Meet our Super Health Heroes

Unfortunately we can’t fly, but we’re super at getting you back to loving and living life again. You really are in expert hands with our chiropractors who are all degree qualified and highly trained members of the General Chiropractic Council.

If you’re wondering who we are, and why we’re so super, meet the team below to find out why we do what we do, what makes us good at it, and who might be the best to treat you.

Simon Smith

BSc (Chiro), DC, C.C.E.P

How long have you been part of the team at Broadgate?

Chris and I set it up in 2001, initially he continued to work at Roundhay to keep some money coming into the clinic while I built up my book so initially, I was the only guy working here without even a receptionist!

What made you train to be a chiropractor?

I stumbled into it after my father had a stroke and passed away. I used to work for Natwest but then a family friend whose son was thinking about chiropractic basically told me to apply so I handed my notice in and applied simultaneously not even being able to give a full months’ notice it happened that quickly. I arrived on day one still not actually sure what a chiropractor did. Took the leap on complete faith and only found out we manipulated people once we started.

From such a weird by chance start, it’s been the best thing I ever did and have loved every day since.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that feeling of being able to heal people: that they come to us in pain and dysfunction, and they might have had the problem for years and seen everyone else and because we are the best at what we do we can sometimes fix things others had given up on. I love that I care for every one of my patients and they are like family friends to me, not patients. I also love the fact that it’s so complex that you’re never finished learning, both in terms of knowledge and also experience as you learn from getting patients better how to get the next person better even quicker. Some of my patients have been coming ever since we opened and can remember when it was just me and my small cash tin that I took payments with!

What’s the biggest misconception about chiropractic?

There are a few:

a) that it is somehow fringe medicine and we’re not really medically qualified. The fact that GPs say you should see a physio when we are more qualified in terms of what we learn and how long we learn. Our degree covers a full medical degree course content with just a few minor variations. For example, we cover all the chiropractic things but less the pharmacology things and our obs and gynae course is of course theoretical for example. People don’t realise we are qualified radiologists to a certain level. We are the only branch of medicine in the world who are trained to take an x-ray, read that x-ray and then do something to the patient to fix them. No-one does all three jobs apart from vets and dentists.

b) that once you come you have to come forever because that’s how we get you. In fact everyone should come regularly because maintenance care to deal with all the bad things we do during our life is important. No one ever questions a dental check up but for some reason looing after your nervous system and spine is somehow seen as a con job! (v frustrating).

c) equally that you can come for the first time and you’ll be better in as short time because the pain only just came on. People don’t understand the nature of the problem wearing out over time and then starting to hurt. People seem to think that pain is the start of a problem.

If you hadn’t been a chiropractor what would you do?

I’m not sure but it would be helping other people. I always get satisfaction from helping people improve their lives and also educating them to look after themselves physically mentally and emotionally as all these components can affect the spine and nervous system (emotions can cause physical changes and therefore need to be addressed).

Do you have a claim to fame/party trick?

That’s a tough one! Not sure I have a particular party tick apart from that I always seem to impress Debbie with my vast knowledge of history and trivia when watching quizzes. Apart from that I can say I’ve trained with both the SAS and the US NAVY SEALS.

What’s your favourite thing about living/working in Leeds?

I love the fact that Leeds is a vibrant city but not too large, that you can get to all the different interesting parts easily and also that you can be in countryside in a few minutes.

Christopher Binks

BSc (Chiro), DC

How long have you been part of the team at Broadgate?

From its conception, nearly 20 years ago.

What made you train to be a chiropractor?

My family had a car crash when I was a young teenager. We all walked away from the accident unhurt apart from my mum. She went through months of physio and hospital outpatient management which unfortunately didn’t help. She then went to see a chiropractor who sorted her out. Coincidently I went to a career talk at school given by the same chiropractor who was talking about a World War II fighter pilot who had been shot down but the ejection from the seat which saved his life, damaged his back, and the chiropractor was talking about he helped the airman walk again.

What do you love most about your job?

