+ practitioners
Dr Cristina Grace Scalora
Chiropractor & Director
Hi, I’m Cristina, founder of Empowered Spine & Mind.
I grew up in the small country town of Tooleybuc, NSW, before moving to Melbourne to study and graduate Biomedicine. While I always knew I wanted a career helping people, it wasn’t until I began working as a remedial massage therapist that I discovered my passion for hands-on healthcare. That experience eventually led me to complete my Master of Clinical Chiropractic at RMIT University.
Since graduating in 2018, I’ve had the privilege of helping people move better, feel healthier and enjoy life with less pain.
Pain has a way of affecting every part of life. It can stop you exercising, travelling, playing with your children or grandchildren, sleeping well, working comfortably or enjoying the little moments that make life meaningful.
One of the philosophies that has shaped both my career and our clinic is simple:
Life’s too short to spend it in pain.
Of course, none of us can avoid every ache or injury, but I truly believe everyone deserves the opportunity to move well, feel their best and get the most out of life. Whether that means getting back to sport, enjoying your pregnancy, keeping up with your family, working comfortably or simply waking up feeling like yourself again, helping people return to the things they love is what inspires me every day.
When I opened Empowered Spine & Mind, my vision wasn’t simply to create another chiropractic clinic.
I wanted to build a place where people felt genuinely welcomed. A place where they could ask questions, feel listened to and know they were supported every step of the way. Somewhere that didn’t feel intimidating or rushed, but warm, friendly and full of people who truly care.
Today, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built. Together we offer Chiropractic, Remedial Massage, Myotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Reiki, Reformer Pilates, Infrared Sauna and a range of complementary therapies, allowing us to support people through many different stages of life.
I strongly believe that great healthcare isn’t about one practitioner having all the answers. Sometimes the best outcomes come from a team working together, each bringing their own skills and experience to help you feel your best.
I hope you leave feeling listened to, supported and knowing there are people in your corner who truly want to help. While we can’t promise to solve every problem overnight, we can promise to take the time to understand your goals and do everything we can to help you move towards a healthier, happier life.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. It is an absolute privilege to do what I love every day, and I feel incredibly grateful that so many people trust our team with their health.
Wherever you are on your health journey, we’d love to help you get the most out of life—because life’s too short to spend it in pain.
Charleigh
Receptionist
Hi, I'm Charleigh and Im excited to have joined the team as receptionist at Empowered.
When I'm not working at Empowered, I'm a part time Primary School teacher and have been teaching for over 12 years.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, experimenting in the kitchen, and taking my dogs, Maxi and Eddie, on adventures and road trips with my husband James.
I'm looking forward to meeting you all and supporting the fabulous team here at Empowered Spine and Mind.
Gael
Myotherapist
Hi, I’m Gael and I work at Empowered Spine and Mind as a Myotherapist.
My journey as an allied health professional started when I developed a passion for health, sport and helping others. I first completed my studies as an allied health assistant then continuing my studies to become a Myotherapist.
I work with a range of different clients and also specialise in working in the sports field. I currently work at the Carlton AFL football team and have had experience working Highlanders Super Rugby team and a local soccer team.
My aim is to provide the best quality treatment by tailoring an individualised treatment plan based on the client's complaints and needs and overall improving musculoskeletal health and well-being.
Erin
Remedial Massage Therapist
Hi, my name is Erin.
I've been a Remedial Massage Therapist for 4 years, with experience in relaxation, hot stone and pregnancy massage.
Focusing on a holistic approach for all of my treatments, this allows me to form deeper connections with each of my clients to fully understand where their tension may be stemming from. From here we create a treatment plan together that best suits the clients needs and main concerns.
I thoroughly enjoy performing relaxation treatments as well. Relaxation gives the client a chance to take some deep breaths, check in with their body and relax the nervous system.
Hot Stone and Pregnancy relaxation massages are also big favourites of mine!
Georgie
Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture & Hijama Practitioner
Hi, I’m Georgie – a practitioner specialising in traditional Chinese medicine and Hijama (wet cupping therapy).
My journey into natural health began with a deep curiosity about how the body heals and maintains balance. This passion led me to study acupuncture, where I learned to take a holistic approach to health—treating not just the symptoms, but the whole person.
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture, a practice involving the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body.
Many people seek acupuncture to support general wellbeing, manage stress, assist with digestion, musculoskeletal concerns, and women’s health. In addition to acupuncture, I also practice Hijama (wet cupping), a traditional therapy used in various cultures.
This technique involves applying suction cups to the skin, followed by light, controlled surface incisions. Hijama is traditionally used with the intention of supporting circulation and helping to address areas of stagnation.
My approach is calm, compassionate, and client-centred. I aim to create a safe and welcoming space where you feel listened to and supported, and where treatment plans are tailored to meet your individual needs.
