Meet The Team

Dr. Jason Sonners has always been fascinated by the machinery of the human frame and strives to learn everything and anything he can that might help even one of his patients. Always working to integrate new knowledge and practical experience, in addition to his Doctor of Chiropractic, Jason earned his Diplomate of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (DCBCN) and his Diplomate of the International Board of Applied Kinesiology (DIBAK). He is one of only 250 professionals in the world with this distinction.

Dr. Sonners utilizes his combined training in various modalities to create comprehensive programs and help patients achieve their health goals. His patients are dealing with, among other conditions, a variety of autoimmune and neurological conditions, allergies, autism and cancer. He combines Chiropractic, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Nutrition, Exercise, Detoxification programs and more to naturally support patients and guide them through their health challenges.

Dr. Sonners and his wife, Dr. Melissa Sonners, are co-owners of Core Therapies Family Wellness Center in Northern New Jersey, a holistic center with eight chiropractors whose specialties include functional medicine, pre/post-partum, pediatric and sports injuries. Core Therapies also offers acupuncture, massage, infrared, sauna, spinal decompression, yoga and laser therapies.

Drs. Jason and Melissa Sonners are also the owners of NJ HBOT and HBOT USA.

Are you ready for a healthier option for you and your family? Chiropractic care is one such option. Chiropractic enhances the body’s innate ability to heal itself. By looking at the body as a whole and addressing chemical, emotional and physical stressors, chiropractic helps foster a lifetime of healthy habits. Chiropractic is a safe, gentle and effective way for adults and kids to reach their optimal potential.

Dr. Melissa Sonners graduated cum laude from New York Chiropractic College and has extensive training in Active Release Technique, Pediatrics and Pregnancy related care. Dedicated to continued learning about research on children with developmental delays and disorders, Dr. Melissa is one of only 52 who earned her Diplomate in Chiropractic Pediatrics from the Academy of Family Practice in North America.

The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.

For pregnant mothers, the hormones that are released during pregnancy can cause sacral and pelvic misalignments, which can cause strain on the pelvic muscles and ligaments. This strain may or may not cause discomfort, but can prevent the baby from getting into the best possible position for birth. Dr. Melissa is certified in the Webster Technique, which is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structure, muscles, and ligaments.

If your child has difficulty processing visual, auditory, tactile (touch), smell and taste, they may benefit from sensory integration. If your child has difficulty in academics, social situations, with coordination or stamina, they may have retained primitive reflexes. For all of these issues, Dr. Melissa can do an evaluation and create an individualized program integrating physical and cognitive exercises, and often, dietary changes are recommended as well.

Dr. Meagan was raised in Albany, New York where she was fortunate to be surrounded by a large extended family. It was this connection with family that instilled in her a desire to provide excellent chiropractic care for you and your family. Dr. Meagan believes that your family can and should provide great support while you as an individual work to optimize your health.

Believing strongly that you have the ultimate say in your health care, Dr. Meagan hopes to guide you along the way with proper knowledge and education.  Dr. Meagan attended Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY, graduating with a degree in Psychology with concentrations in Biology and Pre-Health Sciences, while also participating on the Women’s Lacrosse Team. She went on to study at New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY.  While completing her Doctorate in Chiropractic, Dr. Meagan began her quest to obtain the highest education in treatment for pediatrics and prenatal/postpartum women.

As a mom herself, Dr. Meagan strives to support families on their health journey.  Dr. Meagan is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), specializing in treatment for the pediatric and pregnant patient.  Dr. Meagan is also a BIRTHFIT Professional, providing support and rehabilitation to patients with core and pelvic dysfunction. Most commonly postpartum women experience some form of core and/or pelvic instability.  Dr. Meagan believes that as a female transitions through her motherhood journey, that her care should adapt, continuing to support the woman through all phases of motherhood. As a BIRTHFIT Professional she takes a gentle, effective approach helping women regain stability and strength postpartum by properly assessing and treating core and pelvic dysfunction.  Treatment may consist of manual therapy such as chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue release, diaphragmatic breathing and core stabilization exercises.
Dr. Meagan loves her work and truly believes that establishing a caring, trusting relationship between patient and doctor should provide the foundation for your care.

