Jo Parsons – Paediatric Physiotherapist
Jo Parsons graduated from Northumbria university in 2002, and has many years specialist paediatric training. She is passionate about helping children achieve the goals and loves to celebrate even the smallest step towards those goals. She is particularly interested in hippotherapy – a therapy that uses the movement of a horse to achieve physiotherapy goals. She is a member of the association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP), and the Northern Region Paediatric Special Interest Group (NRPSIG), as well as the chartered Physiotherapists in Therapeutic riding and Hippotherapy (CPTRH). She is also HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).
‘I love working at Heel and Toe Children’s Charity where every child has the opportunity for fulfil their potential using a range of therapies. It is incredibly rewarding to see children make the progress they never thought possible.’
Gemma McKenna – Paediatric Physiotherapist
Gemma graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2005. She has 16 years experience within paediatrics in the NHS, working with children and young people who have a range of disabilities. Gemma has a particular interest in rebound therapy- the therapeutic use of a trampoline to provide opportunities for enhanced movement patterns, positioning and exercise. She loves being able to deliver fun therapy sessions which give children the opportunity to become as independent as possible and reach their full potential. She is also a member of the chartered society of physiotherapy (CSP) and the association of paediatric chartered physiotherapists (APCP).
Gemma lives with her husband and 2 children. In her spare time she enjoys days out with her family, gardening and a decorating/upcycling project.
Amy Cullen – Aquatic Lead, Physiotherapist
Amy graduated from York St John University in 2012. She volunteered at a special needs school in Kenya after university and this made her want to work with children and young people. Amy has lots of experience working at a special school with children who have a range of disabilities. Amy is our Aquatic Lead. She will be coordinating all hydrotherapy and pool activities. She is a Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.
Amy loves being a physiotherapist and working for Heel and Toe as she is passionate about giving children and young people opportunities to be as independent as possible however that may be. She loves hydrotherapy as it allows so much freedom of movement, relaxation and fun.
Denise Wood – Massage Therapist
Denise has been a massage/holistic therapist for 16 years. She worked at Portland academy school for 13 year & ESPA (massaging adults with autism) for 10 years. She lives at home in Seaham, with her husband, 15-year-old son & dog Louie.
She enjoys running, walking Louie & reading in her spare time.
Denise enjoys providing a wide range of holistic/massage therapies at Heel & Toe including; reflexology, Reiki, Indian head massage & holistic facials. And always offers calming, relaxing environment for both parent & child.
Stuart Brown – Occupational Therapist
Stuart graduated in 2009 with a BSc in occupational therapy from Northumbria University following the completion of his first degree in sports studies. His experience is predominantly paediatric and of a neurological nature although he also has 5 years’ experience working in adult acute hospital and community based settings.
Stuart is particularly interested in developing children’s Sensory Processing skills. He is leading our Sensory Processing for children and parents project at our centre in Perkinsville.
Victoria Toulmin – Hydrotherapy Centre Supervisor and Clinical Administrator
I have worked at Heel and Toe for over 7 years as Clinical Administrator, and more recently taken on the role of Pool Technician.
Over the course of the years since starting at Heel and Toe I have completed various training courses including Level 2 Principles of Business and Administration; Level 2 Counselling Skills; Hydrotherapy Pool Operators Certificate, and Legionella Awareness for Duty Holders.
I have an 18yr old son, a tortoise called Sheldon, and a Shih Tzu called Harvey. I am partial to cups of coffee and jelly sweets. In my spare time I enjoy reading detective novels and walks with Harvey on the beach (he loves sand!).
Bobbi Forster – Therapy Assistant
Bobbi graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a Master’s degree in Athletic Training. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy at Teesside University.
While studying in the United States, Bobbi was a Division I student-athlete at the University of Tulsa. Alongside her sporting career, she gained experience working with sports teams, in high school settings, and at an orthopaedic centre.
Bobbi has a passion for paediatrics. She loves problem-solving and is dedicated to helping children build independence and reach important milestones. She loves working at Heel & Toe and feels proud to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful difference to children and their families.
In her spare time, Bobbi enjoys walking her dogs, going on holidays, and is a big Disney fan.
Nicola Burrell – Therapy Assistant
I have worked with children since 2001 starting my career as a nursery nurse and then senior nursery nurse working with children from the age of 6 weeks to 16 years old. I hold a Level 3 in Childcare and Education. I went back to college in 2011 where I received a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care.
I have worked for Heel and Toe since 2016, in this time I have taken on many roles within the business and completed training in Halliwick enabling me to carry out Hydrotherapy sessions, I also carry a Hydrotherapy Pool Operators Certificate.
I love working with the children at Heel and Toe, there is nothing better than seeing all your happy faces when you achieve your goals.
I live with my partner Alan and our three girls Madeleine, Daisy and Heidi as well as Max our Golden Retriever and Willow the cat.
