About Our Team

In the early 2000’s my wife Daryl, our two young children and I with returned to NZ from an OE that lasted 12 years. We pretty quickly decided that Auckland was not where we wanted to be and drove around the country looking for the ideal place to settle down. Naturally when we reached Whakatane there was no need to go any further!

A former medical laboratory scientist, I re-evaluated my life during a six month overland trip in Africa and, with the amazing support of Daryl, decided to change careers. I undertook a five year Master’s degree in chiropractic at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth, England and worked in the UK for several years before returning home.

My primary interest is in chronic recurring problems, sports related injuries  and human posture and movement. Being a chiropractor spine and nervous system function is key, but these need to be supported by correct movement and muscle balance.

Not a great believer in “passive care” I spend a lot of time educating people in how their movement and posture effects or often causes their problems, and providing strategies to address this.

I am fully ACC registered and have treated a vast number of patients over the last nearly 20 years for the full range of musculoskeletal complaints. Although very “hands on”,  due to a hand injury I now do very little of the “cracking” traditionally associated with chiropractic.  My technique of choice in an Impulse IQ (link)

Daryl is our Practice Manager and if her smiling face is not behind the reception desk she is highly likely to be either teaching a pilates class, keeping tabs on the office from home or out training for her sport.  She is an active and very competitive equestrian, involved as both a rider and a volunteer and has been President of Waikato/BOP Endurance Club for a number of years. Soon after arriving in Whakatane she became involved with the local gymnastics club and was a coach with the club for eleven years, also taking on the role of President for several years before stepping down to concentrate on her other sport.   In recent years she has joined the Whakatane Rock and Roll club which she says is great fun and great cardio. 

Carolyn is the friendly Scottish voice on the phone.

She has been part of our Koru family for over 10 years and she makes sure everything runs smoothly on the front desk where things can get pretty busy.

Carolyn is a mother to two grown up sons and loves walking her dog and riding her bike.

 She is very much a people person and can explain what we do, what to expect, and will endeavour to answer all your questions while making you feel welcome to the clinic.

Kia Ora,

I am Jessica.

I have studied a diploma in Relaxation and Wellness, Therapeutic and Sports Massage.

I love learning about our human bodies, what makes us tick and how we can improve our quality of life. I am passionate about how massage can improve our mobility, functionality
and general wellbeing.

I live in Awakeri with my husband and two children and as an outdoorsy person love what the eastern bay has to offer.

I look forward to meeting you in the clinic and supporting you to better health and wellbeing.

As someone who loves a challenge, the opportunity to work in a specialised environment, surrounded by equally passionate people, is what gets me excited about coming to work every day.

I also love that I get to meet a diverse range of people from all walks of life. Each has their own story, and each has their own motivation for getting back to whatever it is that is most important to them, post injury.

I enjoy helping people and get a genuine sense of satisfaction knowing I have had a part to play in their road to recovery. A big part of this comes down to really listening to you, understanding your goals and your lifestyle, and tailoring your care to best suit you.

I completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy from AUT in 2015. My new graduate year was spent working at North Shore Hospital in general medicine and orthopedic and trauma wards.

Then, in 2017, I spent a year on the Auckland DHB rotation providing rehabilitation in the community, before completing a year in orthogeriatric rehabilitation, and some time as an occupational therapist in the Emergency Department.

I am currently undertaking a post graduate diploma.

I enjoy life on the go. Whether it’s an early morning gym class, catching up with friends, planning an adventure or enjoying a meal with friends and family. Working with me, you can trust you’ll receive knowledgeable treatment, delivered with reassurance, kindness – and a few laughs, too.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Associate Hand Therapist
• Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy