Our speakers

• Photograph

  

  Name

  Dr Alexa Kennedy

  Biography

  Dr Alexa Kennedy graduated from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic in 2022, drawn to the profession through a deeply personal journey that began at birth. Born with Erb’s palsy due to birth trauma, chiropractic care played a foundational role in Alexa’s early life. Inspired by a chiropractor who made a lasting impression, Alexa chose to study at the philosophically grounded NZCC—arriving without even knowing the word subluxation, and leaving with a profound appreciation for the power of a well-adjusted, healthy spine.

  Since graduating, Alexa’s passion for chiropractic has only grown, but so too has her understanding of the realities of practice. From navigating the challenges of relocation, including an international move, to learning firsthand that clinical skill and passion alone aren’t enough, Alexa has gained valuable insight into what it really takes to build a sustainable and fulfilling chiropractic career.

  Now, with gratitude for the lessons learned along the way, Alexa is keen to share practical reflections and encouragement to support the next generation of chiropractors on their own journeys.

• Photograph

  

  Name

  Dr Alison Young

  Biography

  Dr Ali Young is a chiropractor with over 17 years experience. She graduated from RMIT University in 2002 and whet her appetite of principled chiropractic work in Perth, Western Australia. She moved from an associate position after three years, to owning her own practice with her colleague, Dr Olivia Gleeson in Palmyra, Western Australia, where she practiced for eight years.

  In this time she completed her Masters in Chiropractic Paediatrics through the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, and also sat on the WA branch of CAA and WA Registration Board (until merging with Ahpra). She began to present on working with children as a chiropractor during this time and has always had a passion to give back to the profession.

• Photograph

  

  Name

  Dr Damian Kristof

  Biography

  Chiropractor, Nutritionist, and Naturopath ACA Board Member Dr Damian Kristof is a highly sought-after presenter and speaker in the Wellness industry. With over 20 years of experience, Damian’s in-depth knowledge of the body, nervous system, and food functions and responses, coupled with his friendly and dynamic presenting style, has him in high demand.

• Photograph

  

  Name

  Dr Sebastian McArdle

  Biography

  Dr Sebastian McArdle graduated from the Barcelona College of Chiropractic in 2024 and has since returned to Australia to begin practice in the rural town of Kingaroy, Queensland. During his time abroad, Seb developed a strong passion for helping people reach optimal health and performance through chiropractic care. His approach combines diversified and extremity adjusting with soft tissue therapies and rehabilitation-based care, delivering a holistic experience tailored to each individual.

  In his final years of study, Seb focused intentionally on preparing for life after graduation, building clinical skills, understanding patient management, and setting himself up to be practice-ready. Now in rural practice, he brings a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges that come with relocating and establishing yourself in a regional community.

• Photograph

  

  Name

  Dr Thomas Leaver

  Biography

  Dr Tom Leaver graduated from Murdoch University in 2024 and is currently practising in his first role at Southern Family Chiropractic in Albany, WA. With a background in sport and wellbeing, chiropractic felt like a natural path, combining his passion for movement and long-term health.

  Tom is developing his clinical skills under the mentorship of Dr Brendan Oakley, in a supportive and learning-focused environment. He primarily practises ABC, alongside diversified adjusting and other complementary techniques.

  As he navigates the rewarding and sometimes challenging transition into practice, Tom brings curiosity, dedication, and a genuine care for his patients.

• Photograph

  

  Name

  Mrs Linda Smith

  Biography

  A chiropractic patient since the age of 10, Linda has been working in the chiropractic industry for more than 25 years. Her industry experience includes working as a CA, recruiting chiropractors into the UK, practice owner, state-based management and advocacy roles within the CAA / ACA, Head of HR and Culture for a large Australian Chiropractic company and most recently as Head of Policy for the ACA.

  With a political science, international relations and management background, Linda enjoys building relationships, connecting people, representing the profession to our stakeholders and supporting chiropractors in both their everyday practice and in increasing their footprint in the community. Her vision is to see chiropractic utilisation and participation increase in the healthcare system and for every person to be able to access and benefit from high quality chiropractic care.