Meet the Team
Gillian Brown, Osteopath, and Clinic Director heads up a multi-disciplinary team specialising in spinal care, sports injuries, and orthotics.
Gillian Brown
Clinic Director & Spinal Clinical Lead
Gillian Brown graduated from the College of Osteopaths in 2008 and has over 20 years' clinical experience assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.
Over the past 10 years, she has developed a specialist interest in complex spinal conditions, particularly persistent disc injuries, spinal stenosis and chronic neck and back pain. She has completed specialist training in IDD Therapy, spinal MRI interpretation, TECAR Therapy and Shockwave Therapy, helping hundreds of patients find effective, non-surgical solutions for unresolved spinal problems.
As Clinic Director of Harpenden Sports & Spinal, Gillian leads the clinic's spinal assessment service and is committed to maintaining high clinical standards through the ongoing development of the team and investment in evidence-informed treatments and technology.
Away from the clinic, Gillian has been involved in competitive tennis throughout her life, studying Sports Science in the United States on a tennis scholarship before continuing to represent Great Britain in Masters tennis.
"I'm passionate about helping people regain confidence in their bodies. Living with persistent back or neck pain can be incredibly frustrating, and my goal is to provide clear answers, practical advice and evidence-informed treatment to help people return to the life they enjoy."
Joel Lawler
Registered Osteopath
Joel graduated with a BSc. (Hons) from the London School of Osteopathy. He has worked in the wellness and healthcare industry since 2016 and has a particular clinical interest in spinal conditions, especially neck pain.
Joel prides himself on identifying and addressing the root cause of issues rather than simply managing symptoms, combining hands-on treatment with patient education and empowering patients to improve their strength, posture, mobility, and long-term resilience.
He is a big sports fan and follows Watford FC
Hana Sladka
Sports Therapist BSc (Hons)
After moving to the UK from her home country Czech republic, Hana decided to study Sports therapy and start helping people move better and pain free. She graduated in 2021 with a first class bachelor's degree and has been treating the general public and athletes since.
Hana's motto is 'exercise is medicine' and she loves to help people to get better via the right movement and with her hands-on skills. She likes to educate people about their pains and injuries and always has an evidence-based approach to treatments. Hana loves spending time outdoors, skiing and plants.
James Haddon
IDD team,
Sports Massage, Conditioning/Rehabilitation
Qualifications:
- Degree in Sports and exercise science
- Masters degree in Sports performance
- UKSCA accredited strength and conditioning coach
- Certified Personal trainer
- Performance enhancement specialist
- Sports massage therapist
Angus Cheung
Physiotherapist
Angus graduated with a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Brunel University London and is HCPC registered. He has experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions working with both active individuals and older adults. He is passionate about helping people improve their movement, strength and confidence so they can return to the activities that matter most to them.
Angus takes a personalised, patient-centred approach, recognising that every individual has different goals and circumstances.Outside the clinic, Angus enjoys golf and football, alongside keeping active in the gym. He also enjoys seasonal sports such as wakesurfing and snowboarding.
Marilyn Johnson
IDD Team
Marilyn has a background in Nursing. She worked in various hospitals in London then moved to Harpenden in 2003 following the birth of her children.
She worked 8 years as an out patients nurse at Harpenden Memorial Hospital before a relocation to Canada for 5 yrs with the family for a new experience!
Marilyn joined the IDD team in August 2018 and enjoys,
‘helping to improve the quality of life of acute or chronic back/ neck pain sufferers.’
Abby
Operations & Executive Assistant
Abby is the Operations & Executive Assistant at Harpenden Sports and Spinal, helping to keep the clinic running smoothly and ensuring patients receive the best possible experience from their first contact with us.
With a background in administration, business support and operations, as well as previous experience as a Scenes of Crime Officer with Hertfordshire Police, Abby brings excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and a calm, professional approach to her role. She works closely with both patients and the clinical team to support the day-to-day running of the clinic and help ensure everything operates efficiently behind the scenes.
Outside of work, Abby enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her three children.
