Palmer College of Chiropractic alumni are the most respected, accomplished and renowned chiropractors in the world. A network of more than 31,000 members are working day in and day out to achieve a world of unlimited health and human potential.

Now, the first and most respected chiropractic college in the world honors their dedication with the 2024 Palmer College Alumni Awards.

The Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of the College’s remarkable graduates, and publicly recognize inspiring individuals whose exceptional accomplishments, affiliations, and careers honor the standard of excellence at Palmer College. Four new awards will be given annually in addition to those individuals selected by the Palmer College Board of Trustees for Fellowship in the prestigious Palmer Academy of Chiropractic.

“Alumni continuously make a difference across the globe and set an example for future generations of Palmer graduates,” says Dennis Marchiori, D.C., Ph.D. (’90). “This year kicks off a new tradition — one that I hope lives on forever — in which we celebrate and recognize members of our community for their outstanding gifts and contributions to their alma mater, to the chiropractic profession and to society.”

So now, without further ado…

Distinguished Achievement Award

The Distinguished Achievement Award is presented to a Palmer alumnus/alumna who has made exceptional contributions to the field of chiropractic – offering both vision and accomplishment with professional, societal and/or educational value. 

ANTHONY LISI, D.C. (’96)
Dr. Lisi has been instrumental in transforming health care for veterans by broadening their access to chiropractic services. As the first chiropractor appointed to the medical staff of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, he led the integration of visionary hospital-based chiropractic services and interprofessional clinical education. He currently serves as the National Chiropractic Program Director for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., where he oversees 200 chiropractic clinics nationwide with a staff of 235 chiropractors and more than 400,000 veterans receiving safe, effective, drug-free healthcare.

Additional appointments include Chiropractic Section Chief in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Associate Research Scientist and Assistant Professor at the Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on non-pharmacological treatment of spinal conditions.

Dr. Lisi was instrumental in establishing and executing the first federally funded chiropractic residency training program in the VA. The residencies, now in their fifth year, provide chiropractic graduates with advanced clinical training in complex cases, knowledge of hospital practices and protocols, and collaborative opportunities with various healthcare professionals in team-based care.

By always striving to elevate the profession and to extend the reach of chiropractic care through his tireless work, Dr. Lisi embodies the meaning of distinguished achievement.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award D is presented to a Palmer alumnus/ alumna who demonstrates exemplary stewardship to Palmer through specific and meritorious service to and active support of the College. The award recognizes longevity, consistency and breadth of service.

MICKEY BURT, D.C. (’73)
Service to the chiropractic profession has always been central to Dr. Burt’s life — as has service to Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Burt has represented Palmer, in the U.S. and internationally, through lectures and as the executive director for alumni from 2005 to 2018.

He and his wife, Karla, are also steadfast contributors to Palmer College, earning them recognition in the Atlas Society, Founder’s Circle, and Sterling Lifetime Giving Society for their loyal philanthropic support of Palmer. Dr. Burt’s greatest impact may be felt directly by Palmer students, as he has hosted more than 30 future chiropractors as preceptors and referred numerous students to Palmer College.

The Burt Clinic for Chiropractic was founded by Dr. Burt and Karla 50 years ago this year. Mickey and Karla, and their sons Chad (’01), Brad (’02) and Austin (’12) regularly host groups of students to tour and experience a highly successful practice. Dr. Burt was recognized for his dedication to Palmer as a Fellow in the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic in 1992. He is an outstanding leader, inspiring role model and mentor, and enduring champion of Palmer College — earning him this well-deserved recognition.

Entrepreneurship Award

The Entrepreneurship Award recognizes alumni who embody the enterprising spirit shared by Palmer students and graduates. These award winners are visionaries who have achieved regional, national, or global success through innovation and determination. 

ALESSANDRA COLÓN, D.C. (’12)
You may already recognize Dr. Colón, who is the first in the chiropractic profession to host a national television series. She rose to prominence as the star of TLC’s “Crack Addicts,” had her debut on NBC’s “Today Show” this year and can be found on multiple streaming channels. She has mastered the art of using social media to grow her practice, increase her visibility, and share her knowledge. In fact, TLC discovered her and approached her with the idea of a television show after viewing her on TikTok.

With several hundred thousand followers and millions of likes and views across all social media platforms, Dr. Colón is breaking myths and misconceptions about the chiropractic profession and demonstrating that it is not just about the “cracks” when it comes to healing. “I intend to reduce the stigma that our profession has lived with for so long by spreading word to the masses about the benefits of chiropractic,” she says.

Dr. Colón is the founder and CEO of Miss Chiropractic Wellness and Spa, with locations in Atlanta, Georgia; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Her entrepreneurial spirit coupled with business acumen honed by experience makes Dr. Colón a sought-after speaker. Her willingness to share her knowledge and encourage others makes her an inspirational leader.

GREG ROSE, D.C. (’96)
Dr. Rose is a pioneer who has helped thousands of athletes of all skill levels reach peak performance and health through functional fitness. The co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute — the first to analyze three dimensional motion capture models of the golf swing — Dr. Rose combines his background in engineering and his expertise in chiropractic to better understand the function of the human body.

