Dr. Matthew Horner is Founder and Director of Thrive Global where he devotes himself to offering brilliant chiropractic care in order to increase one’s awareness and maximize their potential. Serving his local community, his vision is to provide beautifully simple and skilfully delivered wellbeing moments to create global change. Dr. Matt has vast experience with helping people overcome their challenging cases and oversees all of Thrive Global’s clinical operations.
Dr. Matt is also a father, creative, and avid outdoorsman. He received a Bachelor of Science from Murdoch University, further completing his Bachelor of Clinical Chiropractic in 2009. Dr. Matt is also an owner-builder, enjoying their 3½ year project in Champion Lakes with his wife, Chelsea and their 3 kids, Evelyn, Leroy and Israel.
What gets you up in the morning?
Whether we like it or not, what we do (and don’t do) has an effect on our community and consequently on humanity. This conviction drives me to be intentional with my actions, so I consider myself blessed that each day I get to help people wanting more from their health. Thus, each day I remind myself of my life’s purpose: “to lead a life of influence freely, to leave a legacy of significance faithfully.”
So why Chiropractic?
Being raised with a chiropractic father was an amazing time of my life. He imparted through illustration that life is the greatest gift we have. Now the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic is all about life. It recognizes, respects, and reveres that all life processes are coordinated through one’s nervous system and your spine plays an integral role in protecting it. I believe there is nothing more honouring and fulfilling than helping people restore, preserve and maximize their life through greater nervous system function.
How do you define health then?
Firstly, I think its important to accept the inter-relationship of one’s physical, mental and social wellbeing defines their level of overall health. I mean, you can exercise 5 times a week, eat clean and do yoga; but if you have poor self-esteem and toxic relationships, I’m sorry but you are not healthy. Secondly, I believe your state of health is a continuum that is always changing and adapting to the demands (stresses) of life. So, the day-to-day lifestyle choices we make are either moving us towards or moving us away from better health.
So what’s chiropractic’s role in all this?
Remember all of life’s processes are coordinated through your nervous system and a large portion of our nervous system is protected by our spine. Now when our spine is overcome by the demands we place on it, parts of our spine can shift into a more protective state or survival mode if you like. This loss of mobility and function can go on to cause inflammation, nerve irritation and subsequent loss of nerve performance (sometimes associated pain). We chiropractors like to refer to these areas as subluxations. A major part of my work is to locate and restore one’s spinal function. A spine free of nerve interference plays a massive role in our ability to perceive and adapt to the demands we place on it.
Where do you see us as a society going in terms of health from here?
Well, the science is clear that modern society has become unnaturally stressful. Government spending, medical research and pharmaceutical use is at an all-time high. Yet we are still seeing lifestyle diseases skyrocket at pandemic levels which tells me what we are doing is not working. And here’s a scary truth, the kids of today will be the first generation in the history of mankind expected to have shorter lives than their parents!! But I do believe we are on the cusp of seeing a massive shift take place where we pursue to be more proactive than reactive with our health. That we take greater self-responsibility and invest more of our time, money and energy to be better. Make no mistake, maintaining your health is hard; but trying to reclaim your health is harder – so choose your hard wisely! 😊
Finally, what’s something you think, sets you apart?
Well firstly, I would start by saying I believe we have all been set apart and called to live out our purpose. Specifically, for me though, I would say it’s an innate ability to see potential. In every person, in every space, in every celebration, in every crisis, in every interaction there’s an opportunity for brilliance to shine. Whether or not we take the next step to make it happen is another thing. I guess that’s why I’m a big believer in creating environments that allow for potential to be unleashed.
Kim is our Leading Soft Tissue Practitioner of Thrive Global, overseeing and guiding all soft tissue services and practitioners. As a Remedial Massage Therapist, Kim combines traditional methods of massage with modern techniques and tools that help restore equilibrium as the body unwinds, heals and strengthens.
Kim holds a Diploma in Remedial Massage and certified in Dry Needling. Through individualized care programs, she is dedicated to creating freedom of movement by bringing positive solutions to pain and postural dysfunction. With a keen interest in postural dysfunction, myofascial release, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, lymphatic drainage and chronic and acute pain management, Kim utilizes the latest research from around the globe.
How did you get into remedial massage?
After enjoying the pendulum swing of career extremes, from running my own real estate agency to establishing a volunteer-based soup kitchen which fed up to 300 people a night, I felt there was something else out there for me to pursue.
So, one afternoon I sat quietly, running my finger down a list of every course available in WA. I had already decided that I would study whatever course title made my heart leap. That day, my heart did a giant leap for Remedial Massage. This astounded me, because I had never massaged anybody before, nor was it ever a consideration. Consequently, I enrolled, and from the very first massage in that student clinic, I understood why my heart had leapt.
I realized over time that I had been born with a natural gift, and today I consider myself one incredibly lucky person to be sharing this fulfilling and profound modality with so many people, from so many different walks of life.
