The Hunter's Premier Holistic & Allied Health Care Clinic

Jackson Manahan

Meet Jackson Manahan, Remedial Massage Therapist and Physiotherapy Student

Jackson Manahan is a dynamic and passionate Remedial Massage Therapist who embarked on his professional journey in 2019 after obtaining his Diploma of Remedial Massage. A vital component of the Sydney Swans medical team, Jackson honed his skills on the field, supporting athletes in reaching peak performance through expert massage therapy.

With a voracious appetite for learning and a commitment to enhancing the well-being of his clients, Jackson is presently in his third year of studying Physiotherapy at Newcastle University. His distinctive approach includes the practice of dry needling and a specific focus on functional corrective therapy, where he is dedicated to not only relieving pain but also correcting the root cause of musculoskeletal imbalances.

Jackson’s enthusiasm continues as he joins the esteemed team of health professionals at Chiropractic Plus, bringing his valuable expertise into collaboration with some of Australia’s most experienced Remedial Massage Therapists and Chiropractors. With his unique blend of knowledge, skill, and a patient-centred philosophy, Jackson is eager to contribute to and learn from the multidisciplinary environment at Chiropractic Plus.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, seeking to improve function, or aiming for better overall health, Jackson’s integrative and evidence-based approach ensures personalized care tailored to your individual needs. Join Jackson on a path toward optimal health and experience the embodiment of healing hands in motion.

Grace Britton

Grace brings 8 years of experience to Chiropractic Plus.

Prior to her career as a Psychologist, Grace was a full time serving member of the Australian Army. Her lived experience of service has led her to work extensively with current serving and veteran military clients.

Madeleine Smith

Maddy has been a driving force at Chiropractic Plus since 2010.

During this time she has worked her way up to Practice Manager and now has become our Operations Manager. Outside of Chiropractic Plus Maddy is a wife and mother of two, who values time with family and staying fit and active any way she can. Maddy is always available to speak with should you have any questions or concerns.

Emma

Emmma leads our practice operations, and keeps us running smoothly.

She is a wife and mother of two young children with a strong administration background. During her time at Chiropractic Plus Emma worked her way up to become a Practice Manager and now strives to provide holistic patient care and interactions.

Emma is always available to speak with should you have any questions or concerns.

Kirbie

Kirbie Joined the Chiropractic Plus Team in 2019.

She is a wife and mother of two young children with a strong administration background. During her time at Chiropractic Plus Kirbie worked her way up to become a Practice Manager and now strives to provide holistic patient care and interactions.

Kirbie is always available to speak with should you have any questions or concerns.

Simon Atkin

Simon Atkin is the Director of Chiropractic Plus which he established in New Lambton in 1994.

Simon’s background includes an Honours Degree in Economics & also Diploma in Remedial & Sports Massage as well as years of experience at a high level in athletics and basketball. Simon has worked closely with the Australian Netball Team, the Australian Rugby League team, the Wallabies and was the Newcastle Knights Injury & Rehabilitation Co-ordinator in 2001 when they won the NRL premiership.

Dr Dov Pine

Dov offers a comprehensive approach to natural healthcare embracing a “leave no stone unturned” philosophy in helping his patients to achieve their diverse health goals.

Utilising gentle Chiropractic systems including Applied Kinesiology and Neuro Emotional Technique, Dr. Pine brings a variety of techniques to our practice that address traditional Chiropractic, Nutritional and Metabolic needs and emotional stressors.

Dr. Pine’s background involves the unique combination of Chiropractic and Functional Medicine with martial arts and healing disciplines of the East.

While in Chiropractic school, he studied Ayurveda with the American Institute of Vedic Studies. Later, he interned at a centre for Chronic Degenerative Disease Reversal in Santa Rosa, California called TrueNorth Health. There he trained in Plant Based Nutrition and medical supervision of Water Fasting for addressing conditions including hypertension and heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid disorders, autoimmune conditions, obesity and more.

Dr. Pine works closely with other allied health professionals including GPs, Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Ballet and Gymnastics teachers, Strength and Condition coaches and more to ensure his patients all reach their health goals.

When not with patients, Dov is actively engaged in the martial arts, calisthenics and weight training. Otherwise, he is probably goofing around in the Chiro Plus kitchen, annoying his wife or enjoying a good history book.

Dov participates regularly in Chiropractic and Functional Medicine symposiums, training seminars and research presentations to maintain and improve cutting edge skills for his patients.

Dr Natalie Muntz

Natalie is a Chiropractor with a wide range of skills including dry needling, muscle release techniques and exercise rehabilitation.

Natalie is passionate about chiropractic care for all life stages and works closely with our massage therapy team to ensure the best results for her patients.

