The Core Clapton team is a group of highly motivated individuals who all care deeply about improving the health and wellbeing of the local community, regardless of anyone’s financial situation.
Christina has been in practice since 2002. Originally from Germany, she trained at the British School of osteopathy in London. Her specialisms include paediatric osteopathy and Women’s health, using both traditional structural manipulation as well as a deep emphasis on cranial osteopathy.
A vision for a pain-free world | It was whilst lecturing at the University College of Osteopathy and working as the principal Osteopath for Goldman Sachs that I decided to set up Core Clapton with the backing of Bobby Vedral, then one of my patients and a Goldman Sachs Partner. He shared my belief that Osteopathy was not just for the wealthy. So began our mission to make Osteopathy accessible to all, and our vision of building healthy, active communities, free from pain. Our dedicated team is advancing Osteopathic healthcare by treating holistically and regularly holding seminars for healthcare practitioners and wellness professionals. I am proud that Core Clapton has evolved into a wellness centre, helping nurture a community that is becoming free from pain.
Following a career in the city, Dominic obtained a masters from University College of Osteopathy. Dominic’s mission has been to help his patients understand how their bodies work and what they can do to recover from new or persistent injuries, focusing on reducing pain whilst increasing movement and flexibility. Dominic has a keen interest in endurance sports running marathons and ultra-marathons, or as he terms them ‘elective pain sports’. Dominic continues to develop his knowledge base within both pain and sport psychology, movement rehabilitation and working with people in long term pain.
Anya trained at the University College of Osteopathy (formally the BSO). She has worked extensively with patients with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
She believes in a patient-centred approach and recognises the importance of treating the whole person to have the best impact on their health and strives to instigate longer lasting healthy habit changes, promoting confidence and independence.
Anya is also an equine and canine osteopath, and offers sports and deep tissue massage at Core.
Availability: Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-6pm.
Christina has been in practice since 2002. Originally from Germany, she trained at the British School of osteopathy in London. Her specialisms include paediatric osteopathy and Women’s health, using both traditional structural manipulation as well as a deep emphasis on cranial osteopathy.
Ewen gained a strong interest in all matters regarding therapy after competing internationally in cycling from a young age. He learned the importance of physical maintenance and wellbeing in staying on top of your goals, and carried this philosophy into his practice.
Ewen has a great interest and understanding in sports & occupational injury assessment, treatment, prehabilitation, rehabilitation, and all steps in between.
Ewen aims to empower his patients towards a better path of health with a combination of correct education and osteopathic techniques such as massage and joint mobilisation to treat your pain. Once you are pain free, Ewen continues by setting an achievable and progressive rehabilitation programme in order to get you back on your feet stronger & more empowered than you ever were before.
As an Osteopath she uses a gentle approach, utilising a range of techniques to meet the needs of each individual patient, through traditional structural techniques, exercise and lifestyle advice, as well as a strong emphasis on cranial osteopathy. Johanna works with a variety of patients, supporting them through chronic pain conditions, pregnancy, old age, injuries, and general aches and pains.
She believes that Osteopathy is for everyone and can be used as a powerful tool to help restore the body’s natural self-healing mechanism, and to support the individual’s journey towards health and empowerment.
Availability: Monday 11:00am - 8:00pm, Thursday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Josh is experienced in helping people undergoing acute and chronic pain, as well as alleviating general aches and pains. Communicating in a professional and competent manner, Josh will listen to your whole story and will work with you to find a treatment plan that best suits your lifestyle. He likes to use a combination of gentle, calming techniques, stronger manipulations, and massage. With an active lifestyle and previous experience as a yoga teacher, Josh has a good understanding of the value of sports and exercise and can find you the right tools to achieve your goals, whatever your fitness level.
Availability: Tuesday 14:00-20:00, Friday 9:00-18:00
Nadia holds a Master’s Degree in Osteopathy and a Diploma in Naturopathy from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) and is registered with the General Osteopathic Council. She approaches health with a holistic mindset, recognizing that well-being may require addressing physical, mental, and social aspects of each patient’s life. In her osteopathic practice, Nadia offers a gentle approach that incorporates joint mobilisation, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and visceral techniques. She also integrates exercise, nutritional, and lifestyle guidance into her treatment plans.
Whether addressing chronic pain, acute injuries, or overall well-being, Nadia's goal is to help each person achieve and maintain their best possible health through a comprehensive and individualized approach. She firmly believes in empowering her patients to take an active role in their healing journeys while providing compassionate support every step of the way.
Ruby qualified from the University College of Osteopathy with a Masters, focusing her work on the role of non-verbal bodily communication and empathy on patient outcomes. She has completed further postgraduate training achieving an award with the foundation for paediatric osteopathy. Alongside her clinical practice Ruby manages the community outreach for the charity, connecting and providing free health talks to local groups in Hackney.
