Speaker Bios

Robert Ault, D.C., M.B.A., (`07), is a business strategy and patient experience thought leader with a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a proud Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate. He is the founder and CEO of ThinkDC, a chiropractic consulting firm specializing in business strategy, patient experience, and wealth creation. Dr. Ault is an experienced speaker, targeting both domestic and international markets. Prior to business consulting, he co-founded Ault Chiropractic LLC in 2007 and Ohio Animal Chiropractic in 2011, which he continues to operate. Dr. Ault currently serves on the Board of Governs for the American Chiropractic Association and is the immediate past president of the Ohio State Chiropractic Association. He was inducted as a Palmer Academy of Chiropractic Fellow for his extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, recruitment, and continued service to Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Brittney Asby, D.C., (`13), is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, where she earned both her Doctor of Chiropractic and Bachelor of Science degrees. She currently serves as a faculty clinician at Palmer College Clinics. Prior to 2024, Dr. Asby and her family owned and operated a chiropractic practice in Dallas, Texas. This unique experience allowed her to balance the demands of motherhood with her professional responsibilities of successfully treating patients while managing a thriving business. Dr. Asby is particularly dedicated to assisting families navigating challenges related to oral ties, drawing on her personal experiences as well as extensive training in this area. As a mentor, she is committed to empowering other women chiropractors to realize their aspirations of operating successful practices while maintaining a fulfilling family life, believing that these pursuits can harmoniously coexist.

Bryan Asby, D.C., is a faculty clinician at Palmer College of Chiropractic with a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of children with neurodevelopmental challenges through chiropractic care. His passion for pediatric neurodevelopment inspires him to educate others about the fundamental principles that contribute to the development of a healthy adult nervous system. Dr. Asby emphasizes the importance of early intervention and holistic wellness, highlighting their vital roles in promoting optimal developmental outcomes for children and their families.

Amy Ashmore, Ph.D., received her doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is the author of “Timing Resistance Training” (Human Kinetics, 2020) and more than 40 professional education courses for physical therapists, athletic trainers, and Doctors of Chiropractic. Amy is a former Florida State University faculty member. She currently owns and operates physicaltherapy.education, a continuing education agency located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Megan Beveridge, M.S., earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Grand View University in 2020. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Anatomy from Des Moines University in 2022. She is currently the lead instructor for the spinal anatomy course and the dissection coordinator at Palmer College of Chiropractic Main Campus.

Erica Boland, D.C., (’13), is practicing, owns her business, Coulee Health, and is trained in DONA (Doulas of North America). She combines more than a decade of experience as a chiropractor, student midwife, doula, and mother to make understanding and treating the core and pelvic floor simple for providers and patients alike. Through her experience, she brings professionals together in collaboration, both locally and globally, to set a higher standard for prenatal and postpartum manual care and movement.

Heather Bowyer, D.C., CCSP®, (`06), received her certification as a Chiropractic Physician from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians© in 2010. Dr. Bowyer worked as a faculty clinician at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida for several years before advancing to her current position as dean of clinics.

Steven Capobianco, D.C., M.A., DACRB, CSCS, (`03), is a clinician educator and innovator in manual and movement therapy with more than 23 years of experience. He is a 2003 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West, he holds a postdoctoral diplomate in rehabilitation from the ACA, and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. As cofounder and senior director of medical innovation and education at RockTape, he teaches kinesiology taping, soft tissue techniques, and movement-based strategies to clinicians and athletes worldwide. When he is not teaching, you can find him on his mountain bike, playing hockey, or training for Ironman triathlons.

Jeffrey A. Cronk, D.C., J.D., (`88), is a nationally recognized spinal ligament injury expert with over 35 years of clinical experience. His work is centered on standardizing spinal injury workups to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in a health care system where these injuries are often misunderstood or missed. Dr. Cronk emphasizes a simplified, guideline-driven approach to spinal injury evaluation, with a primary focus on excessive motion testing to identify spinal instability.