Natalie began her chiropractic journey as a teenager. At the time, she was representing Australia in netball and trying to manage a low back injury. She found that chiropractic not only helped improve her symptoms but positively influenced other aspects of her daily life. In fact, it sparked her passion in what has so far been an amazing career in health and wellbeing. Natalie began her career in Sydney but has since settled with her family in beautiful Newcastle.

Since then, she has enjoyed interacting with bubs to grandparents and everything in between. Having had a child herself, Natalie understands and advocates the necessity for pregnancy and prenatal care, plus early intervention for children. The biggest joy Natalie receives is seeing the beautiful changes in the health and wellbeing of the individuals and families she is seeing.

Natalie loves working with other like-minded professionals, including podiatrists, exercise physiologists, personal trainers, pelvic floor physiotherapists and acupuncturists, to ensure her patients reach all their health goals.

Away from the clinic, Natalie enjoys staying active through Pilates and weight training, reading far too many books, and spending as much precious time as possible with her family.

Dr Adam Arnold

Dr. Arnold boasts an impressive 28-year tenure as a chiropractic practitioner. Originally hailing from the United States, he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1995 before relocating to Australia in 1996. Since then, he has established a strong reputation while practicing across Sydney, Queensland, and various regions of New South Wales.

Throughout his career, Dr. Arnold has had the privilege of caring for an extensive clientele, encompassing individuals from diverse backgrounds, including professional athletes, children, and seniors as young as 91 years old!

Committed to delivering the highest standard of care, Dr. Arnold has not only operated and managed five chiropractic practices but has also provided mentorship to numerous chiropractors. He is also a sought-after lecturer across Australia, covering a range of topics in the field.

A pioneer in his own right, Dr. Arnold achieved the distinction of becoming Australia’s inaugural Practitioner of Quantum Neurology. This unique expertise, combined with conventional chiropractic methods, has enabled him to assist individuals grappling with persistent health issues, often when other avenues have fallen short.

Beyond his conventional chiropractic techniques, Dr. Arnold possesses a rare proficiency as one of only ten practitioners trained in the Zone School Technique.

In a testament to his dedication and adaptability, Dr. Arnold recently completed a certification in Sports Chiropractic in 2023. This has opened up new horizons for him in the realm of sports medicine, where he takes great joy in assisting athletes in sports such as beach volleyball and premier league soccer. We extend a warm welcome to him as the newest member of our Chiropractic Plus family, and he eagerly anticipates the opportunity to assist individuals from all walks of life in the Newcastle area.

Dr John Bricker

Dr John Bricker has been a chiropractor for over 18 years in Canada, where he was born, and here in Australia.

In his long career he has worked with hundreds of people with back and neck related problems. John became interested in chiropractic at an early age, as his father was also a Chiropractor. John graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic from the world’s most prestigious chiropractic university – Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davonport, Iowa. John joined Chiropractic Plus in 2007.

Dr Clairemarie Wilson

Clairemarie is an experienced chiropractor with an extensive nursing background.

She utilises a range of techniques including Thompson (drop piece), Activator and Diversified (manual adjustments), soft tissue techniques and dry needling making her treatments comfortable and suitable for all ages from pregnancy, babies to grandparents. She incorporates input from other health professionals in co-managing patient care to achieve her patient’s goals and the best results for her patient’s.

Her interest in chiropractic was ignited when she worked as an Athlete Care Nurse at the Sydney Olympic Games. Here, Clairemarie worked alongside Chiropractors treating the world’s best athletes ensuring peak performance and saw how much these elite athletes sought out and appreciated Chiropractic care.

She had previously thought that Chiropractic was for back pain and if you didn’t have any back pain, you didn’t need to see a Chiropractor – unfortunately quite a common misconception which we hear a lot!

Intrigued to learn more about Chiropractic, Clairemarie herself commenced care. Liking what she saw and how amazing she felt under care, Clairemarie went onto study Chiropractic at Murdoch University in WA.

Being a long-distance runner from a young age and going through some health issues, Clairemarie realised the importance of listening to the body and keeping healthy. She reversed Type II Diabetes with the help of a naturopath and is very passionate about lifestyle related conditions which can be improved with some changes in daily habits.

Clairemarie sees Chiropractic as part of the “bigger picture” of health and is just as important as healthy eating, exercise, plenty of sleep and having fun! We focus on reaching your true potential naturally, just like the elite athletes competing at the highest levels.

Outside of work Clairemarie and husband Craig enjoy the outdoor lifestyle Australia has to offer, especially walking with their dog, camping and sailing. They are both passionate about rugby union, supporting The Western Force and international teams. Clairemarie still runs, although no longer competitively.

