Our friendly team is here to take care of you and your family. You will find our clinic in Adamstown comfortable and welcoming for children and adults alike.
Podiatrists specialise in the foot and lower limb; they are like a doctor but entirely for feet. Using a range of equipment and innovative techniques they can diagnose and treat your feet and lower limb.
The team at The Hunter Foot Clinic are always happy to answer your questions and help you where we can. Our podiatrists are highly qualified and experienced in all facets of podiatry and will ensure to do what they can to take care of you.
ANTONI FELLAS - Business Owner & Principal PODIATRIST
PHD., B.HEALTH SCI (HONS)., B.POD.
Antoni completed his Bachelor of Podiatry from the University of Newcastle in 2014 and graduated with an Honors Degree in Health Sciences in 2015. Antoni undertook a Doctor of Philosophy Degree and was awarded his PhD (Podiatry) in 2021. As part of his PhD, Antoni conducted a clinical trial at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals at Randwick and Westmead and the John Hunter Children’s Hospital. His study focused on exploring the effect of customised prefabricated orthoses to improve foot and ankle symptoms in children and adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
Antoni joined The Hunter Foot Clinic in 2020 and has recently purchased the business off long time owner and friend Helen Tayler. Antoni enjoys practicing all aspects of Podiatry but has particular interests in biomechanics, sports and in paediatric and adult rheumatic conditions. Antoni believes in using a combination of evidence-based and holistic interventions to help treat lower limb problems.
Antoni is currently employed as a Lecturer at the University of Newcastle for the Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine degree.
Cheryl Salisbury - Senior PODIATRIST
B.POD., M.PODA.
Cheryl joined The Hunter Foot Clinic in March 2022. Cheryl was born and raised in Newcastle and has spent 17 years on the world stage as the captain of Matildas soccer team. Cheryl studied at the University of Newcastle and has a broad interest in podiatry but is particularly passionate about providing treatment to prevent foot complications in older patients and those with chronic disease. Cheryl likes making relationships with her regular clients and enjoys teaching them about their foot health and seeing positive changes to their foot health over time.
Cheryl has also found an interest in a variety of wart treatments which she will tailor for her patient and their presentation. Cheryl also has great success treating stubborn in-grown nails.
Cheryl is also interested in sports podiatry and biomechanics. Cheryl is passionate in treating and rehabilitating all types of foot pain and works with her patient’s needs, whether they are elderly with sore feet during their morning walks or young elite athletes.
Outside of Podiatry Cheryl enjoys being at the beach, surfing, spending time with her son and also doing things within her local community here in Newcastle.
Catherine O’Dowd - Senior Podiatrist
B.POD
Catherine has enjoyed working in Newcastle and its surrounding areas as a Podiatrist since graduating from the University of Newcastle in 2015.
Catherine joined the team here early in 2022 and has proven herself to be a great fit with our loyal patients.
Catherine has a broad knowledge of Podiatry and conditions that affect the lower limbs. She has particular interest in empowering people with diabetes to take control of their diabetic
foot health by providing education, ongoing assessments and quality diabetic foot care.
Catherine enjoys assisting all age groups and aims to provide treatment plans that compliment her patient’s lifestyle and goals.
When Catherine is not working as a Podiatrist she loves to bake and spend as much time as possible with her two young children and her husband
Pui Yee Li, Rita - Podiatrist
B.POD., MAPodA.
Rita graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2021 with a Bachelor of Podiatry (Distinction) and was the College recipient of the Academic Excellence Scholarship in 2020 and 2021. Rita was also awarded the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Medal for Podiatry (2021). Rita had been working on the Central Coast before relocating to Newcastle in 2024.
Rita is interested in all aspects of podiatry, particularly dermatology, including fungal toenail infections, athlete’s foot, corns and warts.
Rita is also interested in diabetic foot care and assessments, sports, and musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Rita strongly believes that functional and pain-free lower limbs are important for a person’s mobility and quality of life, especially calf muscles are known as the second heart of the body. Rita is dedicated to providing thorough assessments of patients, diagnosing and managing foot pathology, and providing personalized treatment plans to the patients.
Outside of work, Rita likes reading and attending workshops and seminars to keep up-to-date with the knowledge. Rita can speak English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Peri Crawford - Podiatrist
B.POD., B.Creative Industries
Peri graduated with a Bachelor of Podiatry from the University of Newcastle in 2024. Before entering the podiatry profession, she completed a Bachelor in Creative Industries at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, which led to opportunities such as assistant producing in New York and working as an agent for a nationwide modelling agency.
Her career shift to podiatry was inspired during the pandemic, when she discovered a genuine passion for the medical field and allied health. With a long-standing background in sports and dance—including performances at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Olympic Stadium, as well as years of training in Muay Thai, soccer, tennis, water polo and swimming—Peri has always been drawn to helping people stay active, confident and well.
Peri has a particular passion for dermatological-focused podiatry care. She enjoys treating and educating patients on fungal infections of the skin and nails, caring for painful ingrown toenails using conservative methods and restoring severely thickened or elongated nails to improve comfort and function. She finds it especially rewarding to help people reduce pain through a holistic, compassionate and patient-centred approach.
Originally from a small town near Byron Bay, Peri has been settling into Newcastle over the past few years and is enjoying becoming part of the community. Outside of work, she loves focusing on health and well-being through the gym, tennis, long walks, podcasts and learning French.
Yolanda Armstrong - Podiatrist
B.POD., B.Arts
Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Podiatry from the University of Newcastle in 2025. Born and raised in Sydney, she previously completed a Bachelor of Arts (Acting for Screen and Stage) at Charles Sturt University before working in healthcare administration and practice management, where she developed a strong foundation in patient-centred healthcare.
Yolanda has a keen interest in diabetic foot management, paediatric and geriatric podiatric care, and is passionate about helping patients maintain comfort, mobility and independence at every stage of life. In 2026, she will undertake a Master of Philosophy (Podiatry) with a research focus on juvenile arthritis, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development.
Outside of work and life with her three children, Yolanda enjoys time with family and friends, creative and performing arts, reading, and keeping active at the gym.
Acknowledgement
helen tayler - Previous business owner & retired PODIATRIST
MBA., B.POD., M.PODA
The Hunter Foot Clinic would like to acknowledge and thank previous business owner and founder; Helen Tayler.
Helen was passionate in delivering quality and ethical podiatric care for all her patients.
Her staff and patients will always remember Helen for her compassion and kindness.
Helen is now embracing retirement and enjoying spending quality time with her family including her two adorable grandsons.
Thank you Helen!