Optimum Health Staff:

CHIROPRACTORS

Alex Jutis, D.C.
Alex is originally from New York City, NY and received his bachelor’s degree in History education from Binghamton University in 1993. Alex has a passion for physicality and holistic health and has competed in many body building competitions over the past 18 years. His passion for bodybuilding led him to study Chiropractic Medicine. He moved to Georgia to complete his graduate studies at Life University in 1996. Alex received his doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from Life University in 1999 and has been spreading his integrative medicine philosophy in the Metro -Atlanta community ever since. His belief that his patients can benefit from integrating chiropractic care with conventional medicine as well as physical therapy and massage therapy has benefited many patients in his practices over the past 6 years.

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Richard Collin, D.C. - Suwanee Chiropractor
Richard is originally from St. Joseph Michigan and attended Western Michigan University for his undergraduate studies. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA in June 2004. Rich is certified in physiotherapy and rehabilitation as well as many other chiropractic manipulation techniques. Rich has received his Manipulation Under Anesthesia certification. Rich enjoys educating his patients in wellness and nutrition as well as many solutions to alleviate the causes of headaches.

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Carly Ellis, D.C. - Woodstock Chiropractor
Carly is originally from Plymouth, WI and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She attended National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL where she received her Doctorate. Carly enjoys working with patients of all ages and strives to not only understand a condition, but looks at each patient as an individual. She is certified in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and has a great interest in nutrition in both the internal and external environment. Her goal is to educate patients and provide them with the tools for life-long health. In her spare time, Carly enjoys playing tennis, golf, and spending time with family and friends.

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Laurie Felten, D.C. - Grayson Chiropractor
Laurie is originally from Cumberland, MD, grew up in Fayetteville, NC. where she first experienced chiropractic. As an adolescent, Laurie was involved in athletics and it was through a shoulder injury that she found chiropractic and knew that chiropractic was the career path for her. Laurie attended UNC Charlotte where she received her Bachelors in Biology in 1999 and later her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College in 2004. Laurie is also licensed in Physiotherapy to aid those in need from various soft tissue injuries in conjunction with chiropractic back to their optimal health.

Outside of work, Laurie enjoys playing sports, attending sporting events, working out and spending time with friends and family. You can often find her at local youth sporting events cheering on the kids supporting them in a healthier and active lifestyle.

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Shelley Martin, D.C. - Buford Chiropractor
Shelley is originally from Duluth, GA. She graduated from Life University with a Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2001. She is also certified in Active Release Technique (ART), which is a hands-on touch and case-management system that allows a practitioner to diagnose and treat soft-tissue injuries using a specialized technique. Shelly is also credentialed in spinal rehabilitation and is certified in Manipulation Under Anesthesia. In her spare time, Shelley enjoys running, mountain biking, and spending time with her family.

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Joe Williams, D.C. - Hiram Chiropractor
Joe graduated valedictorian from Gadsden State College in Gadsden AL. with a degree in Para-medicine in 1986. He received a B.S. degree with honors in Biology from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL. in 2004. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Atlanta, GA. in 2008. Joe is a member of the Georgia Chiropractic Assoc. (GCA), Jacksonville State and Life University alumni associations. Joe served proudly and honorably in the United States Armed forces (Army) from 1991-1994. He also enjoys all activities outdoors, especially golf, camping and hiking. Joe resides in Dawsonville, GA. with his wife Carla and daughter Riley.

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Dan Lambert, D.C. - Cumming Chiropractor

Dan is from Goodrich, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan, receiving his Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology. While there, he was introduced to chiropractic as a patient, learning about this alternative approach to health, and then followed that interest south to Life College in Marietta, from which he graduated in 1996 with a Doctorate degree.

Dan is certified in physiotherapy and rehab, specializing in an adjusting technique (Chiropractic Biophysics) focused on posture and regional spinal structure, working to correct those deficits and ultimately improving function and wellness. He feels strongly that patient education and participation are essential to those ends.

Dan has lived in Suwanee for more than ten years with his wife, Karen and two sons, Jack and Sam. He plays golf and tennis out of the River Club in Gwinnett and continues another lifelong passion of playing baseball at a competitive level throughout metro Atlanta.

PHYSICAL REHAB

Shannon Chalden, A.T.C, L.C.M.T.
Shannon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. She is a certified Athletic Trainer and a member of the National Athletic Training Association. She completed the massage therapy program at Pensacola Junior College and is a certified Massage and Bodywork practitioner. Shannon's knowledge of sports injuries, rehabilitation and massage techniques allow her to assist in caring for our patients with an integrated approach to healing.

