Meet the Team

Meet the Waikato team

Colin Storey - Clinical Director | Orthotist

Co-founder and Clinical Director Colin is responsible for overseeing our team of Orthotists. With 40 plus years of extensive experience, unrivalled depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills, he is on hand to consult with cases when required and strives to get to the bottom of any niggle, no matter how big or small. Although Colin's specialty is paediatrics, he enjoys assisting all people and encouraging natural mobility.

"Being a third-generation 'Storey' Orthotist, I get great satisfaction from helping my clients lead active lives through the aid of orthoses. Outside our rooms, you'll find me spending time with my family. We have two grown-up children and two grandkids who keep me young. I have a keen interest in NZ early history, vintage cars and vintage motoring. I own a 1936 MGSA Keller that I am restoring, so I can also be found happily tucked away in my garage". Warning - I come with a sense of humour!

Janeen Laimbeer - Administration

Co-founder Janeen is available to both staff and clients to ensure that all your requirements are met

"Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. The family part consists of my husband, two sons, their partners and four beautiful grandchildren (not that I am biased in any way). We have three classic cars and enjoy getting away from the various trips organised by the clubs we belong to".

Colin and Janeen split their time between the Waikato and Hawkes Bay clinics.

Orthotic House - Kerry Vickers - Orthotist

Kerry Vickers
Orthotist

I joined the team at Orthotic House as a part-time Orthotist in 2007. I am registered with the national body, NZOPA, and endeavour to attend any training and education opportunities that arise to keep my skills and knowledge current. My initial training was done at Waikato Hospital under the supervision of Colin’s father, Harold Storey.

On my return to Orthotics, it was pleasing to see a real progression in attitude and in the products available to our clients. I believe our team here at Orthotic House stay in touch with the latest ideas and are focused on providing knowledge and a service pertinent to our clients’ personal requirements.

I had a break from Orthotics and during that time my husband and I farmed 1600 acres in the King Country while raising a family of two daughters and two sons. On my days away from Orthotic House, I am a volunteer Ambulance Officer in Te Awamutu. My spare time is spent with family and friends enjoying the outdoors, playing soccer and fishing.

Orthotic House - Jan - Orthotist

Ine De Smedt
Orthotist

Upon completion of my degree, I embarked on my career as a self-employed physiotherapist during which time I developed an interest in treating patients’ with neurological conditions and working with patients requiring amputation rehabilitation. My fascination for prosthetic and orthotic devices lead me to decide to further my education and train further to become a Prosthetist / Orthotist.

During my training as a Prosthetist / Orthotist, I obtained an internship with NZALS in Hamilton and soon decided that New Zealand would become my home so taking a leap, I moved from Belgium to New Zealand permanently and started my position here at Orthotic House.

Passionate about delivering positive outcomes for my patients I strive to support them by enabling them to live life without limitations.

When away from work I have an active lifestyle, playing Rugby for Melville, at the gym, snowboarding in the winter or exploring this beautiful country. I love most sports which keep the conversations interesting during consultations.

Orthotic House - Jan - Orthotist

Sean Tickner
Orthotist

I completed my studies in orthotics and prosthetics at the Department of Sport, Rehabilitation and Dental Sciences at the Pretoria Technikon, South Africa and qualified in 2003. Completing my internship at an accredited centre in Durban, I continued working in this field for six years before moving to Cape Town to further my career. I recently moved to New Zealand, and joined Orthotic House and am happily part of the Orthotic House family.

A keen sportsman, I have completed several ultra-distance trails running races as well as the 2013 edition of the multi-stage mountain bike race, The Cape Epic. These personal experiences and understanding of what the body goes through during high-intensity sports have fueled a keen interest in custom manufactured foot orthotics to assist with post-injury rehabilitation with a specific interest in the running and cycling fraternity. I aim to help every patient to the best of my ability.

I also love the ocean and enjoy surfing whenever possible, if you don't find me in practice, I'm probably out running or riding on the mountains or catching a wave.

Front of Clinic Team
Administration | ACC Liaison

Serving as the first point of contact for our patients, Carmel and Rachel are the glue that holds the administrative side of our clinic together. They will handle all your DHB or ACC paperwork requirements and take care of all your forward bookings. If you have any queries, these are the ladies to ask.

Carmel Miller

Having recently joined the team at Orthotic House Hamilton, I am loving the challenge of learning about how orthotics can improve the quality and enjoyment of our patient's mobility. I have a long history of administration experience in a variety of sectors, including education and hospitality, and I look forward to meeting existing and new patients of Orthotic House.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing squash and tennis, watching, and cheering on any sport that involves a New Zealand team. I love to spend time in the garden, watching movies and socialising with my family and friends. My three children and husband keep me busy as well!

Rachel Rickard-Wihapi

Kia ora,
While I am new to the Orthotic House whanau but am not new to the medical health sector, I bring with me ten plus years of reception & administration experience from working within the health sector. My qualifications include Level 3 – 4 business administration, Level 3 – 4 business, reception and administration and Level 2 in computing.
Originally from Kawerau and Opotiki the Bay of Plenty, I am now settled in the Waikato with my husband and four children, we are an active family and enjoy the outdoors. I play many sports, including netball, touch rugby and biking.
When not busy outdoors, I love spending time with whanau and close friends, listening to music, watching movies, eating kaimoana, hangi and trying new types of ethnic food cuisines.
Orthotics is a new area for me, and I am learning new things every day while enjoying the challenges it brings. I am enjoying being part of the Orthotic House whanau team.