Dr Travis Mitchell
 

Principal Chiropractor
M.Tech.Chiropractic.SA; ICSSD.

I was 16 when I discovered my passion for Chiropractic – and for the first time in my life I was driven and had the focus required to achieve. As a high school dropout I had to finish my schooling before being able to study further so I attended night school, and after graduating I enrolled for Chiropractic at the University of Johannesburg.

Having never achieved anything academically, studying Chiropractic was quite a challenge but I graduated in 2004 with a Master’s Degree and a distinction for my thesis – which I had the privilege to publish and present internationally.

After graduating I travelled to Dubai, U.A.E where I set up a Chiropractic department in a Multi-disciplinary Traditional and Complimentary Centre owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum. This provided an amazing opportunity for me to gain valuable experience in integrative health and wellness medicine. 

My clinical interest is in family Chiropractic care. I provide assistance to all members of a family, “Big and small, we care for them all”. I respect the human body’s ability to heal itself when provided with the right tools and support – and this is applicable at any age! I know that true Health and Happyness is possible.

I love to share my experiences and understandings of Chiropractic, health and life. So separately I provide continual health and wellness promotion to anyone listening. I express straightforward concepts that are both easily digestible and thought provoking. I have written numerous articles for various media publications, been interviewed on radio in Dubai and provide an email based newsletter and a blog - click here to subscribe. I will find any opportunity to tell my story if it will inspire you

My second love is my family. I am continually inspired and fueled by my wonderful and supporting wife and beautiful son.

I look forward to walking with you as we aspire the world to greatness!
 

Dr. Holly-Jay Roothman
 

Associate Homeopath

MTech.Homeopathy.SA

Growing up in a tumultuous household, I had to be independent from very early on and find my way in life by trusting my gut. Fortunately, I enjoyed school and have always been passionate about learning and educating myself further. School became another home for me, providing a space for me to do my best and be motivated by any and all achievements. 

I considered a wide range of professional paths, however, my gut instinct always seemed to come back to a path of health and healing. My requests were heard and all the right doors were opened at the exact right time. I was accepted to study Homeopathy at the University of Johannesburg. I had just found my new home, my calling, my passion! I realized that I was exactly where I needed to be. 

After completing a Master’s degree in Homeopathy, one of my best friends and chiropractor, Dr Janique mentioned that Dr Travis Mitchell and Associates was interested in growing the practice into a multi-disciplinary and holistic family practice. This opportunity came once again, at the exact right moment in life. After discussions and meetings with Dr Travis, it was clear that our goals and views had common ground. My gut was filled with excitement, as I knew growth in the right direction was coming.

It is time for this beautiful journey to continue, as I share this passion of holistic healing with Dr Travis and Dr Marili, to bring true health and happyness to all.

As a Homeopath, I believe that healing is a journey which needs to start at the beginning - the root cause. The doctor-patient relationship that we build plays an important role in achieving your best possible experience. I am passionate about facilitating your healing, and with the compliments of chiropractic care, among other healing therapies, your mental, physical and emotional states will be treated with our utmost care. I feel that mental health is a top priority and working to achieve balance and harmony within will allow for your ultimate health and happyness.

So let us work together, as a family, to support healthy lifestyles in natural and holistic ways, to heal our whole-selves.
 

Dr. Marili Van Heerden
 

Associate Chiropractor

MTech.Chiropractic.SA

I became interested in being a chiropractor when I received my first adjustment. A friend, who is a chiropractor, offered to adjust my spine when I had a migraine while on holiday. The migraine disappeared and my life was changed. I was 17 at the time and looking at career options. He gave me chiropractic books to read and I observed him treating patients. I had no doubt that this was the perfect career for me. As a future chiropractor I could look forward to working with people, using my hands and play my part in making the world a better place. 

After I finished my Masters degree in chiropractic I was fortunate enough to open the doors of my own practice. I was owner and sole chiropractor at my private practice for 8 years. I also ran a corporate on-site practice, until lockdown forced patients to work from home. 

In 2022 my husband and I welcomed our baby girl, Hannah, into the world. Motherhood gave my heart joy and love in abundance, but my professional life took a backseat. I was frustrated in practice and struggled to balance work and mom-life.

At the time Dr Travis was looking for a new associate for Aspire Happyness Chiropractic. He was a lecturer of mine at university. I recalled that his passion for chiropractic and his love for his patients and realised that is what is missing in my current practice. This was the exact step I needed to regain my passion for what I do. 

