ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Rebekka and Jon moved to Spokane, Washington to preceptor together at the offi ce they had originally planned to associate with. The preceptorship there provided invaluable knowledge about how they wanted to practice. With that, they both decided to leave and seek out other opportunities. Jon searched for other offi ces to work with in the area but quickly decided to start a brand-new practice from the ground up. Rebekka was immediately drawn to a booming Blair practice in the Spokane area. Blair was never a technique Rebekka took the time to learn during her time at Life West but instantly fell in love after a few days of shadowing. "It is common to always hear about seeing miracles happen every day but it was truly something to actually see it and hear about the life-changing results this technique had with patients," Rebekka said. The practice was run by two incredibly intelligent business savvy women. Rebekka joined the practice right after graduating in April of 2021 and spent 3 months in training, learning about the Blair technique, business, entrepreneurship, and the systems that kept

After graduating from Life West in Spring 2017, I took a three month vacation in my hometown in Puerto Rico. I realized how important it is to take time to replenish and take care of ourselves in order to show up and better serve others. Not long after, I took a job in a small clinic in the beautiful mountains of the Pacifi c North West north of Seattle, specializing in upper cervical care. After two years in that practice, I pivoted my career and focus. I currently work in a group clinic practicing full spine chiropractic, with a special focus on pediatrics and pregnancy. This was a big

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT DRS. REBEKKA & JON KUZICHEV

the practice running smoothly. It was hard to start something new with confi dence in adjusting, clinical knowledge, and communication. One of her fi rst patients made her truly understand that it is not the chiropractor who fi xes anything, it is the patient that does the healing. This patient came in with a two-year-old concussion injury. She suffered from severe migraines daily that forced her into disability since she could not work anymore. A gentle Blair adjustment was made on her second visit and the next day there was an immediate and profound change. After being under care, her body healed from having daily migraines with just one adjustment. It was one of the clearest examples of “the power that made the body, heals the body.” Jon made the decision to open his own practice about 2 weeks before graduation. With no intention of opening on his own until then, he hadn’t made any plans or preparations. The next few weeks were fi lled with long days followed by nights with little sleep while he pieced together plans and systems. After graduation, he was able to fi nd a location, renovate, obtain equipment and open, all in the span of fi ve weeks. Not having a solid background or knowledge of business outside of the resources Life West had provided him, he failed forward. Opening a new offi ce as a fresh graduate during lockdowns wasn’t easy, but he knew he had a strong desire to serve people and use the power of the chiropractic adjustment. During school, he had built a strong network of connections and was grateful to be able to pull from them as he looked for mentorship and guidance. The practice slowly and steadily grew, as he himself did as a new doctor and business owner. Currently, after just passing the fi rst year anniversary of opening his business, the practice is thriving and still growing. Opening a new offi ce by himself was extremely trying and even discouraging at times, but he wouldn’t change anything. The growth he’s seen as a chiropractor, husband, business owner and a human being was all worth the tests along the way. One of his favorite things is being able to show up day after day in the practice and witness the life-changing results only chiropractic can provide.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT DR. REBECCA ARROYO

lesson for me. While at school, philosophical battles about which technique is superior were a constant. It felt so important at the time to choose the right technique. And going from Upper Cervical to Diversifi ed did feel like starting over from scratch. With every new beginning, either big or small, it always takes courage to take the fi rst step. But embracing the new challenges has opened so many opportunities in my life. I have found I am my best when I push myself beyond what I think I am capable of doing. The same applies to my new found hobbies. In my late 20’s in the Pacifi c North West, I had my fi rst experiences backpacking, rock climbing and skiing. I absolutely fell in love with it. I learned that mindset is everything in life. Whether you're at the top of a mountain or in front of a patient. Be present and focused in all that you do, and you will always excel. I am soon to be married to an amazing man. We have a house in a neighborhood of Seattle with our bernedoodle pooch named Rio. If I can ever be of any help, always feel free to reach out to your fellow Lifewester.