Logan University is thrilled to welcome the following speakers to the 2023 Symposium taking place April 13-16, 2023.
Keynote Speaker: Guy Riekeman, DC
Guy Riekeman, DC, was the fourth president of Life University and is currently Chancellor Emeritus. Dr. Riekeman became an author and chiropractic spokesman, extolling the chiropractic message through award-winning television, video and audio productions.
Annette Schippel, DC
Annette Kutz Schippel, DC (’98), has a passion for pediatrics and nutrition that has led to a large family practice with an emphasis on functional wellness and clinical nutrition. Her expertise in functional medicine has allowed her to become a respected public health educator in her profession.
Anthony Miller, DC
Anthony ‘Tony’ Miller, DC (’99), is a board-certified chiropractic physician specializing in the multidisciplinary management of musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Miller founded St. Louis Sports Medicine in 2020 and is a chiropractic physician and consultant for numerous amateur and professional athletes on nutrition, supplementation, and athletic training programs.
Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd, PhD, DACBSP, FICC
Claire Johnson, MSEd, PhD, DACBSP, FICC, is a professor at the National University of Health Sciences where she serves as the editor in chief of three scientific, peer-reviewed journals. She serves as the chair of the Public Health Committee for the World Federation of Chiropractic and has given years of service to the American Public Health Association and the Global Spine Care Initiative.
Clay McDonald, DC, MBA, JD
Clay McDonald, DC (’82), MBA, JD, the seventh president of Logan University, has more than 20 years of experience as a senior administrator at chiropractic institutions and 30 years as a successful chiropractic practitioner.
Daniel Haun, DC, DACBR
Daniel Haun, DC (’04), DACBR, is the director of Resident and Fellow Education at Logan University. Dr. Haun was named ACA Academician of the Year in 2021. He has published several peer-reviewed articles and is currently on the editorial advisory board for the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine and DC TRACTS.
Devon Ackroyd, DC, MS, DACBSP, Cert. MDT
Devon Ackroyd DC, MS, DACBSP, Cert. MDT, is as assistant professor and faculty clinician for Montgomery Health Center at Logan University. Dr. Ackroyd is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, holds an International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic and a Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Certification. He also has a Diplomate from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
Donald C. DeFabio, DC, DACRB, DABCO, DACBSP
Donald DeFabio DC, DACRB, DABCO, DACBSP, is chief of chiropractic services at DeFabio Spine and Sports Rehab in Berkeley Heights, NJ. Triple board-certified in chiropractic orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, and sports injuries, Dr. DeFabio blends all three disciplines to bring a unique perspective to his presentations and clinical work. He lectures nationally and is a columnist for Dynamic Chiropractic.
Elise Hewitt, DC, DICCP, FICC
Elise Hewitt DC, DICCP, FICC, has focused her career on improving children’s health with chiropractic care. She is the founding program director for Logan’s Master of Science in Integrative Pediatrics, the first program of its kind in the US. In addition, Dr. Hewitt continues to treat children in her pediatrics-only practice, is a member of the NCMIC Speakers Bureau, and teaches at the post-graduate level for numerous chiropractic institutions and associations around the world.
Frank Vaught, Jr., DC
Frank Vaught Jr., DC, is the founder and owner of Health on Earth Wellness Centers, LLC. Dr. Vaught is an award-winning chiropractor, community leader for personal health and wellness, author, international speaker, husband and father. Dr. Vaught proudly served eight years in the United States Army.
Jeffrey A. McKinley, DC, CCSP, CKTP, CPEP, FICC
Jeffrey McKinley DC (’99), CCSP, CKTP, CPEP, FICC, is a certified chiropractic sports physician, certified Kinesio Tape practitioner, certified posture exercise professional, and is certified in selective functional movement assessment the Graston Technique. He is past president of the Tennessee Chiropractic Association and was the Tennessee Chiropractor of the Year in 2005. Most recently, he was honored as a Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors.
Jennifer McCleary, DC, CCSP, CSCS
Jennifer McCleary DC (’05), CCSP, CSCS, is the owner of Triad Sports & Family Chiropractic in St. Louis. She earned the international certificate in sports chiropractic and the performance enhancement specialist certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She also has served multiple rotations through the US Olympic and Paralympic Committees’ Sports Medicine Volunteer program and is a member of the medical staff for USA Track & Field.
Joseph Brimhall, DC, FICC
Joseph Brimhall DC (’81), FICC, is president of the University of Western States. Dr. Brimhall served on the Utah Chiropractic Physicians Licensing Board, was twice named Utah Chiropractic Physician of the Year, and was honored as Logan Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Brimhall has served on accrediting commissions since 1998, including the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the Council on Chiropractic Education. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Kishan D. Yalavarthi, MD
Kishan D. Yalavarthi, MD, is a board certified diagnostic and neuroradiologist with ProSight Radiology Group. He specializes in neuroradiology and musculoskeletal imaging and performs diagnostic and therapeutic injection procedures to help patients manage joint and back pain.