He is the founder of SmartInjuryDoctors® and CEO of Spinal Kinetics – organizations dedicated to educating providers on objective, consistent injury assessment and documentation. Dr. Cronk’s mission is to position chiropractors as the leading experts in the spinal injury market by equipping them with the tools to deliver clinically sound and medically defensible care.

Dr. Cronk has lectured nationally and published on spinal injury diagnosis, imaging, and medico-legal documentation.

Heather Dehn, D.C., (`94), graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic. She has worked in private practice in the Sacramento, California, area since 1994. Dr. Dehn comes from a family of chiropractors, and she practiced with her father, Dr. Fred Dehn, until his retirement in 2005. She was named Doctor of the Year in the Sacramento Valley District by the California Chiropractic Association in 2004, and that same year she was named president of the California Chiropractic Association, Sacramento Valley District, a position she held until 2009. In 2012, Dr. Dehn was appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, where she served as vice-chair from 2014-2017 and chair from 2017-2018. Dr. Dehn joined the ChiroPreferred Advisory Board in 2023.

Amberly Ferguson, D.C., (`07), is an instructor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Main Campus. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2003 and from Palmer in 2007. Dr. Ferguson has practiced as an associate in the Twin Cities area and taught for Rasmussen University’s Department of Health Sciences. In January 2020, she joined the Life Sciences Department at Palmer as an instructor teaching Endocrinology, Systems Pathology II, and Physiology III.

Mary Frost, D.C., M.B.A., (`96), is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic Main Campus and brings extensive experience in both private practice and academic leadership. She practiced alongside her husband, Dr. Jason Frost, before joining the Palmer faculty, where she has served in both clinical and classroom settings.

During her tenure at Palmer, Dr. Frost has contributed to the advancement of the Doctor of Chiropractic Program, including participation in initiatives to strengthen the business curriculum. While teaching full-time, she earned her M.B.A., further enhancing her expertise in practice management and financial leadership.

Dr. Frost has held several leadership roles at the College, including senior director of accreditation and licensure compliance. In this capacity, she monitored and reported regulatory requirements impacting the chiropractic profession and served as the institution’s accreditation liaison officer to the Higher Learning Commission.

She currently serves as senior director for continuing education, overseeing live and online postgraduate programs that support license renewal for both campuses. In addition, Dr. Frost advises the Palmer Center for Business Development and teaches Financial Management to 8th trimester students on the Main Campus.

Christine Goertz, D.C., Ph.D., is a professor in musculoskeletal research and vice chair for Implementation of Spine Health Innovations in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Goertz has co-authored more than 150 scientific papers, and her work has been cited more than 7000 times. She has received nearly $45 million in federal funding as a principal investigator and was ranked in the top 10 for NIH funding among investigators in the Medical School Department of Orthopedics by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 1991 and her Doctor of Philosophy in Health Services Research, Policy, and Administration from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota in 1999.

Laurel Griffin, D.C., (`06), is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and a board-certified Atlas Orthogonal chiropractor from West Des Moines, Iowa. She continues extensive postgraduate training in biomechanics and advanced imaging of the craniocervical junction, management of traumatic spinal injury, traumatic brain injury, and other variants of complex patient care, including risk management and management of cervical and craniocervical instability. Dr. Griffin is a member of the Board of Directors of the R.W. Sweat Foundation for Atlas Orthogonal and is a regular presenter at the Advanced Atlas Orthogonal conferences. Dr. Griffin also owns and operates the only Digital Motion X-ray (DMX) center in Iowa alongside her chiropractic practice.

