I was born and raised in Victoria. I grew up swimming, skating and playing tennis in local parks and rec centres, and went to high school at St Michael’s University School. Upon graduating, I went off to the University of Victoria to study Commerce.
It wasn’t long before I realized that I was on the wrong path. My innate curiosity in the human body was pulling me towards healthcare, so I enrolled in pre-med courses. But after a few months, I was once again feeling that sense of malaise. I craved a more proactive approach to healthcare that addressed the root cause of health problems rather than simply treating the symptoms. That drive compelled me to go further with my scientific studies in human physiology and biomechanics, leading eventually to an Honours degree in Kinesiology from UVic.
A New Path Beckons
After graduation, I decided to get some ‘real-world’ experience before choosing my next career step. So I began shadowing different healthcare experts, including several medical doctors, kinesiologists, and other health professionals. My first encounter with chiropractic came when my bulldog puppy showed signs of chronic fatigue, overall discomfort and ailing health. Several veterinarians prescribed medication to help Bubba, and when these didn’t work, some recommended euthanizing him. One trip to a Holistic Veterinarian who also practiced Chiropractic care in Courtenay changed both of our lives. The minute the vet finished Bubba’s chiropractic adjustment, he was full of energy and started to play like a puppy – I’d never seen him act like that before. He responded well to Chiropractic adjustments and good nutrition, and I took him off all of his prescription medications he was on. After I saw what Bubba went through, I thought about the possibility of healing people with my own hands because I was amazed to see how one could heal with their hands without the use of drugs or surgery, and that the body has the ability to heal itself.
From there I applied to and won a scholarship to the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon, a world-renown school with an evidence-based approach to healthcare. Since my fascination for human physiology never left me, I decided to complete a concurrent degree in Human Biology along with my Doctorate in Chiropractic.
I had the opportunity to work in several different clinics in Portland, one of which was a free clinic for the homeless and economically underprivileged. In addition to working with different people, including the elderly, children and pregnant moms, I also spent a lot of time with those who had been decimated by a workplace injury or a car accident, as well as people with HIV and Cancer. Seeing the results that I could get from working directly with my hands, I realized I had finally found my calling.
Taking a ‘hands on’ approach to health
I came back to Victoria because I wanted to help people in my own community and help make Victoria a healthier city. I genuinely want to help as many people here as possible to reach their optimal health in order to help them to lead happy and healthy lives, which is what we strive to do at Mind Body Spine. We offer a unique, holistic approach to healthcare, stemming from ensuring one’s spine is healthy. Mind Body Spine offers total body chiropractic care, which includes exercise and nutrition counseling and support. Our goal is to help patients be able to be as physically active as possible, which may range from running a marathon to playing in the park with their grandchildren. My background in biomechanics, sports science, and human physiology fits into a niche at the clinic, attracting patients from all over the Greater Victoria area. My work with seniors, children, and pregnant moms is especially gratifying. And as an avid ‘gym rat,’ I have a personal understanding of the common injuries and therapies that work best for both amateur and professional athletes.
One of my passions outside of work is animals (so much so that becoming a vet was an option I considered early in my career, but we’ll leave that for another conversation). Playing with my beloved bulldog Bubba is something I look forward to every day and underscores one of the principles I regularly preach to my patients — the importance of companionship in living a balanced physical, mental, emotional, nutritional and spiritual life.
If you’re looking for help with living a better life through holistic chiropractic treatment, get in touch or visit our office. Click here to for directions.
