Practice Group Manager​

Karena Westergaard

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Originally from New Zealand, Karena studied Political Economy and Chinese at The University of Sydney, Australia.  She was working in Equities in London when she met Peter and after they married, she decided to help Peter with his vision of creating first class Chiropractic clinics in the UK and has worked with BritChiro Clinics since 2000 in between raising their two daughters in West Sussex.  

Karena manages the team of 12 clinic assistants and deals with PR and recruitment.  Peter & Karena's two daughters are now both at university in London but you may see them around helping with the clinics during their university holidays. 

 Clinic Assistants

Our Clinic Assistants come from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. They have all undergone training on Chiropractic and are here to support our patients get the most out of their Chiropractic treatment.

Olivia, Reception Manager

I joined the team in 2014 - first as a clinic assistant and now also as one of the reception managers.  As a reception manager I ensure the whole team is working together to provide the best possible outcome for our patients. BritChiro Horsham has become my extended family and we are such a great team.
Previously, I worked as a beauty therapist and my passion for healthcare and well-being had a strong influence on my decision to work in a chiropractic clinic. I have seen the positive impact that chiropractic makes to our patients, observing their journey and truly seeing each individual’s progression from walking without aid to some competing in high-level sporting events, it really is a delight to witness. 
 
I'm a national trust member as I love to explore the grounds and gardens, which guides me to improve my forever growing garden. I also have a beautiful cocker spaniel who I enjoy taking on long walks. 

Karen, Reception Manager

As a keen horse rider and having had a previous career working as an equine groom, a friend recommended I try Chiropractic treatment for my low back and shoulder pain, a very common problem for all us grooms! I never looked back.  So I was actually a patient at BritChiro Clinics before I joined the reception team in 2008, first as a clinic assistant and now also as one of the reception managers, making sure the Chiropractors’ and Massage therapists’ appointment books all run optimally so our patients can get the appointments that they need.

​Still a horse rider and now also a keen gym goer/fitness fanatic, I am certainly working  in the right place.  It has  been lovely working in the clinic for this amount of time, building up a great rapport with our long-term patients, and now seeing some of the patients who came in as children themselves, bringing in their own children for Chiropractic treatment.

Amy, Office Manager

I have enjoyed working at BritChiro since I joined as a Clinic Assistant in 2016 when I was looking for a change in career after mostly working in retail. With three busy Chiropractors and a massage therapist working alongside each other in our Horsham clinic, reception is always busy and the role of a clinic assistant is very varied, it is​ always lovely meeting & greeting our patients and seeing the progress they’ve made with their treatment.  More recently I have also taken on the role as Office Manager and enjoy working alongside Peter & Karena making sure the clinics and the office all run smoothly.

I play Stoolball on a regular basis and Chiropractic is vital to keeping myself active. My daughter also enjoys regular maintenance adjustments after suffering an injury when she was younger, so Chiropractic is important to our family’s life and it keeps us functioning well!

Patrick, Westbourne Reception Manager

​I love working with our patients ensuring they receive the best possible service in our Westbourne clinic.  Previously I worked in International visual management in Estonia, Turkey, Pakistan and Dubai before working a few years as an art dealer for the largest art gallery in Europe. It is a pleasure managing the Westbourne reception and ensuring we constantly deliver for our patients.  With three Chiropractors and soon a massage therapist as well, the clinic is always busy and no day is the same.
 
In my spare time I love cooking, travelling through Europe and walking on the beach and I also play the piano.

Charlotte, Clinic Assistant

I joined the New Milton team in 2015. Previously I worked in the Insurance industry, marine insurance underwriting & building liability claims.  

​Working at BritChiro provided me with the work life balance I was looking for after having my first child; little did I know how much I would need Chiropractic treatment and I have found it to be invaluable working alongside such talented chiropractors. I sought advice and treatment after having constant back pain following the birth of my first child and a few years later, I sought advice and treatment for persistent headaches and shoulder pain. The chiropractor took X-rays and found that I had a set of extra ribs and bony spurs growing in my neck, this was the root cause of the pain I had been experiencing. I now have regular chiropractic treatments and it helps immensely to keep my headaches at bay. 
 
