Meet The Mersea Road Clinic Team

We're Only As Good As Our People

Our Colchester Osteopaths have a wealth of experience and a broad range of specialist interest. We pride ourselves on being dedicated, enthusiastic and always honest. 


Michael Clarke at Mersea Road Clinic

Michael Clarke

Clinic Principal

Michael founded the practice back in 1997. At that point the clinic was located further down the Mersea Road and operated on a part time basis. The clinic moved to various locations over the next few years before settling here in July 2002. The clinic has established a reputation for excellent service and high osteopathic standards.

Michael graduated from the European School of Osteopathy after an industrial accident provoked a complete career change. He has developed a reputation for treating difficult chronic low back conditions. He is also successful in treating a wide range of other conditions including sports injuries, jaw problems (TMJ), headaches and visceral complaints such as IBS.

His understanding of spinal biomechanics is excellent. He has used this knowledge to formulate a standard model by which all Osteopathic treatments are based on at the clinic. Michael is instrumental in creating a team environment, at the clinic which is beneficial when it comes to complex case presentations. These cases are discussed within the team and this ensures the patient receives the optimal management.

As part of his passion for Osteopathic medicine he regularly attends courses that improve and add value to his personal and clinical scope of practice.


 
Stephen Byerley at Mersea Road Clinic

Stephen Byerley

Head of Business and Development

Stephen joined Mersea Road Clinic in 2021 to head up the business, and take it to the next level in its progression. The majority of his career has been in management, private security and the health industry, including training the military and working with local government.

Stephen understands the field of wellbeing as he was once a personal trainer and is often schooled further in anatomy and physiology by the clinic principal Michael Clarke. The pair have worked together for some time and often exchange teaching points to drive their knowledge further.

Stephens field of education in addition to physical fitness, is in Humanistic Psychology and for over 10 years now he has been studying and holds various qualifications in areas such as Body Language and facial expression studies, domestic abuse and violence awareness and child safe guarding. Stephen is also a mental health first aider and an active listening therapist.

Stephen has vast experience in managing business and personnel within small and medium companies. Stephen is extremely disciplined and dedicated in his nature but does carry a slightly dry sense of humour.

In his spare time Stephen coaches mixed martial arts, likes a good documentary and can often be found in a coffee shop.


 
Richard Foster at Mersea Road Clinic

Richard Foster

Senior Osteopath

Richard has always had a keen interest in science and understanding how the body works. His first degree was in Forensic Science, and following that, he worked in the Health and Safety field.

Realising he wanted a more people centred job where he could help people, he studied for 4 years at The British School of Osteopathy and achieved his Masters.

Richard treats a wide variety of complaints ranging from back and neck pain, headaches to general aches and pains due to posture, occupation or ageing. He also uses medical acupuncture which can be effective for muscular issues


 
Keith Ashdown at Mersea Road Clinic

Keith Ashdown

Senior Osteopath

Keith is a qualified sports Masseur and Osteopath, obtaining his Master of Osteopathy degree from the British School of Osteopathy.

He has been a member of the Mersea Road Clinic team since 2014 and has worked extensively with numerous high level youth athletes and local sports clubs to help them with their flexibility and conditioning.

In his limited spare time his activities include all racket sports, gym, and juggling the activities of his three children.


 
Greg Curylo at Mersea Road Clinic

Greg Curylo

Osteopath

Greg is a GOsC registered Osteopath, graduated from the College of Osteopaths. Apart from osteopathy, Greg is qualified in Sports Massage Therapy, Fascial Manipulation, Bowen Technique, kinesiotaping and Dry Needling. He worked extensively with athletes from a variety of sports, including running, boxing, football, dancing, swimming, ice hockey, and body-building, also Greg has treated patients with acute and chronic pain, loss of movement associated with postural strain and sedentary office professions.

Greg lives a very active lifestyle and really enjoys a dip in the sea where he has a passion for open water swimming. He loves a challenge and has undertaken various CPD courses beyond his degree. Greg is always revising the latest forms of treatment and how he can better understand techniques and treat his patients.


 
Katherine Thurston at Mersea Road Clinic

Katherine Thurston

Osteopath

Katherine graduated with a Master’s degree from the College of Osteopaths in London. During her five and a half years at university she gained qualifications in massage therapy and learnt a wide range of osteopathic techniques, both structurally and cranially.

