meet the team
Chiropractor
Sarah Balthaser, D.C., M.P.H.
Dr. Sarah Balthaser is a 2007 graduate of Bloomsburg University with a B.S. in Speech Pathology and Anthropology. Upon completing her Bachelor’s degree she began to plan for a career in healthcare. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and completed a Masters of Public Health. After graduating with her MPH she worked in non-profit and for profit sectors of healthcare.
Dr. Sarah was a competitive swimmer and played water polo throughout her life, and had always experienced shoulder and neck pain. After becoming a chiropractic patient she began to feel relief, not only from her musculoskeletal issues, but also slept better and overall felt more healthy.
Since high school, she has been under chiropractic care, and when her husband started to pursue a chiropractic career, she knew that she wanted to help others in the same way.
She and her husband, Dr. Jason Balthaser decided to move to Atlanta on their 1 year wedding anniversary to pursue a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University. While in school, she carried twins full term and delivered them naturally. She attributes her healthy pregnancy and never having back pain with regular chiropractic care. The twins have been adjusted since birth and are happy and healthy six-year-olds! She also has a son, 2-year-old Wyeland, and a greyhound named Pickles!
Chiropractor
Jason Balthaser, D.C., C.C.E.P.
Dr. Jason Balthaser is a Berks County native, growing up in Bernville, PA, and attending Tulpehocken Area High School. Dr. Jason completed his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Marietta, GA. While at Life University he was mentored and worked with Chiropractors who have worked with the United States Track and Field Athletes.
Those athletes went on to compete in the Olympic Games, as well as in various domestic and international competitions, in addition to other professional athletes worldwide. Dr. Jason was also personally selected to assist in the care for AC Milan’s and Brazilian National Soccer player, Alexandre Pato.
Dr. Jason has completed a post-Doctorate specialization in extremities and rehab, and is a certified chiropractic extremity practitioner (CCEP), through the Council on Extremity Adjusting.
Dr. Jason is also a Functional Movement Screening certified practitioner, in addition to having over 15 years coaching and personal training experience. Dr. Balthaser is a former collegiate soccer goalkeeper for Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania where he graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Athletics with a focus on rehabilitative practices.
Upon graduating, he worked for the Lebanon VA medical center as a Kinesiotherapist. As a Kinesiotherapist he oversaw the rehabilitation of the nursing home and hospice care units, as well as, the lead KT for the nationwide veterans obesity clinic (M.O.V.E).
Dr. Jason is a father of 6-year-old twin girls, Rhya and Ella, and a 2-year-old son, Wyeland, who has been under chiropractic care since birth. He resides with his wife, Dr. Sarah Balthaser, and children in Berks County, PA. In Dr. Jason’s spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid runner.
Chiropractor
Ariel Hellein, D.C.
Born and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Dr. Ariel received her bachelor’s degree in biology and received her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Marietta, Georgia.
Dr. Ariel is passionate about providing advanced chiropractic care to practice members wishing to eliminate their pain, optimize their wellness potential and live a better life. Dr. Ariel has even been under chiropractic care since she was 6 months old. She learned from a young age that the body has the ability to heal itself when the nervous system is functioning optimally.
Chiropractor
Diana Harkness, D.C., A.T.C.
Dr. Diana Harkness grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania with her parents and two siblings. She always had a passion for health, movement biomechanics, and helping others. She was a two-sport athlete (dance and swimming!) in high school and continued her passions at Springfield College while studying Athletic Training.
She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2014 and took a position at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as the women’s soccer athletic trainer and thoroughly enjoyed her time there.
Throughout her college and years following, she struggled with her own health, ultimately being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. After seeing many different types of doctors, she received the most help from chiropractors. She never knew that chiropractors could help people outside of aches and pains and was inspired. From here, she took a position at a chiropractic office as a Cryosauna Technician and helped create and implement the systems and procedures on this technology in the office while learning more about the chiropractic lifestyle. With a new passion ignited, she left for Life University in Marietta, GA and hasn’t looked back since! Dr. Diana is passionate about sharing the holistic lifestyle with nervous system regulation through chiropractic care as the foundation for health for the whole family.
From her own health struggles and the knowledge that she has gained over time, she has gained a passion for helping families be as healthy as possible through all of life’s seasons. With this inspiration, Dr. Diana has completed a post-Doctorate Certification of Proficiency in Pediatric and Family Chiropractic through Life University and The Pediatric Experience.
When she is not in the office, you can find her checking out nature trails, hanging at farmer’s markets, or in the yarn shops around the local area. Dr. Diana is honored to be a part of the team here at Core Health Chiropractic and looks forward to working with this amazing community!