Availability: Monday 2:00pm - 8:00pm, Tuesday 9:00am - 6:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am - 1:00 pm and Thursday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Susanne’s deep interest in health and wellbeing, together with a desire to work with people in a more meaningful way, led her to osteopathy as a second career.
With a genuine interest in people, Susanne takes time to understand you, your unique history, as well as your presenting symptoms. This helps her to provide tailored treatment and advice, according to your personal goals and needs.
She uses a variety of techniques, including joint articulation and mobilisation, soft-tissue work, lifestyle and rehabilitation advice. With expert care and an understanding of the underlying causes of tension within the body, she aims to provide a treatment to unwind tension, reduce pain and promote a positive change towards health.
She graduated from the University of Osteopathy with Distinction and is currently studying for a post-graduate diploma in Classical Osteopathy. Classical Osteopathy is a principles-based approach to health, looking at the body as a whole and utilising the self-healing nature of the body. Susanne is gaining a deeper understanding of the interrelation between all body systems and how osteopathy can promote long-term health.
She is a passionate skier, enjoys yoga and keeps fit by running, swimming and cycling.
Availability: Tuesday 14:00am - 7:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Chaeli found pilates 14 years ago while treating a back condition and has now been teaching for 9 years.
Cristina started to teach yoga to help others to improve their health and balance, helping them discover true inner peace and their healthiest selves. She is also a student and practitioner of holistic therapies, crystals and sound healing. Recently, she started to work with children, through imaginative, engaging and joyful sessions, introducing the unlimited benefits of Yoga to the young souls.
Elisa is a fully qualified Mat Pilates Instructor with an accredited L2 & L3 Diploma. Her movement experiences are rooted in Dance & Movement practices. The following quote from Joseph Pilates describes for her the importance of movement: "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”
Her Dynamic Pilates class includes a gentle warm up and progresses into more intense exercises. Each class will end with some stretching to improve flexibility.
Tuesdays at 6:30pm
Francesca has always taken part in sport or dance since she was a child in her native Italy; from ballet to volleyball. When she came to London, in the early '90s, she continued going to gyms for weight training and there discovered Yoga and Pilates. Initially, she was really drawn to yoga, which she had been practicing for over 25 years. Then, Francesca's first child was born. Her terrible sciatica which left me on crutches for a month. Her Acupuncturist suggested Pilates, the pain went away and she got back to who she was! Francesca then started to really get into Pilates, to the point of training to be an instructor, and here she is!
Availability: Monday 19:45 - 20:45
Gio has always been connected to well-being, she was influenced by her grandmother who was a homeopath, yoga practitioner, and reiki healer. Gio has a background in psychology and counselling and has been practicing yoga since her first trip to Udaipur, India in 2008. She began her yoga teacher training in Neuroepigenetic yoga in 2021. She has deepened her study and practice of Yoga in different fields such as trauma-induced yoga and yoga for PTSD. Gio is also passionate about Kundalini Yoga and has 100 hours of training.
Gio believes in the connection between the mind and the body. In her classes, all levels are welcome. She offers a traditional Hatha yoga practice, stretches, deep breath flows, and movement to release unwanted energies in our bodies and deep relaxation. Gio also works with the chakra system and meridians of the body.
Hygerta Shehu is a 26 year old Pilates instructor from Albania, currently based in Old Street, London, where she has lived for the past 10 years. With over 5 years of experience practising Pilates and more than a year of teaching. Alongside her work in fitness, she is pursuing a degree in digital marketing, currently in her second year of university.
Madlyn is an experienced yoga teacher who loves to make classes inclusive and fun and to help people to feel more mobile, mindful, and relaxed. She is qualified in Hatha and Perinatal yoga and loves to teach a restorative and compassionate flow. She is also a massage therapist and offers hands-on assists and massage in class.
Monica adopts a holistic and intuitive approach to addressing health imbalances in her patients. She is a traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturist, supporting clients with mental health challenges, stress-related issues, and acute and chronic pain, as well as assisting women in their reproductive health. Her background in massage therapy and yoga has further enriched her understanding of pain related to musculoskeletal ailments. In treatment, she might incorporate acupuncture and other healing modalities such as cupping, moxa, and electric acupuncture. Monica holds a BSc (Hons) in TCM acupuncture and is a member of the Acupuncture Society.
Annette is passionate about seeing the person as one moving piece, incorporating the body, mind and spirit and believes that when these things are in balance, we’re giving ourselves the very best opportunity at living a good, healthy and pain free life. Areas of interest include mental health support, stress management, musculoskeletal problems, pain management, migraine, digestive issues and supporting peri/menopausal symptoms.