Dr. Matt McGowan believes there is more than just a structural component involved in most injuries and addresses all parts of the musculoskeletal system with his patients. He also firmly believes that no two patients are alike and tailors his treatment plans to the individual in order to begin the healing process as quickly as possible. Whether you are a full time high level athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone just beginning an exercise program, there are important steps you can take to improve your performance. With a variety of techniques and experience, Dr. Matt can help improve your mobility, decrease your pain, and optimize your performance. His approach to healing provides patients with ways to shorten recovery times and prevent future injuries.

While he treats a large number of athletes, Dr. Matt provides excellent care to all populations. He is a full body certified practitioner of Active Release Techniques (ART), an acclaimed muscle therapy used to treat dysfunctional muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Dr. Matt uses ART as a compliment to traditional Chiropractic methods.

Dr. Matt attended Muhlenberg College, graduating with a degree in Biology with concentrations in Pre-Health Sciences and Spanish. Upon graduation, he obtained his Personal Training Certification and has been an exercise professional since 2005. Dr. Matt went on to study at New York Chiropractic College, graduating with experience in Flexion Distraction Technique, Activator Technique, and Sports Therapies.

Dr. Sonia Marques is a New Jersey-Licensed Chiropractic Physician. Born and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Marques attended Rutgers University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences. Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Marques attended National University of Health Sciences in Illinois and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctoral Degree in Chiropractic.

Upon returning to New Jersey, Dr. Marques practiced at clinics specializing in Spinal Decompression. She is certified in the Cox® Technic, which is a non-surgical, doctor controlled, hands on spinal decompression treatment to relieve back pain, neck pain, arm pain, leg pain, and a host of other spinal-related conditions like disc herniation, spinal stenosis, post-surgical continued pain and pregnancy back pain.  Dr. Marques is also certified in Active Release Techniques.

In addition, Dr. Marques is a member of the ICPA, the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, and is certified in the Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic analysis and treatment that facilitates the neurological function and the biomechanics of the pelvis and supports a more comfortable, safer and easier birth.

Dr. Marques is also certified in the Graston Soft Tissue Technique. This is an advanced method of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, combined with rehabilitative exercises to improve musculoskeletal function. Graston incorporates the use of six specifically designed stainless steel instruments to aid the Clinician in the detection and treatment of soft tissue dysfunction. It is effective for a wide variety of conditions, such as tendinopathies, fascial syndromes, myofascial pain syndromes, ligament pain syndromes, edema reduction, scar tissue/adhesions, and entrapment syndromes.

Dr. Katie is a Milwaukee, WI native and practicing prenatal and pediatric chiropractor. She is passionate about improving the health and vitality of children, women, and families in the community. Prior to joining Core Therapies, Dr. Katie practiced in Northwestern Wisconsin where she cared for pediatric patients of all ages, sensory spectrum children, prenatal and postpartum women, and families striving to make informed health choices. She believes through chiropractic care the body can better adapt to physical, emotional, and chemical stressors to create an optimal experience of life. 

After graduating from Mount Mary College with her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Dr. Katie moved to Chicago, IL to pursue her Doctorate in Chiropractic from National University of Health Sciences.  She has extensive training in pediatric and prenatal care through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), nutritional counseling, and alternative treatment for back and neck injuries through the McKenzie Institute. Dr. Katie is dedicated to continued education and research to better serve her patients. She is a Certified Pediatric Chiropractor from the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice and Webster Certified. 

When not in the clinic, Dr. Katie enjoys spending time with her husband, Quinn, and their pup, Toulouse. Together they love to take long nature walks, travel, and explore the world. 

Dr. Sebastian Poma came to chiropractic in his teens when a baseball injury landed him in the hospital. Doctors prescribed surgery, but his family searched for a more natural, less invasive approach and landed on chiropractic care. He’s wanted to join the profession ever since that first visit!

Certified in Flexion Distraction, Diversified, Gonstead, Thompson Drop, Activator, and Spinal Decompression Techniques, Dr. Sebastian brings tremendous knowledge and skill—along with a positive, laid back style—to patient care. Much of his work focuses on treating injuries and pain by maximizing the natural power and strength of the human body.

