Meet Our Team

David is a Nanaimo-based chiropractor who serves children and families, with an emphasis on assisting individuals reach their full health potential. He is passionate about helping bring vitality and wellbeing to people’s lives through chiropractic care and a healthy lifestyle.

After completing a biology degree at the University of Victoria, David’s interest in health and the human body led him to study chiropractic at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. While completing his 5 year degree with honours, Dave became fascinated with the role of the nervous system in child development, health, and longevity.

David underwent advanced training in Chiropractic Paediatrics through an Australian fellowship program and the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) of which he is a member. Furthermore, he has extensive continuing education and experience in the fields of rehabilitation, exercise, nutrition, maternal health, and wellness.

Of particular note, Dr. Dave is certified by the ICPA in the Webster Technique, a chiropractic adjustment often (but not exclusively) used with pregnant women.

Upon returning home to Nanaimo, David joined Dr. Ken Pepperdine at SouthCare Chiropractic in 2007, eventually purchasing the clinic in 2009. Together they run a community practice that welcomes a wide variety of clients who range from only days old to 90+ years young.

David and his family live a “wellness lifestyle” that includes a healthy diet, exercise, living life with purpose, and – of course – chiropractic care.

Dr. Betts is an evidence-based chiropractor, that focuses on movement and the patterns of the body. He works to help maintain, improve and strengthen these patterns.

He uses diversified manual adjusting, soft tissue manipulation (including Active Release Technique) and exercise rehabilitation. He has experience treating athletes at the amateur, collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels.

He encourages healthy, pro-active, and patient-centred care to try and empower patients and inspire confidence and self-awareness.

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Alex earned his Bachelor of Arts degree while playing football. After his playing career, Alex was a coach for the UBC Football program.

Alex’s experiences with his own injuries led to him to pursue a career in chiropractic. This lead to studies at the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Alex graduated with honours with his Doctorate of Chiropractic.

Alex continues his interest in a healthy and active lifestyle with his family, which is evident through his practice and day-to-day activities.

Carson Turner is an evidence-based Chiropractor who prides himself on a patient-centred approach. His goal is to tailor every treatment specifically to you and your unique needs.

In practice, Carson employs a combination of Chiropractic manipulation, soft tissue techniques, and exercise rehabilitation to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Having grown up on the beautiful southern shores of Victoria BC, Carson attended the University of Victoria where he attained a B.Sc in Biology with a minor in Psychology. His passion for science, athletics, and the capacity of the human body drove Carson to shift his focus towards the field of healthcare.

In order to realize this transition, Carson moved “south of the border” to Portland, Oregon, where he enrolled in the Chiropractic program offered at the University of Western States. After completing the 3 year professional degree with distinction (Magna Cum Laude) – and developing a hankering for food trucks, donuts, and tattoos along the way – Carson returned to Vancouver Island in order to best serve his community and improve their quality of life through his acquired skill set.

Active listening and an empathetic approach to care allow Carson to connect with his patients, while his application of the most up-to-date scientific literature on musculoskeletal conditions, as well as his clinical experience, ensures an appropriate treatment plan to help you recover as quickly as possible.

When Carson is not in office, he can often be found at the local bouldering gym (most likely falling off of the wall), hiking a nearby trail with his partner Jasmine, or playing Dungeons & Dragons with his mates.

As a self-professed “lifelong nerd with a passion for helping others”, Carson looks forward to meeting you and helping you on your own journey towards living your life to the fullest.

The photo says it all.

It’s with saddened hearts we announce the retirement of the legend himself – Dr.Ken Pepperdine.

Dr. Pepperdine spent a fabulous 45 year career as a chiropractic doctor. Over his nearly half-century long career, Ken was able to help so many amazing clients, with well over 100,000 total adjustments made.

Ken started SouthCare Chiropractic in 2001. Dr. Helmkay, Dr. Betts, Dr. Hiney, and all of our amazing RMTs and front-end staff will strive to keep his legacy and his commitment to CARING going strong for another 45+ years.

Enjoy your sailing Ken.

Prior to moving to Victoria to complete her 2200-hour Massage Therapy diploma at West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Sarah obtained over 500 hours of formal training and teaching as a yoga instructor, and has been a practicing 12-year master hair stylist.

With years of experience of one-on-one client interaction, Sarah developed her understanding and capacity for empathy as she observed body language and listened to stories of lives unique to each individual. She recognized her deep-seated desire to help support people in feeling better from the inside-out.

With her formal training, professional experience, and a passion for educating, Sarah provides an environment that helps support the nervous system in decreasing defences to perceived threat and disrupting chronic pain cycles. She treats conditions from sports injuries to low back pain, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Sarah utilizes a variety of techniques and movement modalities that help in reaching individualized therapeutic goals.

In her time away from practice and studies, Sarah explores the outdoors mountain biking, trail running, swimming, and backcountry camping.

Drawing from over 9 years of experience as a Registered Massage Therapist, Leigh creates a personalized treatment plan for you using a combination of techniques that include deep tissue therapy, myofascial release, and relaxing Swedish massage techniques.

An initial assessment and follow-up home care plan is included in your treatment.

Breath, decompress, renew.

Ashley is a recent graduate from the Registered Massage Therapy program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) in August 2023. She aims to provide a patient-centred inclusive practice with treatment aims for therapeutic and relaxation intent. Treatment modalities draw from but are not limited to General Swedish Massage, but from myofascial release, joint mobilization, passive and active movements, and trigger point therapy.

Having achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vancouver Island University (VIU, 2019) majoring in Sport, Health, and Physical Education and minoring in Psychology she draws from extensive wealth of knowledge, and hopes to continually learn in her career as a healthcare practitioner.

Outside of the office she best enjoys her time spent in nature, be it backcountry hiking or surfing some gnarly waves on the coast. More indoor focused activities involve putting on a record, reading a good book or working on a knitting project.

Jo-Elle grew up in Nanaimo and after graduation moved to Victoria. There she started a Business Administration Degree at Camosun College, and transferred to Capilano University a few years later to complete the program. Her husband and children moved to Okotoks, Alberta for five years where she worked at a wellness clinic.

Eventually Jo-Elle moved back to Nanaimo while she was pregnant with her second child so she could be close to family and friends. She later joined us at SouthCare Chiropractic in 2013. Jo-Elle enjoys spending time outdoors, and spends most of the summer months fishing and camping with her family.