Our Team

At the Heart Foundation, we’re passionate about the heart health of all people living in New Zealand. Our purpose is to stop people from dying too soon from heart disease, as well as ensure those living with it can enjoy long, full lives. As New Zealand’s heart charity, our goal is to improve heart health across the country and that’s why we’re proud to partner on My Blood Pressure. 

We believe in empowering everyone to manage their health at home. As well as helping you measure when something’s wrong, our products help you monitor and manage your long-term wellbeing, so you can live a healthier life. They’re affordable, accessible and reliable – this combined with their easy-to-use design means you’ll have the insight into your health that you need to live well.

Gerry is the current Medical Director of the Heart Foundation and a cardiologist at Gisborne Hospital. He is an Honorary Associate Professor with the University of Auckland. Gerry is an experienced general cardiologist, with a special interest in the prevention and management of heart disease including high blood pressure and heart failure. Gerry is a graduate of Trinity College Ireland and moved to New Zealand in 1988. He is also a busy clinical researcher with over 100 publications. 

Dave is Chief Advisor, Food and Nutrition, at the Heart Foundation. He is responsible for overseeing the Heart Foundation’s food and nutrition work, including nutrition position statements, nutrition-related communications, and advising on a range of Heart Foundation programmes. Dave holds a Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition) and a Postgraduate Diploma (Dietetics) from the University of Otago. He is a New Zealand Registered Dietitian and qualified chef. 

Leonie is Nurse Lead, Clinical Team, at the Heart Foundation. She works alongside Primary Healthcare Organisations and community groups to provide education and support on cardiac conditions with a focus on cardiovascular disease risk assessment. Prior to her Heart Foundation role, she worked as an expert nurse in primary care and had completed post grad work to attain designated nurse prescribing rights in community health. She has also worked as a primary care provider in Nigeria, alongside a charitable mission organisation. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science, Nursing.

Dr Katie has extensive experience working as both an NHS GP for many years as well as in private telehealth. Alongside getting her MBChB (University of Manchester, 2007) and MRCGP (2012), she also completed additional certifications, doing USMLE Steps 1-3 (United States Medical Licensing Examinations) and obtaining her cert ECFMG in 2015, and DRCOG in 2016. Katie’s special interests include Cardiology and medical training. 

GMC reference no: 6162998

Qualified personal trainer passionate about supporting people in their journey to better heart health.

Following university level education they joined a major chain of gyms where they have gained extensive experience in both exercise and nutrition.