“I will do everything I can to help patients meet their care plan goals including muscle tension release, adjustment, stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as through diet and nutrition planning,” he explains. “It’s an approach to diagnosis and treatment of patient injuries and discomfort focusing on overall health, nutrition, and musculoskeletal and neurological presentations.”

Dr. Sebastian received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida. When he’s not at the office, he’ll be hanging out with family or indulging his love of travel. Feel free to ask him about Thailand, one of his all-time favorite destinations.

Over the past 20 years, Megan Gouldner has become well known among her clients and peers as a NonVerbal Communication Specialist, Intuitive Bodyworker, and Healthcare Professional. Her work is often sought out as the “last resort” for patients dealing with chronic issues.

Our subconscious mind holds the key to understanding our patterns of functioning. With a keen and refined eye, and an innate sensitivity, Megan reads your body’s language to detect worn out thoughts, belief systems and patterns of functioning that may be causing pain, dysfunction, depression, anxiety, neurological disorders and the like. Each modality she employs uses refined technique and the utmost skill to help bring the brain and nervous system into what she calls “Present Time.”

From a relaxing Swedish, or a more therapeutic structural integration session, to the “deeper” work of mental and emotional integration through process-oriented Bodywork and Breathwork or her more subtle energy techniques, Megan’s sessions will leave you with a sense of peace, awe, and confidence in the potential of your miraculous human system.

Megan Gouldner holds a degree in Bodywork, Massage and Hydrotherapy from Arizona School of Integrative Studies, a degree in Craniosacral Therapy 1 & 2 from the Upledger Institute and an Advanced Craniosacral and SomatoEmotional Release degree from the Great River Craniosacral and Shamanic Center. She holds professional fitness certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the CHEK Institute. As a Breathwork Coach, Megan trained with the NY and Philadelphia Rebirthing Center along with Sondra Ray, Leonard Orr and Stanislav Grof.  Megan is a privately trained Nonverbal Communication Specialist and Consultant and has designed her practice to provide cutting edge mind-body modalities.

Katrina Haskell M.S., C.A is a graduate of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Manhattan and is currently certified and/or licensed to practice acupuncture in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Acupuncture is an ancient system of treatment, effective in many conditions which have often not responded to conventional approaches. It involves the insertion of sterile needles through points in the skin (acupuncture points) which are shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems to encourage the free flow of Qi ("vital energy") through the body to restore a healthy condition and dispel pain.

The concept of Yin and Yang, considers that everything is an amalgam of opposites. The balance of these opposites is considered to be constantly fluctuating, a dynamic balance. When Yin and Yang of the body are imbalanced, there is dis-harmony, "dis-ease." Ancient Chinese theorists believed that acupuncture affected the distribution of yin and yang in the meridians (energy pathways), bringing them into balance so that Qi flowed freely.

Although Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works, recent research has shown that needle insertions stimulate the production of natural pain-killing and other chemical substances such as endorphins, enkephalins, and seratonin. Another theory (the "Gate Control" theory) suggests that acupuncture blocks the transmission of pain impulses from various parts of the body to the central nervous system.

Rebecca Powers is so excited to be joining our team at Core Therapies as a holistic-minded Family Nurse Practitioner. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she has been living in New Jersey for the past 10 years. While working towards her Bachelor’s Degree from Brooklyn College in Physical Education Exercise Science, Rebecca realized that her true passion was in Nursing. After she completed her Bachelor’s of Science, she went on to receive her Nursing Degree from Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing. Her passion for helping others transcended her into the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Monmouth University where she obtained her Master’s Degree.

Rebecca has been passionate about health and healing for as long as she can recall. She has been a nurse for 13 years and loves helping her patients to achieve optimal health and wellness. Rebecca’s background is in critical care and neurology. Her capabilities in the nursing field have given her the ability to see patients from the newborn age to geriatric stages. Rebecca’s true passion for holistic health comes from her belief that optimal health can be achieved by treating the patient as a whole. Traditional medicine has its place in this world, but by combining conventional and alternative treatments, patients can truly reach their ideal wellness.

Rebecca is a proud mama of four, a loving wife and compassionate holistic Nurse Practitioner. Her goal here at Core Therapies is to help others live healthier lifestyles by promoting health and wellness. She is excited to start to meet our patients, new and existing.