Amanda Stevens, DC, MS (ACN), BS (KIN) has dedicated her career to pediatric and perinatal care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick and her master’s degree in applied clinical nutrition from Northeastern College of Health Sciences. Since graduating from Palmer West with her Doctor of Chiropractic in 2011, she has worked with children—primarily infants—especially supporting gross motor development and feeding success.
Originally from New Brunswick, she practices in Kelowna, British Columbia, and has found her calling in caring for children and teaching others to do the same.
“In treating children, especially infants, you need a strong foundation in anatomy. You need to know how their bodies differ from those of adults, which is about a lot more than a size differential. You need to understand what drives early movement patterns and what postural development should look like to ensure they are loading their little bodies in a way that will foster resilience in the years to come.” said Dr. Stevens.
Dr. Stevens brings her extensive training in nutrition and pediatrics to Logan University, where she currently teaches a course in pediatric nutrition for students pursuing their Master of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics (MS-CP).
“This course is important for students because they all have a manual therapy background but show up with varied levels of experience and knowledge in nutrition and chemistry,” she said. “This course focuses on a broad range of ages and needs, from infancy to adolescence and the nuances that accompany each phase. By offering a multi-modal approach, blending physical care with nutritional support, we tend to see an amplified response in patient wellness.”
Dr. Stevens is well-known for her integrated approach to ensuring proper infant feeding, where she combines manual therapy with lactation technique assistance. She has years of extensive training in pediatric NMSK care and a certification in Breastfeeding for Healthcare Professionals, which she uses to help parents with infant latching while feeding.
“Most people don’t realize chiropractic care can help infants feed better. Dysfunctions of the neck, tongue, and cranium are common barriers to feeding success in those early months. Chiropractors are perfectly poised to be part of the infant care team and to alleviate structural concerns, ameliorating the growth and feeding experience of our youngest patients.” Dr. Stevens said.
By combining chiropractic care and nutrition, Dr. Stevens works with children to ensure they are growing and developing as well as possible. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her husband, Dr. Benjamin Stevens, and daughter, Sequoia.
To learn more about Logan’s Master of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics, visit our website.