Speaker Bios

Philip Afghani, D.C., (`08), is an associate professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. After working as an associate for just over a year, Dr. Afghani opened Atlantic Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Port Orange, Florida, where he has maintained a full-time practice for the past 15 years. He previously served as a faculty clinician in the Palmer Florida Clinic for six years, and in 2020 joined the academic faculty in the Clinical Sciences Department, teaching a variety of subjects. Dr. Afghani’s practice cares for a variety of patients, including several professional athletes from the NBA, NFL, NASCAR, Professional Wrestling, and Olympic athletes from seven different sports. His passions include nutrition, rehabilitation, and sports injuries, and he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports science and rehabilitation.

Kenice Broughman, D.C., D.H.Sc., DACBN, CFMP, is a graduate of National University of Health Sciences. After nearly 20 years of wholistic chiropractic practice in a variety of integrative settings, she joined the faculty team at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida in 2005. Dr. Broughman’s academic career began within the Clinic as a mentor to many future chiropractors. In 2018 she moved to the classroom, where she taught geriatrics, wellness, special populations, and active care, among other subjects. During her time at Palmer Florida, she earned a doctorate degree in health sciences and a diplomate in clinical nutrition, presented at academic conferences, and published peer-reviewed articles. She is a certified functional medicine practitioner, and since leaving full-time teaching in 2023, she now practices wholistic and functional medicine and focuses on finding the root cause of disease with a patient-centered and evidence-informed approach.

Steven Conway, D.C., J.D., DABCOH, Esq., graduated from Logan University in 1983 and then entered the legal profession in 1996 after graduating from Stetson University. He has since combined both legal and chiropractic backgrounds to successfully defend chiropractors with Medicare audits and state board complaints. Dr. Conway personally met and worked with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and all chief medical directors of the National Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to update the review process for chiropractic documentation. His experience with chiropractic Medicare audit defense led to a universal interpretation and subsequent harmonization of review criteria for chiropractic documentation. Drs. Conway and Jacklitch trained the MAC reviewers in the process of creating a level playing field for chiropractic. They are now training chiropractors across the United States on the new Medicare documentation interpretation. Doctors of Chiropractic are now universally accepting this training and implementing the process learned, providing them the tools to successfully navigate audits.

Steven Cuono, D.C., ACP, (`00), has been an associate professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida for the past 21 years, where he teaches technique review, chiropractic history and philosophy, and subluxation theory in the Clinical Sciences Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marine sciences from Stockton University and has been an adjunct instructor in the alternative medicine program at Everglades University since 2011. Dr. Cuono completed his Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers (ACP) certification in 2024 from Sherman College of Chiropractic and is completing his Diplomate in the Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers (DACP) this spring.

Joy Dunwoodie, D.C., CCSP®, (`89), graduated as valedictorian from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1989. Dr. Dunwoodie opened and maintained a successful family chiropractic practice for 23 years in Stevensville, Michigan. During that time, she served as an expert witness for the State of Michigan’s Attorney General, providing her opinion on the standard of care for three chiropractic-related cases and earned her Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician designation. In 2013, Dr. Dunwoodie’s family relocated to the Atlanta area where Dr. Dunwoodie taught at Life University for seven years in both the didactic and clinical departments. Currently, Dr. Dunwoodie is a faculty clinician at the Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida Clinic where she oversees patient care.

Melissa Ferranti, D.C., MSIP, CACCP, FIAMA, (`07), is a clinical faculty professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida and director of the ACA Pediatrics Council Diplomate Education Program. A 2007 Palmer Florida graduate, Dr. Ferranti holds a Master of Science in Integrative Pediatrics from Logan University and certifications in pediatrics, Webster Technique, and acupuncture. With over a decade of experience mentoring chiropractic interns, Dr. Ferranti is dedicated to evidence-informed, patient-centered care and professional development. She has led international outreach programs in Fiji, contributed peer-reviewed case reports, and served on the Delphi Consensus Project for chiropractic care in pregnancy and postpartum populations. Dr. Ferranti’s passion for maternal and pediatric chiropractic continues to inspire students and practitioners alike through her teaching, research, and leadership within the profession.

