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Your Therapy Team
Meet your experienced and exceptional therapy team.
Stuart Unthank
MCSP MMACP MIFOMT
CLINICAL LEAD
consultant physiotherapist
Director
Stuart has been a Physiotherapist for the past 27 years. He has practised within the UK and abroad within both state-funded, private healthcare and also within professional sporting environments. His range of specialised clinical experience includes:
- Neuro-musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnostics.
- Spinal specialism.
- MSK Diagnostic imaging techniques.
- Orthopaedic rehabilitation.
- Sports physiotherapy.
Specialising in Manual therapy techniques as also neuro-musculo-skeletal assessments he has attained Post Graduate qualifications in Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal (NMSK), Sports Physiotherapy and MSK Diagnostic Imaging, as also being certified in modern advancing treatment techniques such as Extra-Corporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).
A registered member of the Manipulative Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP), Stuart has over the past 19 years led various Multi-Disciplinary (MDT) clinical teams including Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Pharmacy, Health Screening, Podiatry and also Diagnostic Imaging teams (MRI / CT / Ultra-sound / X-Ray).
Stuart has been a fitness instructor for over 30 years, is an ex-professional sportsman and previously served with HMF.
Dr. David Penman
TD, MRcoG
Consultant Gynaecologist
&
Fetal medicine specialist
Dr. Penman studied medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital (now part of King’s College London) and qualified in 1984.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital is a world-class institution renowned for the quality of medical teaching it provides and the medical professionals it trains. After graduating from Guy’s and St Thomas’, Dr. Penman went on to work there as a Research Registrar.
Dr. Penman also worked at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital and at St Michael’s Hospital Bristol where he completed his Senior Registrar Training.
Dr. Penman was appointed a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Specialist in Fetal Medicine at the Medway Maritime Hospital in 1997. He was also appointed an Honorary Consultant in Fetal Medicine at the Harris Birthright Centre, King’s College Hospital in London.
Dr. Penman resigned from his NHS position in 2006 due to NHS cuts and has worked full-time in private practice ever since.
Areas in which Dr. Penman specialises include prenatal screening and diagnosis of fetal abnormalities and invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures including amniocentesis and CVS. Dr. Penman’s specialism in fetal medicine means he is highly trained in diagnosing and planning treatment for numerous fetal abnormalities.
Dr Praveen Bilagi
MA ( Cantab) , MBBS, MRCS, FRCR
Consultant Radiologist
Dr Praveen Bilagi is a Consultant Radiologist and has been a Consultant for over 15 years at Medway Maritime Hospital.
Dr Bilagi qualified from Cambridge University as a Medical undergraduate in 1992 followed by clinical studies at Charing Cross Hospital.
Dr Bilagi gained invaluable experience in several different specialities as a junior doctor including a three-year surgical rotation resulting in MRCS qualification.
This was then followed by a six-year specialist Radiology training program at Kings College Hospital, London with FRCR in 2004.
He has been leading the Imaging department at Medway Hospital for over 10 years and he is now the Clinical Director of the Division of Clinical Support Services ( DCSS) at Medway Hospital which includes Imaging.
He is a well-known Radiologist with a large and varied private practice within the region and is the Lead Radiologist for Urology, upper gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal at Medway.
Marcella Thorp
Centre Assistant Manager
NVQ MANAGEMENT
LvL 1-3
Marcella has over 30 years business experience ranging from the insurance industry to private healthcare.
During this time she attained Diploma level qualifications in Management, Customer Service, Business Administration, and Team Leading.
Previously for a period of 10 years, Marcella acted as part of the leadership team responsible for the organisation, legislative compliance, and customer service standards involved with managing Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Pharmaceutical, and Health Screening teams within a private hospital setting.
Please feel free to speak to Marcella if you have any queries regarding general administrative logistics and provision of our services as also customer satisfaction and billing enquiries, including private medical insurer or medico-legal referral processes.
Julie Morley
Business Development Manager
Julie has over 12 years experience within the business and financial market. During her varied career, her roles have included financial viability analysis, consumer engagement, process refinement, and business initiative promotion.
Julie’s directive with HTC is to promote service spectrum development, client engagement, key stakeholder relationships, and also service satisfaction. Julie is happy to discuss all inquiries relating to HTC’s existing services, enhancement potential, and development opportunities. She is regularly on-site at the centre but may also be contacted via the following email address:
Megan Hutchinson
MSc Osteopathy
Registered Osteopath
Megan graduated with an MSc. from the European School of Osteopathy after 4 years of training on the Integrated Masters program. She has since been active within private practice in a number of multidisciplinary clinics in Kent and Surrey.
Megan treats a wide range of patients from babies through to patients with general musculoskeletal conditions.
She uses a range of Osteopathic techniques including structural, functional, and cranial techniques allowing her to form an appropriate and effective treatment plan for each patient.