Evan Gwilliam, D.C., M.B.A., QCC, CPC, CCPC, CPMA, CPCO, AAPC, (`03), senior vice president of Practisync, is an authority in health care compliance, coding, and documentation. Graduating as valedictorian from Palmer College of Chiropractic, he holds certifications as a professional coder, medical auditor, and compliance officer, blending clinical experience with a background in accounting and a Master of Business Administration. Dr. Gwilliam is a frequent speaker at industry events, provides expert witness testimony, conducts medical record audits, and consults with health care providers. His contributions to publications and reference materials have solidified his reputation as a thought leader in compliance for chiropractic.

Chad Hagen, D.C., CSP, (`05), is a second-generation chiropractor. Classically trained in Atlas Orthogonal and as a Certified SOT® Instructor, Dr. Chad’s private practice specializes in these techniques located in Bettendorf, Iowa. He teaches in the Technique and Philosophy Departments as an assistant professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Main Campus. His instructional focus is subluxation analysis, toggle recoil, chiropractic theory, and both the sacro-occipital technique electives. He is also the advisor for the Atlas Orthogonal (AO) and National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) clubs on campus.

J Hartley, D.C., DACNB, (`92), has focused on scoliosis for the last 10 years. He graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic Main Campus. He is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist, Fellow of the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic, and a Fellow of the CLEAR Scoliosis Institute.

Bill Hemmer, D.C., has owned and operated a successful integrative health care practice in Tuscola, Illinois, for 25 of his 33 years in professional life. He combines chiropractic, functional medicine, and regenerative medicine to enhance the body’s innate power to heal itself.

Dr. Bill started on this professional path after suffering a terrible three-month viral infection at age 13 and a cervical spine compression fracture at age 15. He was told he would be disabled by age 35 and there was nothing medicine could do for him.

With the love and support of his wife, Cindy, he began speaking for Standard Process 10 years ago and teaches the way he practices, using common sense examples and language that empowers patients and practitioners alike to look better, feel better, and live longer.

Aaron Hildreth, D.C., (`15), opened a thriving family practice, Restore Family Chiropractic, in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Hildreth is a faculty member at Palmer College of Chiropractic and teaches obstetrics and pediatrics to the next generation of chiropractors.

Gabriella Hindman, D.C., (`26), is a radiology resident at Palmer College of Chiropractic under the direction of Dr. McLean. She graduated magna cum laude from Palmer in 2026 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Western Washington University. She is a third-generation female chiropractor, continuing a family legacy in chiropractic care, with a focus on diagnostic imaging in chiropractic practice.

Jesse Hodges, Jr., D.C., M.S., (`13), is an associate professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida, where he teaches movement science and active care classes. He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2008 with a degree in kinesiology and began his career as a personal trainer. He then continued his education and received a master’s degree in kinesiology with a concentration in biomechanics and human performance. He is currently pursuing another master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Hodges also maintains a private practice in Florida, focusing on musculoskeletal injuries and overall human performance.

Karmen Hopkins, D.C., (`10), is an assistant professor in the Technique Department at Palmer College of Chiropractic Main Campus. She currently teaches Extremity Adjusting Technique, Assisted Adjusting Technique, and Clinical Skills III. Dr. Hopkins specializes in extremities and enjoys taking care of athletes.

Rachelle Hynes, D.C., LCP, (`97)

Roger Hynes, D.C., DPhCS, FICA, (`98), brings more than 25 years of experience in chiropractic education, marked by a deep commitment to clinical excellence and the preservation of the profession’s history. Originally from St John’s, Newfoundland, he practiced in Glasgow, Scotland, before returning to the United States to serve at his alma mater, Palmer College of Chiropractic, alongside his wife and colleague, Dr. Rachelle Hynes.

He currently teaches technique, philosophy, and history as a professor of clinical sciences in the Technique Department at Palmer, where he has influenced generations of students through his teaching and mentorship. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Hynes serves as college historian for the Palmer Foundation for Chiropractic History, executive director of the Association for the History of Chiropractic, and editor in chief of the Journal Chiropractic History. 

