ANDREW WHITTAKER

Clinic Director and Chiropractor

LRCC DC

Masters in Chiropractic, Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, 2009

GCC Registration Number: 03197

Andrew graduated in 2009 with a Masters in Chiropractic from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic.

As owner of Wellness Centre Newcastle he enjoys the challenge of running a business as well as focusing on being an outstanding chiropractor.

He has wanted to be a chiropractor from the age of 12 after he saw his first spinal adjustment performed on his mother, he was amazed at the precision and supposed simplicity of the manipulation and was impressed by the effectiveness of the treatment. He then persuaded his parents to take him to see a chiropractor and has been receiving regular treatment since.

Since graduating, Andrew has completed further training in Dry Needling, Western Medical Acupuncture, Neurolinguistics Programming, Nutrition, Kinesiology Taping, Pregnancy and Paediatric Care. Andrew also completed a course in Applied Kinesiology, which has fascinated him ever since he had the technique used on himself to help with eczema.

Andrew is interested in all forms of chiropractic care and has treated people of all ages, from just over a week old right into their 90s! His belief is that the body should be treated as a whole, and that people should be adjusted from birth to keep the whole body working optimally. Although, it’s never too late to start with chiropractic care. He enjoys both getting people pain-free and keeping people healthy through regular care, as well as exercises and home care advice.

His understanding of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the rest of the body, allows him to tailor each and every treatment to suit the person and their needs, whether that be pain relief or regular maintenance, so that everyone can be as comfortable as possible during their visit.

Andrew is a member of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC). He is also registered with AXA/PPP and is recognised by most other healthcare and insurance providers.

Outside of the practice, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife Naomi, daughter Alice, new baby son Thomas, and reading and keeping active. He also enjoys his regular pub quiz!

VANESSA WATERS

Chiropractor

M.Chiro (Hons)

Masters in Chiropractic, Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, 2009

GCC Registration Number: 03219

Vanessa Studied alongside Andrew at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic and after graduating in 2009, moved to Newcastle.

Vanessa's inspiration to become a chiropractor came when she was still at school. Vanessa enjoyed running, hiking and gymnastics but severe knee pain often prevented her from participating. Then her aunt had a back injury which was so severe her uncle had to carry her in to see a chiropractor. After that first session she was able to walk back to the car!

As a result, Vanessa decided to try chiropractic treatment and was amazed at the difference she felt in posture and flexibility and, from that time, she wanted to become a chiropractor.

Vanessa studied at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic and after graduating in 2009 she moved to Newcastle. She worked in several practices before I made the decision to follow my other passion, to travel the world.

Upon my return, Vanessa had the opportunity to set up her own practice and have enjoyed the many challenges of owning a business. However, after seven very busy years, her patient base has grown to such an extent that running the business has become all consuming when she would rather focus on being the best chiropractor she can be.

Therefore, Vanessa feel very fortunate indeed to now have the opportunity to work at Wellness Centre Newcastle, where she can concentrate on further developing her Chiropractic skills within an amazing, supportive team who will allow and encourage me to improve my work life balance.

In her spare time, she loves to keep active and enjoy exploring the Northumberland coastline with her partner, daughter and dog

AIDAN HEYWOOD

Chiropractor

Masters in Chiropractic, Teesside University

BSc Sport and exercise science, Northumbria University

GCC Registration Number: 06006

Aidan’s inspiration to study Chiropractic derived from his father graduating back in 2004. Since then, he has had regular treatment throughout life, and understands the importance of wellness care.

Aidan’s holistic approach within Chiropractic allows treatment to be individualised and specific to each patient, combining multiple techniques to truly adapt to the patients needs.

Aidan lives in Hebburn with his partner & daughter, along with his springer spaniel, Bonnie. He enjoys exploring with his dog and plays Semi Professional football for Hebburn Town FC.

KRISTINA SARACI

Chiropractor

Masters in Chiropractic, Teesside University

GCC Registration Number: 05983

Kristina graduated from the University of Teesside with a Master's degree in Chiropractic. She initially qualified with a diploma in Physiotherapy, during which she managed various musculoskeletal conditions.

