Our Team
Paula
Hi I’m Paula Garcia, chiropractor and director at Health and Vitality Centre, welcome to you all. The centre provides professional, safe and effective chiropractic and osteopathic care for all ages.
I am registered with the General Chiropractic Council, as well as the Scottish Chiropractic Association, and have been involved in Chiropractic for over twenty years.
At the centre, treatment is given in comfortable relaxed surroundings to aid in your pathway back to health. As a chiropractor I aim to help you gain knowledge regarding your condition. I feel that ‘Knowledge is Power’ therefore the more you understand about your condition the better your overall recovery will be.
I believe that there are many factors incorporated in leading a healthy pain free life and I aim to give nutritional, lifestyle, ergonomic and exercise advice. This helps to educate and empower my guests to long term health, by offering a total package of care.
So, if your body is stopping you doing the things that you love due to pain and dysfunction, such as to getting back to a sport, exercise, gardening, being able to lift your children/grandchildren, feeling like ‘yourself’ again contact the centre to book an appointment. Don’t let pain ruin your quality of life. Do something about it today.
Mike
Hello, my name is Mike Garcia and I am Director of finance and compliance at Health and Vitality Centre.
I had always had a passion for health and fitness, over the years suffering recurring hip and leg issues through competitive sport. After many years of taking painkillers to get through I was treated to chiropractic which reduced my pain and problems significantly. I am now living a fit and competitively active life as a keen cyclist, hiker and climber.
Diane
Hello, my name is Diane and I'm the new Practice Manager at The Health and Vitality Centre.
One of my greatest passions is that every day we are the best version of ourselves we can be on that day, and I truly believe that this starts from within and that our Health and wellbeing plays a vital role.
I started my professional life as a dancer and teacher which took me to many fabulous places. This was followed by a long and enjoyable career within tourism, creating and developing holiday experiences for all. I learnt that I have a passion for people and to enabling learning in their everyday roles.
Having travelled extensively, for work and pleasure, I believe I have found my new home in my role at the centre.
I have a personal thirst for knowledge and learning, and as such have recently qualified to be a L2 gym instructor and my Exercise to Music instructor is in progress.
When I'm not at the centre you'll find me at the Theatre, Gym, walking with friends (and their dogs), or spending quality time with my family.’
Chris
Hello, my name is Chris I have always been passionate about health and wellbeing... I Studied Chiropractic at AECC Chiropractic College and Graduated in 1995, WHICH MEANS I HAVE OVER 28 years of practice. For years, my main mission has been to inspire people to take ‘self-health’ seriously, and see achieving optimal health as part of their Social Responsibility for a sustainable, peaceful planet Earth.
As a chiropractor I learned that the spine and nervous system can have a tremendous impact on general health. but I knew I wanted to do as much as i could for everyone I met, so I also studied nutrition, recommended exercises, and learned a thing or 2 about psychology too. What I’ve seen improve with chiropractic: blood pressure, blood sugar, rashes, PMS, menstrual pain, IBS - Pick any of those!
I treat all levels of pain, injuries and conditions, from a mild ache to extreme and recurring pain and I see GUESTS at every stage of their problem, from the first day of something new, to old and recurring issues. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Sam
Hi, my name is Sam, and I graduated from the AECC UC. I have trained in musculoskeletal techniques for 5 years and developed a special interest in biomechanics, allowing people to perform at their optimum function and in treating the paediatric population.
I first discovered chiropractic and musculoskeletal care when I was diagnosed with hypermobility at 13. I suffered from a variety of symptoms that came along with this, which affected my day-to-day life and ability to perform in school. I began with care twice weekly and gradually dropped it down as my symptoms improved; eventually, I had chiropractic and deep tissue sports massage once a month as maintenance care. Without this attention to my care and the support of the staff in that practice to perform my exercises and actively participate in my own healthcare, I would not be at the stage I am today. I am now comfortable in my body and day-to-day life and have a much more positive mindset.
I have many hobbies and like to interchange them weekly. I have participated in dance classes since I was 3 years old, played classical Spanish guitar and am an avid musical theatre nerd! I have recently picked up aerial yoga and bouldering, as I enjoy activities that push my boundaries beyond what I thought my body was capable of (I am slowly overcoming my fear of heights!). I also enjoy sewing, painting, and pottery, and have done these with my Granny since a young age.
I am always open to new suggestions for activities and days out – as much as I love routine, I find that trying new things is the best way to keep my life exciting!
I am really excited to work at the Health and Vitality Centre and join this team of knowledgeable, caring, and welcoming individuals. One thing that drew me to this practice is that everybody here truly cares about health and well-being in a similar way to me.
I look forward to meeting you, helping you obtain optimum function and getting that spring back into your step!
Alex
Hi, I am Alex. I am originally from the beautiful island of Samos, Greece and I graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic. I have always been passionate about the profession, the reason for that is I grew up in my dad’s clinic environment who is a holistic therapist, and it intrigued me that he helped so many people with his techniques and energy. I decided to dedicate my life to helping people like he does.
In my free time, I love going to the cinema, theatre and playing badminton. My favourite pastime is actually going to the gym. Looking forward to meeting you, and if you see me at the gym, don’t forget to say hi!
