meet the team

Hola, cómo estás, I am Jessica. I am the front desk Chiropractic Assistant for our clinic. My primary focus everyday is to make sure that our patients are completely cared for; from questions about chiropractic to scheduling their appointments and everything in between. I have only been with the office since May of 2008 but I already know that this position is where I am meant to be. I love the concept of Chiropractic being a natural way to a healthy life. I enjoy patients coming into our office and getting to take care of them in a way that not only makes them feel comfortable but like part of our family. For as long as I can remember I have loved everything about sports and now that I know about Chiropractic, I plan to continue my education involving sports and health without drugs or surgery. So stop in to see us soon and get started on a healthier you as part of the Health First family.

Hello, my name is Mary and I am a Chiropractic Assistant, usually I am the one taking your x-rays, performing exams or assisting with therapy.  I first met the team at Health First when my family became patients in 2007.  I was so impressed with the amount of information I was given about my health, I did not know that Chiropractic could do so much.  I was able to make informed decisions about natural safe options for my families healthcare.  When I became pregnant I continued my adjustments throughout the entire pregnancy and I was feeling so great I was able to work an entire full shift the day I delivered!  At one week old, my baby started getting adjusted and has always been in great health and free of any digestion problems some babies have.  I was fortunate to join the Health First team in February 2009.  Now it is my responsibility to make sure all of our patients get the same compassion and care that my family has received for years.  It really is our goal to make our patients feel comfortable and to be a part of our family.  I would be happy to share my family experience with you, so give us a call and come get to know us.

Hello, I'm DeeDee and I am proud to be part of a wonderful team that is devoted to your natural well being and health care.  It is my job as a Financial Assistant to educate you on how to make your chiropractic care affordable.  I will help you to understand your insurance benefits and/or offer you our other payment options.  Our entire team is dedicated to making sure every patient knows they are important to us, this is not just a job for our team.  When I am not here, I love being Grandma.  I quite often spend time with my grandson here in Grand Rapids or my three granddaughters in Traverse City.  I enjoy roadtrips around Michigan (especially Traverse City) and I am an avid movie fan.  So come in to meet us, we can't wait to have you join our family!

Hi, my name is Charles, many of you may recognize me, I am Doc and Tracey’s son. Everyone teases me because I am in and out of our family photos (and that I look so much like my mom), but I have been going to school and cannot always make it home in time for pictures.  Let me begin with saying how much I have learned by working at the clinic, I grew up having Chiropractic care since I can remember, but it has been a whole other experience being a part of the clinic. I guess I always took my health for granted and never really thought much about it, until I was able to see on a daily basis how our patients were able to get back what they never thought possible. It is not uncommon for me to have to assist a new patient to the exam room because they have difficulty walking and to hear how the patient is trying Chiropractic because it is their last resort and all other doctors have told them they would not get any better. I see the doubt when I tell them about Chiropractic and the results that we see all the time but my favorite part of the job is when that same patient; walks through the door unassisted and smiling, because they are better. While working in the clinic, I have found that I have a knack for taking x-rays and with healthcare being so important to our family, I have chosen to continue the tradition and will pursue a career as a Radiologist. Of course working with my parents has it ups and downs but I would not have it any other way and you can count on seeing me every time I have a break in school.

Meet Priya Verasammy our Medical massage therapist. My goal as a MMT is to restore structural balance throughout the body, which allows focus on prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions, chronic pain and sports injuries.  Primary modalities include functional assessment, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, lymphatic drainage, scar tissue mobilization techniques, neuromuscular re-education and strengthening. The methods used are passive muscle mobility, deep tissue, Thai, Swedish, and soft-hand deep tissue, other massage types include: sports massage, pre-natal massage, acupressure, and reflexology just to name a few. When I am not at the office I can usually be found training for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) competitions, cooking and listening to music, I have a huge family and I love going back to New York to spend time with them. I am dedicated to continually learning to bring the best methods of treatment to our patients and I am proud that our office works so diligently on bringing the best care at the most affordable rates to our patients. Call today to schedule a massage; we always have the best prices in town.

Hi, I am Tracey Szagesh.  I would like to welcome you to Health First Chiropractic.  A long time ago Dr. and I started talking about having our own clinic, and in January of 2001, I left my nursing position to help make that dream a reality.  We began with what we believe are some of the most important factors; educating as many people as possible on the benefits of Chiropractic care and making sure that ANYONE could afford the care they needed.  We then set out to find the location, and we chose Grand Rapids as our home.  We moved Thanksgiving weekend and finished construction on the office just after Christmas.  Our goal for the office was to provide a comfortable atmosphere that everyone felt  “at home”.  Dr. and I are grateful for the opportunity that we have to help people with their health.

            Over 20 years ago I was assigned to a Chiropractor’s office to work as an extern and I was amazed at the whole idea of chiropractic.  The concept was so simple; the spine protects the nervous system.  Vertebrae become out of alignment putting pressure on the nerves affecting the ability for the body to function at full capacity.  I loved it!  The people who came to see us, got better without drugs or surgery, and they were so happy for their newfound health.   Then I went back to working in medical offices and during that time I had my daughter.  After a very difficult pregnancy and delivery Tiahna was born with severe allergies of which the medical profession could do nothing about.  She was sick all the time; I was always worried about losing my job or having her kicked out of daycares because she was always spiking temperatures of 104 degrees, which made it so that I seldom worked an entire month without a phone call telling me she was sick again.  The doctors would tell me that there was nothing they could do about it and that by the time she was 5 she would be severely asthmatic and probably need occasional oxygen therapy.  You see, I had worked in medical offices for so many years I forgot about chiropractic.   When she was 2 years old I had Dr. begin checking Tiahna on a regular basis, after about 6 months, I realized that I had not had any phone calls at work telling me to come get my sick child.  Tiahna is now over 13 and she is a very healthy happy child!  All 3 of our children are under chiropractic care, and I will never forget about chiropractic again.  Be sure to ask me about our youngest daughter; who at 6 years old, has only had one antibiotic!

            Now not only am I married to my best friend, but I also get to be a part of helping, caring and providing the #1 drugless healing profession in an affordable family environment.  Here at Health First we will care for you as family.  Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us, please continue to browse the rest of the web site, and feel free to e-mail us with your questions or comments.   I know I can speak for the entire Health First team; when I say, “WELCOME, We’re happy to see you, how can we be of help to you?”         

P.S. for an explanation of these pictures, you’ll have to come in.


 

3097 29th St SE 
Grand Rapids, MI  49512
Telephone:  (616) 974-9922 
Fax:  (616) 974-9955

6475 Belding Rd NE
Rockford, MI  49341
Telephone:  (616) 874-2225
Fax: (616) 874-2229


 

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