Additionally, Kristina gained experience working in spas during the summer months. Born in Albania and raised in Greece, she has always had a passion for the health sector.

In 2020, Kristina made the decision to enhance her skills and expertise by pursuing a career as a chiropractor, a goal she began to realize through her practice as a physiotherapist. From a young age, she aspired to be directly involved in patient care and to contribute meaningfully to their health journeys.

ROBERT HESLOP

Osteopath

Master of Osteopathy

GoSC Registration Number: 9601

Robert Heslop graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a Master’s degree in Osteopathy.

Upon graduation, he was awarded with the ‘Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Osteopathy’. Since then, Robert has returned to his home to work in the North East, living with his partner in Gateshead.

Robert is a firm believer in the importance of working holistically in order to deliver optimum care, providing direct treatment to the area of dysfunction. Additionally, he works closely with his patients looking globally to target, and alter, the root of their problem.

Robert utilises musculoskeletal, structural and functional approaches. During his time in practice he has developed a keen interest in furthering his abilities, completing courses in dry needling with acupuncture trigger points and craniosacral osteopathy.

Robert is very passionate about osteopathy and furthers public awareness of the field by educating others about the profession he has proudly dedicated himself to. During his spare time Robert loves film and spending time with family and friends.

FIONA ELLIS

Osteopath

B.App.Sc (Clin Sc) – 1999

B.Ost.Sc – 1999

B.App.Sc (Human Bio) – 1995

GoSC Registration Number: 4303

Fiona worked in several practices in Melbourne before making the move to Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2000.

Throughout her career, Fiona has never wavered in her passion for the Osteopathic approach to health and wellness. Fiona is gratified to see every day that when her clients are moving well, eating well and thinking well, nothing can stop them!

She is also registered with the British Western Medical Acupuncture society and incorporates acupuncture regularly in her practice. She is registered with all private health insurers.

Fiona lives in Newcastle with her husband and two children – who are her greatest joys. She loves nothing more than staying fit by going for long walks with them and enjoying the amazing scenery and history we have here in the North East.

FABIAN HARMER

Osteopath

Master of Osteopathy

GoSC Registration Number: 9600

Fabian graduated with a Masters degree (MOst) in osteopathy from Leeds Beckett University.

Fabian offers a comfortable, relaxed and professional approach to healthcare and has experience in a wide range of chronic and acute problems. Each patient is different and his sessions are tailored specifically for each individual.

Fabian’s approach is a structural approach, meaning that the assessment, diagnosis and treatment is based on the biomechanical function of the body. His aim is to allow pain-free, optimal movement and to return to normal daily activities with no worry of further injury. He achieves this using diverse range of techniques, with the latest research to back them up.

Fabian has a keen interest in sports having competed in a number of different sports, including, rugby, football, tennis, skiing and triathlons. Having sustained a few sports related injuries himself, Fabian understands the injury process and most importantly understand the want to return to normal training post injury. He has completed further courses in care for elite athletes and gained invaluable knowledge from some of Team GBs osteopaths in how to care for and prevent sports injuries.

Other skills Fabian has acquired include dry-needling/acupuncture points and K-taping.

LUCY LOWDON

Remedial Massage Therapist & Reflexologist

FHT Registration Number: 59594

Lucy's interest in massage and complementary therapies developed around 15 years ago when she became aware of the strength of the human body and its ability to heal itself when under stress.

This cemented her belief that total-care can be a combination of medical and complementary methods.

Lucy began her career in complementary therapies in 2002 when she qualified in massage, reflexology, aromatherapy and Indian head massage. Since then Lucy has continued to develop her knowledge and skills by embarking on a course of continued further education study including qualifications in remedial massage, hot stone massage and ear candling, as well as a foundation degree in complementary therapies.

Such was Lucy's enthusiasm for the subject that she gained a diploma of higher education in teacher education in 2007 and passed on her knowledge and skills as a lecturer at Newcastle College for five years.

In 2010 Lucy focused her attention to remedial massage and has worked closely with the team of Osteopaths and Chiropractors at Wellness Centre Newcastle to deliver effective treatments to encourage good health and well-being.

