Director, Community Health Clinical Education

University of Bridgeport

Dr. James J. Lehman is a credentialed chiropractic specialist within a Federally Qualified Health Center in Connecticut. He is a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist and a specialist in neuromusculoskeletal medicine. He practiced for 33 years in New Mexico prior to accepting a faculty position with the University of Bridgeport, School of Chiropractic. While in New Mexico, Dr. Lehman founded the chiropractic services within the Lovelace Medical Center and contracted with the Lovelace Healthcare system for 25 years. During his last five years in New Mexico clinical faculty member at the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, where he mentored fourth-year medical students and first-year medical residents within the section of integrative medicine and the Department of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Michael Ingui graduated summa cum laude in 2014 from the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC). He began a career in private practice in Ramsey, N.J., and returned to UBSC in 2015 as an adjunct professor. In 2017 Dr. Ingui completed a two-year fellowship in neuromusculoskeletal medicine, earning his diplomate, and became board certified by the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. Afterward, Dr. Ingui began full-time work with UBSC as an assistant professor of clinical services. He was fortunate to work on a joint project between the school and the New Jersey Pain Collaborative, where he developed and implemented an on-site chiropractic program at two New Jersey community health centers (CHCs). He served as the head chiropractic clinician for the project and became the first chiropractor in New Jersey to be credentialed at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) and participate in the state Medicaid CHC reimbursement program. Dr. Ingui developed a passion for population health and finding solutions to address social disparities. He began a two-year program at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, earning a Masters of Applied Science. He founded CareLink Health Services Group in 2019 to help healthcare organizations and primary care teams better manage people living with pain without the use of opioids and other pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Brandon Smolarek is a Michigan native who has personal experience with the opioid epidemic, having had family members whose only option for pain was surgery—which resulted in a magnitude of opioid prescriptions. Seeing his family members struggle with pain management, Dr. Smolarek understood early on the importance of conservative management. He started his healthcare experience as a collegiate athlete who worked with trainers and physicians, providing preventative care to help athletes stay competitive. While in college, he studied Biology and Chemistry at Suffolk University in Boston, where he continued his journey into the healthcare field while also participating in undergraduate research. Upon graduation in 2016, Brandon enrolled in the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC) in May 2020 to do his part to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. He is currently a research associate with Carelink Health Services Group, founded by Dr. Michael Ingui, which has a vision of improving the quality of patient care by providing chiropractic care as a complementary management option to combat chronic pain and reduce unnecessary opioid prescriptions. 

Dr. Joelle Santiago is a graduate of the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC). Her grandparents were both graduates of Logan University, her mother and two uncles are graduates of New York Chiropractic College. During her undergraduate studies at Assumption University she studied Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. During her undergraduate education, she developed a passion for advocating for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. At UBSC, Dr. Joelle served as president of the Student Connecticut Chiropractic Association.  She is the 3rd vice president of the Connecticut Chiropractic Association, and a past secretary. Dr. Santiago also serves as vice president and treasurer of the Northeast Chiropractic Council. She practices in Avon, Conn., with her mother, Joanne Santiago, DC. Dr. Joelle continues to encourage her peers to engage in cultural competency to foster a welcoming and inclusive clinical setting. 

Dr. Dionne McClain is a Chiropractor who specializes in functional nutrition and Sports injury. She has also served as a Qualified Medical Evaluator and was previously an adjunct professor at SCUHS. In addition to her regular practice, she provides ergonomic and work site evaluations. She has received extensive training in nutrition, prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care and is a certified lactation educator.

She graduated from the University of Southern California (U.S.C.), receiving her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and continued with graduate work in Athletic Medicine working extensively with the athletic department there.  She later received her MBA in health care management and her doctorate degree from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (aka Southern California University of Health Sciences). Dr. McClain was appointed to the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners in 2014 and currently serves as the board’s vice chair and chair of the continuing education committee. She has served as a delegate to the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards and was recently appointed to their committee on diversity. She has published articles in Volleyball magazine, appeared on several radio stations as an expert in the field, she has served as team doctor to several college and professional teams and lectures on varies health and wellness topics throughout the region.