Megan’s clinical specialty interests include babies, pregnant and postpartum women as well as sports injuries.
In her spare time, Megan enjoys long muddy walks with her dogs, is a keen gym attendee, jogging, and swimming.
Stephanie Unthank
Level 4 Dipl. IMBDP MBSR
Registered Mindfulness & Wellbeing Consultant
Stephanie received all of her training with Mindfulness UK of which she is now a senior member. She is recognised and registered with The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL) -.GOV and also The Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPAB).
She offers teaching and support for all types of individual therapy requirements including, stress management, anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues.
However, Stephanie’s service is just as well suited to clients without direct therapeutic needs including self-awareness teaching, objective support such as weight loss or sporting target achievement as also wellness guidance.
Stephanie also provides Wellbeing training for large corporations and concerns throughout the UK and regularly provides Wellness articles for a leading magazine.
In addition, Stephanie has been a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer for over 8 years.
Karen Mansell
MRCOP MSc Podiatry
Registered Podiatrist / Chiropodist
Karen graduated from the University of Brighton in 2003 completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Podiatry.
She has until 2019 practiced extensively within the National Health Service accruing a number of years gaining experience within multi-disciplinary teams treating a wide spectrum of conditions including high-risk patients.
Karen has also been actively practicing within the private sector. During her professional timeline, Karen has orientated towards specialising in wound care and nail surgery in particular.
Karen would be your first port of call for all Chiropody type conditions
Harrison Thornton
BSc Biomed SCIENCE MSc PhysiotherapY MCSP
Registered SENIOR Physiotherapist
Harrison began his career after graduating initially with a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science before completing a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy at the La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.
He has worked across multiple aged care facilities during his early career, including during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In early 2021, Harrison moved into the private sector, treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal
sporting, spinal pathologies,
soft tissue conditions & pre/post operative rehabilitation.
He treats a wide variety of ages from 8 years upwards, is passionate about connecting with his clients, & establishing their goals, thereby creating individualised regimes.
He employs a variety of treatment modalities, including, manual therapy techniques, dry needling, and exercise therapy.
He has also spent the past 2 years working as the head physiotherapist for the local
semi-professional football team; Harrison has recently moved to the U.K in May 2023 with his partner to pursue a
new challenge. Outside of work he’s eager to make new friends
and travel. You’ll likely find him
at the local gym or playing football and badminton.
Philip Silk
BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine
Registered Osteopath
Philip has practised within healthcare environments since 2003, starting as a Personal trainer and Sports therapist and moving on to qualifying and then active as a Registered Osteopath since 2010. He played at a high level of football and tennis but injuries prevented him from taking them any further; hence his career move into musculoskeletal treatment. He incorporates all the main disciplines within Osteopathy: Structural, Classical and Cranial Osteopathy, and brings with him his knowledge from personal training and Sports Therapy. This gives him a very holistic thought process when treating his patients. To this end he takes on referrals of the most complicated patients who often have had unresolved/chronic issues/conditions. Philip enjoys figuring out patterns to a problem especially ones that have not been solved yet and will do his upmost to reach the cause and prevent the issues from returning; he has great empathy for patients who are struggling with persistent conditions. He has a particular interest in treating headaches and has done extra BPPV training to add Vertigo treatment to his cranial skills. Additionally, he is qualified in providing medical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, dry needling and Extra-Corporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). Philip returned to Kent in 2023, after 18 years away; Having previously lived in Gillingham when he was a small child and still has family in Rainham.
Krupa Mehta
MCSP
BSC Physiotherapy
MSc Sport & Exercise Medicine
REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Following completion of her bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, Krupa attained a master’s degree in sport and exercise medicine from Leeds Beckett University to further enhance her skills and knowledge associated with the science within human movements and sports.
Krupa has worked within various fields including young football players, pre- & post operative sports injuries, acute musculoskeletal conditions, and chronic back patients.
Krupa is a qualified yoga and pilates instructor and believes in the concept of performing mindful movements to stay healthy and keep fit.
She uses a combination of treatments to aid in rehabilitation – manual therapy, mobilisation, electro-therapy, and rehab exercises specific to goals for improving mobility, strength, endurance and balance.
In her spare time, you will find her travelling, doing pilates and dancing. Her physical ethos is to find the right balance and pursue what you enjoy the most.
