Our Team

Providing exceptional foot and ankle care to the Newcastle community since 2012.

Expert Podiatry Care

Our team of highly qualified podiatrists brings together a wealth of experience and
specialized expertise to address all your foot and ankle concerns.

Zachary Lloyd

B(Pod)

Provider No: 625298DL

Zachary Lloyd is a dedicated podiatrist passionate about helping people move comfortably, recover from injury, and stay active at every stage of life. With a strong background in elite soccer, including time within the Newcastle Jets Youth program and the NPL system, Zac understands the physical demands placed on the body and the importance of keeping athletes and active individuals performing at their best.

Graduating from the University of Newcastle, Zac has also completed further study in podiatric pharmacology through La Trobe University and is currently finalising his endorsement to prescribe scheduled medicines.

Zac takes a personalised, evidence based approach to podiatry care, focusing on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions. He is passionate about identifying the underlying biomechanical causes of pain and dysfunction rather than simply treating symptoms, allowing him to create tailored treatment plans designed to improve long term outcomes.

He works with patients of all ages and activity levels, from children and active adults through to athletes and those managing chronic foot pain or mobility issues. Zac has particular interests in biomechanics, sports injuries, lower limb pain, orthotic therapy, ingrown toenail surgery, rehabilitation, and preventative foot health care.

Known for his approachable nature and thorough clinical care, Zac is committed to helping patients reduce pain, improve movement, and return to the activities they enjoy with confidence.

Specialties

James Dixon

B(Pod)

Podiatrist

We are delighted to welcome James to the Happy Feet Podiatry team. A highly experienced clinician and former Clinical Director, James brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and private-practice experience to our clinic.

James graduated with a Bachelor of Podiatry from the University of Newcastle in 2017 and has since developed extensive experience across all areas of podiatry. His career has included working in established private practices as well as founding and directing his own successful podiatry clinic, where he held the role of Principal Podiatrist and Clinical Director.

This experience has given James an exceptional understanding of both complex patient care and the importance of providing thorough, individualised treatment. We feel incredibly fortunate to have a practitioner of James’ experience and calibre choose to join the Happy Feet Podiatry team.

James has a particular interest in biomechanics and orthotic therapy, sports and musculoskeletal injuries, children’s podiatry and ingrown toenail surgery. Having experienced sporting injuries himself while playing representative football, he understands firsthand how pain and injury can affect not only sport and exercise, but everyday quality of life.

James is also trained in dry needling and regularly undertakes professional development, attending conferences, seminars and educational workshops to remain at the forefront of current treatment techniques and rehabilitation strategies.

Above all, James is passionate about patient care and takes the time to understand why a problem is occurring, with treatment focused on achieving the best possible long-term outcome for each patient.

Outside of podiatry, James enjoys keeping active and is a passionate Newcastle Knights and Liverpool FC supporter.

Specialties

Jess Laurie

Senior Podiatrist

15 years’ clinical experience

Jess is a highly experienced Senior Podiatrist with 15 years of clinical experience, joining the Happy Feet Podiatry team after spending the past seven years practising in Darwin. Her career has also taken her overseas, where she worked as a Podiatrist within the NHS in London.

Jess has a particular interest in ingrown toenails and nail surgery, including the management of persistent, painful and more complex ingrowing nail conditions. She enjoys finding practical solutions for patients who may have been dealing with troublesome nails for some time.

As a keen runner herself, Jess also has a strong interest in running-related foot and lower limb injuries. Having completed several half marathons and full marathons, she understands firsthand the demands running places on the feet and lower limbs and enjoys helping runners of all levels manage injuries, reduce pain and stay active.

With her extensive clinical experience, Jess enjoys treating a broad range of foot and lower limb conditions and takes a practical, individualised approach to helping her patients achieve the best possible outcome.

Outside of podiatry, Jess enjoys going to the gym, running, spending time with her dog and travelling interstate and overseas to visit friends and seek out new adventures.

Specialties

Susie Kostelijk

BHealthSc (Podiatry), AUT

Podiatrist

Susie is a dedicated podiatrist passionate about improving foot health to keep people active, comfortable, and performing at their best. Having grown up playing netball and waterpolo, Susie’s own journey through sports injuries and surgeries sparked her passion for healthcare, giving her a first-hand understanding of injury rehabilitation and the demands it requires.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2019, Susie has gained experience working across New Zealand, Queensland, and South Australia before settling here in New South Wales. Her diverse clinical background spans sports and musculoskeletal podiatry, general clinical practice, and home-based care for elderly and disabled patients.