Panja
Hi there! I’m Panja, a chiropractor from sunny Malaysia, where it’s summer all year long. I’m proud to be part of the team at Health and Vitality Centre, and I’m passionate about helping people move better, feel better, and live healthier lives. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, recovering from an injury, or just looking to stay in top shape, I’m here to help.
My goal is to guide you every step of the way, creating a personalised approach to care that fits your needs and helps you get back to doing the things you love. My experiences have inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others find that same relief and empowerment. I look very much to meeting and helping you.
Aaron
Hello, my name is Aaron Lewis I am a sports physiotherapist and massage therapist with a BSC HONS degree in sports therapy.
I am passionate about helping my guests live their best life. From caring for them with a relaxing massage to helping them preparing for a professional competition, I love it equally. I myself train and compete at Thai Boxing and benefit from massage regularly.
One of my most rewarding health transformations I have helped with was at a specialised clinic rehabilitating children with cerebral palsy pre & post operation. During my time there I got to help a young boy named Tom walk without his apparatus for the first time after a few weeks of rehab.
Kerry
Originally from the West Coast of Canada, I grew up in Victoria on Vancouver Island and completed a degree in Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia, which focused on the management of Sport and Leisure.
I have always had an interest in the different disciplines for alternative healthcare and wellbeing and in 2003 helped establish a clinic in Brookmans Park, jointly with my husband Chris Pickard, which offered Chiropractic treatments, Functional Nutrition, Massage, and Physiotherapy. My journey with massage started in 2019 at the Middlesex School of Complementary Medicine where I completed the Level 3 ITEC Diploma in Holistic / Therapeutic Massage, as well as qualifications in Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy and Warm Bamboo massage techniques.
During my free time I like to keep active through gardening and my allotment and back in 2023 was given a unique opportunity to help out on one of the Show Gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show. I also enjoy hiking and going to the gym, cooking and travelling. I look forward to meeting you and helping you get back on the road to recovery as well as achieving your fitness goals.
Alice
Hello, my name is Alice and my journey as a massage therapist began nine years ago and has since taken me through a variety of professional settings, including several spa environments and a chiropractic clinic. These experiences have allowed me to develop a broad and well-rounded approach to massage therapy, working with my guests with a wide range of needs.
Along the way, I have trained in a variety of massage techniques, enabling me to tailor each treatment to support relaxation, recovery, and overall wellbeing. I can offer deep tissue/sports, hot stone, Indian head massage, reflexology, pregnancy and lymphatic drainage.
Gemma
Hello, I’m Gemma. I started working at the Health and Vitality Centre the start of this year and have been welcomed with open arms from the lovely team.
I previously owned a dog grooming salon for 9 years which I am very proud of.
I recently had a little girl and have now found the perfect work life balance at the Health and Vitality Centre.
In my spare time I love to take my little Yorkshire Terrier Cross on long walks with the family and go swimming with my little girl.
Donna
Hello, my name is Donna, I am one of the newest Centre Assistants here at the Health and Vitality Centre, I am so happy to be part of the amazing team and excited to meet all our lovely guests. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, yoga, getting stuck into a good book and taking my cockapoo out for walks.
Erin
Hi, I’m Erin and I couldn’t be happier to be apart of such an amazing team.
Prior to working for HVC, I have worked in various administration roles and I am glad I have managed to find the perfect balance working here, due to having my daughter Willow.
During my spare time, I thoroughly enjoy going on long walks or going to the gym.
Urszula
Hi my name is Urszula and I am Polish.
I have lived in UK 19 years and I have two beautiful girls Julia and Maja.
I studied Marketing and Management and gained a Masters degree in Bialystok University in Poland. My passions are many including Athletics. I have been coaching for the Herts Phoenix AC where both my daughters are members. Aside from my passion for physical fitness cardio and weights I enjoy skiing cooking and travel...oh and I love to party with old and new friends alike !
Libby
Hi, I’m Libby, and I’m so grateful to be part of the wonderful team at The Health and Vitality Centre. My life is guided by the things that bring me joy and balance—raising my two beautiful, spirited daughters, spending time in the garden surrounded by plants, and finding calm and grounding through yoga.
I love getting outdoors, whether it’s walking our dog through the woods or along the beach, and at home we share our space with a much-loved one-eyed rescue cat who has truly become a big personality in our family.
I’m excited to be learning and growing alongside the incredible team here at HVC, and I look forward to supporting a space that values health, wellbeing, and connection.
Maanasee
Hi my name is Maanasee! I am a centre assistant at HVC but also I am currently studying Economics, Psychology and Maths. I’m looking to pursue a degree in Business in the future as I have always been interested in how businesses operate and navigate challenges to achieve growth and success.
I would love the opportunity to go travelling at some point because I love to learn about different cultures and try different cuisines. In my free time I enjoy running to stay healthy and clear my mind. I find that it especially helps me stay focused and energised for the day. Reading is one of the many other things that I enjoy doing as it broadens my knowledge and engage with ideas that I resonate with. When I’m not studying, I like to spend time with my friends. I value the connections I have with others and seeing my friends helps me to unwind and have fun.