Dr. Hynes’ contributions have been widely recognized. He is a multiple-time recipient of Palmer College Faculty of the Year honors and has earned numerous distinctions and accolades, including the 2025 Award for Excellence from the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society and multiple William Holmberg Best Presentation Awards. He was also recently named the 2026 Lee Homewood Award recipient, a lifetime service honor recognizing exceptional contributions to the chiropractic profession, further underscoring the breadth and significance of his impact.  

Ward Jones, Ph.D., earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, followed by his Master of Science in Biology at Ball State University. After completing his master’s degree, he accepted a position at Children’s Hospital Colorado working with the prenatal research group studying pregnancy outcomes related to infection and low birth weight. In 1997, he completed his Ph.D. in immunology at Montana State University. His thesis research focused on cell surface markers on gamma delta T cells. After completing his Ph.D., he accepted a position as a member of the Biology Department at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 2017, Ward accepted a position in the Life Sciences Department at Palmer College of Chiropractic teaching courses in cell biology, biochemistry, and immunology. He is now serving as the associate dean of life sciences and foundations.

Jeff King D.C., M.S., is an associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he sees patients in both the adult “SpineCare” clinics and at Children’s Wisconsin in the comprehensive spine center. His primary areas of research are adolescent back pain, as well as concomitant cervical spine pain/injury and mTBI.

Tanner Kleppe, D.C., (`22), is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. He currently serves as an instructor at Palmer, where he teaches courses in active care, movement science, and clinical skills. Dr. Kleppe’s academic and clinical focus centers on integrating exercise-based rehabilitation into chiropractic care to support functional recovery and patient independence. Before joining Palmer’s faculty, he practiced in a multidisciplinary rural community health center, delivering collaborative, evidence-based care to a diverse patient population. Dr. Kleppe is passionate about the role of movement in restoring quality of life and helping patients return to the activities that matter most to them.

Siri Leech, D.C., DACBR, (`11), is the associate dean of clinical sciences at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Leech earned her radiology diplomate in 2016. She pursues radiology interests through mentoring students, presenting at continuing education events, and consulting at Leech Radiology.

Joy Lewis, Ed.D., M.S., holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education, completed in 2002 and 2004, from the University of Central Florida. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2010 with her doctorate in educational leadership. Dr. Lewis’ career within higher education spans more than a decade with 15 published peer-reviewed journal articles, a textbook, and many life science education training materials. Her work designing and implementing Palmer College’s innovative use of anatomy labs and instruction has been used as the model by many other institutions of higher education. Dr. Lewis served as the associate dean of life sciences at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida from May 2020 until August 2023, when she was named dean of academic affairs.

Anthony Lisi, D.C., (`96), is the chiropractic program director for the Veterans Health Administration and assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science at the Yale School of Medicine. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed research publications in areas including nonpharmacologic management of spinal disorders, clinical informatics, and chiropractic interprofessional integration. He has mentored 25 chiropractic residents and postdoctoral fellows and is a senior member of the North American Spine Society’s Clinical Practice Guidelines Development Committee. Dr. Lisi received the American Chiropractic Association’s 2015 Academician of the Year, 2017 Chiropractor of the Year, 2023 Humanitarian of the Year, and the Palmer College 2024 Distinguished Achievement Alumni Award.

Tracey Littrell, D.C., DACBR, DIANM, (`97), is a professor within Palmer’s Diagnosis and Radiology Department teaching Physical Diagnosis and Clinical Psychology. She has more than 10 years of clinical practice and teaching experience in continuing education courses, board review courses, radiology, physical diagnosis, and clinical psychology. She is also the author of the normal anatomy chapter of the second edition of “Clinical Imaging with Skeletal, Chest, and Abdomen Pattern Differentials.”

