Meet Our Allergy Expert Teams
Dr Helen Evans-Howells
GP and Allergy Specialist
Hi I’m Dr Helen. I’m so happy that you have found our business and can assure you that you are in the right place to have all your eczema and allergy needs met.
Having experienced first hand, how challenging the allergy world is to navigate, it has become my life’s passion to relieve the burden of others as we guide them through the eczema and allergy journey.
Seeing my patients and families leave my clinic, relieved and with smiles on their faces, it feels like a job well done. Nothing brings me more satisfaction – other than perhaps watching my children grow into wonderful young people. Meet the team of Allergy Experts below.
Dr Vas Balodima
Dr Vas Balodima is a highly experienced allergy expert and compassionate Consultant Paediatrician, with a specialist focus on children’s allergies. She is currently working as a Locum Paediatric Consultant at Whittington NHS Trust in London, where she continues to provide expert care to children and their families.
Dr Balodima began her medical journey in Greece, where she completed her medical degree before relocating to the UK to pursue her Paediatric training.
Her extensive training took place across leading healthcare institutions in London, Wales, and Wessex, equipping her with a broad and deep understanding of paediatric medicine.
In 2015, she was awarded Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH), a recognition of her dedication and clinical expertise.
Dr Kathryn Mounde
I am a medical doctor with almost 30 years’ experience in General Practice, acute medicine, and allergy. I trained at Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and spent several years in postgraduate training in acute medicine at teaching hospitals in the East End.
As a GP, I practiced in Balham and Wandsworth in South London, where I observed the frequent presentation of allergic symptoms in children and the limited resources available to address these challenges.
My journey took a profound turn when I became a mother and discovered that my eldest son had multiple severe food allergies. This personal experience deepened my interest in the field, and with encouragement from my son’s allergist, I decided to take on more specialist allergy training and I obtained my Master’s degree in Allergy from Imperial College, London.
Steve Frampton
Dr Simon Platt
GP With Specialist Interest in Dermatology
Dr Simon is a highly experienced medical doctor with over 20 years in clinical practice, and more than a decade dedicated to dermatology. He began his medical career as a GP in Ringwood, working extensively across the New Forest, Winchester, and Southampton. His early interest in dermatology was sparked during medical school, where he received a prestigious Wolfson scholarship to research psoriasis—an experience that highlighted the often-overlooked impact of skin conditions on patients’ lives.
In 2015, Dr Simon joined the dermatology department at Winchester Hospital and went on to complete postgraduate training in Practical Dermatology through Cardiff University, graduating with distinction. Since then, he has held dermatology roles in both hospital and community settings, including positions at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, the Christchurch Dermatology Department, and the Solent Medical Services Community Clinic in Southampton.
Odette Rodda
Hello! I am Odette. I am currently an Advanced Nurse Specialist for Children and Young People in Dermatology and Allergy at University Hospital Dorset.
I joined the dermatology team in 2009 to lead and develop the children’s service and quickly realised my families would be better cared for, if I further developed my allergy knowledge.
I joined the children’s allergy team in 2010 and developed a joint allergy dermatology clinic for our children and families who were struggling. I have worked in partnership with the dieticians, co-taught professionals about Cow’s Milk Protein allergy and eczema and realised that a multi-professional approach to managing children with eczema and allergies is essential.
Charlotte Cunningham Smith
Hello, I’m Charlotte,
I have been a Respiratory Specialist Nurse for over 18 years. I’m passionate about getting the diagnosis right and empowering patients and families to self manage their own condition. I’m highly experienced in diagnostics, medications and the management of allergic rhinitis, asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and fibrosis.
Our care extends to everyone
Having spoken with families whose children are having food immunotherapy, and seeing this delivered in clinics in London, I am thrilled to be involved in a service which allows families to take back control of their lives. Food immunotherapy is life changing and potentially life saving for children with allergies. I am very excited to be working with Dr Helen to improve the care of those with respiratory disease and allergy.
Rebecca Mayes
Hi, I’m Becky and I am a children’s research nurse working at University Hospital Southampton. I have worked on many allergy immunotherapy studies and this has given me a keen interest in children’s allergy.
I have met lots of children and families living with food allergies and I am passionate about personalised care and building relationships to support families and children through their journey of immunotherapy.
In my usual day-to-day job with allergy studies, I carry out food challenges, perform skin prick tests and run immunotherapy appointments as well as being a support on the phone to anyone calling for advice.
Immunotherapy is Changing Lives
Jen O'Donnell
Danel Tainton
Hello, I am Danel and I work as a paediatric dietitian at University Hospitals Dorset.
I have worn many different hats in my 20 years as a dietitian but my favourite is most definitely working with children. My areas of specialities’ include supporting children and parents with managing food allergy, fussy eating, weaning, tube feeding, blended diets, nutrient deficiencies and poor growth.
In my time as a children’s dietitian I have seen a shift in the number and complexity of children with food allergies, which can be tough and distressing for both children and parents.
Emma Burrows
Hello, I’m Emma. I am a VA and (non medical) consultant, and I primarily support Dr Helen Allergy with social media, the membership and creative ideas.
I love problem solving and finding efficient ways of working. I’m educated to Masters level and have worked in several different sectors and roles, all of which I bring to help those I work with. My role blends both helping people seeking support, and helping a small family business providing that vital support.
Helping others with their allergy journey
I fully understand how the path to diagnosis can be scary and life changing for all involved as my son has multiple allergies and severe eczema. We are currently undergoing a course of immunotherapy (OIT) for some food allergies. This journey has affected our whole life, but has also bought a renewed sense of purpose.
Quickly accessing clear, factual based support makes the world of difference and is the first step of moving forward. We have been very lucky in terms of support, and I hope to help others with their journey.
When I get a little quiet time, I love tending to the garden or getting out for a walk in the beautiful countryside where we live.
Gareth Evans Howells
Hello, I’m Gareth, also known as the husband of Dr Helen.
In June 2022, Dr Helen and I made a huge and significant decision that changed our lives forever. After spending 25 years in the Motor Trade industry, we took a massive leap of faith and I chose to leave my previous job.
Now, my sole focus is on establishing and growing Dr. Helen Allergy, aligning with Dr. Helen’s vision of ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality allergy care. Each day, we work tirelessly to ensure that patients can easily and effortlessly receive the care they need.
Our care extends to everyone and to help others with allergies
Dr Helen and I share a beautiful blended family, consisting of five wonderful children. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to work alongside my wife (although I may be a bit biased). She is the most dedicated and driven person I’ve ever met and everyone who gets to meet her agrees!
