Meet the Team

The practice’s team includes specialist orthodontists, orthodontic therapists, nurses, treatment coordinators and administrative staff.

Karina Fogarty

Practice Manager

Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership (ILM

Joined in April 2019 and oversees HR, customer service and the daily running of the practice, drawing on experience from both NHS and private dentistry.

She started in dentistry in 1994 after passing the NEBDN exam, later adding sedation (SAAD) and oral health education training. She became a Practice Manager in 2009, went on to complete the ILM Level 5 diploma, and marked 30 years in the dental sector in 2023.

Outside work she likes cruises, family time with her husband and daughter, Sunday worship and coastal walks.

Marie Dowsett

Finance Manager

Joined in April 2025 with a long background in bookkeeping, financial management and office administration across many types of business, keeping finances, compliance and back-office operations on track.

She describes her approach as organised and proactive. Away from work she spends time with her husband and two grown-up children, friends and family, and walks her Cocker Spaniel, Jax.

Laura McDonnell-Horton

Orthodontic Therapist

Dip. Orth Ther RCSEd — GDC: 202231

Started in dentistry in 2008 and soon specialised in orthodontics, qualifying in Dental Radiography (2012) and Orthodontic Nursing (2013). She trained in Orthodontic Therapy at Bristol Dental Hospital in 2013, graduating through the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

She is noted for putting nervous patients at ease and most enjoys the moment patients see their new smile after braces come off.

Laurie Harper

Orthodontic Therapist

Dip. Orth Ther RCSEd — GDC: 180853

Began her dental career in 2007 and joined the practice in January 2012. She holds the National Certificate in Dental Radiography and an Orthodontic Nursing qualification, and more recently gained her Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy at the University of Central Lancashire.

She is known for her caring, friendly manner and enjoys time with friends outside work.

Emma Pether

Orthodontic Therapist

Dip. Orth Ther RCSEd — GDC: 225092

Joined in May 2023. She started in general practice, gaining her NVQ Level 3 in Dental Nursing in 2011, then worked with orthodontic and maxillofacial consultants at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. She completed her Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy at Dorset County Hospital in 2019 before returning to Essex to be nearer family.

She enjoys reading, sunset walks and seeing friends.

Gemma Gethen

Orthodontic Therapist

Dip. Orth Ther (DTQ) — GDC: 153100

Qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2008, followed by Dental Radiography (2009) and the NEBDN Orthodontic Nursing Certificate (2010). She worked with Mr Davies from 2009, took a break from 2012 to raise her family, and returned to the practice in 2018.

She qualified as an Orthodontic Therapist in June 2026. Outside work she keeps fit, runs and spends time with family.

Danielle Rennie

Lead Orthodontic Nurse

NVQ L3 Dental Nursing & VRQ L3 Dental Nursing, City & Guilds 2010 — GDC: 203962

Qualified in 2010 and worked for 12 years in Scotland — five in general practice and seven in oral surgery, implants and sedation — before moving to Colchester. She has since added a Dental Radiography qualification.

She enjoys socialising, long walks and baking cupcakes.

Abi French

Orthodontic Nurse

Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing — GDC: 280786

Trained at Colchester Institute, qualifying in 2018, and gained a BDA Certificate in Dental Radiography in 2021. She especially enjoys welcoming new patients and reassuring those who feel anxious about treatment.

Outside work she goes to the gym and helps on her family’s farm.

Charlotte Kemp

Orthodontic Nurse

Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing — GDC: 289461

Joined in August 2020, having previously been a patient at the practice, which inspired her interest in orthodontics. She trained from 2016 and qualified in 2018. Having once avoided smiling in photos herself, she finds patients’ growth in confidence the most rewarding part of the job.

he is a keen traveller, with trips including Thailand and Iceland.

Cole Gittens

Orthodontic Nurse / New Patient Coordinator

Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing — GDC: 318293

Qualified as a dental nurse in Bedfordshire before moving to the area. He began studying Dental Radiography in February 2026 and took on the New Patient Coordinator role in May 2026, guiding new patients through their first visits and questions.

His hobbies include gaming, TV series and LEGO, and he has two cats, Kylo and Obi.

Ellie Pearson

Orthodontic Nurse

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing — GDC: 330546

Joined in December 2025 after qualifying as a dental nurse. She enjoys supporting patients through treatment and following their progress via Dental Monitoring.

Outside work she likes time with friends and family, shopping and planning travel.

Karen Ross

Lead Receptionist / Orthodontic Nurse

National Certificate NEBDSA 1992 — GDC: 145651

Trained at Colchester Institute, qualifying in 1992, and has worked in general practice, on Harley Street, in London community services and with an oral surgeon. She joined the practice in July 2020 and enjoys seeing patients progress through treatment.

She has two teenagers and likes river walks, cycling and reading.

Kura Dun

Practice Receptionist

Joined in October 2024 after moving from Ireland. She brings a warm, people-focused approach and enjoys the team atmosphere.

Her interests include gaming, trying new food, travel and exploring with friends.

Emma Higgs

Treatment Coordinator

Joined in October 2021 after working on a hotel spa reception. She enjoys the busy pace of the practice and helping patients and colleagues. Outside work she likes socialising, walking and home decor.

Your smile deserves expert care

When you choose Colchester Orthodontic Centre for your care, you are choosing a specialist team that will guide you every step of the way. Get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.