meet the team
Dr Steven Quale D.C.
Everyone has a history and to get to know me I would like to share a bit of mine so you can see what led me to where I am today. As a kid growing up I was very accident prone, I needed a helmet for everyday life like I’m sure some of you may feel. I broke my nose for the first time by 2 year old, by 6 years I spiral fractured my leg, at 8 I broke my nose for a second time, not to mention breaking my arm in two places by the age of 12. Needless to say, my parents were not amused.
When I was a little older I managed to break every one of my fingers on separate occasions while competing in downhill ski racing. But for some reason the only thing that would ever REALLY hurt me, was my back. I missed school. I missed work. I felt like I couldn’t keep up with my friends. Simply because my back hurt too much. I went to the doctor’s office and was prescribed pain medication, which helped, until they wore off.
After graduating from Glencoe High School in 2006, I went to community college with no clue what I wanted to do. Eventually, I was told to go see Dr. Brian Rueben by my then girlfriend (now wife). I became a patient in 2007 and started to feel better. I started paying more attention to what he was doing but, to me, it made no sense. How could he be helping me with just his hands, when even the drugs didn’t? So I began to pursue the field of Chiropractic, with the encouragement and guidance of Dr. Rueben.
During the first year of Chiropractic College, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis which is an inflammatory disease that causes progressive fusion of the spine. It was what was causing my low back pain and nothing was helping except for Chiropractic. Three and a half years and over 300 tests later, I graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a Bachelors of Human Biology from University of Western States Chiropractic College, and began practicing under Dr. Brian Rueben here at Back to Basics Chiropractic in 2014. I honestly couldn’t be happier with the amazing team that we have here at Back to Basics.
After four years of working side by side with Dr. Rueben, I was given the chance to take over the practice. Since 2018 I have been the sole owner of Back to Basics Chiropractic and am passionate about continuing the amazing care and vision that Dr. Rueben had.
I hope that my story can inspire optimism in all those suffering from chronic debilitating pain. Chiropractic care is an amazing therapy that I believe can improve everybody’s quality of life.
Dawn
I was referred to Back To Basics Chiropractic in February of 2005 to see if they could help me with nerve pain that I had been experiencing for over a year. I had never been to a Chiropractor before and I was terrified of being adjusted. At the time I was on a "routine" of getting a cold every three to four months, which I thought was normal. I had been in restaurant management for years and had accepted the pain and my colds as something that was normal because I was getting older and that I would deal with for the rest of my life. After only a few months of treatment my pain was about 90% better. In May of 2005, I joined Back To Basics Chiropractic as an Office Manager. Since that time, I still get regular adjustments, my sciatic nerve pain is gone, and I never call in sick!
For over 11 years I helped to build the practice handling all of the scheduling, billing and management needs. Over the last few years I have transitioned to working mostly from home, so I can focus more on just billing. One area that makes our office different and more complete in our care for patients, is how I strive to help everyone understand insurance terminology and their Chiropractic benefits, so they can fully utilize their benefits to the best of their ability.
When I'm not at work I enjoy camping, stilt walking, scuba diving, travelling, photography, making huge bubbles and gardening. With all my activities outside of work, I now understand how important it is to have a healthy lifestyle in order to play as hard as I work!
Emily
I graduated from East West College of the Healing Arts in 2021. In addition to the patient's requests for care, I also allow the muscles and fascia to help direct the session so that the clients leave with a sense of healing and feeling more relaxed. My technique is very well rounded from relaxation, myofascial release, deep tissue work and auto injury rehabilitation.
I first received chiropractic care after having a sports related concussion and experiencing chronic headaches and neck pain as a result. Chiropractic has helped to reduce my symptoms almost immediately and allowed me to get back to normal life. Along with Chiropractic care, I was educated on bodywork and have been an advocate for it ever since. Once deciding to become a massage therapist I knew I wanted to work in an environment where I could help others in the same way.
Jewel
Hello! My name is Jewel, and I’ve been a proud member of the Back to Basics team as the front desk administrator since December 2024. Over the past three years, I’ve worked in administrative and reception roles in medical offices, and I’ve truly enjoyed every step of the journey. This career path has helped me discover my passion for supporting others through genuine human connection, empathy, and compassion.
I take pride in combining strong interpersonal skills with practical knowledge of the medical field. My ability to empathize, communicate clearly, and solve problems has enabled me to help patients navigate the often confusing worlds of insurance and medical terminology. Working alongside dedicated providers like Dr. Quale, who prioritizes holistic healing, has further deepened my appreciation for patient-centered care. It’s a privilege to work with a provider who sees patients as whole people—not just symptoms—and who brings the same dedication to staff as to patients.
On a personal note, I’m incredibly grateful to have received care from Dr. Quale. His treatment of my SI joint and upper back pain has made a meaningful difference in my quality of life. Thanks to his care, I’ve regained the freedom to enjoy life without chronic pain.
Outside of work, I'm creative at heart. I enjoy drawing—especially with paper and charcoal—painting with acrylics, writing stories, and spending time in imaginative spaces like Minecraft and tabletop roleplaying games with my friends. I also love reconnecting with nature through trips to the beautiful Oregon coast, picnics at local parks, and summer barbecues by the river with loved ones.