Julie Mayer-Hunt, D.C., FCCJP, DICCP, is a second-generation upper cervical care chiropractor practicing in Clearwater, Florida. She graduated from Life University in 1981 and started practicing with her father, Dr. David W. Mayer, the founder of Mayer Chiropractic. In 2013, she was appointed to the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine and served through 2022. In 2016, Dr. Hunt was awarded her Fellow in CranioCervical Junction Procedures (FCCJP). In 2021, she was elected to the Board of Directors of the International Chiropractor’s Association and served into 2024.

Dr. Hunt, as a founding member of the ICA Upper Cervical Care Council, launched and facilitates the Upper Cervical Board certification program: Diplomate of CranioCervical Junction Procedures (DCCJP) which is a 300-plus hour advanced degree program. She has been very active in the chiropractic community serving as president and a board member for the Society of Orthospinology, Upper Cervical Research Council, the Trauma Imaging Foundation, and is a member of the Special Councils Task Force of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB). She is a past Florida state representative for ICA and a past board member of the Florida Chiropractic Society.

Chancellor and CEO Dennis Marchiori, D.C., Ph.D., (`90), became chancellor of Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2009 and was named chancellor and CEO in 2017. He graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College in 1990 and went on to earn his master’s degree in anatomy at Palmer in 1992. In 1995, he completed a three-year residency in radiology at Palmer College, leading to diplomate status with the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology. Dr. Marchiori received his doctorate in policy, planning, and leadership from the University of Iowa in 2005. He has had faculty appointments at Palmer College in the Research and Diagnosis and Radiology Departments. His administrative tenure at Palmer includes the roles of department chair, dean, vice president of academic affairs for the Main Campus, and vice chancellor for academics for the College system. In addition to his teaching and administrative service, he has published numerous scientific articles and three editions of a comprehensive textbook in radiology, “Clinical Imaging with Skeletal, Chest, and Abdomen Differentials.”

Sherry McAllister, D.C., M.S. (Ed), CCSP®, FACC, (`96), is a dynamic global voice for chiropractic care and whole-being health. As president of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, she leads one of the largest health care education movements in the world, representing over 39,000 members across 48 state associations and four continents. With nearly three decades of clinical experience, Dr. McAllister is a sought-after international speaker, trusted health care strategist, and frequent media contributor featured in Forbes, Martha Stewart Living, Becker’s Spine Review, Woman’s World, and on every major U.S. television network.

Forbes author of, “Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole-being For Optimal Living and Longevity.” Her leadership has propelled award-winning national and global campaigns that have earned prestigious honors, including multiple Gold Stevie Awards, MarCom Global Gold Awards, and the Telly Award for the Tokyo Olympics chiropractic commercial. Host of the acclaimed Adjusted Reality podcast, Dr. McAllister blends science, inspiration, and strategy to position chiropractic at the forefront of health care transformation. With a career defined by vision, integrity, and results, she is reshaping the public conversation around health—empowering doctors and inspiring patients to embrace a drug-free, whole-being approach to optimal living.

Ian McLean, D.C., DACBR, (`79), is a professor and director of the chiropractic clinical residencies and related support services for the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. He is also the director of clinical radiology and coordinator of the Radiology Residency Program.

James Mountain, M.S., CISSP, CISM, HCISPP, is an experienced leader with more than 20 years in IT. He is the director of information security for Palmer College of Chiropractic, providing strategic leadership and direction for campus academic technology applications and initiatives. His past work experiences include private, public, and government industries. He has been a CISSP since 2011 while he worked for the Department of Defense. His focus areas are security, risk management, and infrastructure stability.

Scott Munsterman, D.C., FICC, CPCO, is founder and CEO of Best Practices Academy; a clinical improvement organization providing focused leadership to bring practices into compliance with regulatory standards, equip them to improve clinical outcomes, and integrate into the transformed care delivery system. Dr. Munsterman believes chiropractic has a significant role to serve but faces challenges to achieve the chiropractic profession’s rightful role in care delivery. Dr. Munsterman is a graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University, where he has served as vice-chair of the Board of Trustees and in the President’s Cabinet as chief of care delivery. He was awarded Chiropractor of the Year in South Dakota and Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors (FICC). Dr. Munsterman served two terms as mayor of the city of Brookings and three consecutive terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives, where he chaired the House Health and Human Services Committee and chaired the Legislative Planning Committee. He is the author of “A Vision for South Dakota,” “Care Delivery and Chiropractic: An Opportunity Waiting,” and “Unfinished Business.”