Still get a kick out of getting people better.

What’s the biggest misconception about chiropractic?

People who pay money for treatment expect immediate results without taking responsibility for their lifestyle.

If you hadn’t been a chiropractor what would you do?

Spaceman.

What’s your favourite thing about living/working in Leeds?

It’s a big city great for business opportunities and close to countryside with fab motorbike roads. We also play cricket with a hard ball!

Nikos Skobris

BSc, MChiro, DC

Niko is Captain Chiro, our super specialist in holistic techniques of chiropractic treatment. Nikos incorporates a diverse range of approaches to healing, and has continued his studies with Sacro-occipital techniques, Neuro-impulse technique, active muscle release technique, Applied Kinesiology as well as the traditional chiropractic techniques

Tim Bowen

DC MChiro, CCEP

How long have you been part of the team at Broadgate?

I have been a part of the team since 2015.

What made you train to be a chiropractor?

I wanted to help people.

What do you love most about your job?

Best bit of the job is seeing people go from being in pain, tired and grumpy to seeing their lives improve and, returning to their normal happy selves.

What’s the biggest misconception about chiropractic?

Biggest misconceptions are that it’ll hurt or that we only deal with the spine, not the whole body.

If you hadn’t been a chiropractor what would you do?

If it wasn’t chiropractic, I might have been an accountant (quite different!).

What do you love most about working in Leeds?

I love Leeds for having some much going on, good food and a great music scene - but in 15 mins you can be out in the countryside walking the dog somewhere amazing.

Luca Ballabio

DC MChiro

Luca is our muscle Wizard. Born in the sunny town of Naples, Italy, Luca is an ex-professional skier who joined Broadgate in October 2016. As a passionate chiropractor, Luca goes far and beyond for his patients. He utilizes his ever-evolving repertoire of techniques, such as Applied Kinesiology, Sacro-Occipital Technique, Sports Chiropractic and Extremity Adjusting to name a few, to help bring his patients to their maximum level of function and mobility. Luca is registered with the British Chiropractic Association, the Royal College of Chiropractic and the General Chiropractic Council.

How long have you been at Broadgate?

I've been part of the team since 2016.

What do love most about your job?

I love seeing the body's response to the treatment for example, a weak muscle getting stronger, or a painful movement becoming easier to perform.

What is the biggest misconception about chiropractic?

Not specifically about chiropractic, but more specific regarding physical pain, especially not caused by traumatic events. Just like everything happens for a reason, so does pain. When you can't explain what has potentially started your pain, in most cases it's down to bad habits and lifestyle. Because habits are part of the subconscious mind, the sufferer is usually unable to identify the root cause of their problem, leaving them to 'heal over time', while what really happens is a 'worsening over time', since the real issue does not get addressed. Not only does this make our heart ache , it also causes more and more pain and helplessness.

What made you decide to become a chiropractor?

Throughout my skiing career, I suffered a lot due to falls and poor posture. If it wasn't for my uncle, who is a chiropractor, and his guidance and treatment, I would've been a wreck of a man today. When it was time for me to make a choice for the future, I had no doubts.

What do you love about living in Leeds?

It's a mix of things; the different cuisines and fun activities, the active concert and gig scene, not to mention the beautiful green spaces all around. I like it here, it feels like the full package.

FROM THE MINUTE YOU WALK IN

IT’S A WARM WELCOME ALL ROUND

OUR CHIROPRACTIC SPACE IS DESIGNED TO BE COMFORTABLE, CALM AND COMPLETELY GEARED AROUND FIXING YOUR PROBLEMS

Katie

Practice Manager

I started working at Broadgate on reception in April 2016. The best part about the job for me was the team and the patients, everyone is really friendly and the team are great to work with.

I am a mum to three young children and find working at the clinic a great work life balance. In 2022 I started the role of Practice Manager and I'm really enjoying this role too, although I do miss seeing patients regularly.