Emma Forlow, D.C., DACBR, CCSP®, ATC, RMSK (`19), is a member of the Palmer College of Chiropractic faculty and works in the Clinic as a faculty clinician. She graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, in 2016 with her Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training. Dr. Forlow graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2019 with her Doctorate in Chiropractic. In 2021, she completed her Chiropractic Sports Physician certification through the American College of Chiropractic Sports Physicians. Dr. Forlow worked as an associate chiropractor at Wills Chiropractic prior to starting her radiology residency at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2021. In July 2025, Dr. Forlow received her Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology (DACBR) through the ACBR and successfully completed her certification in musculoskeletal ultrasonography (RMSK).

Mary Frost, D.C., M.B.A., (`96), was in private practice with her husband Dr. Jason Frost for 11 years before joining the Palmer College of Chiropractic faculty in 2008, where she served in the Palmer Clinics and in the classroom. In 2010, she was a member of the business curriculum task force to update the business curriculum in the Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP). In 2015, she earned her M.B.A. while teaching full-time in the DCP. More recently, she served as senior director of accreditation and licensure compliance. In this role, Dr. Frost regularly studied and reported on federal and state laws affecting chiropractors, as well as serving as the College’s accreditation liaison officer to the Higher Learning Commission. In 2018, she accepted the position of senior director for continuing education and presently oversees live and online post-graduate license renewal programs for both campuses. She is also an advisor to the Palmer Center for Business Development and currently teaches Financial Management to 8th trimester students at Palmer’s Main Campus.

Aaron Hinde, D.C., (`03), is a proud Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate who boldly transitioned from a thriving chiropractic career to entrepreneurship. He co-founded LIFEAID Beverage Company, now a global innovator in clean, functional beverages. Driven by a deep belief in natural health, Dr. Hinde launched FITAID, a recovery drink that rapidly earned a loyal following in the CrossFit community. Today, the LIFEAID lineup – including FOCUSAID, IMMUNITYAID, and FITAID Energy – is available at major retailers, such as Whole Foods and Sprouts, with distribution throughout Australia and the European Union. Before LIFEAID, Dr. Hinde served elite athletes in Santa Cruz for over a decade and was twice elected to the Santa Cruz County Board of Education.

Rachelle Hynes, D.C., LCP, (`97), is an associate professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic and has been teaching in the Technique Department for 20 years. She is involved with the Association for the History of Chiropractic and in 2021, received the William Holmberg Award for best presentation at the organization’s annual conference.

Roger Hynes, D.C., DPhCS, FICA, (`98), is a professor of clinical sciences who teaches technique, philosophy, and history at Palmer College of Chiropractic and has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards. He leads the Palmer Foundation for Chiropractic History and functions as the college historian. Dr. Hynes is the executive director and a past president of the Association for the History of Chiropractic. He is a frequent contributor and peer reviewer for the AHC journal and numerous other chiropractic publications.

Nicole Ingrando, D.C., (`09), provides advice and real-life tools to help Doctors of Chiropractic overcome their biggest challenges in practice. In a market teeming with patients seeking relief from pain, she believes that every practicing chiropractor has the opportunity to be successful if they apply the right tools with consistency. Dr. Ingrando, former business development and senior sales executive for Marriott International, joined the chiropractic profession in July of 2009, when she also received the Clinical Excellence Award from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. A lecturer, author, and contributor, Dr. Ingrando has helped develop integrative practice models and rehabilitation strategies for hundreds of organizations. She works with hospital partners, such as Adventist Health and Kennedy Krieger Institute, consulting on business growth and integrative educational resources.

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 in Bozeman, Montana. 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.

Rocky Justice, D.C., has been an instructor of basic sciences for nearly a decade and is currently the associate dean of life sciences and practice foundations at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. As a formally trained chiropractor, he loves helping shape the next generation of practitioners. Dr. Justice holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, which has provided a strong foundation for his work in health sciences. Education is Dr. Justice’s passion, and he is dedicated to inspiring future chiropractors along their journey.

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.

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.”

Marc Lucente, D.C., M.A., DIANM, is a diplomate in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Lucente teaches classes in differential diagnosis, physiotherapy, and the treatment of myofascial trigger points. He serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and has authored two textbooks as well as over twenty published peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Lucente earned his doctorate from the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in business from Wake Forest University.

