Our Team

The Feet First Podiatry team is made up of professional Podiatrists and Foot Health Practitioner (FHP) trained in all aspects of foot care. Our team focus on offering advice and excellent service for healthier feet. For 100% customer service, we stay up-to-date with modern podiatry procedures, and believe we can serve you better by providing the safest treatment possible.

All our team are highly skilled health professionals trained to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. If you have concerns regarding your leg, foot and ankle, feel free to consult with us immediately. Make an appointment by calling us at (03) 348 7910.

Regular visits to Feet First Podiatry can help prevent foot problems, alleviate pain and keep you on your feet to lead an active lifestyle.

Charlotte Russell

B.Sc. (Hons), Dip. Pod. (NZ) NZ Reg.Pod

Charlotte is Feet First Podiatry's fearless team leader. Charlotte is both our Owner and Director and our Senior Podiatrist, with over 35 plus years of experience. Charlotte studied in Wellington and the University of Brighton (UK) for her Post Graduate BSc, Charlotte went on to study the management of the diabetic foot with a Winston Churchill Scholarship in 1995. Charlotte previously worked for 13 years as a Senior Podiatrist at the Christchurch Diabetes Centre, alongside her practice, formerly Charlotte Russell Podiatry which was started over 20 years ago, to Feet First Podiatry which was formed in 2002.

Agata Zanko

Foot Health Practitioner

Agata originates from Poland, where she graduated from the Warsaw College of Engineering and Health with a Foot Health Care specialisation. Agata has completed supplemental courses in the treatment of ingrown nails, nail bracing, and nail reconstruction. Agata brings to the team a different approach to common skin and nail issues. Agata provides Foot Health Care services to general patients who are not High-Risk, taking over the Just Toenail service and providing new services of Nail Reconstruction and the Medi-Pedi. We are very fortunate to have Agata on the Feet First Podiatry team.

Christina Chisnall

Podiatry Assistant

Christina has joined the team as our part-time podiatry assistant, whilst she is undergoing her training to be a Registered Podiatrist at AUT. She has come from a background of working in the aged care and the disability sector, for the last 10 years. Her interest in podiatry came from her experience and realising the importance of improving her resident's quality of life and overcoming foot-related challenges by having the right professional foot care. Christina is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and skills in this ever-growing profession.

Yvonne McDonald

Lead Front of House

Yvonne is our Front of House Receptionist/Administrator and will be your first point of contact when you call or visit us at Feet First Podiatry.

She is extremely passionate about providing a warm and welcoming service to our valued clients, their families, and caregivers.
Yvonne has an extensive background in retail banking through to project management and administration roles. She has a National Certificate in Business and Administration, a Certificate in Firstline Business Management, Xero Accounting, and is currently working towards a Certificate in Apiary through Otago University.

In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends. Her hobbies include looking after 100, 000+ ‘friendly’ bees, dressmaking, reading, and church involvement. Yvonne enjoys keeping fit with gym, swimming, and walking and has completed several fun runs and a half-marathon.

Maree Hopkins

Part-Time Receptionist

A familiar face to our customers at The Shoe Room, Maree also covers the reception at Feet First Podiatry on Tuesday's late evening, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. Maree was born and bred Southlander, but we are impressing on her the wonders of Christchurch.
Maree comes to us with over 18 years of retail and administration experience.

Courtney Rhodes

Practice Manager

Courtney has been Feet First Podiatry's Practice Manager since 2016. Originally from the USA, Courtney married a Kiwi and now resides in Christchurch with her family. Courtney handles the business administration side of the business and is happy to assist with any of your enquiries. She is often hiding in the back office, but don't be afraid to pop in and say hello.