Dr. McClain owns McClain Sports & Wellness Inc. located in the Miracle Mile/Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles. 

Dr. Micheala E. Edwards has a vast history in athletics including basketball and track and field.  Excelling in the sport of track, she’s earned state championships in Missourias a hurdler which in turn earned her a scholarship to run track for the University of Kansas.  She would later complete her Bachelor’s in Exercise& Sport Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1999. After 5 years of Personal Training in the Dallas metroplex, she relocatedto the St. Louis, Missouri area to  earn her Doctorate degree  in Chiropractic from LoganUniversity finishing in 2009. Micheala completed her Chiropractic preceptorshipin Atlanta, Georgia at Chiropractic Healthcare of Buckhead, and her  postceptorship at McClain Chiropractic in  Florissant, Missouri. Now residing in  the Kansas City Metro area, Micheala owns and operatesE.  Elite  Wellnesswhile serving the American Black Chiropractic Association as the current national president.

Dr. William “Beau” Foshee (he/they) serves as chair of the ACA Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, ACA alternate delegate for East Texas, chair of the ACA Membership Committee, and as a member of both the ACA Investment Committee and the ACA Legislative Committee. They are a graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University as a Diversity Leadership Scholar. He was named a Philanthropy Fund Foundation Scholar in recognition of his leadership and service to the LGBTQIA community. Dr Foshee works to improve culturally competent delivery of chiropractic care and has been privileged to present courses and conversations on health equity to chiropractic stakeholders in national and state organizations, university audiences, and regulatory agencies. Dr. Foshee is Director of Clinical Development for MyoCore Personalized Pain Care, a multi-clinic, hospital-based chiropractic system with offices in more than 20 locations.

Dr. Joshua Lederman attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology. For his professional education, Dr. Lederman attended Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri and graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic in December 2013 and Master of Science Degree in Sports Science and Rehabilitation in April 2014. Dr. Lederman is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) and Certified in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT). Dr. Lederman also contracts with Integrated Musculoskeletal Care (IMC) as an Outcomes Accountable Clinician. Dr. Lederman is a member of the American Chiropractic Association, Illinois Chiropractic Society and Wheaton Chamber of Commerce.  Dr. Lederman’s goal with patient care is “to inspire patients to take an active role in their health.”  Dr. Lederman partners with patients to get them out of pain via exercise and manual therapies. Patients can expect to graduate from his care feeling empowered and hopeful.

Dr. Angel is a graduate from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, CA with a focus on Sports Chiropractic and Wellness. He is also the founder and president of the National Gay and Lesbian Chiropractic Association and proud member of the Life Chiropractic College West Board of Regents.

Prior to receiving his Chiropractic education, Dr. Angel studied at the University of Illinois Chicago where he received a D1 tennis scholarship. Dr. Angel is certified in the Graston Technique a soft-tissue treatment that focuses on diagnosis and treatment of soft-tissue and joint injuries and adhesions.

Away from the office, Dr. Angel enjoys time with his husband and friends. You will often find him at the dog park with Maggie the family mutt, or working up a sweat on the tennis court. Dr. Angel is also an avid traveler and has visited more than 20 countries to date. His most recent trip includes a one week chiropractic mission trip to India where he spent his time providing chiropractic care to impoverished communities. 

Dr. Nakiesha Pearson completed her Chiropractic degree at National University of Health Sciences (NUHS).  After graduation, she had the privilege to complete a Family Practice Residency Program at NUHS.  While completing the family practice program, she obtained a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master's in Advanced Clinical Practice.  Dr. Pearson started her teaching career with National in 2014 and is currently an Associate Professor and Chair of the Clinical Sciences department.  She is a member of the academy of site team visitors for the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), and participates as an accrediting site team visitor for the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).  Additionally, she is the vice-chair of the American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the chair of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges' (AANMC) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. 

