Dr. Neki Patel
Book Neki
Trained at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic. Neki is one of only five chiropractors in New Zealand with ICCSP internationally certified chiropractic sports practitioner. Neki has worked with building a well rounded family orientated clinic. Neki uses chiropractic techniques not only to fix backs, but also to help improve patient’s range of movement and their levels of comfort with all joint and soft tissue injuries. He has worked on various high profile rugby players, worked with the Australasian PGA since 1998. He was the chiropractor for the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team to Manchester. He has treated various international ski teams and ice hockey teams. His main aim is the integration of treatment for the patient’s best possible benefit.
Cole Mackie
Book Cole
Cole Mackie is excited to return to Otago to serve the people of Queenstown. For as long as Cole can remember he has been passionate about health, wellbeing and helping people. Chronic headaches in high school forced Cole to seek out chiropractic care, and he fell in love with its holistic approach to health. Cole studied 2 years at Otago University before moving to Auckland to train at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic.
Cole has been actively involved in sports his entire life. He played rugby for over a decade, including a season of Premier Rugby in Central Otago and has competed at an international level in karate, competing in Australia and Japan. Cole brings a wealth of knowledge in sports training and performance.
In his own time Cole enjoys working out in the gym, good food of any description, and good laughs. Cole also has a passion for Martial Arts, currently trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while also training in Kickboxing and MMA.
Cole’s approach to care is very hands on and he aims to give patients the best results possible to help them achieve their health goals.
Ana Cano
Originally from Medellín, Colombia, Ana came to New Zealand on holiday several years ago but fell in love with Queenstown and the outdoors lifestyle. She decided to stay. Starting off in banking in Colombia, Ana easily transferred her skills to working in the tourism and hospitality sector, working her way up to managing her own department and getting NZ residency, before becoming an important part of the team at Queenstown Health. Ana loves CrossFit, mountain biking, hikes and running.
Madison Hooper
Book Hooper
Hooper has graduated with a bachelors in Physiology from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s in Chiropractic from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. She is originally from the states and has lived in New Zealand for the past four years while studying Chiropractic. Hooper has traveled all over the world including Europe, Africa, Asia and Central America where she was absorbed in the culture and health care. She grew up with sport being a big part of her life, playing soccer since age 5 and continuing on to play for a high-level club team through high school. Hooper loved participating in Tough Mudder where she faced physical challenges and learned how to work together as a team to cross the finish line. Hooper has a special interest in the lifestyle of Queenstown including the sports, hiking and skiing. Having torn her ACL early in her chiropractic degree she has an inside experience as to the diligence it takes to adhere to a rehab program to achieve the best results. Hooper has always had a passion for helping others, especially when it comes to their performance. She is determined to help others achieve better function by restoring proper motion in the spine and extremities with adjustments and soft tissue care.
Jo O’Connor
Originally from Leicester, England, I worked within the Travel Industry in Reservations and Customer Care. I also spent 3 years working as a Tour Leader on board Cruise Ships – enjoying every minute of it, meeting people from all walks of life and all ages. I made the move to New Zealand after being swept off my feet by a Kiwi man and have now lived in Queenstown for 18 fantastic years. I have worked locally in the Hotel and the Tourism Trade as well as Childcare, while bringing up a family. I am now very pleased to be a part of the team at Queenstown Health, as I have a keen interest in health and wellbeing and I love to deliver great customer service. I am here to help you in any way possible.
Jingying Wu
Book Jingying
Jingying graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Tuina of Chinese Medicine from Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine. During her undergraduate studies, she dedicated her extracurricular time to shadowing experienced clinicians, with a primary focus on endocrine and metabolic issues. Additionally, she gained practical experience as an assistant acupuncturist at Emeishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically in the Department of Orthopedic Rehabilitation.
After the pandemic, when New Zealand finally opened its borders, Jingying wasted no time in entering the country. After experiencing life in NZ for a while, she made the decision to stay here permanently. While working as a massage therapist, she also joined AcNZ and obtained the Annual Practicing Certificate in NZ.
Jingying is deeply committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to her patients. Her approach not only addresses their immediate health concerns but also empowers them to take charge of their overall well-being. She goes beyond simply treating people and strives to educate her patients about preventive measures, including dietary and lifestyle tips.
Her passion for learning extends beyond medicine. Years of studying the Guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument, and participating in tea ceremonies have enriched her perspectives. The soothing melodies of the Guqin are believed to have healing properties, and she also appreciates the health benefits of tea drinking.
During her leisure time, Jingying enjoys staying active with workouts and hiking. She is also an enthusiast of good food and culinary experiences.
Jessica Vargas
Book Jessica
Jess is from the Chilean Patagonia, where she was raised on a farm without modern comforts
At 17 she discovered the transformative power of Yoga, and for the following 10 years worked in hospital setting utilizing the therapeutic benefits of Yoga. This then lead to an interesting in aiding individuals with various health conditions, injuries and mental health challenges.
In 2005 Jess studied Chinese medicine for 2.5 years, which lead to her developing a passion for massage therapy. Since then she has travelled around the world continuing to learn and hone her craft in countries such as Cambodia, Nepal, India and Canada. She has acquired many skills such as Abhyangam, pregnancy massage, hot stones, Therapeutic Thai massage, myofascial release, deep tissue, sports and Met (Muscle energy technique)
In her free time Jess enjoys staying fit with activities such as mountain biking, Hiking and CrossFit. She also enjoys travelling and is also studying mental health coaching
Vanessa Kröger
Originally from a small town in northern Germany, Vanessa holds two degrees in Education and has worked in the field for several years before coming to New Zealand in 2023. After falling in love with Queenstown and one of its residents she went on to work as a receptionist in a local hotel. Now she is happy to assist in supporting patients health and wellbeing with the team at Queenstown Health. Vanessa has a passion for music and nature. She enjoys permaculture gardening, hiking and singing
Florencia Giavedoni
Book Florencia
Florencia joins Queenstown Health with over a decade of experience in health.
Florencia joins our team with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She originally trained as a Physiotherapist and worked in practice for 10 years. Since then, she has worked as a massage therapist in France for 2 years.
With her vast knowledge and experience, Florencia combines therapeutic massage techniques with a more comprehensive approach to relaxation and overall well-being. Florencia is able to bring a patient-centered approach tailored to each individuals’ unique needs.
Florencia is very active and in her spare time she enjoys being out in the mountains climbing and mountaineering.
Sophia Kersten
Book Sophia
Sophia Studied at Otago University. Her love for sport and passion for health and wellbeing is what drove her towards training as a Physiotherapist
Sophia focuses on returning people to enjoying their passions and hobbies, allowing them to become the best version of themselves. She focuses on a personal and individual approach to each patient and getting to the root cause and how to achieve patient goals. Sophia uses a hands on approach to care, with experience working alongside the Canterbury Taxtix Netball team.
Sophia grew up Sunny Nelson where she made the most of Tramping, Mountain biking and trail running. She has represented Otago Hockey in New Zealand National League. She has also played cricket at a high level and has completed a Marathon.