Whether you’re new to holistic therapies or seeking ongoing support, I’m here to assist you on your health journey.
Josie
Reiki Practitioner & Holistic Therapist
Josie is a qualified Reiki Practitioner and Holistic Therapist.
She has also qualifications in Reflexology, Aura Healing, Space Cleansing , Color Therapy & Bach Flower Remedies.
Reiki is a beautiful ancient Japanese technique that supports and enhances the body’s natural healing ability.
Reiki can ease tension, stress improve mental clarity and improve your wellbeing.
You might find me walking around the clinic with crystals or smudging the room
Reiki on my furry friends :)
I love sharing my love and passion for Reiki❤️
Dr Kate Alder
Locum Chiropractor
covering Cristina on maternity leave from August-December
We are excited to welcome Kate to the clinic, who will be looking after Dr Cristina's patients during her maternity leave.
Kate has over 17 years experience as a Chiropractor, and has been fortunate enough to work in various clinics around Australia.
One of her career highlights to date is volunteering her time offering Chiropractic care as part of her mission trip to different communities throughout Cambodia.
Kate believes in a holistic approach to healthcare management through identifying the cause and not just focusing on the symptoms.
Outside of work she enjoys nature, baking, and spending time with her partner, 2 children and fur-baby.
Jess
Clinic Manager & Administration
Hi, my name is Jess and I am the Clinic Manager at Empowered Spine and Mind, and often your first point of contact when reaching the clinic.
When I am not behind the reception desk, I am mum to my beautiful toddler Elsie and operating my freelance makeup business. I have been a professional makeup artist for over 13 years!
In my downtime I like watch a movie with the hubby, walk our two dogs, head to a reformer pilates class or catch up with my girlfriends over dinner and drinks.
It’s impossible to have a dull day working at Empowered, and I love the laughs shared with the team and clients here.
We are so lucky to have built a team of knowledgable, friendly professionals who all have one goal in common - to help our clients.
I look forward to helping you next time you’re in the clinic!
Elle
Myotherapist
(Studying Bachelor of Osteopathy)
Hey there, I'm Elle, a proud member of the Empowered Spine and Mind team for the past few years, working as a Myotherapist.
I've been working in the industry a few years, and am currently back at uni completing more study- Bachelor of Osteopathy.
My approach to treatment is all about you—pinpointing your unique needs and delivering targeted care. Whether it's regaining your range of motion, reducing pain, or boosting movement and functionality, I'll work with you to achieve your goals. I love working with clients from all walks of life and addressing a variety of conditions, most commonly TMJ disorder and the usual neck, back and shoulders.
My toolkit includes an array of techniques like dry needling, MET muscle and joint releases, mobilisations, myofascial release, and cupping to ensure you get the best results.
Jesse
Chinese Medicine Practitioner
With 8 years of clinical experience and a 4-month internship in China, Dr. Jesse has honed in his treatment methods and found an effective way to treat his patients with maximum results.
While studying at RMIT, Jesse was fortunate enough to live in China for 4 months, allowing him to complete an internship in a hospital that integrated both modern day western medicine and Chinese medicine. Through this experience Jesse was able to see the real impact of having both types of medicine work alongside one another.
Jesse continued his passion, and with 8 years of clinical practice he has helped over 1,000 patients reach their health goals. Patients frequently sought out Jesse for help with conditions such as Chronic pain, Nerve pain, Anxiety, Poor sleep, Stress and Digestive issues.
Because of this, he takes a holistic approach to healthcare, advocating for both alternative therapies and conventional medicine.
Jesse is a fitness advocate with a sports background, so he understands what it’s like when the body isn’t working quite right, both mentally and physically. It can be very debilitating and stressful on the mind and body. This is where his passion for helping people overcome their bodies comes from.
Jesse has assisted many patients with;
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Chronic Body pains
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Chronic pain management (eg. Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis)
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Sports injury recovery
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Female conditions (Menopause, PMS, Fertility etc.)
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Anxiety/Depression
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Insomnia
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Lingering Cold/flu symptoms
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Bowel/Digestive issues
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Jesse provides a range of treatments to help his patients achieve their health goals. These include; Acupuncture, Electro Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Cupping, Moxibustion (aka Moxa), Guasha (scraping) and Tuina (Chinese massage)
John
Remedial Massage Therapist
John is an experienced Remedial Massage Therapist with extensive knowledge within the sporting sector and works with professional athletes.
In his spare time, John is a rockstar drummer in a band called the Pearl Jam Experience.
John is available in clinic on Tuesday mornings.
Millie & Max
If you have been to our clinic, you will most definitely have been greeted by these two!
Max and Millie are Dr Cristinas fur babies, and the stars of the show here at Empowered.
Please let us know prior to your appointment if you prefer a dog-free space, and we will make sure they are away for your appointment.