Lia Nightingale, Ph.D., earned her Ph.D. in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2006. She is a professor in the Life Sciences and Foundations Department at Palmer College of Chiropractic, teaching Chemistry, Biochemistry, Foundations of Nutrition, and Clinical Nutrition. She has been awarded Outstanding Faculty of the Year twice, the Thelma Fordyce-Mack Award nine times for innovation in teaching and research, and the NBCE Educational Research Award. She spends her time conducting research, mentoring, and volunteering at many community organizations.

Annie O’Connor, P.T., OCS, Cert. MDT, is Founder and CEO of A World of Hurt, LLC, a consulting, education, telehealth, and research company focused on applying the Pain Mechanism Classification System (PMCS) in clinical practice. She also serves as clinical account director at Elevance Health, Carelon Medical Benefits.

Annie is a co-author of multiple key publications, including the Pain Mechanism Classification chapter in “Rehabilitation of the Spine (3rd ed.),” “Orthopedic Knowledge Update: Spine,” and her book “A World of Hurt: A Guide to Classifying Pain.” Her groundbreaking publication, “Validation of a pain mechanism classification system (PMCS) in physical therapy practice” in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, promotes a research-supported shift in treating musculoskeletal pain for more effective, cost-efficient outcomes.

An orthopedic clinical specialist and McKenzie-certified clinician, she teaches internationally on pain classification, collaboration of classification systems, from the World of HURT Approach, therapeutic prescriptive education and exercise, and foods and fasting to reverse chronic illness and pain. She was integral in establishing the PMCS framework at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and remains active in clinical practice treating orthopedic, neurological, and canine patients to achieve the best life possible.

Casey Okamoto, D.C., (`15), is a staff chiropractor at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and a faculty member at the University of Minnesota Pain Medicine Fellowship. He serves as curriculum lead for the Advancing Education for Pain Teams (ADEPT) program, helping train interdisciplinary teams in evidence-based chronic pain care. A summa cum laude graduate and valedictorian of Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Okamoto integrates chiropractic, acupuncture, and education to support whole person pain management. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, contributed to national clinical practice guidelines, and frequently lectures on the neurobiology of pain, physical examination, and treatment planning.

Kevin Percuoco, D.C., Cert. MDT, (`16), is an assistant professor and faculty clinician for the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on the Main Campus. Dr. Percuoco has nine years of clinical experience and has taken numerous postdoctoral training courses in managing musculoskeletal disorders through active care interventions. Dr. Percuoco places a special emphasis on managing patients and mentoring the next generation of chiropractors by understanding biopsychosocial management principles and approaches. He has published several reports on patient management options and lectures on evidence-based clinical practice, managing persistent pain, and patient-centered care.

Kristina Petrocco-Napuli, D.C., M.S., FICC

Katherine Pohlman, D.C., M.S., Ph.D., (`06), is currently the inaugural chair of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Global Patient Safety Initiative, vice chair of the WFC Research Committee, and a senior fellow of the Chiropractic Academy of Research and Leadership (CARL) program. She received Researcher of the Year in 2020 from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and received the NCMIC Foundation McAndrew Award in 2024. Dr. Pohlman received her Doctor of Chiropractic and Master of Science in Clinical Research from Palmer College of Chiropractic and her Doctor of Philosophy in Pediatrics from the University of Alberta. She is an expert in patient safety and the study of musculoskeletal care in special populations including children, adolescents, pregnant/postpartum individuals, and overall women’s health.