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Sarah Patterson, A.T.C.
Sarah is originally from Blue Ridge, GA and earned her Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from North Georgia College and State University in 2009. She is certified by the BOC and licensed in the state of Georgia. As a Certified Athletic Trainer, she has worked with various sports teams at the high school and collegiate level and brings with her valuable knowledge in treating emergent, acute, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions as well as certain medical conditions. She specializes in preventative techniques for the physically active population that focus on optimizing health in order to improve one's quality of life. She is educated to assess a patient's current condition and select the appropriate treatment goals and progressive therapeutic regimen in order to return them to their optimum level of physical performance and function.

Sarah is very passionate about her work and strives to help every patient reach their goals. She eventually plans on continuing her education to become a Physician's Assistant (PA) working with orthopedics. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys attending sporting events, concerts, performing yoga, and spending quality time with her beautiful daughter and fiancé.

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Derek Rabalais, A.T.C.
Derek was born in Denim Springs, LA, but spent most of his life in Marshall, Texas. He graduated in 2007 with his Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from East Texas Baptist University. He has spent time in clinical outreach as well as time in the high school setting. He was the head athletic trainer at Marshall High School in Marshall, TX for 2 years covering various athletic events and providing care to injured athletes. He spent a brief year in Fort Worth, Texas in the same capacity at Trinity Valley School.

Derek's goal is to provide the best care possible to his patients. Derek enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children. He also enjoys the Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Braves, and Chick-fil-A.

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Gina Shipman, A.T.C.
Gina, originally from Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO. She moved to Georgia in 2007 to pursue a Master of Science degree in sports medicine from Georgia State University. While in grad school Gina served as certified athletic trainer to Emory University athletics and the United States Soccer Federation. During her time as a certified athletic trainer, Gina has volunteered her time to a number of athletic events in Georgia and around the country including marathons, bike tours, USA Judo, and she traveled overseas for the Ten Nations Soccer Tournament in LaManga, Spain. After graduating in May 2009 she joined the Gwinnett Medical Center Sports Medicine team as certified athletic trainer for Hebron Christian Academy, helping high school athletes stay healthy on the field. Gina came to Optimum Health in 2011 to share her passion for functional rehabilitation and performance enhancement.

MEDICAL

Carrie Hurdle, NP-C
Carrie is originally from Colorado. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1994. She then went on to pursue an education in Nursing and earned an Associates Degree in Colorado prior to relocating to Atlanta in 1999. She then worked as an OR Nurse for 5 years in the Operating Room at Emory University Hospital while earning her Master’s Degree. After completing a Master’s of Science in Nursing at Emory University School of Nursing in 2004, she was nationally certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in Occupational Health and Orthopedics during her 5 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, training, and being a team mom for her son’s sporting activities.

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Catherine Norton Marti, M.D.
Catherine is originally from Atlanta, GA. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA and graduated with honors, majoring in Biology. For medical school she attended Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, GA, where she was elected to the medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Following graduation from medical school, she returned to Atlanta to complete her residency in Internal Medicine at Emory University. Catherine is married and adores her 2 mini dachshunds. In her free time, Catherine enjoys swimming and rooting on the Georgia bulldawgs.

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Shanda Hartley, FNP-C

Shanda is originally from Savannah, Georgia. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia in 2002. She then worked as a medical-surgical nurse for 5 years at Sentara Health Systems in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In 2004, she graduated from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia with her Master’s in Nursing with a specialty in family nursing. She has worked in physical medicine and rehabilitations center since becoming certified as a nurse practitioner. She is currently pursuing her Doctoral degree in Biblical Studies from Covington Theological Seminar in Rossville, Georgia.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling with husband.

NUTRITION

Kelly Hall, Nutritional Wellness Coach
Kelly graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Psychology in 1988. Kelly has been working with physicians to assist with the education and application of nutrition and fitness for overall health since 1998. She has worked in the field of weight management in Atlanta and Chicago for more than 13 years. Kelly has also worked independently as a consultant to health care providers who wish to provide a complementary approach to traditional medicine for the improvement of various health concerns.

Kelly enhances the health and well being of our patients at Optimum Health through nutritional education and lifestyle coaching. Kelly’s passion for functional medicine and dedication to her field has resulted in a vast knowledge of supplementation as it relates to nutritional wellness. Kelly works closely with the staff at Optimum Health to assist patients with issues related to food sensitivity, weight management, digestive disorders, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cholesterol, auto immune disease, addiction, depression, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and adrenal dysfunction.