Dr Peter Collins

Originally from Newcastle, Peter has always enjoyed being active. This in combination with his previous career as an electrician in the mines led to him sustaining numerous injuries. His interactions with manual therapists post-injury inspired him to become a chiropractor.

In 2014, after graduating from Macquarie University with a Masters of Chiropractic Peter moved to Queensland and for six years worked in private practice.

He uses evidence-based practice utilising the diversified technique, dry needling, drop piece, and rehabilitation exercises.

Peter has tutored first and fourth year chiropractic students at Central Queensland Universities’ Brisbane City Campus. He is a qualified Pilates Mat Instructor after completing Polestar’s Pilates Matwork Certificate IV in 2019.

Peter is a passionate and friendly chiropractor who works with integrity and enjoys interacting with a wide range of patients from pediatrics to adults.

Andrew Waring

Andrew Waring is one of the most highly respected massage therapists in Australia!

During the 19 years Andrew has been with Chiropractic Plus he has had the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s elite sportspeople, including the Australia Rugby League team, the Australia Netball team and the Newcastle Knights, but undoubtedly the highlight of his career was the two year period he toured with the Wallabies as their Massage Therapist – arguably the most sought after Massage Therapy position in the country.

Naomi Deaves

Naomi is one of our most experienced massage therapists, having been a part of the Chiropractic Plus team since 2008.

During that time, Naomi has worked with both the Wallabies & Knights and was lucky enough to massage Lady Gaga on the Newcastle leg of her 2010 tour. As an avid sports fan, she’s always been interested in the treatment & rehabilitation of chronic and acute training injuries. However after experiencing the benefits of post and pre-natal massage and Chiropractic care herself Naomi has become extremely passionate about helping new and expectant mums feel as healthy & strong as she did both during her pregnancy and after having her beautiful baby girl in 2016.

Kirralee Watton

Kirralee Watton is a local Novocastrian who attended Glendale Technology High School.

Kirralee graduated in 2009 to begin her Diploma of Remedial Massage at Body-Lee Massage College. During her remedial massage course, Kirralee was given the opportunity to massage the Newcastle Knights; some invaluable experience for treating sports-specific injuries and muscular damage. Kirralee enjoys dancing and listening to music.

Tom Hamilton

Tom is a caring, intuitive and bubbly therapist who aims to relieve the pain of all of his clients.

Tom took an interest in the workings of the human body at a very young age and at just 15, was accepted into the University of Newcastle accelerated course in Human Biosciences. It was from this moment that Tom realised his passion for biomechanics and the structure of the human body.

While studying to become a certified massage therapist, Tom has had the opportunity to work with the Newcastle Knights reserve team, treating sports injuries and helping athletes to return to their full physical potential. He has treated many different injuries and illnesses through his years as a massage therapist and is dedicated to helping his clients walk away happy and pain free from their treatments.
Whilst Tom is very skilled in treating the body as a whole, he excels in working on clients who have upper back and neck soreness, including relieving headaches and releasing forward-locked shoulders resulting from clients sitting at their desk day in day out.

Tom’s mission for all of his clients is to help relieve pain, while also educating them on the importance of massage and chiropractic, and to see his clients live a happy and healthy life — void of pain.

Outside of massage therapy, Tom is a professional musician who performs at weddings, parties, pubs and clubs, and has had success in musical theatre.

Sam Pring

Sam first pursued his interest in bodywork by completing his Diploma of Remedial massage in 1993, followed by a Diploma of Shiatsu in 94.

Life then opened a new door that saw him complete a Cert. III in Commercial Cookery. This lead him on to cooking as a Chef in some of Sydney’s finest restaurants, and culinary adventures through the U.K and Europe. After almost 25 years of cooking, he decided to hang up his apron, refresh his knowledge with a second Diploma of Remedial Massage and return to his earlier love of massage and bodywork.

Sam believes balance, function and nutrition are fundamental to a healthy life. He encourages and supports others to strive for this too. Sam is passionate about finding and treating the route cause of his clients pain and discomfort, and educating them on how to support their recoveries at home.

In his private time Sam enjoys life with his family, being outdoors, surfing, gardening, cricket and golf.

Abigail

Abigail is one of our awesome team of Practitioner Assistants.

Abigail is always ready to assist you with appointment bookings, payments, and any queries you may have in clinic or over the phone.

Kara Robb

Kara joined the Chiropractic Plus team in 2016.

During her Diploma of Remedial Massage studies at TAFE she worked with the Newcastle Knights and went on to be part of the massage team for Fiji in the Rugby League World Cup. With a background in gymnastics and yoga, Kara has always had an avid interest in human physiology and movement, which compelled her to study and complete certificate III & IV in Fitness. A Novocastrian through and through she loves her footy, the Knights and can often be found at the local league or soccer. Kara has a holistic approach to work and life – she surrounding herself with nature, the beach, music and her beautiful family and friends.