Susie takes a patient-centric, evidence-based, and collaborative approach to care. She is a strong believer in the power of patient education, taking the time to ensure her patients fully understand their condition and tailored treatment plan so they feel confident in their care.

While experienced in all aspects of general podiatry, Susie has a particular interest in ingrown toenail management and foot and ankle injuries, helping patients of all ages and activity levels overcome pain and return to doing what they love. Known for her warm, approachable, and caring nature, she is committed to providing thorough care to anyone in need of foot health support.

Outside of the clinic, Susie is an avid traveler who has visited nearly every continent. In her spare time, you can find her baking sourdough, spending time outdoors, or exploring local spots for great food and coffee.

Specialties

Renay Bull

BA(Hons) BApp.Sc(Pod)

Provider No: 4008706J

Renay Bull, founder of Happy Feet Podiatry, is a senior podiatrist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of foot and lower limb pain.

She is known for her expertise in complex and unresolved cases, often working with patients who have not achieved results through standard treatment approaches. Her focus lies in identifying underlying biomechanical and load-related factors that are frequently overlooked.

Renay offers a limited number of advanced case review consultations, providing patients with a detailed assessment, clear diagnosis direction, and structured plan moving forward.

Renay’s advanced case reviews are designed for patients seeking clarity after unsuccessful treatment, offering a high-level second opinion without the need for ongoing appointments.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Renay is a world champion fitness competitor, bringing a unique understanding of movement, training load, and performance to her approach — particularly for active individuals and athletes.

Renay works closely with a trusted network of specialists across New South Wales and can provide appropriate referrals where required, ensuring patients receive the most suitable care for their condition.

Alongside this, she remains actively involved in clinical leadership within Happy Feet Podiatry, mentoring her team and overseeing the delivery of high-level, patient-centred care.

Outside of her clinical work, Renay maintains a strong focus on health and performance. Renay is a world champion fitness competitor, bringing a unique understanding of movement, training load, and performance to her approach — particularly for active individuals and athletes.

She also enjoys time riding her horses.

Specialties

Sarah Dederer

B(Pod)

Podiatrist

Sarah is back with the Happy Feet Podiatry team, working with us one day a week.

Sarah has a strong clinical interest in lower limb biomechanics, general podiatry, and minor surgical nail procedures. She enjoys working with a broad range of patients, including young and active individuals, to help manage foot and lower limb concerns that impact comfort, performance, and day-to-day function.

With a background as a nurse, Sarah takes a thorough, patient-focused approach to care, considering both the presenting condition and the wider health picture. Care plans are tailored to each individual and may include footwear adjustments, guided exercises and activity strategies, custom orthotic support where needed, or minor surgical procedures if conservative measures aren’t sufficient.

Sarah is passionate about helping patients stay mobile, reduce pain, and return to work, sport, or daily activities with confidence. She places a strong emphasis on education, ensuring patients understand their condition and feel supported throughout their treatment.

Sarah has particular interests in minor surgical procedures, musculoskeletal concerns, and all aspects of general podiatry. She is committed to delivering evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys staying active, spending quality time with friends and family, and exploring the outdoors with her Golden Retriever.

Specialties

Dani

Patient Engagement/financial officer
Dani has worked at Happy Feet Podiatry since 2015 but has worked in the Health Sector for the past 20 years. Dani embraces our values of putting the patient first and getting the best results. She loves interacting with people and prides herself on being a friendly and helpful receptionist. In her spare time Dani enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach and reading

Specialties

Carolyn

Patient relations
Carolyn is new to Newcastle having moved from the central coast and we are lucky she chose to join our team. She is the warm, friendly font of desk smile you will be greeted with when you arrive at Happy Feet. You can find her regularly on the bowling green. Carolyn is a keen bowler and works on her skill weekly.

Specialties

Our Qualifications & Ongoing Education

All our podiatrists are fully qualified healthcare professionals registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

We are committed to staying at the forefront of podiatric medicine through continuing education and professional development. Our team regularly attends conferences, workshops, and training sessions to ensure we provide you with the most current and effective treatments available.

This ongoing commitment to education allows us to offer evidence-based care that incorporates the latest advances in podiatric medicine, ultimately providing better outcomes for our patients.