Dr. Konarski-Hart earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National College of Chiropractic and Diplomate status in chiropractic orthopedics from Parker College of Chiropractic. She holds a Master’s Degree in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management from Arkansas State University, is a licensed EMT and holds many specialty certificates in emergency care.   She was a governor's appointee to the Arkansas Board of Health and the first doctor of chiropractic to serve as its president.  She currently  practices in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Michele Maiers, DC, MPH, PhD, is the Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) in Minneapolis, Minn. In her role, Dr. Maiers leverages high quality research to inform healthcare policy and innovation initiatives on local, regional, and national levels. Her research utilizes mixed methods to inform a rich understanding of non-drug treatment options for spine-related pain, especially among older adults.

Dr. Maiers graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic and went on to earn a Master of Public Health degree in administration from the University of Minnesota, and a PhD in clinical research and biomechanics form the University of Southern Denmark.
She currently serves as president of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Dr. Maiers has previously held leadership positions in the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) and the Chiropractic Health Care section of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Dr. Nakiesha Pearson completed her Chiropractic degree at National University of Health Sciences (NUHS).  After graduation, she had the privilege to complete a Family Practice Residency Program at NUHS.  While completing the family practice program, she obtained a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master's in Advanced Clinical Practice.  Dr. Pearson started her teaching career with National in 2014 and is currently an Associate Professor and Chair of the Clinical Sciences department.  She is a member of the academy of site team visitors for the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), and participates as an accrediting site team visitor for the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).  Additionally, she is the vice-chair of the American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the chair of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges' (AANMC) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. 

As an energetic international speaker, educator and practitioner Dr. Kristina Petrocco-Napuli’s lectures correlate everyday practice with cutting-edge, evidence-based information. By sharing her passion as a provider and incorporating learner-centered strategies, her lectures inform, challenge and enlighten.


After completing her chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College (NYCC), Dr. Petrocco-Napuli began a postdoctoral fellowship in technique at New York Chiropractic College. She also achieved a master’s degree in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation from Syracuse University. She is currently the Assistant Dean College of Chiropractic at Logan University and maintains adjunct status for helping co-develop the New York Chiropractic College’s Master of Science in Human Anatomy and Physiology Instruction program. Dr. Petrocco-Napuli is the President of the ACA Council on Women’s Health. Recently, in recognition of her service to the profession, she was elected a Fellow in the International College of Chiropractors and the 2020 ACA Academician of the Year.

Women’s health, especially related to natural healthcare plans, has been Dr. Petrocco-Napuli’s focus for more than two decades. She has been actively involved in research related to pelvic pain in females and has authored both clinical and educational articles on this topic. Her practice and research centers on chronic pain in the female population, lower extremity amputees and gait, and integrative collaborative practices.

For many years, Dr.Petrocco-Napuli has focused on the integration of practitioners in the patient centered model of care and evaluating methods of effectively working on a team of healthcare professionals. This interest began many years ago while on an internship at the Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital Chiropractic Clinic and has been reinforced by her involvement on multiple grant projects regarding the training of healthcare providers in inter-collaborative care.

During her lectures, Dr. Petrocco-Napuli focuses on the physiological journey related to female health and special populations. As an educator on a variety of topics related to chiropractic practice, she enjoys working and meeting with practitioners from around the globe.  

Dr. Brandi N. Childress is a native of Columbus, GA. She attended Alabama State  University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduating from Alabama State University, Dr. Childress attended Sherman College  of Straight Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC, where she received her Doctor of  Chiropractic degree in 2008. 

Dr. Childress is a full spine practitioner with a special affinity for children. She received training in Pediatric Chiropractic Analysis and Technique, Gonstead, Activator, Diversified, and Thompson Techniques. Dr. Childress takes the above, down, inside, and out approach. She cares for the spine and body as a whole. When not helping to change lives through chiropractic, you can find her in front of the  classroom as a Senior Lecturer of Biology. Dr. Childress lectures on Human Anatomy  & Physiology, The Rise of Modern Science, The Ecological Perspective, and The Ecology & Environmental Sustainability. In addition to serving her community through chiropractic, Dr. Childress has been active with the American Chiropractic Association and the Georgia Chiropractic Association. She currently serves as the Vice President of the American Black
Chiropractic Association. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and actively participates in community service with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and American Diabetes Association.

