Our Practice

Naomi Blood

Endorsed Podiatrist, B App Sci (Pod) Post Grad (Pod).

Naomi has been practicing as a podiatrist since 1989. Her early experience included positions at The Alfred Hospital, Caulfield General Medical Centre and Maroondah Hospital. This was great experience in the high risk foot and involved primarily dealings with people with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and arthritic conditions.

She worked for 4 years at La Trobe University as an Associate lecturer, teaching and supervising final year clinics.

She has been the owner and director of Toorak Village podiatry since 1997 and has grown the practice to what it is today.

Naomi is continually expanding her knowledge base to keep up with current, evidence based practice. Naomi is able to prescribe specific scheduled medicines which includes antibiotics and cortisone for injection. She has a strong interest in musculoskeletal injuries, dermatology and children.

Naomi has been playing netball for over 40 years and also has coached junior teams. She and her family actively enjoy netball, tennis, surfing and hiking.

Special Podiatric Interests:

• Sports podiatry for all abilities and ages with a special interest in netball, basketball and hiking.
• Cortisone Injections for plantar fasciitis and Neuromas.
• Dermatology including ingrown toenails and wound management 

Emma Noxon

Endorsed Podiatrist, Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Pod)

Emma Noxon Graduated in 1996 with a BSc(hons) Podiatry,  First Class, Queen Margaret College Edinburgh. She also achieved a Certificate in Sports Podiatry Manchester Metropolitan University in 1998. Emma has completed a course in dry needling for soft tissue disorders. Emma recently completed her studies and application for Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines and was successful in her application - she is now able to prescribe specific scheduled medicines.

Emma's early experience included work in Charing Cross Hospital and Hammersmith Hospital in London as well as in a variety of Community Centres, GP practices  and domiciliary caseloads. She has since worked in Australia in Sydney North Shore Hospital and  Balmain Hospital, as well as in retirement and nursing  homes in Sydney and Melbourne.

Emma has a broad range of experience in the High Risk Foot, manufacture of foot orthoses as well as in general practice involving cryotherapy for wart removal, orthoses prescription, use of laser for fungal nails and general care. She is very interested and active in continuing professional development with a strong interest in injection therapies.

Maureen Hayashida 

Bachelor of Podiatry

Maureen graduated as a podiatrist from the University of Barcelona, Spain in 2016. Since then, she has been working in both the public and private sector. She has been part of the Red Cross in Spain and also the Hospital de Bellvitge in the high-risk unit. 

In 2019, Maureen adventured to travel around Australia and continuing to develop her professional skills in another country. The last two years she undertook work in the regional area of Victoria (Gippsland) with the aim to offer podiatric services in more remote areas where resources are limited. Finally, she has joined our team in order to continue to grow personally and professionally, offering a thorough, personalised treatment and a wide spectrum of skills.

She loves hiking, gym and is a big fan of tennis and soccer.

Maureen is fluent in English, Spanish and Catalan.

John Charles

Bachelor of Science (Pod)

Level 2 IAAF Athletics Coach

John graduated as a podiatrist from the University of Southampton, England in 2009. He has a wide range of experience across public and private health settings in the UK and Australia.

John is passionate about running and shoe technology and has extensive knowledge of the latest footwear developments. 

John has completed in both the London and Melbourne Marathons, Ironman Australia Triathlon and is closely involved with a number of running groups in Melbourne. He is an active member of SEPA (Sports and Exercise Podiatry Australia) and is on the sub-committee that arranges professional development events for health professionals.

He uses a range of therapies including dry needling, foot mobilisation, massage and taping to help manage lower limb pain. He uses foot orthoses when required for improving foot function and altering load. His care also includes muscle testing and exercise therapies to build foot strength and prevent injury.

He uses his skills and knowledge as a Podiatrist to help you improve your lower limb health and achieve your running and physical health goals.

Special Podiatric Interests

• Running 
• Footwear Assessment
• Injury Management and Rehabilitation

Kellie Pidgeon

Bachelor of Podiatry

Kellie is delighted to join the team at Toorak Village Podiatry. She graduated in 1994 and has practiced in community health before heading to Singapore to join a multi discipline clinic as the first private podiatrist in the country. She values good foot health to help you to remain active and pain free. She has particular experience in diabetes and neurovascular assessments to prevent any potential foot complications. 

Kellie has a strong interest in travel and has combined this with a love of hiking. Her favourite was completing the Inca Trail to arrive at Machu Picchu in Peru. She'd love to chat about hiking with you!

Special Podiatric Interests:

• Diabetes and foot health education including full annual neurovascular assessment
• Children's podiatry through the various ages

Omar Baarini

B. Pod. M. Pod. FACPS 

Dr Baarini completed his general podiatry undergraduate degree in 2004 at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Followed by his Masters degree at the University of South Australia and then finally undertaking his surgical fellowship through the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons.

In his time training in foot and ankle surgery, Dr Baarini has spent extensive periods training in the United Kingdom and the United States. He has also undertaken various courses internationally including Germany, Hong Kong and Jakarta.

Dr Baarini has surgical privileges at three hospitals in Melbourne: Masada, Sir John Monash and Sunshine Hospital.

Dr Baarini aims to provide the least traumatic surgical approaches for his patients to achieve a swift recovery. This includes in-room minimal invasive procedures and also well planned extensive procedures in theatre. Dr Baarini prides himself as being professional, thorough and approachable.

Dr Baarini has a deep interest in helping provide surgical training and mentorship for colleagues. He is also passionate about helping others and performs surgical charity work in disadvantaged communities abroad.

Special Surgical Interests:

Bunion Surgery

Hammer Toe Correction

Neuroma Excision