His TPI “Body-Swing Connection” seminars have made him one of the most sought-after golf health and fitness speakers. Dr. Rose is also the co-developer of the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), part of the Functional Movement System (FMS) family of evaluations. The SFMA has revolutionized the field of movement assessment and changed the way many health care practitioners diagnose musculoskeletal injuries.

More recently he founded and launched RacquetFit and OnBase University. RacquetFit is the first tennis-specific certification program offered by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) for health and fitness professionals. OnBase University is the first baseball-softball specific certification program of its kind, offered for health and fitness professionals.

You can find Dr. Rose on all social media platforms, on the Golf Channel, and at conferences worldwide. With his accomplishments in the field of movement, he is steadfast in keeping the philosophy of chiropractic front and center of everything he does. “By restoring normal movement and allowing the nervous system and body to function as it was intended to, most people can live a happy and healthy life,” he says. “We need to keep screaming this from the top of our lungs since too many people forget this simple philosophy.”

The 10-Under-10 Awards

The 10-Under-10 Awards recognize members of the alumni community who graduated within the last 10 years and are making a splash in their careers and communities. Honorees demonstrate excellence through notable accomplishments and service to others and to Palmer College. These award winners inspire current students and others as examples of exceptional achievement.

SPOTLIGHT ON DR. BRENT YOUNG
Brent Young, D.C. (’20) is a trailblazer, a lifelong learner and a proud advocate for Palmer College of Chiropractic and the profession. That’s why he is one of 10 alumni who graduated in the past 10 years to receive Palmer’s new 10 Under 10 Alumni Award. Honorees have realized considerable success as professionals, mentors and Palmer ambassadors.

Dr. Young grew up in Connecticut and studied kinesiology at the University of Connecticut before finding his way to Palmer West. “I asked a colleague what the best chiropractic college was, and they said, ‘Palmer, hands down,’” says Dr. Young. “It was the only place I applied, and I haven’t
looked back since.” That forward focus has brought Dr. Young considerable success. At Palmer, Dr. Young became involved with the Veterans Health Administration (VA) system and was drawn to the patients and the integrative setting.

Now, he has become the first chiropractor to be appointed in the North Florida/South Georgia VA system and the first ever Black male Doctor of Chiropractic to earn a full-time appointment at one of the nation’s 170 VA health centers.

“It’s a privilege to serve these veterans and to be part of an amazing medical team at the VA,” says Dr. Young. “For some providers, this is the first time they’ve made referrals to a chiropractor. In addition to patient care, I see my role as education and advocacy for the profession. I work to be dependable, approachable and ready to collaborate with every member of our team.”

Dr. Young was nominated for this award by Anthony Lisi, D.C. (’96), chiropractic program director for the Veterans Health Administration and 2024 Palmer College of Chiropractic Distinguished Achievement Award winner. “I’m running out of ways to say thank you to Dr. Lisi,” said Dr. Young. “He has been a friend and mentor to me throughout my entire career, and to be nominated by a colleague of his stature is truly humbling. It means the world to me.”

Things aren’t likely to slow down for Dr. Young anytime soon. He continues to serve patients at the VA and has recently welcomed a new baby to his family. “There’s not a lot of sleep happening these days,” he laughs. “But my passion for this practice and my patients gives me plenty of energy. I’m going to keep learning, and my ultimate goal is to leave the profession better than I found it.”

CORINNE ALEXANDER, D.C. (’19)
Dr. Alexander is a sports chiropractor, entrepreneur and the team doctor for a pre-professional women’s soccer team. When not working with patients and athletes at her practice, Optimal Spine & Sport Chiropractic in Stockton, California, she’s building community as a leader in the Women’s Network Alliance. Dr. Alexander says, “Embracing diversity and practicing inclusion are fundamental values necessary for meaningful change, both personally and professionally in business.

KENNETH ANTONETTI, D.C. (’17)
Dr. Antonetti launched his Sarasota, Florida, practice, Spine Well Chiropractic, just as the pandemic hit in 2020. Since then, Spine Well and Dr. Antonetti have become a trusted Sarasota staple. He generously shares his wisdom with Palmer students as a speaker and as a mentor, helping them navigate their professional journey. In his community, he’s engaged in local politics and urban planning — even founding a new local park!

WREN BURTON, D.C., M.P.H. (’20)
Dr. Burton is a chiropractor and researcher specializing in integrative medicine and clinical
effectiveness. After graduating from Palmer, Dr. Burton earned her Master of Public Health from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2023. She became the first chiropractic research fellow at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Committed to expanding research on non-pharmacological approaches to chronic pain, Dr. Burton has widely contributed to the scientific literature base for the profession.

