Meet the Team at Life Chiropractic Centre
Dr Matthew Watkinson (Chiropractor)
Dr Matthew Watkinson leads a dedicated team of three practitioners at Life Chiropractic Centre. With a passion for holistic wellbeing, he brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to chiropractic care – ultimately ensuring a comprehensive individualised care plan for each patient.
Learn more about Dr Matthew and how he might be able to help you heal and live your life to the fullest.
Di Bacic, Head Chiropractic Assistant
For Di, the most rewarding aspect of being a CA is being part of an incredible industry that empowers people to take charge of their own health. “I love seeing patients happy and healthy!”
Her Introduction to Chiropractic
“I was introduced to chiropractic as a patient in 1993, then my first job as a CA in 1995. I have worked on and off in the industry ever since, taking breaks to have two children (both adults now) and to study. I became so inspired in those early years, experiencing my own improvement in health and witnessing the multitude of benefits enjoyed by patients of all ages and lifestyles.”
Despite this, Di’s passion for chiropractic kept pulling her back and she often found herself working alongside chiropractors. Finally, she mustered up the courage to return to academics and pursue her lifelong dream.
Education and Qualifications
- Masters in Chiropractic (currently undertaking)
- Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic)
- Bachelor of Photography
- Diploma in Nutrition
In Her Spare Time
When she’s not at the practice, you can usually find Di studying. She also loves the beach, and camping, especially in winter. Above all, she loves to travel and discover out-of-the-way places, away from the normal tourist hot spots. “I muddle my way through the Italian language but it’s fun learning.”
Mikayla Watkinson, Chiropractic Assistant
Mikayla grew up in a family that emphasised leading a healthy life and modelled the values of chiropractic philosophy from the very start. “Chiropractic has been a part of my life since I was born. From a very young age, I have grown up with the understanding that good health results from strengthening the body and giving it the best chance at meeting the challenges we might face in everyday life.”
In 2023, Mikayla attended Mount St. Mary’s University, Maryland (USA), and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics from the University of Queensland.
In Her Spare Time
Outside the practice, Mikayla plays in the NBL1 (a semi-professional basketball league). She also loves adventure, particularly travel, meeting new cultures and learning languages. Hiking, camping, exploring places, and discovering the world are some of the activities she enjoys most. Mikayla is also passionate about learning; studying, reading, researching, and writing are among her favourite pastimes.
Emerald Micallef, Chiropractic Assistant
Emerald’s professional journey was ignited by her extensive tenure as a Medical Receptionist for Specialists and General Practitioners. Seeking to merge her wealth of experience with a new avenue of positive impact, she found her calling as a Chiropractic Assistant.
Her unwavering dedication to enhancing people’s health and well-being reflects her innate passion for holistic care.
Beyond Life Chiropractic Centre
Outside the practice, Emerald finds solace in the cherished moments spent with her family. Engaging in invigorating activities with their two Dobermanns and German Shepherd dogs, she embraces the vitality of outdoor pursuits, nurturing an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Emerald invites you to witness her commitment to compassionate care and start your journey of holistic well-being-get to know more about her when you book a visit with our practice.
Steph, Chiropractic Assistant
Driven by an innate curiosity and a yearning for diverse experiences, Steph’s unconventional path led her to the captivating world of chiropractic care. Her academic pursuits culminated in bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Justice from QUT in 2019, showcasing her multidimensional approach to understanding human well-being.
Steph’s commitment to enriching her understanding of holistic wellness resonates through her dedicated service as a Chiropractic Assistant. She can’t wait to help you achieve your goals in natural health.
Beyond the Practice
Outside of Life Chiropractic Centre, Steph finds solace in travelling the globe, embracing the richness of diverse cultures and landscapes, and nurturing her adventurous spirit.
Get to know more about Steph when you book your next visit with our team.
Pattaraporn Charuphong, Remedial Massage Therapist
Pat was inspired to become an RMT as she is passionate about health and wellness for body and mind, which she believes is the best investment anyone can make. She also loves to get a massage to relax and relieve pain.
Possessing extensive experience working in the field, Pat earned a Diploma of Remedial Massage from Mastery Institute Association in 2023. She provides the following techniques:
- Thai
- Deep Tissue
- Swedish
- Relaxation
- Sport
- Pregnancy
- Reflexology
For her, the most rewarding aspect of being a massage therapist is to help other people stay healthy and in top condition.
Outside the clinic, Pat likes to travel, relax, spend time in nature and practise wellness.
Claresta Wardlaw, Remedial Massage Therapist
Claresta Wardlaw has always been deeply passionate about health, fitness, and sports. This lifelong commitment to physical activity has driven her to understand the intricacies of the human body—how it works, moves, and adapts. Claresta’s journey into massage therapy stems from a desire to share her knowledge and experiences, helping others appreciate the importance of massage therapy and its positive impact on their lives.
Qualifications
Claresta is well-equipped to provide top-notch care with her impressive credentials:
Diploma in Massage Therapy
Introductory, Advanced, and Masterclass Certificates in Dry Needling
Level 1 and 2 in Myofascial Cupping Technique
Claresta’s educational journey spans multiple esteemed institutions:
- Australian College of Massage
- Australian Institute of Fitness
- Wellington Institute of Technology, NZ
For Claresta, the most rewarding aspect of being a massage therapist is the ability to improve her clients’ physical and mental states. She finds great satisfaction in knowing that her work enhances their overall quality of life.
Life Outside of Work
Claresta leads a vibrant life outside of her professional commitments. She is a dedicated wife and mother of three, and she also works as an Independent Consultant for a health and wellness company. Claresta enjoys staying active by working out and playing Touch Football and Netball, sports in which she has competed internationally. She is currently training for the 2024 Touch World Cup in Nottingham, UK, and proudly holds a Silver Medal from the 2019 Touch World Cup.
When she’s not competing or working, Claresta loves spending time with family and friends, travelling, and being by the water. She finds the ocean and beach particularly grounding.