Brad Poock, D.C., LCP, DPhCS, FPHC, (`89), is known internationally for his ability to tackle the most difficult philosophic topics in chiropractic and deliver them in a way that keeps audiences engaged and offers them tremendous philosophic insight. Dr. Poock served on the original ICA Council on Chiropractic Philosophy with Dr. Fred Barge, later becoming the council chair, and has recently rejoined their board to aid in advising the next generation of leaders. He has been in constant full-time practice for more than 30 years and has seen patients across the gamut of health condition and age. Dr. Poock is well known for his thorough spinal analysis and care he provides, focused upon vertebral subluxation.

Robert Rowell, D.C., M.S., earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 1992. Dr. Rowell began his involvement with Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1996 when he began his radiology residency and is currently a professor of diagnosis and radiology at Palmer’s Main Campus. Dr. Rowell has published numerous research papers, presented at national research conferences, and has been co-investigator on federally funded research grants. He is a peer reviewer for many chiropractic and non-chiropractic journals and conferences. He lectures on evidence-based clinical practice, diagnosis, passive care, and chiropractic technique.

Robert Sinnott, D.C., LCP, DPhCS, FPHC, FICA (Hon), (`89), is a noted speaker in the areas of chiropractic philosophy, neurology, and clinical practice, and has authored numerous works in these areas. He served as the chairman of the Council on Chiropractic Philosophy of the International Chiropractors Association. He published the Green Books on CD-ROM and authored “Sinnott’s—Textbook of Chiropractic Philosophy” and “Textbook of Human Adaptability.” With his wife Gail, he maintains a private practice in Frankfort, Illinois.

Emily Speer, D.C., (`18), currently serves as a faculty instructor at Palmer College of Chiropractic in the Life Sciences Department. She graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2006 and from Palmer in 2018. Dr. Speer owned and practiced at her chiropractic clinic in southwestern Iowa before coming back to teach at Palmer.

Michael Swain, M.Chiroprac., M.Phil., Ph.D., FRCC, FHEA, is an associate professor of chiropractic at Macquarie University, Australia, and an academic clinician with postgraduate training in epidemiology. His research focuses on the epidemiology, prognosis, and management of spinal pain and musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents, with emphasis on developmentally appropriate conservative care. He co‑leads the Danish-Australian Adolescent Spinal Pain Research Network, linking clinicians, researchers, and digital technologists to advance international pediatric spinal pain research. Dr. Swain is a chief investigator on the NHMRC MRFF‑funded Pain Smart Trial, integrating pain education and coordinated care for adolescents. His work includes cross‑cultural validation of pediatric spine‑specific PROMs and multinational cohort and feasibility studies in chiropractic and multidisciplinary settings. He serves on the World Federation of Chiropractic Research Committee and the editorial board of Chiropractic & Manual Therapies.

Lora Tanis, D.C., DICCP, (`89), is a proud Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate and practicing chiropractor. She is an international speaker and author of pediatric chiropractic care. She practiced in New Jersey for many years before relocating to Florida. She is currently the president of the Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics, examiner for the International College of Chiropractic Pediatrics, and a past reviewer for the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. She is also a Fellow of the Palmer Academy and the International Chiropractic Association. Last year she accepted an appointment as a board member for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP).

Wendy Troxel, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized sleep scientist at the RAND Corporation, adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Utah, and licensed clinical psychologist. She is a two-time TEDx speaker with over 2.7 million views, leading authority on couples and sleep, and author of “Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep,” rated one of the 7 Books for Better Sleep by the NY Times. Her research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and private foundations and corporations, focuses on how sleep impacts health, relationships, and productivity. She is an associate editor of the journals, Sleep Health and Biospsychosocial Science and Medicine, and has served on numerous advisory boards, including the NIH Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Task Force. She has over 130 peer-reviewed academic publications, and her work is frequently highlighted in major media outlets, including The New York Times, BBC, Wall Street Journal, ABC World News Tonight, CBS Sunday Morning, and the Today Show. In summary, Dr. Troxel brings over 20 years of clinical and research expertise in sleep medicine, combined with a passion and skill for translating scientific findings into practical, actionable recommendations to advance population health.