I live locally with my husband and two children who also come in for Chiropractic check-ups.  When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, sea swimming, paddle boarding and reading.

Victoria, Clinic Assistant 

I joined BritChiro in 2015 having returned to the New Forest with my son as I wanted him to enjoy a healthier lifestyle and upbringing on the coast, as I did.   Previously I lived in London where I worked for an Investment Bank in Mayfair for over 15 years  - it was a very prestigious company with a fantastic level of client customer service.  

​I was introduced to Chiropractic in my teens as I was an athlete representing Bournemouth Athletic Club competing all over the country at a high level. I have continued Chiropractic treatment throughout my life as it has definitely helped me with old injuries and now maintain my body as I get older. I still enjoy exercise - mostly through Pilates and Pump classes and endeavour to stay as healthy as possible.  I enjoy working at BritChiro New Milton; we are a very professional, friendly team and always deliver a first class service with a caring and happy approach. 

Caroline, Clinic Assistant

​Before joining BritChiro Westbourne in 2016 I worked in a Bridal Boutique.  I love meeting so many different patients and I feel passionate about a holistic approach to health and wellbeing so for me, working as a Chiropractic Assistant is a rewarding job in many ways.  I love being  part of a great team and we all work so well together.  

​I moved to Poole from Scotland  in 1997 with my husband so I travel to Scotland as much as time allows to visit family members and friends.  My daughter lives in London so I enjoy regular visits there too.  I enjoy going to the gym in my spare time doing various classes including yoga, hit, and body pump and appreciate that Chiropractic treatment keeps me moving well so I can enjoy my dog walks with my golden retriever Benny. ​

Emma, Clinic Assistant

​Before joining BritChiro Horsham in 2017 I worked overseas and in the UK in a variety of customer facing roles including educational tour operation, as an assistant to directors and office managers. My strong administrative experience and excellent customer service has benefitted me in my role as a clinic assistant.  As a Mum of three boys, I have a very busy life, and my job allows for a good work-life balance.  When I’m not at work or with my  family, you’ll find me at the gym. I am very active, so having Chiropractic treatment with the Doctors at BritChiro, helps me keep in good physical health. 
 
I really enjoy the interactions with our patients and seeing how the treatment benefits their quality of life. 

Liz, Clinic Assistant

I spent 20 years working as an HR manager for a large retail organisation before my husband’s job sent us overseas to live in America for 6 years. Whilst there I decided to have a complete career change and spent 4 years as a swim instructor and lifeguard, helping children from 3 months to 12 years learn to swim and stay safe in the water. We then relocated to Florida where I spent 2 years as a professional dog walker and doggie daycare assistant before heading home with our 2 newly acquired rescue dogs. I love spending time with my family as well as walking the local beaches or across The New Forest with our dogs at weekends. 
 
I joined the BritChiro team in 2020 and feel very lucky to work for such a prestigious Chiropractic clinic.  I love being a part of the personable customer service we offer here and being able to see just how much of a difference Chiropractic makes to people's lives, including my own.

Danielle, Clinic Assistant

​Being one of the newest CAs on the Horsham team I have been made to feel very welcome by all. Like our patients that come to the clinic I am also feeling and noticing the benefit of having Chiropractic treatment.  I enjoy getting to know our regular patients and welcoming new faces into the clinic.  I will always greet you with a smile!

​Before working at BritChiro in Horsham I worked in care, mostly elderly care but have had a few years’ experience working with nursery and school age children and young adults with physical and learning disabilities.
In my free time I am often found in a theatre auditorium enjoying a musical with my daughter.

Poppy, Clinic Assistant

​I am the newest member of the Westbourne team, as I joined the reception team in July 2023.  Previously I worked in payroll and working as a Chiropractic Assistant is a lovely change from finance and I have loved meeting all the different walks of life who come through the door and getting to know them, and seeing the variety of individuals who all benefit from Chiropractic treatment.  
 
In my spare time I love getting involved in local amateur dramatics projects, reading up on history, visiting heritage sites and National Trust properties and taking funny pictures of my cat.