Kristina Petrocco-Napuli, DC, MC, FICC, FACC
Kristina Petrocco-Napuli DC, MC, FICC, FACC, is currently the dean for the college of chiropractic at Logan University. Dr. Petrocco-Napuli is the immediate past and founding president of the ACA Women’s Health Council. Recently, in recognition of her service to the profession, she was elected a Fellow in the International College of Chiropractors.
Mackenzie McNamara, DC
Mackenzie McNamara, DC (’13), has a family wellness practice in St. Charles, Missouri, and was awarded a certification by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics after training with the ICPA. Dr. McNamara completed the Internal Health Specialist program and has been using the Loomis System® since opening her practice in 2013. She began assisting Dr. Loomis in teaching the Loomis System® in 2018, and has taught for the Department of Continuing Education at Logan University.
Mark N. Charrette, DC
Mark N. Charrette, DC, is a frequent guest speaker at twelve chiropractic colleges and has taught over 2,000 seminars worldwide on extremity adjusting, biomechanics, and spinal adjusting techniques. His lively seminars emphasize a practical, hands-on approach.
Michael Jula, DC
Michael P. Jula, DC (’04), is an assistant professor at Logan University. Dr. Jula has based the foundation of how he practices chiropractic with use of this core Logan adjusting technique both in the Logan clinic system and in private practice. He has been full-time faculty at Logan since 2008, where he had also worked as a clinician through 2021.
Michael Wittmer, DC
Michael Wittmer, DC (’80), went into private practice in Hazelwood, Missouri after graduation from Logan. He maintained that practice until 2010 when he accepted a position as chief of clinical services in the Logan Health Centers. He has been on faculty at Logan since 1984. Dr. Wittmer received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013 and is an MQA examiner for the Excellence in Missouri Foundation.
Patrick Battaglia, DC, DACBR
Patrick Battaglia, DC (‘12), DACBR, is director of health policy and interdisciplinary care at Logan University, facilitating community health center and hospital-based partnerships. Dr. Battaglia is board-certified in chiropractic radiology and fellowship-trained in musculoskeletal imaging, with emphasis on musculoskeletal sonography. Dr. Battaglia is staff chiropractor within Affinia Healthcare through the Logan partnership, where he provides patient care, student, and resident training. He serves as an ad hoc reviewer for numerous journals and publishes on topics related to chiropractic care.
Patrick Montgomery, DC, MS, FASA
Patrick Montgomery, DC (’76), MS, FASA, is a professor of chiropractic history, philosophy and technique at Logan University. Dr. Montgomery serves in the chiropractic science division, clinical science division, undergraduate division, and is a supervising clinician for the Montgomery Health Center.
Ralph Filson, DC
Ralph Filson, DC (’69), entered private practice following his graduation from Logan University. Dr. Filson began teaching at Logan in 1981 and was involved in continuing education for chiropractors. He served as team chiropractor for the St. Louis Cardinals for 14 years and for the St. Louis Rams from 1999-2003. Dr. Filson has authored a textbook, as well as many journal articles. He was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Professional Baseball Chiropractic Society.
Ron Oberstein, DC
Ron Oberstein, DC, is the third president of Life Chiropractic College West. Dr. Oberstein’s focus on developing chiropractors for success in practice puts the clinical experience at the heart of Life West’s educational experience. His leadership honors the strong philosophical legacy of Life West while bringing graduates to the forefront of chiropractic education, leadership, and cultural authority.
Roy Hillgartner, DC
Roy Hillgartner, DC (‘69), is a faculty member at Logan University, having just completed his 40th year of teaching. Dr. Hillgartner is a member of the International Chiropractic Association and Logan College Alumni Association. He is also a past member and chairperson of the Missouri State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Susan Roecker, DC, CCRP
Susan Roecker, DC (’11), CCRP, graduated undergrad with a double major in pre-professional zoology and animal science, and a minor in biochemistry. She then worked at the Humane Society of Missouri as a clinic and surgery assistant while attending Logan. She continued her education and received a certification in animal chiropractic in 2017. She is now an instructor at Options for Animals and runs two integrated veterinary pain centers at the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America in St. Louis.
Ty Talcott, DC, CHPSE
Ty the Compliance Guy specializes in ensuring the profession is protected and able to focus on the business of healing. He develops programs and conducts continuing education license renewal presentations in nearly every state. Dr. Ty offers the most affordable, easy to use HIPAA compliance programs available, with a customized solution for every situation.
Weston Holzinger, DC, MS, DABCI
Weston Holzinger, DC (‘16), MS, DABCI, is an assistant professor at Logan University, instructing in courses on nutrition science, wellness, laboratory testing, diagnosis, and other clinical science and methods topics. Dr. Holzinger worked in has also maintained an independent practice since 2016.