When the tools are down, how do you relax?
I like to roam free on my motorbike, binge watch footy between March and September, bait up and trick fish to eat my hook with my fishing crew, hunt crabs and hide from sharks in the Swan, reading anything to do with fascia, write poetry, listen to music, swim in the ocean, and most of all, enjoy time with my beautiful family.
What are you passionate about?
I am a people lover, so anything that will help champion a person to live an abundant life is my key driver.
I am also passionate about freedom in all its forms, leaving a legacy of hope for future generations, searching for beauty in places where at first there seems to be none, and understanding the complexities of fascia and how the body responds to stress.
I am also known to be a deeply passionate supporter of the Fremantle Football Club. Pretty sure this will be our year for a flag…
Jess Murray loves people and helping them in a hands-on approach! As a massage therapist at Thrive Global, she also doubles up as a Tech Practice Assistant to provide clinical support to our chiropractors. Whether she is getting stuck into those trigger points, demonstrating stretches and exercises or performing thermal, EMG and HRV exams she always shares the ‘glass half full’ narrative with others. Helping them not only see but believe the other side of who they are, even beyond what they had even thought was possible.
Jess completed her Cert IV in Massage Therapy and Cert IV in Personal Training in 2013. She has spent the past 7 years caring for the farmers, shearers and avid sports enthusiasts in regional WA. This experience sets her apart as her ‘seek out and destroy’ style of deep tissue and trigger point therapy has become her specialty.
Jess is passionate about living life full of joy, connection and fun! Not only is she a brilliant massage therapist here at Thrive Global, but she also works in schools providing opportunities for primary and high school students to reach their potential.
What do you love doing to chill out?
Well two of my biggest loves are friends and food. So, sharing food experiences (usually share plates and tapas) with friends is always a perfect match. Throw in a couple cocktails for good measure and BOOM…I’m in heaven! Also, funnily enough sport and fitness is another way I like to de-stress. Whether that be on a jet ski or skiing behind a boat, to carving it up on the footy or netball court, I definitely feel at home.
What’s something that gives you joy?
That’s an easy one. I find great joy in loving on my nieces and nephews. Being “that” super aunty that takes them out on adventures just makes my heart sing.
In a few words, how would people describe you?
LOUD!!! Fun-loving, competitive, generous. Did I say really loud???
Tell us something amazing about yourself!
I confess that I love busting out a tune. Whether that is at my church or at live gigs. I get a rush belting out a big, powerful number!
How have you been stretched outside your comfort zone?
Geeezz, where do I start????! I am just about to build my first ever house which I’m super nervous and excited about! And recently, I attempted my first running back flip with no preparation! It didn’t end well, so I don’t recommend it. Mind you, I do know a great chiropractor. 😊
Dr Jess Baker loves being a chiropractor and Associate at Thrive Global. With experience both rurally and in the metropolitan area, she enjoys working with farmers, office workers, athletes both in and past their prime, young families and retirees. As a young adult she witnessed the powerful impact that chiropractic has on overall lifestyle and has been getting adjusted regularly ever since. In practice, the flow-on results that chiropractic has on relationships, performance and productivity keep her excited to meet everyone who wants to give it a crack.
Graduating with distinction, she completed a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Chiropractic in 2017. Caring for athletes at local and national CrossFit sanctioned events, Jess has had the privilege of being able to combine her healthcare skills and love of functional fitness.
When she isn’t adjusting, educating and inspiring people to be happier, healthier, better human beings, Jess pursues a passion for adventure with her wonderful husband, Reece and their beloved, big, boofhead dogs, Harry & Diesel.
Why do you do what you do?
I have a burden for our collective health. Whether our community thrives and flourishes or is encumbered and hindered by preventable lifestyle disease is purely determined our individual health. We adapt our environment so that we can become more sedentary and injury-prone, deprive ourselves of nutrition and expose ourselves to toxins daily. We become socially disconnected and suffer an increase of stress, burnout and sleep deprivation. All of this has had a profound effect on our physical, emotional and social well-being and I believe that chiropractic has a meaningful role to play in changing this.
Did you always want to be a chiropractor, or did you have some sort of ‘holy crap’ moment?
I stumbled across chiropractic as part of an improvisational zigzag… Under the influence of Scrubs and Grey’s Anatomy, I began university with the intention of studying medicine but was quickly dispirited when it came to infections, viruses, skin diseases and other issues involving bodily fluids. It was while studying paramedicine I was exposed to chiropractic. I learnt that chiropractors are educated and passionate and were at the forefront of evidence-based wellness care. This paradigm, that if we put in some effort to eat well, move well, think well and function well, then we can express the best version of ourselves, was something that I had never thought of. So it wasn’t some “voice from heaven” encounter but rather a simple, rational, logical “A-HA” moment for me.
What are some common misconceptions people have about what you do?