KELLY KIMBALL, D.C. (’20)
Dr. Kimball was a star student, graduating valedictorian, clinical excellence award recipient, and philosophy award recipient of her class. Just as she built community at Palmer as a campus guide, Dr. Kimball continues building community through her practice, Agape Family Chiropractic in Washington, D.C. She guest lectures at nearby Georgetown University and presents educational health talks for community organizations. Launching her business right when the pandemic was in full swing, she catapulted to being named “Best Chiropractor” in the Washington City Paper Reader’s Poll in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

BRITTANY LINDSEY, D.C. (’18)
Dr. Lindsey earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with double minors in Biology and Psychology from Florida Southern College. After working for several years in healthcare settings ranging from a cardiac intensive care unit to an advanced gastrointestinal disease center, she pursued chiropractic and graduated magna cum laude from Palmer. Serving as the clinical director at Revival Chiropractic in Altamonte Springs, Florida, one colleague says that “she shows real love and compassion towards her patients and the profession. Wherever she is needed, she will show up.

HEATHER MEEKS, D.C., M.S. (’18)
Dr. Meeks is passionate about training the next generation of interdisciplinary chiropractors. At the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines, Iowa, she trained in an interprofessional clinical setting while providing comprehensive chiropractic care to rural veterans through outreach clinics. Now, in addition to patient care as a staff chiropractor, she is an attending faculty member and chair of the clinical co-curricular committee for the VA Central Iowa Integrated Clinical Practice Residency Program. She also serves as an adjunct clinical instructor at Palmer.

KATHERINE ROOSE, D.C. (’19)
Dr. Roose is a pediatric and pregnancy specialist in the Boston area. She pours herself into the community as much as she can, making positive connections that also foster a positive attitude toward chiropractic. Committed to professional growth and excellence, Dr. Roose has continued her post-graduate studies, earning her CSSPP and CACCP credentials. Dr. Katherine serves as a cornerstone of Westwood Family Chiropractic in Westwood, Massachusetts, where she practices alongside her husband, Dr. John Redhead (’19). Taking inspiration from B.J. Palmer, she looks not just to heal the individual person but the community as a whole.

ZACHARY SCOTT, D.C. (’22)
Dr. Scott distinguished himself in a variety of impactful roles during his time at Palmer, including as Associated Student Government president. After graduating, he completed a rotation at the VA Health Center in Palo Alto and then served as a research assistant to Dr. Ken Webber, D.C., Ph.D. (’09) in the Stanford University School of Medicine Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab. Dr. Scott now serves as a staff chiropractor providing interdisciplinary team-based chiropractic care through the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Scott shares his enthusiasm for his alma mater and his experience with alumni and prospective students alike.

ZACARIAH SHANNON, D.C., M.S., PH.D. (’14)
After graduating from Palmer, Dr. Shannon completed a master’s degree in clinical research at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research (PCCR) and a Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Iowa. As a part of the PCCR team, he presents research worldwide, winning accolades, including the Early Career Researcher Award at the recent WFC Biennial Congress. He is the recipient of the first-ever NIH-funded administrative supplement to a chiropractic institution for research training to work on the Veterans Response to Dosing in Chiropractic Therapy trial. Dr. Shannon was appointed to the National Quality Forum’s Research, Development, and Solutions Stakeholder Advisory Council.

Fellows

Fellows are inducted into the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic for embodying principles of leadership, recruitment, philanthropy and service – and for showing extraordinary dedication to Palmer College. 

GEORGE BLACKWOOD, D.C. (’49)
Anyone who meets Dr. Blackwood knows what an incredibly generous, kind and driven human being he is. He is the patriarch of the Blackwood family’s chiropractic legacy, which has spanned three generations — and will soon enter a fourth. He grew up on his family’s farm in Kansas, where a visit to the town chiropractor spawned a domino effect that resulted in an amazing chiropractic legacy.

After graduating in 1949, Dr. Blackwood established a practice in Muscatine, Iowa, caring for his patients for nearly 30 years. Dr. Blackwood consistently and proudly attends homecomings, where he always sports his iconic B.J. Palmer necktie. Now in his 100th year, he isn’t stopping. Dr. Blackwood has supported his alma mater for decades, and at the Founder’s Circle level since the turn of the century. To honor the Blackwood family legacy at Palmer — which includes his two brothers, Kenneth Blackwood, D.C. (’50) and Dean Blackwood, D.C. (’52) — he established a $1M endowed Opportunity Scholarship.

This fall, his great-grandson will become the next generation of the extended Blackwood family to attend Palmer College.

PAUL LIECHTY, D.C. (’76)
Dr. Liechty’s chiropractic journey started when he was 10 years old with an adjustment from Roy Ottinger, D.C. (’50) to help with lower-back pain he sustained from carrying milk cans on his father’s farm in North Dakota. A racetrack crash brought him back to that same chiropractor and solidified his destiny to become one himself.

Today, he is the owner of American Integrated Healthcare in Mesquite, Texas. Dr. Liechty and his wife Sherri are a “Palmer power couple,” frequently in attendance at Palmer events. Their support, much like their marriage, is unwavering. Through his philanthropy and advocacy, he inspires everyone to get involved. Paul has been recognized as the Top Philanthropist for the Texas Chiropractic Association and has been a member of the Founder’s Circle for over 13 years. When speaking with donors, it’s not uncommon to hear that Dr. Liechty helped encourage their support of Palmer College. Not to be outdone by Dr. Blackwood, Dr. Liechty also proudly sports his B.J. Palmer necktie.