NATASHA ZALEWSKA-PITTMAN
M.Ost Osteopathic Medicine
PGDip SEMS
Registered Osteopath
Natasha has worked within healthcare environments since 1999 before becoming a Registered Osteopath in 2015. Having competed at county-level track and field she became interested in manual therapies after closely working with an Osteopath through various injuries. Having completed a Post Graduate degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Health, Natasha applies her knowledge to the management of post-surgical recovery and musculoskeletal injuries while also incorporating the main disciplines of Structural and Classical Osteopathy. She has a particular interest in treating running-related injuries and biomechanical issues. Additionally, she is qualified in providing medical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, dry needling and Extra-Corporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). Natasha is still an avid follower of many sports and likes to combine her love of traveling with sporting events. She has been part of the medical teams for Maidstone RFC, Commonwealth Games 2022 and the World Indoor Athletics Championships, and as a soft tissue therapist for Kent Cricket Club. She is a keen runner and has completed 5 marathons to date.
Sabine Gransden
DipION, mBANT, CNHC
Registered Nutritionist
Sabine graduated from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) in London in 2014 after 3 years of training to complete a diploma in Nutritional Therapy.
She then completed her Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner certification in 2016 to add coaching techniques to her skill set.
She specialises in thyroid health. Sabine assesses and identifies potential imbalances in the body and understands how these may contribute to a client’s symptoms and health concerns.
Sabine recommends personalised nutrition and lifestyle programs and typically helps her clients improve their energy levels, sleep, mood, and digestion.
After working with Sabine, they are more resilient to stress, lose weight, and feel more balanced and happy. Overall, she helps her clients become the healthiest version of themselves.
Paul McBride
BSc (hons)
Sports Science
MSc (hons)
Sport, Exercise & Physical activity
Paul has a BSc First Class Honors Degree in Sports Science and an MSc First Class Honors Degree in Sport, Exercise and Physical activity.
He has worked within the health and fitness industry for the past 8 years.
Over the past 4 years, he has also worked in offering health screenings services for individuals or companies whose employees are looking to improve or maintain their health and wellbeing.
Paul is a Health Advisor/ Exercise Rehabilitation specialist who loves helping people get back to full health following an injury/illness or helping those who want to live a healthy balanced lifestyle.
Samantha robinson
mRCN
VTCT L3 Diploma Reflexology
MSC Healthcare Leadership
BSC Health & Social Care
Registered Nurse
REFLEXOLOGIST & INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE THERAPIST
Sam qualified as a nurse in 1992 and worked within the NHS for 32 years until 2021. She held a variety of clinical roles mainly focusing on the care of the older person and supporting people and families living with dementia but has also worked non-clinically within nurse education and human resources managing learning & development and resourcing teams.
She gained her VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology and Indian Head Massage. She is a passionate advocate for individual health and well-being .
Sam is registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and the Complementary Therapists Association
Lauren Russell
MSosT
BSc Sports Therapy
REGISTERED SPORTS & REHABILITATION THERAPIST
Lauren, since a young age, has had a passion for sports, especially competitive swimming, and competed from the age of 12 up to 18 for her swimming club.
This interest eventually led to her qualifying with a degree in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation at the University of Kent in 2016.
In addition, Lauren is also a qualified Level 2 ASA Swimming Instructor.
Lauren states that Massage, in its various forms, is a versatile tool in aiding and treating different Musculoskeletal ailments. It can be used at various stages of rehab and can also be utilised to prevent and reduce factors that can lead to injuries happening in the first place.
Amelia Saussus
BSc Sports Therapy
Massage Therapist
Meet Amelia, Massage Therapist.
Amelia, since a young age has had a passion for sports, especially trampolining and competed from the age of 8 up to 16 for her trampolining club.
This interest eventually led to her qualifying with a degree in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation at the University of Kent in 2024.
In addition, Amelia is a keen runner and will be running her second half-marathon in April 2025.
Amelia states that Massage Therapy can help to assist and support clients from all different backgrounds, whether it be sporting or not, and helps to reclaim life back to full function.
Massage, in its various forms is a versatile tool in aiding and treating different Musculo-skeletal ailments that affect the body. It can be used at various stages of rehab and can also be utilised to prevent and reduce factors that can lead to injuries happening in the first place.
She is keen to also promote the fact that massage can also be beneficial as an amazing relaxation method with evidence showing that it can boost our overall wellbeing, aiding in the reduction of stress, promotes the body’s immune system activity and subsequently helps boost our general health and happiness.
Rob McDonald
Dipl Lv3 SP & Massage
Dipl. Lv3 Sports
Massage & Remedial Exercise Therapist
Rob is Diploma Level 3 qualified in Sports Massage therapy, taping, injury management techniques & exercise therapy.
He has been a massage & sports injury therapist for 10 years and has worked with a varied spectrum of clients ranging from chronic medical conditions to sports injuries.
Rob states that he has a passion for using sports, exercise and massage to aid and assist clients from all walks of life back to full function.
As with all therapists at HTC Rob interacts closely with the centre’s clinical practitioners on inter-referral and clinical therapy guidance.
James McDonald
Pilates Instructor
James is a Pilates Instructor here at HTC.