Dr. Childress is committed to providing top of the line care to the residents of the Atlanta area. She believes in staying on the cutting edge of the chiropractic profession and engages in a numerous conferences throughout the year.

Prior to opening her own chiropractic practice, Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, Dr. Butler worked as a chiropractic associate in a wellness chiropractic office and as an independent contractor for a multidisciplinary office throughout the State of Maryland.

In 2013, Dr. Butler established Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, LLC and opened her first office in Odenton, Maryland. She relocated her office in Laurel, Maryland in Prince George’s County to gain access to a larger and diverse demographic population to rebuild and grow. Dr. Butler believes in creating a strong relationship with the community she services, as a result, she has created and implemented community-based programs, such as Dinner with the Doctor and Lunch & Learn Program, which educates people on the importance of spinal and joint health, as well as how to live a healthy lifestyle. With the desire to continue to educate and support her patients and the community, she founded Dr. Butler’s Health Academy in 2020.  Dr. Butler is the author of the book, Say Goodbye to Back Pain! Exercise, Nutrition, and More! which was released in 2019.  She is also the author of the children’s book series, The Adventures of Joshua. The first book of the series, The Adventures of Joshua: Spencer Spine and the Back Attack was released in 2018.

Dr. Henson-Dunlap graduated Summa Cum Laude, earning her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University.  She then went on to complete her preceptorship training at the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at High Point Regional Hospital-University of North Carolina.  Prior to beginning her doctorate, Dr. Henson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Cultural Analysis from New York University.  She specializes in chronic pain management and pregnancy-associated back pain.  Dr. Henson is currently serving as the Oregon Alternate Delegate for the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and a Councilor for the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).

Jennifer Brocker (known as Dr. Jenny in our office) is a 2007 Cum Laude graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA.  In 2012, Dr. Brocker became board-certified as a Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics having completed the required 3-year postgraduate course of study.  Additionally, she completed the 80-hour workshop series in Dynamic Body Balancing with Dr. Carol Philips.  She has felt a deep passion to help and serve other people for most of her life. From a young age she developed a deep respect and curiosity for health care because she grew up under the chiropractic care of her mom, Dr. Patricia Petrie. She believes a comprehensive approach to health care is in the best interest of the patient and it is her duty as a chiropractor to work with other health care professionals to provide patients with the best and most complete care possible.

Dr. Jenny uses her experience as a mother and her knowledge as a chiropractor to help make pregnancy a time of joy and celebration, leading to a positive birth experience. With 3 children of her own, Dr. Jenny finds so much delight in working with children. They are a constant source of wonder and laughter, and she loves helping them thrive.

Dr. Alli Totzke is a recent graduate from National University of Health Sciences, IL who is practicing in Montpelier, VA. She practices in a rural area where it's common to have patients thank her in farm fresh vegetables. She has been involved with ACA since her first trimester of school and has held several positions within SACA and ACA. She is currently one of the NextGen legislative vice-chairs and has a passion for advocacy at all levels. She practices acupuncture as well as being Webster Certified, adding to her practice skills. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games and working on local public policy efforts. 

Ms. Serena Norris is currently a student at Capella University receiving her master's in clinical mental health counseling. She resides in Rochester, New York while taking her courses online and enjoys training her dogs for therapy in her free time. Serena has been acknowledged for her studies by the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) as well as her chapter association Chi Sigma Iota through Capella University. She also has her own mental health website where she posts weekly blogs on mental health disorders and self-education It's Okay to not be Okay – Mental Health Blogs.

Dr. Joelle Santiago is a graduate of the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC). Her grandparents were both graduates of Logan University, her mother and two uncles are graduates of New York Chiropractic College. During her undergraduate studies at Assumption University she studied Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. During her undergraduate education, she developed a passion for advocating for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. At UBSC, Dr. Joelle served as president of the Student Connecticut Chiropractic Association.  She is the 3rd vice president of the Connecticut Chiropractic Association, and a past secretary. Dr. Santiago also serves as vice president and treasurer of the Northeast Chiropractic Council. She practices in Avon, Conn., with her mother, Joanne Santiago, DC. Dr. Joelle continues to encourage her peers to engage in cultural competency to foster a welcoming and inclusive clinical setting. 

