Meet the Team

Director │ Podiatrist

Mr Paul D’Arcangelo B.Pod. (Hons)

Paul is the Director of The Podiatry and Orthotic Group. He completed his undergraduate Bachelor of Podiatry in 2007 with 1st class Honours at Latrobe University and participated in additional post-graduate studies at the University of Western Australia.

He was granted the Jennifer O’Meara Excellence Award in the field of Podiatry in 2008 (this award is voted by fellow Podiatrists within the profession) and completed a research publication in the Journal of Foot & Ankle Research into Hallux Valgus deformities (Bunions).

Paul previously assisted in over 400 foot and ankle surgeries with Podiatric Surgeons, both here in Melbourne and Sydney. Paul’s passion has led him to manage complex orthotic cases and Musculoskeletal injuries of the foot and ankle. Paul is dedicated to overseeing all clinical aspects of the group and is actively involved in mentoring our Podiatrists and implementing the most up-to-date research-based foot and ankle treatment methods.

Paul’s interests outside of the ‘world of feet’, involves spending quality time with his three wonderful girls, his wife Vassie, and daughters Elle & Rose, along with his extended family & friends. Come and see Paul for all your foot and ankle needs!

Podiatrist

Mr Nick Burgin

Nick graduated from La Trobe University in Bundoora with a Master of Podiatric Practice and Bachelor of Health Sciences. Nick’s interest in Podiatry began at a young age, suffering from foot pain through playing sport.

He has a passion for orthotic management, treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, biomechanics and performs many ingrown toenail surgeries. Nick is an enthusiastic podiatrist and finds it rewarding when patients are able to return to work, sport and daily activities without pain through his podiatry intervention. Nick has a personal understanding of injury management and rehabilitation through having numerous injuries himself.

Podiatrist

Ms Emma Lovell

Emma graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Podiatric Practice. Emma’s interest in podiatry developed after experiencing multiple foot, ankle and knee problems herself.

Emma has a particular interest in areas such as Diabetes-related foot health, musculoskeletal injuries, shockwave therapy and dry needling. Emma is an enthusiastic Podiatrist who always puts her patients’ needs first.

Outside of podiatry, Emma enjoys cooking, exercising, cross-stitching, watercolour painting and (most importantly) she loves a good cheese platter!

Podiatrist

Jack Dargan

Jack graduated from La Trobe University with degrees for Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Podiatric Practice. Jack has experience in working within high risk foot settings, primarily managing diabetes related foot complications.

Jack has a particular interest in dermatological pathologies affecting the foot and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions through evidence based intervention.

Jack is an enthusiastic Podiatrist, well known for his empathetic, caring nature and his engaging connection with people. Outside of podiatry, Jack enjoys keeping fit and healthy by going to the gym, running, swimming and playing social sports. Jack loves spending time with friends whether it be listening to live music, playing sport or having a laugh over good food and wine.

Podiatrist

Steve O’Connor

Steve is a seasoned podiatrist with more than two decades of experience dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals across all age groups. His expertise lies in the identification and treatment of the underlying factors responsible for foot and lower limb discomfort, employing a holistic methodology that incorporates advanced techniques including laser therapy, shockwave technology, orthotic therapy and more.

Committed to the welfare of his patients, Steve places a strong emphasis on promoting an active lifestyle. He firmly believes in the fundamental role of movement in overall health and actively advocates for the importance of foot health in facilitating an active lifestyle. His patient-focused approach is centred around comprehensive care, targeting the root causes of pain to ensure enduring relief, empowering individuals of all ages to lead lives that are both active and free from discomfort.

Outside of podiatry, Steve has two young daughters that he coaches, one at soccer and the other at basketball. He is married to Ruth, an avid long-distance runner (and physio) who has given him endless opportunities to 'craft' his podiatry trade by keeping her pain-free and moving! Steve himself keeps fit by ocean swimming and adventure racing. He is currently trying to master a walking handstand much to the amusement of his daughter's under 9s soccer team.

Business Manager

Nadia Rinaldo

Nadia has been a part of the POD team since early 2018 and is the groups Business Manager.
Nadia has a Human Resources Management background and has a strong focus on leadership, clinic operations, patient relations and of course, assisting our amazing podiatrists and administration team. Outside of the clinics, Nadia enjoys family life, spending her days raising her two beautiful children, Charlotte and Max.
NDIS. TAC Work Cover Co-Ordinator

Maria Ieva

Maria has over 13 years’ experience working in the Allied Health industry in both Podiatry and Physiotherapy. Maria’s role is focused on overseeing and co-ordinating NDIS for the clinics. Maria is actively involved in assisting the Podiatrists and clients to help reach the best outcomes for our NDIS clients. In conjunction with NDIS, Maria also has an extensive background in TAC and Work cover administration and co-ordinates these areas for the group. She is passionate about helping people and having a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. In her spare time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Office Manager

Rose Di Battista

Rose has been working in the healthcare industry for more than 20 years. Rose has worked in all levels of podiatry practice, including management of multiple podiatry clinics. Rose’s role at POD is focused on reception and office management across the group. Rose has a knack for making patients happy and comfortable and has developed many personal friendships over the years with staff and patients. Rose is a busy wife and mum of 2 adult girls, loves shopping, interior decorating, watching boring documentaries, reading biographies and spending time with her much loved extended family.
Reception

Jenny Emmett

Jenny is our hard-working, fun-loving receptionist! Jenny has a banking background and joined the team in 2021. Jenny was originally an orthotic client of Paul’s for many years. Jenny loves spending time with her family and grandchildren. Jenny is a great cook and often spoils the POD team with her home cooked cakes and Italian biscuits.