We recently connected with Maes Rabadi and have shared our conversation below.

Maes, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

One of the most formative influences in my life has been my mother. She immigrated to California from Jordan, in the Middle East, to raise my five siblings and I. That alone speaks volumes about her strength and courage, but what truly made a lasting impact on me was how she raised us—especially her daughters—to be strong, independent, and resilient, even when that ran counter to cultural expectations.

In many Middle Eastern communities, women are often expected to stay quiet, follow traditional roles, and not make waves. But my mother defied that narrative. She didn’t just tell me to be strong—she showed me. Whether it was navigating a new country, learning a new language, or standing up for herself in the face of challenges, she modeled determination and dignity.

One thing she always said to me was: “Dream big and never give up.” That has become a guiding force in my life. Whenever I’ve faced obstacles—whether in school, work, or navigating systems not built for someone like me—I’ve heard her voice reminding me that I’m allowed to want more, to push boundaries, and to build something better for myself and others.

There have been moments in my career where I was the only woman in the room—or the only person from a Middle Eastern background. It would’ve been easy to shrink myself. But because of how my mother raised me, I didn’t. I stood tall ( even though I’m only five feet tall), spoke up, and kept moving forward, knowing that I was carrying her strength with me.

Maes, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Meet Dr. Maes Vioula Rabadi, D.C.
Helping You Move Freely, Live Fully

For those who may not know me yet—I’m Dr. Maes Vioula Rabadi, a Board Certified Chiropractor, proud member of both the California Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association, and a passionate advocate for natural, movement-based healing. My journey into chiropractic care is deeply personal and began not in a classroom, but in a car accident.

Years ago, after being involved in a collision, I experienced first-hand the incredible impact chiropractic care can have on pain, healing, and everyday quality of life. The care I received during my recovery didn’t just help me physically—it inspired my life’s work. That experience planted a seed in me: I wanted to help others find relief, regain their movement, and return to doing the activities they love most—without relying solely on medications or invasive treatments.

What I Do
In my practice, I provide personalized, evidence-based chiropractic care that treats the root cause of discomfort—not just the symptoms. My goal with every patient is to restore movement, function, and freedom in their body so they can live life fully and actively.

I specialize in:

Kinesio-Taping

Myofascial Release Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy

Active Release Technique (ART)

Advanced Exercise & Rehabilitation Techniques

Nutritional Counseling

Pediatric Chiropractic (Certification in Progress through the ICPA)

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply want to move better and feel stronger, I create tailored care plans that meet you where you are—physically and holistically.

What Sets Me Apart
My background in biological sciences and research has shaped the way I approach chiropractic care: with a scientific mindset, a compassionate heart, and a deep respect for the body’s innate ability to heal. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Biology from California State University of Northridge in 2009, I spent a year conducting post-graduate research on spinal development, even publishing findings in respected scientific journals. That foundation gives me a unique perspective on spinal health and human movement.

I then went on to earn my Doctorate of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences, where I expanded my knowledge of integrative, non-invasive care and developed a whole-body approach to patient wellness.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the trust and relationships I’ve built with my patients. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone walk into my office in pain and walk out empowered—knowing their body is capable of healing and movement again. Helping someone get back to playing with their kids, hiking a favorite trail, or simply sitting through a workday pain-free is what motivates me every single day.

What I Want You to Know
My mission is simple: to help you move better, feel better, and live better. I’m here to support you through every step of your wellness journey—whether you’re seeking relief, recovery, or performance optimization.

I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and I believe that education is a vital part of healing. You’ll always leave my office not just feeling better, but understanding your body a little more—and how to care for it in the long run.

If you’re ready to take control of your health, I’d be honored to be part of your journey.

Warmly,
Dr. Maes Vioula Rabadi, D.C.
Board Certified Chiropractor
Northern Los Angeles, CA

“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
– Thomas A. Edison

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

1. Active Listening & Empathy
You’re spot on is really listening to patients is essential. It builds trust, improves diagnostic accuracy, and helps patients feel heard, which alone can improve outcomes. People in pain often feel vulnerable, and being listened to can be healing in itself.

2. Compassion & Emotional Presence
Being fully present with someone who’s suffering — without rushing, judging, or minimizing their experience — is powerful. Compassion helps you connect with patients on a human level, especially when they’re feeling fear, frustration, or hopelessness.

3. Holistic Thinking
Helping correct biomechanics and posture speaks to a proactive mindset. Successful practitioners think beyond the symptom — considering lifestyle, environment, movement patterns, stress, and more. They see the body as an integrated system, not just isolated parts.

4. Education & Empowerment
Giving exercises and tools for prevention empowers patients. You’re not just treating them; you’re equipping them. That builds autonomy and resilience — crucial for long-term success.

5. Consistency & Follow-Through
Many people can give a good first impression or consultation. But consistently showing up, adjusting plans when needed, and being reliable builds your reputation and patient loyalty over time.

6. Communication Skills
Explaining complex things in a clear, non-intimidating way is a skill in itself. When patients understand why they’re doing what you recommend, they’re more motivated and compliant.

7. Self-Care & Boundaries
To sustain compassion and avoid burnout, you also need to take care of yourself. This includes physical, emotional, and mental well-being — plus knowing your limits and setting boundaries when needed.

If you’re already doing these things — or aiming to — you’re building the kind of foundation that sets apart truly effective and respected professionals. Want to explore how to integrate more of these into your daily practice or how to communicate this to your patients?

Have you ever had to pivot?

A Story of Pivot and Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, I found myself facing an unexpected and challenging crossroads. The area surrounding my chiropractic practice began experiencing a significant rise in homelessness, which sadly made the environment increasingly unsafe for my patients and staff. After careful consideration, I made the difficult decision to relocate—not just my business, but my life.

I chose to return to my roots in Santa Clarita, the hometown where I grew up and always felt a deep sense of safety, comfort, and community. It was a leap of faith, but one grounded in a desire to continue doing meaningful work in a place that truly mattered to me.

What I discovered was both humbling and inspiring. The Santa Clarita community was in real need of a caring, locally rooted chiropractor. The response was overwhelmingly positive. I was welcomed not just as a healthcare provider, but as a neighbor and community member. The move turned out to be not only personally fulfilling but professionally successful. My practice grew rapidly, built on trust, relationships, and a shared commitment to health and wellness.

Looking back, the pivot wasn’t just a reaction to external circumstances—it was a return to purpose. It reminded me why I entered this profession in the first place: to serve people with compassion, integrity, and care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myspinewellnesscenter.com/ , MVR Wellness Center
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmaesrabadi/ , Maes V. Rabadi DC (@drmaesrabadi) • Instagram photos and videos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MVRMyWellnessCenter/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-maes-v-rabadi-dc-ba796629
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maes-v-rabadi-dc-santa-clarita-2
• Address and phone number:  28030 Seco Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91390, Office: (818)744-2550