Speaker Bios

Amy Ashmore, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is the author of “Timing Resistance Training” and over 50 training programs for strength coaches and athletic trainers, physical and occupational therapists, and Doctors of Chiropractic. Currently, Amy is a continuing education provider located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and serves as a human performance faculty at the College of Southern Nevada.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Angela Gendron, D.C., DACBSP®, CCEP, (`08), is an assistant professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida with experience in sideline injury assessment and emergency management. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida in 2008.

Dr. Gendron has provided sideline coverage for high school football, working alongside athletic trainers, physicians, and sports medicine specialists to evaluate injuries, make return-to-play decisions, and coordinate emergency referrals when necessary. Over more than 17 years in practice, she has treated athletes of all levels, including weekend warriors, triathletes, ultramarathoners, cyclists, and motocross athletes amongst family practice.

Prior to becoming a chiropractor, Dr. Gendron worked as an EMT/First Responder, experience that strengthened her foundation in emergency procedures, triage, and acute patient care. As an educator, she is passionate about teaching both current and future chiropractors how to confidently recognize and manage sports-related injuries and on-field or clinical setting emergencies.

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.

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.

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.

Deric Jacobs, D.C., (`97), is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. He is currently an associate professor at Palmer Florida, where he has been teaching for 22 years. Dr. Jacobs also taught for five years at Palmer Main Campus, giving him a total of 27 years of teaching experience. He specializes in teaching the Toggle Recoil technique and has successfully maintained a family practice for 28 years.

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.

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 20 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.

Cheryl L. Lyon, N.D., is a Connecticut-licensed naturopathic physician and associate professor of life sciences and foundations at Palmer College of Chiropractic Main Campus. She teaches biochemistry, physiology, and toxicology and is passionate about helping future health care professionals apply foundational sciences to clinical practice. Dr. Lyon earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Haven. With 18 years of experience in higher education, she has served in teaching, leadership, and academic administration roles, including more than a decade in chiropractic education. Before joining Palmer, she was associate director of academic affairs at the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic and a visiting research scholar in the Department of Reproductive Immunology at Yale University School of Medicine.

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.

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.

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.

Edward A. Pappagallo, D.C., is an associate professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. A 1985 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic Main Campus, Dr. Pappagallo brings approximately 40 years of experience in the chiropractic profession, including over 20 years dedicated to chiropractic education.

His professional background includes extensive clinical experience and instruction in chiropractic adjusting techniques, with particular emphasis on the lumbar spine, sacrum, and pelvis. His teaching incorporates principles of the Palmer Package, including Thompson, Gonstead, and Diversified techniques.

Dr. Pappagallo is committed to bridging the gap between chiropractic theory and practical clinical application, helping doctors develop confidence in their examination procedures, clinical decision-making, and adjusting skills.

Kristina Petrocco-Napuli, D.C., M.S., D.H.P.E., FICC, FACC, is a nationally and internationally recognized leader, educator, and clinician whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to advancing women’s health. As founding president of the ACA Council on Women’s Health, she has shaped the profession’s approach to women’s care at the highest levels. She has lectured across the United States and on global stages bringing evidence-informed, patient-centered perspectives to practitioners worldwide.

Brad Poock, D.C., LCP, 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.

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.

William Sherrier, D.C., M.A., is the president of Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. Dr. Sherrier served as the Palmer Florida dean of academic affairs for three years and is the second person to hold the Palmer Florida campus president since the campus opened in 2002. Dr. Sherrier earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Stockton University in 1985 and went on to receive his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in 1989. Dr. Sherrier practiced in the northeastern United States and the Port Orange, Florida, area for 25 years. He has held the titles of associate professor, director of practice foundations, interim dean of academics, associate dean of clinical sciences, and dean of academic affairs. Dr. Sherrier earned a Master of Arts in Applied Learning and Instruction in 2015 from the University of Central Florida and was awarded a graduate merit fellowship.   

Robert Sinnott, D.C., LCP, FPHC, (`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.

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.

Kevin Wong, D.C., FCCA, (`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.