About Us

Serving our community out of an abundance of love

Buhay Wellness strives to provide care to all those who need it, while providing equal opportunity to quality care to underserved communities.

Our Story

Buhay Wellness is a San Diego nonprofit committed to offering quality holistic care, advancing access to healthcare, and investing in the overall wellness of the community.

Founded by Dr. Sarah Opper-Gawaran and Joeferson Gawaran, proud San Diego natives, Buhay Wellness is committed to serving the community with compassion and inclusivity. The clinic welcomes all who need care, offering financial assistance to those eligible and reduced rates for military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Meet The Team

Dr. Sarah Opper-Gawaran, D.C., M.S.

Founder & Chiropractor

Dr. O.G. is a proud San Diego native with a lifelong passion for understanding how the body works and how it heals. With both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Kinesiology, specializing in sports performance, followed by her Doctor of Chiropractic degree, she brings a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on expertise to every patient she serves.

Beyond her academic journey, Dr. O.G.’s greatest joy is her family. She and her husband are raising two energetic boys, both born during her graduate studies. Balancing motherhood with rigorous academic programs has given her a deep appreciation for the strength and resilience of the human body, especially during pregnancy and early childhood, which now shapes her unique perspective as a chiropractor.

While she provides care for people from all walks of life, Dr. O.G has special interests in sports performance, pregnancy, and pediatric chiropractic. She is dedicated to serving her community with compassion, knowledge, and a welcoming approach, and she is always open to answering questions or supporting your health needs.

Schedule a visit with Dr. O.G. and experience the difference that compassionate, whole-body care can make in your health and daily life.

Joeferson Gawaran

Founder

Joeferson Gawaran is the co-founder of Buhay Wellness, owner and barber at Cut & Dry Barbershop, and a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. With seven years of experience serving on the board of another non-profit organization, Joeferson brings strong leadership, discipline, and a heart for service to the mission of Buhay Wellness. His background as a Marine and small business owner has shaped his commitment to community, mentorship, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and cared for. Together with his wife, Dr. Sarah Opper-Gawaran, Joeferson helps guide Buhay Wellness toward its vision of making holistic, affordable care accessible to veterans, families, and underserved communities across San Diego.

Phill Murrieta, LMT

Massage Therapist

Phill Murrieta is a skilled massage therapist with over eight years of experience working in clinical settings, where he has helped countless individuals find relief and improved mobility through therapeutic bodywork. Known for his calm presence (even if a bit camera shy), Phill brings a deeply restorative approach to each session. He works closely with chiropractic providers to support patient recovery and overall wellness, often incorporating hot stone therapy to enhance relaxation and release tension.

Schedule