Dr. Brandon Smolarek is a Michigan native who has personal experience with the opioid epidemic, having had family members whose only option for pain was surgery—which resulted in a magnitude of opioid prescriptions. Seeing his family members struggle with pain management, Dr. Smolarek understood early on the importance of conservative management. He started his healthcare experience as a collegiate athlete who worked with trainers and physicians, providing preventative care to help athletes stay competitive. While in college, he studied Biology and Chemistry at Suffolk University in Boston, where he continued his journey into the healthcare field while also participating in undergraduate research. Upon graduation in 2016, Brandon enrolled in the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC) in May 2020 to do his part to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. He is currently a research associate with Carelink Health Services Group, founded by Dr. Michael Ingui, which has a vision of improving the quality of patient care by providing chiropractic care as a complementary management option to combat chronic pain and reduce unnecessary opioid prescriptions. 

Dr. Michael Ingui graduated summa cum laude in 2014 from the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic (UBSC). He began a career in private practice in Ramsey, N.J., and returned to UBSC in 2015 as an adjunct professor. In 2017 Dr. Ingui completed a two-year fellowship in neuromusculoskeletal medicine, earning his diplomate, and became board certified by the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. Afterward, Dr. Ingui began full-time work with UBSC as an assistant professor of clinical services. He was fortunate to work on a joint project between the school and the New Jersey Pain Collaborative, where he developed and implemented an on-site chiropractic program at two New Jersey community health centers (CHCs). He served as the head chiropractic clinician for the project and became the first chiropractor in New Jersey to be credentialed at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) and participate in the state Medicaid CHC reimbursement program. Dr. Ingui developed a passion for population health and finding solutions to address social disparities. He began a two-year program at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, earning a Masters of Applied Science. He founded CareLink Health Services Group in 2019 to help healthcare organizations and primary care teams better manage people living with pain without the use of opioids and other pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Maithy Ta is a practicing chiropractor at Myocore located in Truman Medical Center in downtown Kansas City where she helps serve patients of all ages meet their pain-free functional goals. She enjoys working within a multidiscplinary atmosphere and helping advocate for her patients throughout the hospital. She graduated with honors from Cleveland University-Kansas City and from the University of Kansas with a degree in Human Biology. She remains active within the profession by being a member of the Missouri Chiropractic Physicians Association, as a part of the leadership team at the Forward Thinking Chiropractic Alliance, as current vice-chair of NextGenACA, and as a member of the ACA’s Medicare Advisory Board. 

She is a fierce advocate for the profession both locally and on Capitol Hill, and most enjoys helping to build communities and networks for progressive chiropractors who are evidence-based, collaborative, and person-centered. Over the course of her career, she has over 300 hours in functional rehab, adjunct therapies, and pain science to continue growing as a clinician.  

Dr. Morgan Price is a staff chiropractor at VA Puget Sound Health Care System located in Seattle, WA. She was the inaugural chiropractic resident at this facility from 2020-2021 and was subsequently the first chiropractor hired on at their main hospital in Seattle. She has enjoyed helping to trail-blaze the new department at her location and working alongside other providers in a true interdisciplinary fashion. She also enjoys her time spent working with the chiropractic resident.  

She graduated from National University of Health Sciences in 2019, attending both the Illinois and Florida campuses, as well as completing an 8-month clerkship at Bay Pines VA. After graduating, she was hired on as a per diem provider prior to her residency.  

She remains active within the profession as part of the leadership team at Forward Thinking Chiropractic Alliance and enjoys volunteering with NextGen ACA when she can. Internal with the VA, she participates in the Rehab Care Services Movement is Medicine program alongside the PM&R physicians. She also enjoys participating in scholarly work including publishing, peer-reviewing, and presenting research as well as presenting internally to other VA departments on evidence-based chiropractic care. She additionally works part-time as a Medical Legal Summarizer. 

Professionally, she is interested in low-tech rehab, Whole Health, and patient/provider communication and Motivational Interviewing.