In my (limited!) spare time I enjoy seeing my friends, socialising and days out with my family.I am a mum to two young girls so the clinic has given me the opportunity to utilise some different skills and I’m really enjoying my role here.
In my (limited!) spare time I enjoy seeing my friends, socialising and days out with my family.

Jo

Chiropractic Co-Ordinator

I am married with 3 grown up children and have recent additions to the family of a beautiful granddaughter and a puppy! I have always worked in an office environment, for 25 years in the Insurance industry and the last 12 years as a Civil Servant. I started working part time at Broadgate in May 2016. Everyone is friendly and welcoming here and I am really enjoying being able to meet and get to know patients and therapists face to face.

Sophie Hopkins

Chiropractic Co-Ordinator

I joined the Broadgate team in 2019 as an Admin Assistant to the Chiropractic Co-Ordinators. After lockdown, which was spent gardening and walking, I re-joined the team as a Chiropractic Co-Ordinator. I have enjoyed taking on new responsibilities and love getting to know our patients.

I live in Cookridge with my better half and little boy. I have two small dogs and we go out most days for a good 3k walk! I love the gym and wild swimming - I recently completed a 5k swim on Lake Windemere - though I’m not sure I will do that again 🙂

I think the work they do here at the clinic is amazing and I love holistic approaches to wellness. I often have treatments here as well as reiki, acupuncture and yoga nidra.

Laura Cotea

Chiropractic Co-Ordinator

I joined the Broadgate team in September 2021 and I found a wonderful, fun team which I enjoy working with.

I am a hospitality professional with over 10 years of experience working for one of the largest luxury brand of hotels in the world.

In my spare time I love to go shopping, do yoga and travel around the world.

Jeanine Williams

Chiropractic Co-Ordinator

I started working at Broadgate in June 2021.
I enjoy working as part of a very friendly team and within a professional environment.
Previously I worked in the travel and tourism industry, working overseas and in hotels here in the UK.
On moving back from overseas, I moved to Leeds in 2016, from my home town of Swindon.
I have a beautiful daughter and enjoy spending my free time with my daughter, friends and family.

Cathy

Chiropractic Co-Ordinator

I started working at Broadgate on reception in November 2017.

I am married with two grown up girls and have lived in Yeadon for many years, where I enjoy a walk on Otley Chevin or spending time with family and friends. I also do a little bit of exercise, such as Pilates, but not enough!

I previously worked in the Travel Industry, Customer Services then, after time spent at home bringing up my family, I worked in GP Surgeries.

I am enjoying my time here at Broadgate and have found it to be a friendly working environment and our patients are great too.

Becky Goldthorpe

Chiropractic Co-Ordinator

I joined Broadgate in August 2021 after working in various roles whilst bringing up my two young sons. All the team are so friendly, and I have been made to feel so welcome.

In my spare time you will find me standing on the sidelines watching my two sons play football for their local teams.

I also enjoy going on lots of long dog walks with my cuddly cockerpoo.

Lisa

Chiropractic Co-Ordinator

I joined the Broadgate team in November 2017 and really enjoy working here, it has a friendly and fun environment.
I have worked in various industries over the years, starting in an advertising agency booking both television and radio space for 10 years. After having my children, I then stated to work part time, so a change of career, working as credit control and then in insurance.
I am married with two grown up boys and live locally. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also like going to the gym, walking and ski holidays.

Diane

Chiropractic Co-ordinator

I have worked in admin for the majority of my life, most recently working 18 years in a school. Over the last year I have started my new adventure at Broadgate.

I have twin children who have recently graduated from university. They often fill me with pride, laughs and lots of washing!

You’ll often find me enjoying food, the theatre, swimming and long dog walks.

I thoroughly enjoy working at Broadgate and have been made a welcomed part of the team.

Reception staff are friendly and helpful. Treatment suited my needs very well

I’m now completely free from neckpain. Feel better than I have done in years

They saved my life! I was in so much pain before, I could barely move

Broadgate is a friendly space, the team have helped me back to normal!

Everyone at Broadgate are happy to help, they are a great team