The most common misconception that people have is that chiropractic is not safe and not effective! Research shows that chiropractic care is not only safe, but it can be more effective for low back or neck pain than other conventional treatments. Another bee in my bonnet is that people will say chiropractors aren’t qualified or that we’re quacks- I did dual degrees over 5 years of full-time study to earn the pleasure of being a chiropractor!
How do you manage your own health?
Keep it simple. Keep it sustainable. In the past I have aimed for perfection with regards to diet and exercise and this has had negative impacts on my mental and social health. I believe there’s many ways to be healthy and that we can enjoy abundant, full lives with good balance and that this is going to look different for most individuals. Personally, I use a little bit of discipline and stubbornness to create good, consistent habits that tick the physical, social and psychological boxes and then put them on autopilot. This translates to my work as I will always aim to keep people enjoying the things they love and work with them to find ways to make that sustainable in their lifestyle.
Sounds like you’re up for a challenge, where’s your next adventure?
After our trek to Everest Base Camp in 2018, my husband and I are hooked on travel with a bit of a challenge, or at least something we must put a bit of preparation into. Reece and I have been dreaming of hiking, caving, snowmobiling and kayaking around Iceland… However, in the near future, we might settle for catching a big barramundi up in the Kimberley, hiking around Tasmania or just learning to sail here in Perth!
Alysia is Practice Manager of Thrive Global, overseeing all things front of house, working with amazing practitioners and keeping everyone on track is what she thrives on. She is a passionate people pleaser who enjoys bringing joy and a sparkle to people’s lives. You will always be greeted by her with a smile and if you cannot see her, you will certainly hear her laughing. Inspired to support each and every person in their health journey, she ensures everyone who walks through the doors, leaves better than when they arrived.
With 15 years experience in customer service and in particular 10 years serving in chiropractic field, she leads by example. Always setting impeccable standards and an innate gift to focus on every individual’s experience, Alysia is a perfect fit to the Thrive Global wolfpack
Alysia is an avid traveller, nature fan, food lover and easily distracted dog enthusiast. Also a talented swimmer, she competed at a national level, where she also found and married her true love at their local swim squad. The important things in her life are her fur babies, friends, food, coffee and her husband… in that order 😊.
What gives you such a buzz working at Thrive Global?
Well firstly we don’t call it work but rather “play with a purpose”. But everyday it’s an honour to share in people’s health journey, seeing them reach their goals is inspiring and being able to support them through this process is amazing. Between this, the people I get to work with and the coffee machine – it’s pretty easy to get a buzz. 😊
In your opinion, what’s the best thing about travel?
FOOD!! Sorry….did I just blurt that out??? Sometimes I find it hard to remember the places I have been, although, once the delicious food that was consumed at a certain city or a restaurant is mentioned, the memories come flooding back with ease. Actually, this is true for most events in my life; wedding, holidays and even team meetings.
Share with us what’s important to you and what legacy you hope to leave?
So, sustainability and minimal human footprint is of great importance to me. I also love spending time with our fur baby and husband, even if he does bore me with all the minor details of the Tesla we just purchased. Hence, I plan to retire to a large bush block surrounded by a bunch of old rescue dogs so they can all live out their golden years living their best lives as one big happy family!
Bianca is a Practice Assistant at Thrive Global. She serves with an enthusiastic focus on each practice members experience while contributing to the collective culture of supporting practitioners in delivering optimal care. Her overall enjoyment of people and building personal relationships perfectly dove-tails with her passion and mission for patient advocacy.
Bianca has over 17 years’ experience in the health industry having worked alongside a broad range of health professionals that includes GP’s and physiotherapists. Having completed a Certificate IV Vocational training, Certificate III Business and certified in First Aid she also provides vocational certification in the health sector as a trainer and assessor. Always demanding best practice, Bianca continues to study to keep up to date, ensuring the best possible support to both the students and practice members she serves.
When Bianca isn’t hosting at Thrive Global with her delectable raw food treats, green smoothies or hard boiled eggs, you will find her enjoying her fitness and health, travelling, and reading.
So how did you launch your career in the healthcare world?
My entry into the field of healthcare was the result of a light bulb moment. I had been working 15 years in the retail industry and struggling with a work injury. One day, reflecting on all the processes and challenges that I had to endure, made me decide that I wanted to do something more meaningful for customers. So I got up and left my long term employment and did a medical reception course.
You have extensive experience in the industry, how is Thrive Global different?
One word…Education. I’ve been a part of Thrive Global for over 2 years now and becoming part of the Thrive Global team has added more to furthering my education and skills as well as use of these tools than any other office that I’ve had the pleasure of being part of.
What’s the best thing about being part of the Thrive Global Wolfpack?
Other than loving the environment of our office, our patients are top-notch, our training is continuous and Dr Matt’s desire for this team to succeed in their goals is always so gratifying. This all just adds to a life that is fulfilled with family, friends, fitness and health.
