Dr. Mike Motel D.C.
Founder & Chiropractor at Ascend Chiropractic
Dr. Mike believes that health is our greatest asset—and that it’s something we can cultivate daily. He founded Ascend Chiropractic in 2015 as a Gonstead-specific clinic focused on individualized care, and has been helping patients transform their lives ever since.
Dr. Mike is passionate about helping people of all ages live active, pain-free lives. Treating patients from a few days old to seniors, his care is rooted in precision, education, and connection—empowering patients to better understand their bodies so they can make informed choices for lifelong wellness. With special interests in upper cervical care, neurological conditions, TMJ-related dysfunction, and Chiropractic for athletes, Dr. Mike is dedicated to providing precise, targeted adjustments that support optimal function, faster recovery, and long-term performance.
After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Originally from Pennsylvania, he and his wife Alicia spent years living, working, and exploring all over the country before discovering Bellingham in 2015—and instantly knowing it was home, falling in love with Mt. Baker, the sea, and the uniquely quirky charm of this incredible community.
Outside the office, Dr. Mike lives what he teaches: embracing a vibrant lifestyle centered around movement and strength training, positivity, whole foods, meaningful relationships, mental well-being, and time in nature. He and Alicia founded and operate BootBerry Farm in Kendall, where they raise food, tend chickens, and chase endless adventures.
He’s often spotted skiing at Baker, climbing at Vital, camping out of their Kimbo, or chasing after their two beloved dogs—Herman (a ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback and the default office mascot) and Eggs Benedict, aka “Benny” (a resilient tripawd Malamute).
Dr. Mike loves being a chiropractor and considers it a privilege to introduce people to a healthier way to live their best lives.
Alicia Andras
Practice Manager
Alicia is the behind-the-scenes force who keeps Ascend Chiropractic running efficiently and intentionally. From managing day-to-day operations to ensuring patients and staff have what they need, she brings organization, creativity, and warmth to every part of the clinic experience.
Originally trained and certified as a veterinary specialist in acupuncture, chiropractic, and physical therapy for animals, she fully transitioned her healing focus to the human side in December 2024. While she no longer works with four-legged patients, her passion for wellness, care, and natural living is woven into all she does.
Outside the clinic, Alicia is the driving force behind BootBerry Farm—growing, canning, and preserving a bounty of food to fuel their active lifestyle and reflect her love of sustainability and seasonal living. She’s deeply passionate about herbalism and medicinal plants, and spends as much time as possible in nature: skiing, exploring the backcountry, and savoring quiet moments with Dr. Mike and their mountain-loving crew.
She’s also a passionate cook, avid reader, and someone who finds joy in the little things—whether it’s a homemade jar of pickles, a freshly powdered slope, or a meaningful conversation at the front desk.
Alicia loves being a part of Ascend Chiropractic and considers it a privilege to help support patients on their journey to better health, and helping them feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Kayla Romey
OFFICE MANAGER
As the office manager at Ascend Chiropractic, Kayla loves keeping things running smoothly and making sure every patient feels welcome and supported. With a lifelong passion for holistic health, she believes that food is medicine—and is often experimenting with new recipes and exploring creative ways to nourish wellness.
Originally from Los Angeles, Kayla thrives on staying active and spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, gardening, or yoga, she’s always up for an adventure. She also enjoys arts and crafts, curling up with a good book, and spending time with her husband, Alex, and their two rescue cats, Lina and Duchess.
Kayla is grateful to be part of a team that helps people feel their best every day—and she looks forward to welcoming each and every patient who walks through the door.
Lindsay Nims
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Lindsay believes strongly in the value of bodily health and wellness. Her goal is to welcome patients into the practice in a manner that gets them ready and excited for their care.
Lindsay graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor's degree in History/Social Studies. Her education showed her the importance of individual health and wellness as a part of social welfare, which she hopes to advance as a part of her time at Ascend. In her off time she spends time with friends playing tabletop RPG's, athletic fencing, and volunteering at the Museum of Northwest Art.
Meet the Real Bosses of Ascend: Benny & Herman
Professional snack seekers. Occasional greeters. Full-time good boys.
Eggs Benedict “Benny” is a three-legged Alaskan Malamute who’s been part of the family since 2014, when he arrived at Alicia’s vet hospital in Massachusetts as a puppy in need of a leg amputation. After his original owners couldn’t provide care, Alicia stepped in, treated him, and welcomed him home. These days, Benny is the king of BootBerry Farm—cruising around in his wheelchair like a racecar driver, napping in the shade, and keeping a watchful eye on the chickens (from a safe distance). He’s especially fond of cheese and broccoli (aka “mini trees”) and politely declines chaos involving his younger brother’s giant paws.
Herman (named after Mt. Hermann in the North Cascades) is a ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback and a full-blown Meatstick at 120 lbs of awkward charm. He’s still figuring out how to manage his long legs and big feelings, but one thing he’s nailed? Being a total goofball. Herman is obsessed with his humans (especially his mom), lives for trail romps in the woods, and will absolutely try to sit in your lap. He loves coming to the office—if you pass his vibe check—and has a soft spot for snuggles, toys, and pestering his big fluffy brother.
If you see them at the office, don’t forget to say hi (and maybe offer a veggie snack or two)!
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Learn how seeing a Gonstead Chiropractor can get relief when other styles of chiropractic care struggle.
