Karishma Patel DC, DCACNB, MS is a South Jersey native who is passionate about educating the community about their healthcare options. Dr. Karishma is also passionate about treating acute/chronic joint and spine conditions. She attended Rutgers University where she majored in Biochemistry. Dr. Karishma knew she wanted to become a chiropractor when she witnessed a man carried into the clinic walk out on his own after a chiropractic treatment.

Dr. Karishma appreciated the ability to get quick and effective results with conservative treatment and decided to pursue a chiropractic degree. She graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 2014 with her Doctorate in Chiropractic. 

Dr. Karishma has directed her practice in sports and spine injuries. She specializes in functional neurology and also cares for pregnant women and infants. She acquired her Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACBN) accreditation in 2017 which has helped her treat patients with a broad range of conditions and allows her to be a spine and movement specialist. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new cities, lifting weights, and expanding her taste buds!

Lester Zavala, DC is passionate about understanding how the body moves and using that insight to help patients function at their best. With a background in martial arts and team sports, he has always valued movement and understands how pain and dysfunction can impact both performance and everyday life.

His interest in chiropractic care grew out of a lifelong involvement in athletics and a desire to address the underlying causes of pain and movement limitations. Dr. Zavala earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northeast College of Health Sciences, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based, movement-focused care.

Dr. Zavala focuses on sports and spine conditions, injury prevention, and improving movement mechanics. He works with athletes, runners, weightlifters, and active individuals of all ages, tailoring care to each patient’s goals and lifestyle. His approach combines chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and functional movement strategies. Dr. Zavala is an ART Certified Provider and holds an advanced certification in Sports Science and Human Performance.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Zavala enjoys running, strength training, and practicing martial arts, which continue to influence his practical, performance-driven approach to patient care.

Nicholas Blood, OTR/L joined Thrive Sports and Spine to integrate Occupational Therapy into a multidisciplinary model of care, providing patients with rehabilitative exercise, manual therapy, and education on body mechanics to promote pain-free and successful participation in activities of daily living (ADLs).

He earned his Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Pace University in 2021, graduating Magna Cum Laude and serving as the founding President of his program. Nick completed his undergraduate education at Springfield College in 2018, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. During his time at Springfield, he competed in Track and Field for four years, specializing in the hammer and discus throws.

From a young age, Nick aspired to pursue a career that would equip him with the knowledge and skills to help others reach their goals and return to meaningful activities. He has experience working across multiple settings and with patients throughout the entire lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. His clinical background includes orthopedics, acute care, school-based therapy, integrated sports rehabilitation, and strength & conditioning, with experience treating conditions such as spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, sports-related injuries, and age-related conditions.

Nick is committed to ongoing professional development and staying current with evidence-based treatment approaches and modalities to deliver the most effective care possible. His goal is to empower clients to reduce pain, restore function, and fully participate in the activities that matter most to them.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for his many pets, soaking up the sun on the beach, trying new foods, hitting the gym, and attending local car shows.

Nick looks forward to collaborating with the multidisciplinary team at Thrive Sports and Spine to deliver truly individualized care that reduces pain and promotes a healthy, thriving lifestyle.

Please Welcome our new Licensed Acupuncturist, Melissa Rose Bardachino. She is excited to be a part of the growing field of acupuncture and greatly supports our multidisciplinary wellness model. She strongly believes that synergy makes magic happen and that this cooperative approach is the wave of the future!

Melissa Rose grew up in central New Jersey. She has lived in many different places over the years then returned to the Garden State in 2019. Her extensive background includes 18 years of experience as a massage therapist, 2 years as an esthetician and spa therapist, and 4 years as a licensed acupuncturist. Her professional training brought her coast to coast within the States and Hawaii as well as England and China. She has worked in various settings across the US, Caribbean, and Mediterranean, including wellness centers, day spas, resorts, and cruise ships. She also carries a B.S. in Alternative Medicine from Everglades University in Florida, where she graduated as Class Valedictorian in 2007. Years later in 2019, she acquired an M.S. in Acupuncture from Southwest Acupuncture College in Colorado. Additionally, she completed an alignment-based yoga teacher training in Costa Rica and continues to advance her knowledge through various continuing education courses.



Melissa Rose has an eclectic style as an acupuncturist and integrates both traditional and contemporary forms of the medicine. She strives to provide high-quality patient care resulting in lasting pain relief, balanced wellbeing, and profound healing. Plus, her lifelong passion for dance and movement as both student and teacher, in combination with a personal yoga and meditation practice, have further influenced her comprehensive treatment style. She especially enjoys treating stress and anxiety, pain management, emotional wellness, digestive dysfunction, women’s health, and mind-body-spirit integration, while emphasizing patient education and the importance of self-care practices. In her free time, Melissa Rose enjoys hiking with her dog, dancing, traveling, spending time in nature, adventure sports, reading, singing and hand drumming, gardening, and sharing quality time with loved ones!