ABOUT THE ECHONORTH TEAM
We’re your local ultrasound specialists.
EchoNorth was conceived with a view to offering referrers and the wider community expanded options when seeking quality diagnostic ultrasound imaging services. With the focus shifting to primary care within the community, ultrasound has always played a large part in primary care, and the demand for these services is increasing. We offer a high quality diagnostic ultrasound service in a relaxed but professional, friendly, empathic atmosphere.
We offer competitive fees for our general and specialized vascular ultrasound services. We are affiliated providers for Southern Cross Healthcare for all of our general and vascular services.
ANGELA – DIRECTOR/SONOGRAPHER
angela@echonorth.co.nz
Angela, along with her husband Chris, is the proud director of EchoNorth. Together, they have two adult daughters.
Angela is a DMU-trained sonographer, holding both general and vascular qualifications, and is an accredited DMU examiner for both specialties. With 30 years of experience across both the private and public health sectors, Angela has become a well-known and highly respected figure in Northland’s medical community. Her vast expertise and commitment to the field have solidified her reputation as a trusted professional in the region.
LISA – TEAM LEAD SONOGRAPHER
lisa@echonorth.co.nz
Lisa emigrated from the UK in 2007 with her partner and two daughters. She brings over 25 years of experience in a diverse range of ultrasound examinations. With a special interest in obstetrics and musculoskeletal imaging.
Lisa trained in the UK at a large teaching hospital, where she gained valuable experience in fetal medicine and general ultrasound. Throughout her career, she has been a supervisor, mentor, and examiner for ultrasound students, further showcasing her dedication to the field. Lisa’s expertise extends to musculoskeletal imaging and women’s health, making her a highly skilled and passionate practitioner.
EMMA – SONOGRAPHER
emma@echonorth.co.nz
Emma is a proud Northlander, born and raised, with 17 years of experience as a radiographer and a qualification in ultrasound since 2015.
Emma brings a wealth of experience, having worked in both New Zealand and Australia in ultrasound and radiography. Adding a well-rounded skill set to her profile, she performs a wide range of ultrasound examinations, including general, gynaecological, obstetrics, and musculoskeletal, providing comprehensive care to her patients. Emma has two adult children and lives at home with her husband and their grumpy cat, Charlie.
SARAH – PRACTICE MANAGER
saraht@echonorth.co.nz
ALLY – OPERATIONS OFFICER AND PACS ADMINISTRATOR
operations@echonorth.co.nz
Ally joined the EchoNorth team in February 2019 as our youngest member, bringing a fresh perspective and energy.
With a background in the travel and tourism industry, she is deeply passionate about delivering exceptional customer service. Her enthusiasm for social media and marketing shines through, as she brings a dynamic approach to the team’s online presence and strategy.
CORRINE – ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR
corrine@echonorth.co.nz
Corrine made the exciting move from the UK to Whangarei in 2006 to begin a new chapter with her husband and their son.
With a background as a flight attendant, she has always had a passion for customer service. Outside of work, Corrine loves staying active, with a strong passion for running and spending time outdoors.
RACHEL – TEAM LEAD RECEPTIONIST
info@echonorth.co.nz
Rachel joined the EchoNorth team in August 2024, bringing with her an impressive and diverse background. With 16 years of experience in the travel industry, followed by another 16 years as a medical receptionist and then PA for an orthopedic surgeon, Rachel has honed her skills in high-pressure environments, providing exceptional service and managing complex tasks with ease.
Her organisational expertise is second to none, and her passion for baking adds a personal touch that’s sure to sweeten any team collaboration. Rachel is already making her mark at EchoNorth with her unique blend of professionalism and creativity! Rachel has two adult children and lives at home with her husband.
KAREN – ADMINISTRATOR
info@echonorth.co.nz
DR KIM SHEPHERD – CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST, SPECIALIST IN BREAST AND OBSTETRIC RADIOLOGY
Originally from South Africa, she has called Whangarei home since 1996. Kim has extensive ultrasound experience, and specializes in breast radiology. Kim is a consultant to the accreditation facility, IANZ. She is married to Dennis, and they have two grown sons.
DR BRETT LYONS – SPECIALIST IN MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING
After graduating from Otago Medical School in 1992, Brett completed his Radiology training in 1999 and supplementary training in Head and Neck Radiology at UCLA Medical Centre the following year. In 2001 he was appointed Clinical Director at Dunedin Hospital where he was also Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Otago Medical School. In 2005 he took on the role of Medical Director of MRI in the newly opened Southland Hospital. During his 5 years in this role, he worked closely with the orthopedic surgeons further developing his passion for musculoskeletal imaging. Brett was excited to join the EchoNorth team in July 2017.
DR LUSI BOLALAILAI – REPORTING RADIOLOGIST
Originally from Fiji, Lusi is one of our skilled reporting radiologists who joined our team in 2019. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the team with over 25 years experience. Lusi now assists us with our ever-growing list of Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections.
DR RIA MINNÉ – REPORTING RADIOLOGIST
Ria is a South African qualified Radiologist that relocated to Whangarei in January 2019. She is passionate about breast imaging, but also interested in oncologic and body imaging. Her forte is sonographic guided procedures. She is in awe of the wonderfully created ocean world and therefore an avid scuba diver.
DR KRISTY WOLFF – OBSTETRICIAN / GYNAECOLOGIST
Kristy is based at Whangarei Hospital. She studied medicine in Chicago and Los Angeles and subsequently moved to New Zealand with her family 12 years ago. Dr Wolff obtained a specialist diploma in ultrasound and has a special interest in pregnancy and female pelvic scanning. She has collaborated with EchoNorth for the last 5 years and enjoys working with a great team and providing care for the women of Northland.
DR KAREN PARKER – PHLEBOLOGIST
Karen has been dedicated to treating symptomatic veins and promoting leg health since 1995. Renowned for her honesty, she takes the time to thoroughly review each patient’s symptoms and provide a tailored recommendation for the most effective course of action. From diagnosis to treatment and aftercare, Dr Karen creates personalised treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique needs. As one of the longest practicing vein physicians in the country, she brings over 15 years of experience in treating varicose veins. Her services include consultation, assessment, Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation (RFA). Karen joined the EchoNorth team in May 2024, bringing a bubbly attitude and sense of humor.
DR JOANNA ROMANOWSKA – PHLEBOLOGIST
A director of Clinic42, Joanna is a Phlebologist experienced in Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation (RFA), Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) and Microsclerotherapy techniques. Dr Joanna is a member of the Australasia College of Phlebology (ACP) and the New Zealand College of Appearance Medicine, where she is a fellow, executive board member and education officer.
DR JILL GIBSON – PHLEBOLOGIST
Jill is a Northland local and is currently the clinical lead at Bay of Islands Hospital. She has been performing varicose vein treatments since 2006 and is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Phlebology. Dr Gibson is a Phlebologist and Southern Cross Affiliated Provider for RFA and Sclerotherapy.
