meet the team
Owner/Clinic Director
Dr. Matthew Paterna
Dr. Matthew Paterna founded the practice in 2004. His passion for Chiropractic comes from an experience that nearly ended his life in his early 20's. As a college baseball player, Dr. Paterna experienced frequent back and shoulder pain. Daily visits to the trainer kept him on the field but his pain continued after he graduated and GOT WORSE. In 1996 a visit to his family doctor led him to a 3-month prescription of Oxycontin, and the horrible side effects that came with that "supposedly safe" drug.
Fortunately, Dr. Paterna's father intervened and introduced him to a chiropractor. After his first visit, his pain didn't go away but he slept through the night and woke up feeling "AWAKE". On his second visit he asked the chiropractor why he felt so different, the answer he received changed his life forever…The chiropractor said "Matt, you had pressure on your nerves, and now you have LESS pressure on your nerves. Your body works better when there's less pressure on your nerves. It's that simple!" Dr. Paterna's response was, "I want to be a chiropractor!" That experience fuels his passion to help as many people GET WELL without drugs or surgery!
Dr. Paterna attended Loyola University in Baltimore, MD. and earned his undergraduate degree in marketing and finance in 1995. After his experience with the chiropractor, he attended the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic. Dr. Paterna graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic in 2004. “The natural lifestyle, non-drug approach of chiropractic was so appealing, I had to share it with the world!”
While in chiropractic school, Dr. Paterna originally intended to specialize in sports chiropractic. Once he began to visit chiropractic offices, however, he realized that his profession gave him the opportunity to help people from every walk of life, not just athletes.
Dr. Paterna became convinced that the best chance of living a healthy life clearly begins with gentle pediatric chiropractic care. Getting kids off to a great start through optimal spinal alignment benefits the entire family, from moms, dads, and budding athletes to grandparents, teenagers, and newborns.
“We are creating a legacy of health for families who choose chiropractic care for their children. The younger they start care, the sooner they understand the importance of being proactive with their health.”
- Dr. Paterna
In 2012 Dr. Paterna was voted by his colleagues to represent chiropractic as the President of the CT Chiropractic Council. Dr. Paterna served two terms as President and is currently the immediate past president of the Connecticut State Chiropractic Council (CCC). Currently, Dr. Paterna holds the position of chairman of the board and is actively involved in lobbying for chiropractic coverage for all Connecticut residents.
He’s additionally completed postgraduate courses in pediatric chiropractic and neurology. Dr. Paterna has also been the team chiropractor for two professional baseball organizations and enjoys volunteering his time by mentoring young chiropractors and chiropractic students.
Nationally, Dr. Paterna has been a featured speaker for numerous conferences and conventions, as he feels it is his duty to give back to the profession that has given so much to him.
His memberships and distinctions include:
- CT Chiropractic Council – Past President 2012-2016 – Current Chairman of the Board
- The Milford, Orange, and Milford Chamber of Commerce
- Rotary Club of Milford
- The Milford and Milford Wellness Committee (founding member)
- Foundation for Wellness Professionals
- Ultimate Achievers Club – Top 100 Chiropractors in the U.S.
- International Chiropractic Association (ICA)
- Eagle Scout Troop 39
- Coach Milford Little League All-Star Team
Dr. Paterna is happily married to Courtney, and they’re the proud parents of Madelyn and Miles, two dogs, and four cats. They love spending time together as a family, skiing, traveling, and volunteering.
When he’s not helping patients, Dr. Paterna enjoys being in the outdoors playing golf, tennis, and softball. He and his wife also support Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, as well as area Little League teams.
Senior Associate Doctor Of Chiropractic
Dr. CJ Cameron
Dr. CJ Cameron has been under chiropractic care since he was an infant. His mother experienced the benefits of care and felt it was necessary for her newborn child to see a chiropractor for wellness. As a result, Dr. CJ rarely got sick in his youth and only went to the doctor for physicals.
Having an athletic background, chiropractic care has kept him healthy and injury-free from pee-wee football to collegiate lacrosse.
“I never missed a game and I am forever grateful to the profession of chiropractic.”
- Dr. CJ Cameron
CJ graduated from the prestigious New York Chiropractic College where he performed his residency at the Depew Health Center in Buffalo. He specializes in caring for athletes and children and has a passion for helping people get well. Outside the office, Dr. Cameron is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys competing in many sports including jiu-jitsu and rock climbing.
Associate Doctor Of Chiropractic
Dr. Jiawei Fan "Dr. Jay" 会说普通话
Unsure of what to do with his career path, Jay enlisted himself in the United States Marines where he served 4 years. As a Marine Jay experienced severe issues with his back and legs. After taking medication for several years that led to no relief, Jay decided to visit the Chiropractor on base and his life changed forever.
""I really appreciated how the chiropractor took the time to educate me about my body and how I can take care of it better. I never really understood how important my spine and nerve system were to my overall health. Choosing to become a chiropractor was a no-brainer! Today I take pride in providing a relaxing, educational, and healing experience to anyone who visits the office, I also focus on the rehabilitation of the spine and body as a whole for athletes, kids and expecting mothers. In my free time, I love to work on my car or anything car related, hanging out and going on walks by the beach with my daughter Mia. But most of all I am just excited to start helping the people in my community with Chiropractic Care! A healthy community starts with a healthy individual."
Associate Doctor Of Chiropractic
Dr. Tyler O’Brien
Dr. Tyler O'Brien began seeing a chiropractor at the age of thirteen, sparking an early interest in health and wellness. In 2013, he joined the United States Marine Corps before beginning his undergraduate education.
During his time in the Marines, he earned a Navy Commendation Medal for his heroic actions in saving a friend from a boating accident. With a background in sports including lacrosse, soccer, and track, Dr. O'Brien developed a strong appreciation for the body's potential. He now channels that passion into helping others heal, move, and thrive through chiropractic care.
Patient Care Coordinator
Monica Thomas
After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in June 2022, Monica made a powerful decision to prioritize her health and shift career paths after 16 years in another field. That leap brought her to the world of chiropractic care and it's a change she hasn't looked back on since.
Front Desk Coordinator
Destynee Gill
Since working here, I have a whole new outlook on chiropractic care and how much it really helps people. Getting adjusted has helped me eliminate the daily headaches I used to have since I was a child. I am grateful for chiropractic care and excited to see others benefit too!
Front Desk Assistant
Sarah Beers
Hi, I’m Sarah Beers! I was born and raised in Milford, and I’m passionate about living an active, creative life. In my free time, you’ll often find me outdoors, at the gym, working on my clothing brand, or behind the camera exploring my love for photography.
I strongly believe in the power of natural wellness to positively impact both the body and mind. That passion is part of what drew me to this field. Since joining the team, I’ve seen firsthand how chiropractic care can transform lives. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and be part of helping others improve and feel their best every day.
Marketing Director
Olivia Massa
My name is Olivia Massa. I was a cheerleader for 10 years, captain for my senior year, and coached pop warner cheerleading for 3 years. In my free time, I enjoy testing my body's strength with powerlifting exercises, traveling the world, and hiking the most difficult trails I can find. Since working at Shoreline Family Chiropractic, I've learned that I have broken vertebrae in my spine.
If I never came to the chiropractor, I would've never known about this injury that has caused me lower back pain for years. I've just begun to learn about chiropractic care and am excited to heal my body in the healthiest way possible.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
8:00am - 12:00pm
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 12:00pm
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Thursday
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday
8:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday
9:00am - 11:00am
Sunday
Closed
Shoreline Family Chiropractic
314 Merwin Ave
Milford, CT 06460
