Meet The Team

Jonathan Smith

Clinic Director and Principal Physiotherapist

Louise Parker

Physiotherapist

Ben Gallagher

Physiotherapist

Kate McGowan

Physiotherapist

Kate Searle

Paediatric Physiotherapist

Amy Cogdon

Sports and Massage Therapist

Zac Summers

Physiotherapist

Ellie Shaw

Physiotherapist

Sue Gullon

Practice Manager

Sarah Yates

Patient Services Manager

Candice Shillitoe

Receptionist

Louise Parker

(Grad Dip Physio, MCSP SRP) HCPC – PH32472
Physiotherapist

Louise qualified in 1984 at Prince of Wales School of physiotherapy and has gained over 30 years experience in the NHS and privately. This includes some highly respected hospitals including the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and the Royal United Hospital in Bath, as well as Frimley Park Hospital. Louise has always enjoyed learning new skills and after gaining general physiotherapy experience, undertook post graduate training to gain diplomas in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Orthopaedic Medicine. This has led to a special interest in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and in particular spinal problems

Outside work Louise has a love for the outdoors and is a keen Hill walker and mountain biker. She has competed successfully in mountain bike cross country races for over 20 years and continues to do so giving her an insight into the needs of the active individual especially as they get older!

Ben Gallagher

BSc, MCSP SRP HCPC – PH 58721
Physiotherapist

Ben graduated from the University of Southampton in 2000 with a BSc Honours degree in Physiotherapy.  Currently Ben works within both the military and private sector; he has also worked with national level American Football and Basketball teams. During his time in the NHS Ben was the Area Co-ordinator for the international ACTIVE trial: a study of the benefits of Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation/Implantation in the knee. Ben has a specialist interest in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, Cervicogenic headaches and facial palsys. Ben is registered with the Health Professions council, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, and the Acupuncture association of Chartered Physiotherapists. Ben is currently studying for a Master’s degree with the MACP

Kate McGowan

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy MCSP HCPC BSc (Hons) Sports Science HCPC – PH 72467. Physiotherapist

Kate is a Chartered Physiotherapist and Sport Scientist. She started as an NHS Physiotherapy Technician in 1998 before going on to graduate with a Physiotherapy degree in 2005 from Brunel University. Kate then worked at Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Trust and Surrey Primary Care Trust. Since leaving the NHS, Kate has worked in private clinics where she specialises in musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with everyone from teenagers to the elderly.

Kate is an approachable, friendly practitioner who builds a good rapport with her patients. She is registered with the Health Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Kate is an avid sports enthusiast with a keen interest in squash and hockey, having played both at an international level.

Kate Searle

(BSc Hons) HCPC – PH65647
Paediatric Physiotherapist

Kate is a Chartered Physiotherapist who has spent the majority of her almost 20 year career developing skills and expertise treating babies, children and young people with musculoskeletal problems.

Children with musculoskeletal conditions need a tailored approach. Kate is adept at formulating a treatment plan that aids recovery and facilitates a swift return to sports and activities. She works with the child / young person and their parent / guardian to understand the particular impact of the problem and to understand their motivation for recovery.

When not working at Thorpes she also works in the NHS, leading the Paediatric Physiotherapy Team at Frimley Park Hospital.

Outside of work she has two children of her own and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Amy Cogdon

(Bsc Hons Sport Therapy and Rehab)
Sports and Massage Therapist

Amy recently graduated from Buckinghamshire New University, obtaining a first-class BSc Honours Degree in Sports Therapy. Following this, Amy has worked in semi-professional football and elite futsal. Most recently, Amy experienced the intense level of elite sport when working in the UEFA Futsal Champions League. Amy has provided assessment, testing, and treatment of MSK injuries, including level 4 Sports Massage, to enable people back to optimal performance.

Amy has played at academy-level football, where she competed in elite settings until the age of 15. Due to her passion for sport, she still plays locally. Amy has also helped those close to her recover from life changing experiences. Consequently, Amy has an appreciation and passion to help people return to daily activities or performance, and to achieve their goals. Also giving her a great understanding of the importance of regular exercise on mental and physical well being.

Zac Summers, BSc (Hons)

Physiotherapist – HCPC – PH139366
Zac graduated from Chichester University in 2023 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy. Since then, he has gained valuable experience working at Frimley Park Hospital and more recently Heatherwood Hospital. Demonstrating rapid progression, Zac advanced to the role of a senior Orthopaedic & Outpatient Physiotherapist and will continue to work within the NHS alongside Thorpes Physiotherapy.

Zac is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for his patients and is known for his friendly and approachable manner, which helps put patients at ease throughout their treatment. Additionally, Zac is registered with the Health Professions Council & Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

As a keen sports enthusiast, Zac is also a qualified sports massage therapist. He played basketball at university and continues to enjoy playing rugby for Bracknell Rugby Club. Zac’s passion for physiotherapy is matched by his dedication to patient care, often bringing a touch of humour to sessions to create a positive and supportive environment.

Ellie Shaw - MSc, BSc (Hons)

Physiotherapist – HCPC147457

Ellie graduated at the University Winchester with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy. Since graduating, Ellie has worked at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, where she gained valuable experience across a variety of clinical settings.

Alongside her physiotherapy studies, Ellie also qualified as a Sports Massage Therapist, providing her with additional skills to support recovery, manage pain, and optimise physical performance.

Ellie is passionate about working collaboratively with her patients, she believes the best outcomes are achieved by working together to create personalised treatment plans. It is important to Ellie that her patients feel listened to, supported, and confident that they are making positive progress throughout their rehabilitation and towards the goals that matter most to them.

Outside of work, Ellie enjoys spending time outdoors and keeping active. Whether she is running, dog walking, hiking or spending time in the countryside with her horses. She values the physical and mental benefits that an active lifestyle brings. Her own passion for these activities helps her appreciate just how important it is for her patients to return to the hobbies, sport, and daily activities they love.

Sue Gullon

Practice Manager

Sue has worked in many customer facing roles, including 16 years in a local primary school. She has worked at Thorpes since 2018 and strives to ensure that the clinics run efficiently, whilst delivering excellent customer service.  In her spare time, Sue enjoys walking, cooking and spending time with her family and granddaughters.

Sarah Yates

Patient Services Manager

Sarah has previously worked in the I.T/Telecomms industry but more recently within the NHS in a customer service role.  Sarah is passionate about customer service and does all she can to ensure patients are made to feel relaxed and respected. Sarah likes to spend her spare time with family and friends, bike riding and walking her dog.

Candice Shillitoe

Receptionist

Candice comes from a background in health care and compliance, offering a strong foundation in professionalism and care. She is now excited to transition into a reception role. Outside of work Candice has two sons, one of which plays football and she enjoys cheering him on at his football games.