of Diabetes Feet Australia (DFA), the peak body for diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) in Australia, and is recognised as a leading scholar in the discipline of podiatry in Australia. He established one of the first regional diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) health services in Australia in 2003, and subsequently developed and validated a regional-level DFD model of care. As a longstanding Steering Committee member and current Chair of DFA, he plays a lead role in reducing the national burden of DFD in Australia. This includes co-authorship of DFA’s original agenda setting National Strategy to Avoid Avoidable Amputations in a Generation (2018-2022), leading a DFA national-level study that determined the research priorities for DFD for Australian researchers guiding the national DFD research agenda for the next 5-10 years, and as a member of the DFA team who in 2021 published new national clinical guidelines, setting current Australian clinical standards for DFD. He has since led the development of the new Australian Strategy for Foot Health and Disease in Diabetes 2030, to be launched in May 2025.
Speaking in Palmerston North
Rebecca Rushton
Blister Prevention
Friction blisters of the feet are one of the most common injuries in sport and everyday life. Yet many misconceptions exist around causes them, and how best to prevent and treat them. In this session, podiatrist Rebecca Rushton unpacks the true science behind blister formation, debunks common myths, and shares up-to-date strategies for prevention and treatment, tailored specifically to podiatrists. Attendees will walk away with clear, practical, and evidence-informed knowledge to confidently help their clients get better blister outcomes, strengthening trust in the profession as the foot health experts.
Rebecca Rushton is an Australian podiatrist with over 30 years of clinical experience, and has a special interest in the cause and management of foot friction blisters. Known for challenging the numerous misconceptions around this injury, she offers practical and proven solutions to help podiatrists ensure their clients recover quickly from blisters, and ultimately remain blister-free. Rebecca is a trusted voice on the subject, offering evidence-informed advice, education and product solutions.
Blister Prevention is a leading provider of education and innovative products designed to tackle foot friction blisters, a common yet often overlooked injury among active individuals. Established by world-renowned podiatrist Rebecca Rushton, the company offers evidence-informed practical solutions to help podiatrists ensure their clients recover quickly from blisters, and ultimately remain blister-free.
With over three decades of clinical experience, Rebecca combines her professional expertise and personal insights as a blister-prone individual to create targeted resources and products. Blister Prevention operates a comprehensive educational e-commerce platform serving both individual customers (https://www.blister-prevention.com/) and healthcare businesses (https://pro.blister-prevention.com/), including podiatrists, sports medicine practitioners, sporting teams, footwear retailers, pharmacies and other parties. With a range of high-quality products and expertise, Blister Prevention is your trusted partner in blister care.
Associate Professor Sarah Stewart
Auckland University of Technology
Dr Sarah Stewart is a registered podiatrist and Associate Professor at the Auckland University of Technology.
Sarah has 14 years of experience in podiatry and rheumatology related research and has published over 70 journal articles in these fields. Her current research interests include gout, ultrasound imaging, lower limb biomechanics and gait analysis, and patient-reported foot- and lower limb-related pain and disability.
Speaking in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch
Speaking in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch
Dr Dougal Sutherland
Umbrella Wellbeing
Dougal has been working as a clinical psychologist for over 20 years and is the CEO of Umbrella Wellbeing. Dougal’s work providing psychological support to workplaces and employees has seen him assist an array of organisations, including government departments and private companies. This work has taken him around the country and around the world, providing help to everyone from stressed-out bureaucrats in Wellington, to victims of car-jackings, to people living in a constant state of fear due to impending missile attacks.
Dougal has a passion for making psychology more accessible to the general public and has worked with the media in print, radio, and TV. His skill at translating expert psychological knowledge into accessible learning experiences contributes to Dougal’s training expertise, and his ability to support individual clients to make effective changes.
Dougal is also an Adjunct Teaching Fellow at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington in the School of Psychology clinical psychology training programme, where he contributes to the training of the next generation of clinical psychologists.
Previously, Dougal has worked in public mental health services providing psychological support to children, parents, and families. He also managed a large and diverse team through a time of significant growth and change in the business. He is a highly respected leader who brings this deep understanding of people to his facilitation, and now to his role as Umbrella CEO.
Speaking in Christchurch
David Toomey
Auckland University of Technology
David Toomey is an experienced and passionate physiotherapist, lecturer, and researcher. With a diverse clinical background that spans from acute injury to chronic pain, and from weekend warriors to elite performers, David brings both depth and relatability to his work. He is committed to marrying the art and science of physiotherapy to improve outcomes for both clients and clinicians.
Originally from Ireland, David completed his BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy at University College Dublin, where he later returned as a tutor on the undergraduate programme. After relocating to New Zealand, he completed postgraduate qualifications in musculoskeletal physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), where he now lectures in the undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy programmes.
David recently completed his PhD, supported by the prestigious Vice-Chancellor Doctoral Scholarship at AUT. His research explored the pain-relieving effects of exercise (exercise-induced hypoalgesia) in people with knee osteoarthritis, examining how beliefs, expectations, and exercise dose shape outcomes.
David is passionate about translating research into engaging, practical education. He also collaborates with Clinical Edge to deliver international webinars that help clinicians make sense of complex topics like pain, communication, and movement. With a blend of academic insight and clinical relevance, David’s work challenges us to think beyond the joint and consider the person. In his downtime, he enjoys movies, cheesecake, and telling dad jokes — ideally all at once.