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About Applegate Chiropractic

Meet the Team

Dr. Austin Applegate, D.C.

founder

Dr. Austin Applegate is a Los Angeles–born chiropractor known for his precision-based, root-cause approach to injury, movement dysfunction, and chronic pain. He earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences, graduating Magna Cum Laude, after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at Denison University, where he competed as a collegiate running back.

His personal history of repeated sports injuries sparked a deep interest in how posture, biomechanics, and faulty movement patterns contribute to long-term dysfunction—an interest that now defines his clinical approach.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Applegate has treated more than 20,000 patients and pursued advanced training in instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, Fascial Manipulation, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), sports taping, and functional medicine. His care blends structural correction, neurological retraining, and lifestyle optimization to address the true source of symptoms—not just the pain itself.

Dr. Applegate believes chiropractic care should be both transformational and educational, empowering patients to understand their bodies, reclaim function, and sustain long-term health.

Outside the clinic, he enjoys skiing, surfing, backpacking, and spending time with his dog, Ramsey.

Dr. Nicholas Johnson, D.C.

Chiropractic Doctor

Dr. Nicholas Johnson earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College Los Angeles in 2012 and brings a refined, experience-driven approach to patient care. His interest in chiropractic developed early, shaped by a natural hands-on understanding of the body and reinforced through his background as a high school wrestler, where precision and biomechanics were essential.

Dr. Johnson is known for his thorough, intentional style of care, focusing on restoring balance to the spine and nervous system through individualized treatment. Patients consistently describe his work as highly detailed and effective, noting his ability to listen attentively, communicate clearly, and deliver reliable results.

His reputation is built on technical skill, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to helping patients move and function at their best.

Kristopher Goldsmith, L.Ac.

licensed acupuncturist

Kristopher Goldsmith, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist with over 20 years of experience delivering precision-based, results-driven care. He specializes in pain management, internal medicine, and complex orthopedic conditions, helping patients restore function, regulate the nervous system, and achieve lasting relief.

Kristopher blends the depth of traditional Chinese medicine with modern therapeutic strategies to create highly personalized treatment plans. His work is designed to address the root cause of symptoms—not just manage them—supporting long-term healing, resilience, and whole-body balance.

Known for his thoughtful, detail-oriented approach, Kristopher offers an experience that is both refined and restorative, combining ancient wisdom with contemporary clinical insight.

He believes true healing is strategic, individualized, and sustainable—supporting not only physical recovery, but overall vitality and performance.

Joanne Scorcia, C.Mt

certified reflexologist

Joanne Scorcia, C.Mt is a certified reflexologist, Reiki Level 3 practitioner, and licensed massage therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting the body’s natural healing processes through skilled touch and energetic alignment. She has worked with a diverse range of clients—from high-performing professionals and busy parents to children—helping them reduce pain, restore balance, and regulate the nervous system.

Joanne’s work centers on reflexology, a precise modality that applies targeted pressure to specific zones of the feet and hands that correspond to systems throughout the body. Her sessions are designed to promote deep relaxation, improve circulation, and support neurological and energetic recalibration.

Known for her intuitive sensitivity and calming presence, Joanne blends technical skill with empathic awareness to create a deeply restorative experience. Many clients describe her sessions as grounding, soothing, and profoundly renewing.

Joanne believes that healing should be both nurturing and transformative—guiding clients toward greater clarity, balance, and overall well-being.

Monica

Structural Integration and Massage Therapist

Monica is a Structural Integration and Massage Therapist with over 14 years of experience specializing in postural correction, fascial release, and chronic musculoskeletal dysfunction. Her work is highly focused on how the body organizes itself in gravity—addressing inefficient movement patterns, compensations, and long-standing tension.

Rather than offering a traditional massage experience, Monica’s sessions emphasize structural change, mobility restoration, and functional realignment. Her work is ideal for clients seeking long-term improvement in posture, movement efficiency, and physical resilience.

With a precise, thoughtful approach, Monica tailors each session to the individual—supporting measurable change, not just temporary relief.

She believes the body is designed to move with ease, efficiency, and strength—and her work is dedicated to restoring that natural intelligence.

John Paulsen

Massage Therapist

Specializing in sports massage, John Paulsen has over 20 years of experience in his field. John attended the National Holistic Institute College of Massage Therapy (NHI), graduating in 2002 with a degree in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine. His studies include the techniques and methods necessary for the prevention and immediate care of athletic injuries, but that is not his sole practice at Applegate Chiropractic.

John trained in a wide variety of therapeutic modalities such as Swedish, deep tissue, shiatsu, and Thai massage; John likes to incorporate a combination of these techniques in his massage treatments. This approach maximizes the effectiveness of his bodywork for each patient.

In addition to his work on our team, John has worked with the UCLA Bruins Football Organization, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), and at various cycling events, including the Million Dollar Bike Ride and the Tour De France.

Laurie Leitzel

Office Manager

With over 20 years of experience in office management, Laurie is an expert in streamlining operations and ensuring businesses run smoothly and efficiently. She has a strong background in organization, systems management, and leadership, providing businesses with the structure they need to succeed.

Laurie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from California State University, Long Beach. Her diverse educational background enhances her ability to bring a creative approach to office management and organization.

Laurie thrives on creating a welcoming environment for the patients to ensure they feel comfortable and supported during their office visits.

Lorena Dominguez

Back Office Coordinator

Lorena Dominguez is our back-office coordinator at Applegate Chiropractic, with over 2 years’ experience as part of our team. She loves working on our team because she gets to help foster an inviting, positive environment for our patients and believes what sets our practice apart is the care and dedication that our doctors have for patients at Applegate Chiropractic.

Lorena is working on her education in radiology while working here at Applegate Chiropractic.

Brenda Valdiva

Back Office Coordinator

Born and raised in Los Angeles, I earned my bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Criminal Justice and Spanish. Following graduation, a family emergency brought me back home, where I became closely involved in supporting my father through his recovery. This experience provided meaningful exposure to patient advocacy and the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care, ultimately guiding me toward a career in healthcare.

I am grateful to be part of the team at Applegate Chiropractic, where I support patients throughout their care experience and contribute to a high standard of service and professionalism. Being involved in a practice that prioritizes individualized care and long-term outcomes is both rewarding and purposeful.

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Chiropractor in
in Beverly Hills, CA

Welcome to Applegate Chiropractic. We’re proud to serve the Beverly Hills community and surrounding areas with exceptional chiropractic care. Our practice has built a reputation for high-quality service and personalized attention, helping patients achieve their wellness goals.

Valued at $550

$79 New Patient Special