Michael Tunning, D.C., M.S., ATC, (`06), is dean of programs at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Tunning previously held positions as rehabilitation resident, faculty, associate dean of clinical sciences, and dean of academic affairs. As a faculty member, Dr. Tunning taught Active Care and Neuromuscular Skeletal Diagnosis, while also assisting in gross anatomy labs, the advanced soft tissue elective, and technique coursework. Dr. Tunning served for three years as the faculty senate president and received the Faculty of the Year Award in 2014. Dr. Tunning completed a Master of Medical Education Leadership in 2015, with his master’s project focused on building an academy of educators, a structural approach to building excellence in teaching.

Robert Vining, D.C., D.HSc., is a professor and associate dean of clinical research at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research in Davenport, Iowa. His experience includes private practice, serving as a teaching clinician at two chiropractic colleges, and as director of Palmer’s research clinic. He has served as co-investigator on federally funded clinical studies including those conducted within U.S. Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense health systems. He was co-principal investigator on a series of studies focused on integrating chiropractic care into a rehabilitation specialty hospital. Dr. Vining is lead or co-author on over 45 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, two book chapters, and numerous other publications related to chiropractic care and education. Dr. Vining also holds a Doctor of Health Science degree and is an active research mentor. In 2018, he received the Palmer College Outstanding Faculty of the Year award. He is also recipient of the 2019 American Chiropractic Association Academician of the Year award.

Dan Weinert, D.C., Ph.D., (`96), is the provost for Palmer College of Chiropractic. Previously, he was interim vice president for academic affairs, dean of academic affairs, and department chair for the diagnosis and radiology department. As a faculty member, he is currently in the Division of Life Sciences, and has previously taught Physiotherapy, Biomechanics, Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Biochemistry. Dr. Weinert received six Thelma Fordyce-Mack Faculty Incentive Awards for Teaching Excellence from 1999 through 2005. He was the recipient of the student body’s Faculty of the Year Award for the second trimester each year from 2002 through 2010. His master’s degree is in exercise science from the University of Massachusetts, and he received his Ph.D. in higher education, leadership, and policy from the University of Iowa. He is a graduate of Palmer’s Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Residency Program, where he earned a diplomate from the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board and passed the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist examination.

Kevin Wong, D.C., (`96), is a summa cum laude graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West (PCCW) where he graduated as class valedictorian. He spent his first few years practicing as an associate Doctor of Chiropractic while teaching part-time at PCCW. He then established his private practice with his wife, Dr. Isabel, which continues today. He has been a practicing chiropractor and continuing education instructor for almost 29 years. He has developed his emphasis on the feet, ankles, shoulders/ribs, and the TMJ. Dr. Kevin’s private practice utilizes various adjustive techniques, treating all age levels. His continued practice experiences influence and evolves the course material he teaches chiropractors, CAs, and students. Initially, Dr. Kevin’s teaching in chiropractic began as an adjunct faculty for PCCW and the International Chiropractic Association. Then, in 2004, Dr. Kevin joined the Foot Levelers Speakers Bureau. He also speaks for Saatva Mattresses, Multi Radiance Medical, and Cutting Edge Lasers. His program focuses on how the body’s extremities affect the spine and whole-body stability. He is a frequently requested speaker on extremity/spinal adjusting, foot biomechanics, orthotics, laser therapy, sleep, and ergonomics. He teaches at over 25 seminars and conferences annually in the U.S. and internationally. He writes articles for Chiropractic Economics, The American Chiropractor, and Dynamic Chiropractic. He also blogs for Foot Levelers. Dr. Kevin practices full-time in the city of Orinda, located in the East San Francisco Bay Area.

Anthony Yarborough, D.C.