Paige Lynch, D.C., (`20), is a distinguished chiropractic educator and practitioner who brings her passion for anatomy to the next generation of chiropractors. A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida, Dr. Lynch now serves as a valued faculty member, where she teaches anatomy, guiding students with her hands-on approach and depth of knowledge.

Originally from Massachusetts, Dr. Lynch began her journey studying kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island. During her time there, she supplemented her studies, as a member of the rugby team, deepening her understanding of performance and biomechanics, which laid a foundation for her pursuit of chiropractic.

Dr. Lynch’s expertise extends into the realm of foot health, a topic she is actively deepening through an advanced certification. Her dedication to research has also led her to a publication in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, where she has contributed to the broader chiropractic community’s knowledge base. Dr. Lynch’s commitment to the field, both as an educator and a clinician, reflects her belief in the importance of understanding anatomy’s role in overall health.

Sherry McAllister, D.C., M.S. (Ed), CCSP®, (`96), serves as the president for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, the national not-for-profit organization showcasing the benefits of chiropractic care across multiple platforms. Dr. McAllister earned her Master of Science degree from California State University – East Bay, and is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West, where she served as an associate professor. She has recently completed certifications in Executive Leadership Development and the Science of Wellbeing. She is a frequent convention and seminar speaker and has served as a qualified medical examiner, expert chiropractic witness for the State of California, and has been in private practice in San Jose since 1996.

Scott Meisel, D.C., M.S., (`84), completed his undergraduate studies at Winona State University in 1980, received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1984, and a Master of Science in Anatomy and Physiology from New York Chiropractic College in 2014. Dr. Meisel was in private chiropractic practice in Davenport, Iowa, for three years, and Winona, Minnesota, for 28 years. He retired in 2016. Since retirement from private practice, Dr. Meisel has taught at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida as a faculty member teaching anatomy, chiropractic history and philosophy, and various course labs. Dr. Meisel volunteers as a Gonstead Technique Club advisor during the week and further donates his time teaching the Gonstead system of chiropractic during Saturday workshops.

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.”

Mark Murdock, D.C., R.N., (`96), has been a professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic for 13 years. He is a registered nurse and chiropractor who teaches first aid, CPR, venipuncture, and blood-borne pathogens. His experience in the emergency room combined with more than seven years of clinical practice will help you understand HIV in a multifaceted way and provide practical information that you can use in your daily practice.

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.

Matthew Richardson, D.C., DACBR, (`06), is currently director of clinical radiology at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. After graduating in 2006, he furthered his education to earn his DACBR diplomate.

Robert Rowell, D.C., M.S., earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota, 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.

Zac Shannon, D.C., Ph.D., M.S., is an award-winning chiropractic clinical researcher, a faculty member at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, and co-investigator on a federally funded trial studying chiropractic care. Dr. Shannon’s work applies recent advances in epidemiology research methodology to better understand how chiropractic care impacts biopsychosocial health. He is a recipient of the NCMIC Early Career Researcher Award at the World Federation of Chiropractic Biennial Congress and the 2024 Palmer College of Chiropractic 10-Under-10 Award. Dr. Shannon’s leadership roles with the American Chiropractic Association, American Public Health Association, and National Quality Forum underscore his commitment to advancing chiropractic science through research, collaboration, and innovation.

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).

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 degree in 2015, with his master’s project focused on building an academy of educators, a structural approach to building excellence in teaching. 

Rohini Vishwanathan, Ph.D., is a graduate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell where her research focused on dietary carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin for eye health. She worked as a postdoctoral fellow and scientist at Tufts University’s Human Nutrition Center on Aging, focusing on the seminal discovery of carotenoids in the brain and their role in cognitive health. Dr. Vishwanathan has presented several award-winning peer-reviewed publications at national and international conferences. She is passionate about nutrition education and is developing a program called Food and Nutrition Science Empowered Kids (FANSE), a STEM-based, hands-on, nutrition education initiative that she believes will help children and families make informed food choices. Dr. Vishwanathan currently serves as a nutrition scientist at Standard Process, Inc.

Kevin Wong, D.C., (`96), Dr. Kevin M. Wong is a 1996 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 evolve 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.