Clinically I love family practice. I strive to inspire patients to want to reach their inborn potential for true health and happyness. Family practice provides me the opportunity to influence the health of each member of a family. I believe that healthy, and therefore happy families are the backbone of a thriving society. I strive to inspire patients to want to reach their inborn potential for true health and happyness.

Sphiwe Sheldon Matlala
 

Care Taker

Ensuring your safety is one of my biggest priorities. Often I may be unseen but always available to open and close the gate, look after the protection of your car, offer you a smiley face and warm welcome, and take care of your other belongings including your fury loved ones and kids. 

My first love though, is creating and nurturing our garden to the beauty that it has become. My favourite thing about this practice is how the patients will take walks or spend time in the garden I have created. I love seeing the children run around the grounds enjoying the outdoors and climbing the trees. 

I truly take pride in all that I do. I am trustworthy, reliable and a great listener. Please come and share the beautiful garden with me. 
 

Carla Smit
 

Patient Care Coordinator

Carla joined the practice in August 2023 as the Patient Care Coordinator and brings a unique blend of creativity, emotional intelligence, and genuine care to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Communication, specialising in Visual Communication Design and Video Production. Although she describes her journey into healthcare as unexpected, Carla strongly believes God placed her in this space for a greater purpose.

She finds deep meaning in connecting with people, learning something new every day, and helping patients discover better ways to care for their health and wellbeing. Carla enjoys building meaningful relationships with patients from all walks of life — from tiny babies to the wonderful elderly patients she serves — and believes everyone benefits from sharing wisdom and life experiences with one another.

Her approach to patient care is rooted in listening well, showing kindness, and helping patients find solutions that support their health journey. She believes patients appreciate her compassionate nature, her understanding heart, and her ability to bring both organisation and calm into their experience at the practice. Her desire is that every patient leaves feeling peaceful, encouraged, and renewed.

Outside of the practice, Carla enjoys spending time in nature through hiking and trail running, capturing meaningful moments through photography, and expressing her creativity through drawing and painting. She also enjoys life’s simple pleasures, including a good almond cappuccino and quiet time at home with her husband and their dachshund. She lives by the simple philosophy: Live simply, intentionally and joyfully, and reflect God’s goodness in the everyday moments of life.

Judy O'Kelly
 

Accounts Manager

Judy joined the practice in 2023 as the Accounts Manager. She brings dedication, integrity, and a strong sense of personal values to her role, ensuring the administrative and financial side of the practice runs smoothly. Although she does not come from a formal healthcare background, she has always been fascinated by how the body works and has a natural desire to help make life easier for others.

She enjoys working at the practice because of the strong Christian foundation, the positive environment, and the shared desire to help guide patients toward better health. Being part of a space that inspires hope and encourages healing gives her a deep sense of purpose. She finds fulfillment in having honest conversations with patients and getting to know their stories, often recognising that sometimes people simply need someone willing to listen.

Judy approaches patients with honesty and sincerity, always trying to meet people with kindness while staying true to who she is. She hopes patients experience a sense of hope and reassurance through their interactions with her, knowing that help and support are available. She particularly enjoys interacting with both children and elderly patients and has a growing interest in understanding how businesses can successfully balance professional demands with personal wellbeing.

Outside of work, Judy enjoys quiet moments to herself, especially reading or simply reflecting. She has a unique appreciation for stormy weather, finding beauty in dark clouds and powerful skies. She believes that health means being able to use your body to its full potential and trusts that with the right support the body has an incredible ability to heal. She lives by strong personal values of punctuality, honesty, and trustworthiness, believing that character is built through perseverance and that true worth comes from the values we choose to live by.

Nomonde Komanisi
 

Healthcare Support

Nomonde is a dedicated healthcare cleaner who plays an important role in maintaining the high standards of cleanliness, safety, and hygiene that support both patient care and staff wellbeing at the practice. She has been part of the team for the past six years and takes great pride in contributing to an environment focused on healing.

She chose to work in healthcare because it gives her the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day, even through the small but important details that help patients feel safe and cared for. She deeply values being part of a practice where the environment reflects compassion, healing, and respect.

Nomonde believes that helping patients starts with taking pride in her work and understanding that every task contributes to a positive healthcare experience. Her approach is grounded in respect, attention to detail, and creating a clean, comfortable space where patients can focus on their healing journey.

She believes patients appreciate her quiet, respectful, and consistent presence, and her commitment to supporting their comfort and care through the work she does each day.