Annette is a Traditional Chinese Medicine trained acupuncturist and a registered member of the BAcC (British Acupuncture Council), members of which are trained and work to the highest possible standard.
Annette remains in awe at how gentle yet effective acupuncture treatments can be ever since her first experience receiving treatment. She studied at the esteemed City College of Acupuncture, gaining her Licentiate in Acupuncture. Here her focus was on anatomy, traditional Chinese medicine, conventional medicine and bringing the body back to a place of balance through acupuncture, diet and lifestyle.
Carmen was the Founder and Manager Director of The Therapies Garden Ltd working in partnership with Children’s Centres, Schools, Early Intervention, Community Psychology Services, CAMHS, Community Midwives and Health professionals.
Carmen runs a range of workshops and projects in Yoga, Pilates and Meditation for children with special needs, babies and through the journey of pregnancy and labour.
She offers baby massage, one to one massage for babies with complex needs and Reflexology and Metamorphic massage for children with Autism and behavioural problems.
Availability: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Sat
Emilio specialises in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs. He has worked for the Therapies' Garden for seven years, running his own projects including acupuncture and Tui Na massage for families. Emilio is a member of the Acupuncture Society and holds a BSc (Hons) in TCM Acupuncture.
Aside from this, he holds a Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine and one in Tui Na Massage. His areas of expertise include ear acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping.During a full consultation, Emilio will listen to all your health concerns, taking full details of your health history. He will carry out a simple tongue and pulse examination to make a full Chinese Medicine diagnosis.
Availability: As per appointment
Gul Ipek is a fully qualified Naturopath and Acupuncturist, holding a diploma from The College of Naturopathic Medicine in London, and is a member of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ATCM).
Born in Istanbul, she developed an interest in acupuncture and naturopathy from a young age. While recognising the importance of medication and the medical profession, she focuses equally on preventing illness and relieving discomfort associated with various conditions.
Gul Ipek specialises in women's health, gynaecological, fertility and menopause issues; emotional & mental health rebalancing: including stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia; Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and pain management for migraines, and musculoskeletal conditions.
Being “truly well” is very different to “not being ill”. Life’s stresses can interrupt our natural energy flow and disrupt our well-being. She works with her clients to ensure their energy is in balance.
Passionate about improving the health and well-being of others through nutrition and complementary medicine, she is noted for her calmness, patience, and warm spirit. A long-term Hackney resident, she values extended relationships with clients and finds immense satisfaction in witnessing improvements in their quality of life
Julia Jones joined as a trustee to Core Clapton in November 2020. Having been raised in Clapton with her Caribbean heritage. So, it is humbling for her to give back to this same community that raised her, in a trustee capacity at CORE. Julia's Doctorate in Regenerative Medicine - Skeletal Muscle from University College London and current work as a software developer in the division of the global market at a global investment bank in the city of London provide her with transferable skills and knowledge to help shape the future of CORE.
Julia also has her own positive change social enterprise, as a not-for-profit structure supporting diversity, equity and inclusion and is committed to making a lasting and impactful difference here at Core, to ensure that all are welcomed and valued.
My name is Michelle Gallacher and I work as a Corporate HR Business Partner. I am deeply committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace environment. With a passion for people, I strive to create a culture where colleagues feel valued, respected, and secure in their relationships with the employer and each other. I am dedicated to building strong, collaborative teams, enhancing employee engagement and creating a working environment where people thrive. I believe we can achieve more together! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, horse riding, ice hockey and I am a bit of a foodie at heart. Dream jobs - HR, Showjumper, Food Critic.
Peter has been a trustee since February 2020. Born and raised in Newham, East London, Peter is an IT Director for a large international bank in Canary Wharf and has held a number of senior management positions across similar blue chip companies. Passionate about driving positive change, Peter focuses on providing innovative IT solutions to meet the needs of the business, optimizing organizational processes and driving a culture of continuous improvement.
Through personal experiences, Peter understands how deliberating musculoskeletal injuries can be and the benefits that osteopathy and wellness can provide, and feels strongly that it should be accessible to all.
Having worked for over 20 years in Financial Services, Shruthi brings her experience with Governance and other Board roles to Core Clapton to help shape the vision that the Chair has for this organisation. Leading a pain free life is a basic human right, and one that no one should be deprived off irrespective of their circumstances. The ethos of CORE is highly inspiring and resonates with Shruthi personally, being a user of Osteopathy herself for many years.
Tessa is a chartered accountant with over 15 years of experience in financial services, across audit, private equity and investment banking.
As a qualified pilates instructor and ex ballet dancer, she is fully convinced of the extensive merits of holistic, hands-on healthcare treatments like osteopathy, and is pleased to bring her skills to an organisation that aims to offer this to everyone.