Katherine Thurston is an osteopath who specialises in the treatment of babies and children, after graduating as an Osteopath, Katherine went on to continue her training with the Osteopathic centre for children where she found her passion for treating the little ones.

Before studying osteopathy, Katherine was a military musician serving with The Royal Marines Band Service for 13 years. With them she was lucky enough to travel the world, captain the field hockey team and perform regularly for members of the Royal family.

Katherine lives with her Husband and two young boys who regularly enjoy paddle boarding, sailing and exploring the countryside.


 
Juliette Dimouchy at Mersea Road Clinic

Juliette Dimouchy

Osteopath

Juliette graduated with a Masters of Osteopathy from the European School of Osteopathy in July 2022. She started her studies in France for 3 years before transferring to the European School of Osteopathy.

In the course of her 3 years in France, Juliette had the opportunity to learn a different approach to Cranial and Visceral Osteopathy.
Her last 2 years of studying in the UK consisted in more than 1000 hours of hands-on clinic where a variety of patients were treated. Juliette participated in children and pregnancy specialisation during this clinic time too.

Aside from her studies, Juliette worked as a care worker for learning disabilities’ patients. This allowed her to get more hands-on experience and learn other treatment and patient management approaches. This also gave her knowledge in learning disabilities which permits her to treat the greatest range of patients possible.


 
Emily Wright at Mersea Road Clinic

Emily Wright

Osteopath

Emily holds a BSc in human biology from Loughborough University and a first class BOst degree in Osteopathy from the college of Osteopaths in London. Emily is also a qualified sports masseur and dry-needling practitioner.

Outside the clinic room Emily has 20 years of Yoga practice under her belt, she is a 5k runner and has recently been enjoying the invigorating effects of cold water swimming. She lives in Hadleigh in Suffolk and is parent to a son, daughter and a dachshund.

Emily is a practitioner intrigued by the intricacies of the human body. Her treatments are underpinned by the Osteopathic principles to provide excellent care and service for patients.


 
Joe Hijazi at Mersea Road Clinic

Joe Hijazi

Senior Physiotherapist

Joe holds both a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and exercise science. He has practiced in both NHS and private sector settings and has particular experience in Trauma and Elective orthopaedic physiotherapy as well as musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Joe has a keen interest in resistance and cardiovascular training and enjoys using this knowledge to tailor specific rehabilitation exercise programmes for his patients.

Joe has recently become a father and enjoys spending time with his family. In his spare time, he can be found sailing his boat or playing golf.


 
Mamta at Mersea Road Clinic

Mamta

Physiotherapist

Having achieved a Bachelor of physiotherapy (Bpt), Masters in sports physiotherapy (MPT) and sports and exercise sciences (Msc), I decided to put my training and knowledge to good use, I enjoy treating people and making a difference to their wellbeing.

My areas of expertise are in Manual Therapy - Mobilisation, Myofascial release , Muscle energy techniques, general body exercise.
Sports Injuries, Strengthening exercises , Athletic Rehabilitation, resistance Bands exercises, Cupping therapy , Sports Taping, sports massages, Stretching- Active and passive stretching,


I am multi lingual and can speak English, Hindi, Haryanvi and Punjabi.

I had participated as a sports physiotherapist in many national & international tournaments, India camps and international championships like- = ASBC Asian junior Boxing Championship Fujairah, UAE. = 13th South Asian Games, Kathmandu & Pokhara, NEPAL. = 3rd Junior Nation’s Cup Vrbas, Serbia (Europe).

I now want to focus on treating and relieving people from injuries, pain and discomfort. Through the use of physical therapy.


 
Ellie Cumner at Mersea Road Clinic

Ellie Cumner

MSK rehabilitation

Ellie has a passion for staying fit and healthy, which led Ellie to pursue a career in supporting others to achieve their goals. Having worked in gyms, schools and outside coaching Ellie has gained a lot of experience in her field of health and fitness. Having achieved a Btec in Sports science and then went on to a complete a degree in health and fitness. Ellie is also a UKA athletics coach.