He has taught Pilates for over 7 years. Core training has been a key part of other exercise programs he has run for over 20 years.
Pilates is a form of low impact exercise focused on core and pelvic floor strength.
Core exercises help to develop the muscles of the pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen allowing them to work in unison. This aids in facilitating such
as: Improved stability, balance and flexibility, increased mobility, energy, and performance, decreased back pain, risk of injury, incontinence issues and stress.
James seeks to ensure his are classes relaxed and accessible to all, offering a welcoming atmosphere and adaptations to suit varying levels of abilities allowing individuals to progress at their own pace.
Kristine Castillo
Marketing Design Coordinator
BSc. Multimedia Arts and Sciences
Kristine is a multimedia artist specialising in digital design and traditional illustrations. As
well as various other contemporary art forms.
She completed her Bachelor of Science in Multi-Media Science & Art in 2020.
She has over the past 3 years started and maintained an online art business providing
commissions from and for various social media platforms to improve her craft and apply it
within a spectrum of professional context.
Kristine has to date completed over a hundred well received commissions some of which are
on display in Hempstead Therapy Centre.
During her time as a freelance artist, Kristine promoted and maintained several social media,
multi-platform sites as well as her own website, successfully generating increased activity
and a wider customer base.
These are skills she now uses as part of the Hempstead Therapy Centre team to promote the
various healthcare opportunities and well-being initiatives available.
Kristine is a dedicated artist who wants to help others receive the care they need at
Hempstead Therapy Centre and will do so by making sure our information designs are easy
to read and accessible to everyone.
In her spare time, she works on improving her craft, by continuing to study her subject
independently. She also enjoys scrapbooking and video technology.
Her aspiration is to one day be counted amongst the top of her field, by making small
improvements one day at a time.
Sarah Kaufman
Receptionist Administrator
Sarah worked within the finance industry for over 20 years with a career focus on customer service and client relationships.
In addition to this, her experience with service delivery, process-driven service organisation as also refinement is expansive.
Julie Hollis
Receptionist Administrator
Julie retains extensive senior experience within the finance sector stretching over the past 30 years.
Her focus/expertise lies within process-driven environments and in ensuring excellent customer service.
Hayley Magee
receptionist administrator
Hello, I am Hayley. Having worked in the finance industry for over 30 years, customer service was always my priority. I enjoy being part of a team, working together, sharing different skills and knowledge. I have also worked in the retail industry for several years, enjoying customer interaction and service. In my spare time, I love to cook, bake, read, travel, and socialise.
Joanna Godman
Receptionist Administrator
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT
Joanna has been a Registered Nurse for the past 21 years, caring for people in the local communities of Medway & Swale.
She enjoys working closely with Therapists and Clinical Practitioners to provide efficient and hollistic patient care.
Prior to her extensive nursing career, Joanna worked in a fast-paced front-line administration role. Customer service and a welcoming approach have always been her priority.
In her spare time, she is an active member of The Oasthouse Theatre in Rainham.
Leah Easom
Receptionist Administrator
Leah is currently in her first year as a student, studying at The European School of Osteopathy.
Her previous employment experience is within administrative roles associated with accountancy as well as within retail environments.
Leah enjoys being part of a clinical environment and considers herself to be industrious with organisation as an essential component of her activities.
In her spare time Leah swims for Sittingbourne and Milton Swimming Club, where she also coaches the younger swimmers.
Other sports she enjoys watching in her spare time include football and Formula 1.
Lisa Roberts
RECEPTIONIST ADMINISTRATOR
Lisa has, for the past 35 years been employed within administration roles. In particular, she has been active within the insurance sector for 30 years. She prides herself on providing, as a priority, excellent customer service and a welcoming approach.
She works well within a team environment and retains effective organisational skills. She is happy to assist with all and any inquiries.
In her spare time, she relaxes with cooking, reading and socialising.
In addition, she enjoys traveling abroad to various destinations.
Helen Caston
RECEPTIONIST ADMINSITRATOR
Hi I’m Helen
I have a banking background with more than 20 years experience in customer service and complaints handling.
I am focused on providing a first-class customer experience and resolving any queries or issues that may arise. I have a genuine warmth and dedication to customer satisfaction.
I am the honorary Chairman of the Rainham Theatrical Society, a role that I have held for over 10 years. I enjoy running when I can, am an advocate for parkrun and have completed 2 marathons. I also love spoiling my grandson.
Hannah Calvert
Administrative Assistant
Hi, I’m Hannah,
I am currently studying for my A-levels at 6th form doing PE, Psychology and Health and Social care.
I am working for HTC as I enjoy being part of a clinical environment to help patients as well as gaining valuable work experience.
My ambition is to go to university to do a sports therapy and rehabilitation course to then go onto do a master’s degree as a physio.
In my spare time I play for Medway badminton.