Physical Therapy & Concussion Rehab
Jaime Macrina, D.P.T., D.A.P.T., I.T.P.T.
Jaime grew up in Wyomissing, PA, and attended Wyomissing Area Jr./Sr. high school. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Aquatic Therapy. She earned her doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2010 from Lebanon Valley College.
Jaime has been practicing for 12 years in an out-patient Orthopedic/Sports Medicine setting. She has treated a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and post surgeries from joint replacements, rotator cuff repairs and ACL reconstructions, across the life span. She has a special interest in sports medicine and concussion rehabilitation. She is trained as a post-concussion specialist. Jaime has her Direct Access license in the State of Pennsylvania.
She is looking forward to providing high quality care and forming close relationships with her patients in the community. She strives to provide individualized treatment plans that are creative/functional in an upbeat/fun environment. Jaime resides in Wyomissing with her husband and 2 kids.
Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapist
Caitlin Crespo, O.T.R./L.
Caitlin Crespo, OTR/L is an occupational therapist who was born and raised in Berks County! She graduated from Berks Catholic High School in 2017 and attended Thomas Jefferson University where she also played collegiate volleyball.
During her time at TJU, Caitlin earned her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences in 2020 and a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2023 while simultaneously growing her love and appreciation for the OT profession.
Caitlin chose to pursue a career as an OT because she was inspired by the holistic and person-first mindset. Her favorite thing about being an OT is helping patients overcome challenges and barriers in a multi-faceted approach by addressing psychosocial and emotional well-being as well as physical needs.
In her free time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with family and friends, being surrounded by nature, reading, and playing with her pups.
Caitlin is super excited to continue growing her knowledge about pelvic floor therapy and the meaningful impact it has on one’s quality of life.
Acupuncturist
Timothy McGarvey, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Timothy is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Pennsylvania and board certified through the National Council and Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with eight years of treatment experience.
He received his master’s degree in acupuncture from the Won Institute of Graduate Studies in 2015 and is currently pursuing a second master’s in occupational therapy at Alvernia University with a focus in adult orthopedic rehabilitation. His long-term goal is to fuse both ends of the treatment spectrum in order to provide patients with comprehensive, holistic care.
Before joining Core Health, he practiced in Berks and Montgomery counties treating the general population, veterans, worker’s compensation patients, and those suffering from auto-accident injuries. His treatment focus primarily includes pain management, women’s reproductive health, mental health disorders, and stress reduction.
Timothy utilizes various treatment styles including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Worsley Five Element, Acupuncture Physical Medicine, Dr. Tan Balance Method, and ancillary modalities such as Electroacupuncture, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, Dry Needling, Trigger-Point Therapy, and Cupping.
As a lifelong Pennsylvania native, he is more than excited to be in a position to give back to his local community in a professional, positive, and supportive way at Core Health Chiropractic!
SPECIALTIES:
Sciatica, Low Back Pain, Rotator Cuff Issues, Mental Health Disorders, Orthopedic Pain, Digestive Issues, Stress Reduction, Women’s Reproductive Health, Headaches/Migraines, Addiction, IVF Transfers, Breech Birth Position
Massage Therapist
Jake Cole, L.M.T.
After enduring a few bodily injuries, Jake went to school for Massage Therapy at the Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks in Pottstown – where he specialized into deep pressure / therapeutic work. After graduation in February ’23, he is a state-licensed Massage Therapist and likes to focus into lower extremities using forearm & elbow trigger-points, as well as Pin N’ Stretch techniques (PNS.)
Due to his past experience, he gravitates toward low back and lower extremity work to assist in alleviating discomfort and pain of the lumbar region, and he is looking forward to helping people feel better on their road to recovery and wellness at Core Health Chiropractic!
Exercise Specialist
Courtney Perry
Courtney graduated from Penn State Berks in May of 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She knew Kinesiology was the right field of study for her because she loves being active and wanted to help others enjoy being active as well. Outside of work, she does CrossFit and enjoys being in the outdoors, hiking, and kayaking.
Courtney grew up in Berks County and graduated from Daniel Boone High School. She discovered Core Health and the benefits of chiropractic while in college. Chiropractic care has made a big difference in her active lifestyle and she wants to help others experience that difference.
Reiki Practitioner
Amy Unger
I am so grateful to be part of an amazing team of professionals at Core Health Chiropractic. I want to assist you with your stress management.
We live in a fast paced world, and the frequency of our energy is so important, as it determines our overall health.
My intention is helping clients bring balance to your lifestyle. Reiki is a form of energy healing, where a practitioner uses a technique called, hands on healing. Using gentle hand movements, that guides the flow of energy through the client’s body. Using Reiki energy (rei universal + ki life force), allows the client to reach a restorative state that reduces stress and encourages emotional and physical healing to naturally occur.
