Meet the team
Your Friendly Team
Our dedicated therapy team at CS Physiotherapy consists of skilled and compassionate professionals who are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our clients. Each member of our team is individually insured, DBS checked and brings a wealth of experience to ensure the well-being and comfort of those we serve. Our Physiotherapists are all chartered and registered with the Heath Professions Council.Â
Claire Schnetler
Claire Smye
Kathryn Esau
Physiotherapy Lead and Business Director
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy Technician
Tom Kent
Sarah Stacey
Exercise Therapist/
Physiotherapy Technician
Physiotherapy Technician
The Experts Behind Your Care
Claire Schnetler
Physiotherapy Lead and Business Director
Claire founded CS Physiotherapy in 2021 with a vision of bringing specialised care directly to patients in their homes. With extensive experience in community and hospital settings, she specializes in geriatric rehabilitation and complex mobility issues. Claire is passionate about empowering her clients to regain their independence through evidence-based practice and compassionate coaching. Her approach combines clinical excellence with a deep understanding of the practical challenges patients face in their daily lives.
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She qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2007 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of East Anglia and has many years of experience supporting people with rehabilitation in their own homes and communities.
She has worked across a wide range of physiotherapy settings, including the NHS and private sector, with experience in orthopaedics, musculoskeletal conditions, neurology, respiratory care, hydrotherapy, falls prevention, arthritis and general mobility. She also has experience working with medico-legal cases.
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Since moving to Devon in 2013, she has specialised in Community Neurological Rehabilitation, working with people with a range of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s. She has over nine years of specialist neurological experience and uses a variety of approaches, including Bobath, PD Warrior and Pilates, to provide personalised rehabilitation that helps people work towards their individual goals, improve confidence and maximise their independence.
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Having worked within NHS community teams across Teignbridge and Torbay, she has strong links with local NHS services. She is HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) and Association of Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology (ACPIN).
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Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and making the most of Devon’s beautiful outdoors, particularly hiking, sailing, surfing and rock climbing. She also enjoys singing, cooking and textile crafts when the weather keeps her indoors.
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Team Biographies
Claire Smye
Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist
Claire qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2011 with a First Class Honours degree from Oxford Brookes University. She has since gained extensive experience working across both NHS and community settings, treating people with a wide range of conditions.
Her early career included experience in respiratory care, care of the elderly, trauma and orthopaedics, and neurology, working across acute hospitals and community services. In 2016, she specialised in neurological physiotherapy, and worked locally in a specialist NHS team.Â
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Claire now has extensive experience in treating people following stroke and acquired brain injury, as well as those living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. She also works with people with complex needs and multiple health conditions, adapting rehabilitation to suit each individual.
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She is passionate about providing holistic, person-centred care and believes in working closely with each person to understand what matters most to them. Her aim is to help people achieve their personal goals, improve their wellbeing and maximise their independence.
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Claire is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
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Outside of work, Claire enjoys playing netball and spending time with her husband and their two young children.
Kathryn Esau
Physiotherapy Technician
Kathryn plays a vital role in supporting our clients through their daily exercise regimes and rehabilitation plans. Working closely under the guidance of our lead physiotherapists, she ensures that every movement is performed safely and correctly. Her encouraging nature and patience make her a favorite among clients who need consistent support to stay motivated. Kathryn is dedicated to seeing our clients reach their small, daily victories that lead to long-term recovery.
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Having gained a BA (Hons) degree in 1984 in Human Movement Studies (Leeds), Kathryn then trained and qualified as a physiotherapist at St Thomas’ Hospital School of Physiotherapy, London, in 1987.
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She worked for many years as a Specialist Community Children’s Physiotherapist, and then changed career in 2023 to become a Bikeability Instructor, which she continues to do part-time.
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When not working Kathryn enjoys being outdoors and active, enjoying cycling, walking, running and swimming in particular. She also enjoys creative activities, and being with family and friends.
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Tom Kent
Exercise Therapist / Physiotherapy Technician
Tom graduated in Sports Therapy from Worcester University in 2013 and also spent time at Ball State university in America working with elite college Football. After a short spell at Plymouth Argyle, Tom moved away from sport and has since worked within community Physiotherapy at Paignton hospital and then moved onto work within the Cystic Fibrosis Physiotherapy team at The Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust, with the main focus being cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Tom often collaborates with Exeter University and has presented research at European meetings in recent years.Â
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Tom is an avid weight lifter and football fan.Â
Sarah Stacey
Physiotherapy Technician
I have 18 months experience as a Physiotherapy Assistant with a background in supporting patients through rehabilitation and recovery. Having worked within the NHS, I have developed a strong understanding of individualised patient care, rehabilitation programmes and helping people regain confidence, mobility and independence. I take a friendly, patient-centred approach and pride myself on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable and motivated throughout their rehabilitation journey.
When not working I play football for Torquay united women’s, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and exploring new places.