Lian Wang

Lian is an incredibly skilful remedial massage therapist with many years of experience. She is very passionate about looking after her clients.

Lian brings an impressive range of skills and techniques to massage from her Eastern/Chinese heritage. She uses dry needling, electro-therapy, cupping, and hot stones to enhance and compliment her other traditional massage techniques. Although Lian studied remedial massage in Australia, it is her integration of multiple techniques tailored to the client’s needs, that makes her so unique and such an in-demand massage therapist at Chiropractic Plus.

Lian also studies and researches alternate massage techniques in her spare time to further her knowledge and capability, and to integrate new techniques and methods into her treatments.

When Lian is not in the clinic, she loves to garden and cook. She also enjoys watching rugby league and cheering on her team, the Sydney Roosters.

Nick Ilievski

Nick Ilievski is part of the massage therapist team at Chiropractic Plus, joining in August 2013.

Nick grew up here in Newcastle, attending Bel Air Primary School and Kotara High School, where he also completed his HSC. Along with his Diploma of Remedial Massage, Nick has a Certificate II in Retail and a First Aid Certificate. A soccer fan, Nick plays for local club Broadmeadow Magic and likes to keep up with the National Premier League. Nick also likes to stay fit by going regularly to the gym. Outside of work and fitness, he enjoys shopping and music.

Dru Maher-Brooks

Dru is a qualified remedial massage therapist and exercise trainer.

Dru places a great emphasis on a structural integrated approach to treating chronic pain; correcting the underlying postural and biomechanical dysfunctions which contribute to long term problems through a combination of manual therapy, lifestyle modification and corrective exercises. Dru brings unique insight to his practice as a remedial massage therapist through his experience training and working with athletes in numerous sports and martial arts including Boxing, Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. Dru is a strong advocate for the Health At Every Size approach and is one of only two currently registered HAES practitioners in Newcastle. Having completed diplomas in both Fitness and Remedial Massage, Dru is now studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science at the University of Newcastle.

Ruby

Ruby is one of our awesome team of  Practitioner Assistants.

Ruby is always ready to assist you with appointment bookings, payments, and any queries you may have in clinic or over the phone.

Tyrone Hopkins

Tyrone has had a diverse career path.

He studied Agriculture at Tocal then completed his Bachelor of Agribusiness at the University of New England before finally changing track completely – following his heart and entering the health sector with his Diploma in Remedial Massage. Ty grew up predominantly around Newcastle and enjoys keeping fit, travelling, history, agriculture, and a going to the movies.

Alain Abril Acosta

Alain Abril Acosta was born and raised in Cusco, Peru.

Alain completed his schooling in Peru, at Pukllasunchis School and went on to study a degree in Tourism at the University of Andina del Cusco. After moving to Australia, Alain completed his Diploma of Remedial Massage at the Australian College of Massage in Bondi Junction, Sydney. He also has qualifications in Dry Needling and Myofascial Cupping. When he isn’t busy working at Chiropractic Plus, Alain is interested in water sports such as white-water kayaking, wave-boarding and surfing, and also enjoys mixed martial arts and skateboarding.

Damien Shaw

Damien is one of our Senior Massage Therapists.

You can also book Damien for Dry Needling.

Tayla

Tayla is one of our Senior Practitioner Assistants.

Tayla is always ready to assist you with appointment bookings, payments, and any queries you may have in clinic or over the phone.

Breanna

Breanna is one of our awesome team of Practitioner Assistants.

Breanna is always ready to assist you with appointment bookings, payments, and any queries you may have in clinic or over the phone.

Bridynn

Bridynn is one of our awesome team of Practitioner Assistants.

Bridynn is always ready to assist you with appointment bookings, payments, and any queries you may have in clinic or over the phone.

Brittany

Brittany joined the Chiropractic Plus team in 2021.

She is currently studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University and has strong passion for sports, especially long jump in which she competes in at a National Level.

Britt is always ready to assist you with appointment bookings, payments, and any queries you may have in clinic or over the phone.

Charlotte Perkins

Charlotte is a part of our awesome team of Practitioner Assistants.

Josie Szemler

Josie is a part of our awesome team of Practitioner Assistants.

Kye

Kye is one of our awesome team of  Practitioner Assistants.

Kye is always ready to assist you with appointment bookings, payments, and any queries you may have in clinic or over the phone.

Mabel Moras-Young

Mabel is a part of our awesome team of Practitioner Assistants.