Lucy believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and loves nothing more than having fun with her Husband and 3 children.

Lucy is registered with the FHT.

AILISH TAHANEY

Sports & Exercise Rehabilitation Therapist

STA Registration Number: 3406

Ailish graduated Newcastle University with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation and she is currently studying Strength and Conditioning MSc.

With a key interest in the human movement and function that is viewed as central components of individual health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Ailish uses cupping therapy, acupuncture, therapeutic ultrasound and massage with the aim to assess, treat, manage, and prevent a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries.

In her spare time Ailish likes to spend her time going to the gym, travelling, and taking part in outdoor activities.

ELYSE MORLAND

Practice Manager

Elyse joined our team in 2012.

Starting as support staff, Elyse took over as Practice Manager in 2019. Elyse also manages the social media and marketing side of the business.

She first experienced Chiropractic care when she was just 7 years old.

Elyse’s great passion is for educating the public about the benefits of Chiropractic, Osteopathic care and Massage Therapy. With the correct support and encouragement, Elyse believe that everyone can achieve their own personal health and wellness goals. She absolutely loves being part of the team and working with all of the patients who she has the honour of meeting.

Elyse loves nothing more than spending time with her husband and family and keeping fit and healthy with regular gym visits.

ANNELIESE KOPKO

Clinic Assistant

Anneliese joined the team in June 2022 although is no stranger to us here, having been a patient for over 15 years!

She joins us part time following a career change after spending the last 18 years in the arts and cultural sector and is working alongside another part time role in hospitality.

Outside of the practice Anneliese enjoys a busy life with her husband and two children. They like going on local walks by the river and in the denes or to get away on days out further afield or camping when they can.

Anneliese is looking forward to meeting and chatting with all our patients, sharing a passion for wellness.

CAROLE ARMITAGE

Clinic Assistant

Carole joined the team in April 2024 and has settled into clinic life wonderfully!

After working in a GP surgery, Carole has joined the Team at Wellness Centre Newcastle in 2024 and has brought her vast experience to the role of Clinic Assistant.

Being a new grandmother, Carole is enjoying the precious times it brings. In her spare time, Carole loves walks with her dog Daisy and spending time with her family. Carole is very much looking forward to getting to know all of our great patients.

NICOLE ROUTLEDGE

Clinic Assistant

Nicole has worked in customer service roles for the past 10 years, her most recent role being within a removal company. She now lives in the village with her 1 year old daughter and husband. She is looking forward to meeting all of our great patients!

In loving memory of Julie Whittaker 1960 - 2019

Co Director & Practice Manager

On Monday 27th May, Julie sadly died after a long but bravely fought battle with cancer. She passed peacefully with her family at her side.

It is safe to say that she is a massive loss to all who knew her, and she will be sorely missed. She was a beloved mother, wife, grandma, daughter, sister, auntie, friend and colleague. She had a fantastic personality and loved all of the patients and friends that she met through the practice and outside of work.

Her legacy lives on and we will all remember Julie and her infectious laugh and enthusiasm for life.

Julie was co-owner and Practice Manager of Wellness Centre Newcastle and had boundless energy and commitment for educating the community of the importance of ongoing Wellness Care.

After opening the practice in 2005, Julie's commitment for Wellness care never faltered.

Julie’s professional background began in insurance and then banking.

Her initial involvement with Chiropractic and Osteopathy began in the 1990’s, when a friend recommended that she consulted a Chiropractor for migraine headaches – she had suffered with these for a number of years.

After several adjustments, she was astounded, not only by the difference it had made to her migraines, but to the quality of her in her life in general.

Very soon Julie’s family members became patients and personally experienced the benefits of improved health and wellness, that regular Chiropractic and Osteopathic care made for them.

Julie valued everyone who puts their trust in our team and appreciates the fantastic compliment it is to us all, when a patient recommends family members or friends to the Centre for care.

She believed that EVERY patient should experience great customer service and know that they are listened to and supported at EVERY visit. She truly believed that everyone can make a big difference to their own health and wellness in general, if they are guided and encouraged to be the best they can.