Ellie's skills are concentrated on improving fitness and overcoming physical injuries and obstacles through physical rehabilitation.

In Ellie's limited spare time she love's to spend it with her beautiful 3 children and dog Rolo. Ellie's hobbies also include running for the Harriers athletic club, and competing in track, road and cross country races.


 
Victoria Fisher at Mersea Road Clinic

Victoria Fisher

Reflexology Therapist

Victoria has been working as a Reflexologist since 2017, running her own mobile business in the Colchester area. Victoria is Registered with the Association of Reflexologists and holds various qualifications within her field not only as a practitioner but also as an instructor.

With a zest for learning, she always has her head in a book studying or is learning a new course as continual professional development is something really important to her.

Victoria treats adults, children and even babies in reflexology, Victoria also is trained in pregnancy and due date reflexology.

Victoria has a serious passion for her patients and gets incredibly enthusiastic when her patients express their treatment results.

Victoria enjoys a holistic approach and uses a wide range of complimentary therapies to support her own wellbeing, including reflexology, reiki and meditation.

Victoria’s passion was what led her to invest in charity work as a Reflexologist at St Helena Hospice for three years, where she gained valuable experience supporting and devoting care for people with end-of-life illnesses.

Victoria is happiest when by the sea and spends a lot of time in Mersea with her family including Winston her beloved Bulldog.


 
Steven Rudland at Mersea Road Clinic

Steven Rudland

Senior Massage Therapist

Steven has been a qualified Masseur and part of the Mersea Road Clinic team for over 15 years.
In this time, Steven has developed many new and progressive techniques to continue his outstanding treatment service. Working very closely with our principal osteopath, Stevens treatments which include Soft, deep tissue and Indian head massages as well as articulation movements are all part of his skill set which Steven is always increasing.
In Stevens free time, he is often seen attending to our vegetable patch and planting flowers in our clinic garden. Either that or taking his camping van for a drive into nature.
Steven is very much a big believer in the importance of healthy, seasonal varied diet.


 
Leia Smith at Mersea Road Clinic

Leia Smith

Reiki Practitioner

Since 2020, I have been learning and practicing holistic healing techniques such as Reiki and intentional breath work. In a world full of many distractions and stressors, knowing how to maintain a regulated bodily state is crucial in maximising your health and well-being. This is something I continue working on every day.


 
Aimee Cooper at Mersea Road Clinic

Aimee Cooper

Reception Manager

Aimee has lived in the UK having spent the majority of her childhood growing up in South Africa.

Since living in the UK Aimee has worked in many public facing positions including working for the prestigious BMW as front house senior operative.

Aimee now resides locally with 3 lovely children and a Beagle named Bailey. With a passion for photography, Aimee spends her rare free time trying to find the perfect sunset or ocean storm. Our newest member of the reception team aims to capture your attention and provide you with a first-class service.


 
Sam Bateman at Mersea Road Clinic

Sam Bateman

Facilities officer and Reception

Sam joined the clinic in 2003 as a Receptionist and was promoted in 2006 to Practice Manager.

After leaving school Sam joined a local firm of Solicitors where she was an Office Junior and after 18 months was promoted to Secretary for a Legal Executive in the Claims Department.

After leaving the Solicitors Sam worked at an Insurance Company where she started in the typing pool of the Private Car Claims Department. She was then promoted to Assistant Secretary to the Manager of a Reinsurance Department based in Colchester.

Away from work Sam’s interests include swimming, reading and walking her Boxer dog Casper. Sam’s office door is always open for anyone who needs a chat.


 
Katie Brookes at Mersea Road Clinic

Katie Brookes

Receptionist

Katie Joined our team in 2023, Katie is a proud mother of 3 little girls who she loves to go out on adventures with. Katie and her daughters enjoy the pleasures of paddle boarding, cycling and adventure walks. Katie is currently studying accountancy and loves a nice cuppa with a biscuit to dunk.


 
Megan Dent at Mersea Road Clinic

Megan Dent

Receptionist

Megan joined the Mersea Road Clinic team in 2024 as part of our administrative reception team. Megan is Colchester born and Bred and is currently studying Art History at Essex University. In Megan's spare time she enjoys watching football, cooking and painting. Megan is an aspiring museum creator and has a passion for all that is creative.