Nicola Steenkamp

Nicola joined the Spao Wollongong team as a prosthetist/orthotist, bringing over 12 years of experience in the profession. Originally from South Africa, Nicola completed her training there and began her career in the public health system, gaining strong foundations through hands-on clinical placements and hospital-based work before moving into private practice.

Nicola’s pathway into prosthetics and orthotics began after initially studying medical research, before realizing she was drawn to a more people-focused, hands-on career. A chance introduction to the profession- through observing orthotic and prosthetic work in a military hospital- sparked her interest in combining medical problem-solving with creativity and craftsmanship. Since then, she has developed a strong passion for orthotics, particularly enjoying the complexity, variety, and problem-solving required to support patients with diverse needs.

She works across a broad range of patient groups and values the impact that even simple interventions, such as well-designed footwear or insoles, can have on a person’s comfort, confidence, and independence. Her measure of success is simple and patient-led: if the patient is happy, she’s happy.

Nicola relocated to Australia in 2024 with her family and has enjoyed continuing her clinical career here. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her young daughter, exploring parks, bike rides, museums, and outdoor activities. She also loves hosting friends and experimenting in the kitchen on weekends. Warm, thoughtful, and patient-focused, Nicola brings both clinical expertise and genuine care to everything she does.