Feeling rejuvenating effects that reduces anxiety, depression, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and calms the nervous system that improves your overall well-being, so you can show up as your best self.
Office Manager
Rebecca Yorty
Rebecca is originally from upstate New York and has made Pennsylvania her home since 2006 having moved here from South Carolina. Rebecca currently resides in Lancaster County with her husband and 3 cats. Rebecca joined Core Health with a background in customer service and leasing management.
Rebecca’s largest motivating factor in life is her desire to help others and feels honored to be part of Core Health Chiropractic’s mission to improve the health and happiness of the community. When a person feels good and can truly smile in their day, they can affect those around them in an extraordinary way. In her free time, she enjoys unmapped road trips, painting, reading, learning new things and spending time in nature.
Front Desk Associate
Rose
Rose comes from an extensive customer service and management background, and ran her own residential cleaning business. She grew up in Berks County where she resides with her daughter, partner, and cat. She enjoys music, nature, camping, and learning new things.
Rose believes in immersing yourself in environments that support your aspirations and is thrilled to be part of the team at Core Health, where she hopes to help others achieve their health and wellness goals!
Front Desk Associate
Eliana
Eliana grew up in Bernville and graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2012 with an associate’s degree in health information technology. Outside of work, Eliana loves spending time with her friends and family and spending weekends at the beach or in the mountains.
She is most passionate about animals and recently started fostering dogs through different rescues. Eliana started seeing a chiropractor in 2020 and switched to Core in 2023. She loves the environment here at Core and is thrilled to be part of such a positive team.
Softwave Tech
Nicole Henne-Brown
Nicole was born and raised in Berks County and attended Tulpehocken Area High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in Life Science with a concentration in Biology from Penn State University. Nicole was a middle school science teacher in Maryland before relocating back to Berks County with her husband to raise their family.
She is a mom of two and enjoys spending time with her family outdoors. She loves going to the mountains, hiking, kayaking, bird- watching, hunting, gardening and bee-keeping. Pretty much anything that keeps her outdoors and in nature!
She is passionate about clean living. When she isn’t at Core Health she operates a small business from her home educating others about reducing their chemical exposure to improve their quality of life. She is excited to be a part of the Core Health Team to help others improve their health and well-being.
Chiropractic Assistant
Abbey
Abbey graduated from Schuylkill Valley in 2021 and is currently majoring in Kinesiology at Penn State Berks. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school to focus on either physical therapy or chiropractic care. In her free time, Abbey enjoys being outside mountain biking, snowboarding, and traveling.
Chiropractic Assistant
Kim
Kim comes to her role as a Chiropractic Assistant with a strong background in customer service and program management in Recreation & Community Services. Originally from California, she has also lived in New Jersey before settling in the Reading, Pennsylvania area. Eager to expand her skills and knowledge in the health field, Kim is excited to contribute to the well-being of the community.
She believes that a warm smile and genuine care can make a significant difference in someone’s day. In her free time, Kim enjoys baking, cooking, and spending time with her husband, two children, and two cats. A former soccer player of 15 years, she now enjoys watching the sport. She also loves music, playing games, watching movies, and having art time with her kids.
Chiropractic Assistant
Jake
Jake grew up locally and graduated from Wilson High School before continuing his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from Millersville University in 2022. After playing sports all his life, and playing 4 years of D2 ice hockey at Millersville, he is very passionate about living an active lifestyle.
Jake is very eager to learn all that Core has to offer, and is hoping to further his education through a Doctor of Chiropractic program in the near future.
Chief Sunshine Officer
Poppy
Meet Poppy, formally known as Mary Poppins, our resident ray of sunshine and Dr. Ariel’s best hire yet. At approximately 9-10 years young (she’s not revealing specifics), Poppy has spent the last few years perfecting her role as the heart and soul of the office.
Her primary duties include sunbathing in every available patch of sunlight, greeting patients with her trademark tail wags, and occasionally chasing off rogue squirrels. Her prized possessions? A French Fry toy and a Blue Dog—both of which are under constant surveillance.
Poppy is a social butterfly, making her rounds to ensure everyone feels welcome and sufficiently adored. You’ll often find her providing emotional support (in exchange for belly rubs, of course) or supervising lunch breaks in hopes of dropped snacks. With an impeccable work ethic and an unshakable commitment to relaxation, Poppy has truly set the standard for workplace morale.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
7:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday
9:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday
7:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday
8:15am - 1:00pm
Saturday
By Appointment Only
Sunday
By Appointment Only
Core Health Chiropractic
1057 Van Reed Rd
Reading, PA 19605