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Robert L. Lawrence, MEd, DC, DACBN

Dr. Lawrence maintains a nutrition practice in Palm Beach County, Florida. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Garden of Life whole food supplements. A former instructor at the National University of Health Sciences, he has also served as a consultant in Functional Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory Testing. Dr. Lawrence has completed an extensive post-doctoral course of study on "Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice" through The Institute of Functional Medicine. He holds degrees in Science Education, Chiropractic Medicine, Clinical Nutrition and is a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition.

Diplomate: American Clinical Board of Nutrition
Weight Loss and Family Nutrition
IBS, Inflammatory Bowel, Allergies, Fibromyalgia/CFS, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Nutrition Advisor to Garden of Life/Original Medicine Supplements

MASSAGE THERAPY

Regie Pacol, L.C.M.T.
Educated at the Pacific College of Massage in Hawaii, Regie Pacol has been a licensed Massage Therapist for 10+ years. He is a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and is Georgia Licensed & State Board Certified Massage Therapist. Regie creatively combines intuitive and technical skills in his bodywork to help his client’s access their innate body wisdom, leaving them feeling more rejuvenated and relaxed.

Regie has worked on John Travolta, President George Bush and author, Michael Critchon. Since arriving in Georgia in 1999, Regie offers Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Sports Massage Therapies, as well as Lomi Lomi Massage and Hot Stone Therapy. These modalities are calming for the nervous system and invigorating for the immune system, creating the perfect combination for healing anything from long-term illness to every-day stress. When not working, Regie enjoys tennis, volleyball and spending time with his wife and 2 beautiful daughters.

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Mandy Roberts, L.C.M.T.

Mandy is originally from Ohio, her family moved to Georgia when she was five years old. She met her husband on a blind date in 1998 and worked in corporate America for over 10 years before deciding to follow her dream of becoming a massage therapist.

Mandy studied at the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts (ASHA) in Norcross, and received her massage license in March 2009. She is a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and is certified in Sports Massage, Swedish Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy. Other modalities include Hot Stone Massage, Ashiatsu Massage, Medical Massage and Advanced Trigger Point Therapy.

In her spare time, Mandy enjoys time with her family, reading, playing Frisbee golf, and listening to all types of music.

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NIKKI MOOREHEAD, L.C.M.T.
Nikki was born in Jackson, Mississippi and moved frequently throughout her childhood because of her father's job. The family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, St. Louis, Missouri, Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Charlotte, North Carolina. After relocating back to Jackson, Mississippi in 1995, she finished her high school years and then attended Jackson State University for two years, majoring in Biology.

After relocating back to Atlanta in 2007, she decided to make a change in studies. She graduated from Atlanta School of Massage in 2008, and is a certified Massage and Bodywork practitioner. Her specialties include Swedish, DeepTissue, and Neuromuscular Therapies, as well as Hot Stone Massage.

When she’s not at work, Nikki enjoys traveling,exercising, and spending time with friends and family, especially with her daughter.

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Rachel Brazle, L.M.C.T.

Rachel is originally from Rockford Illinois, then moved to the Metroplex. She attended the ASHA School of Massage and completed her education in 2010. Her goal has always been to provide care in a holistic medical setting like Optimum Health. She is educated in all types of massage but specializes in neuro-muscular therapy and sports massage. Her previous work experience includes 12 years in the medical field as a nurse’s aide and unit clerk.

In Rachel’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her 2 children on the baseball and softball diamonds and cooking a healthy and enjoyable dinner for her family.

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Renee Virgil, L.C.M.T.

Renee is a graduate of Lincoln College of Technology in Marietta, GA. She has been practicing massage therapy for five years. Renee is an active member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals since 2011. She is currently enrolled online at Chattanooga State Community College pursuing a certificate as an Health Implementation Support Specialist. Renee is certified in Aroma Therapy, Deep Heat Muscle Therapy, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Sports, and Swedish Massage. She seeks to provide her patients with the ultimate experience and excellence in bodywork.

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Janet Couch, L.C.M.T.

Janet is a native of Georgia. After accepting early retirement from corporate America, she was able to achieve her longtime desire to become a massage therapist. She graduated from the highly respected Academy of Somatic Healing Arts (ASHA). She is licensed in the states of GA and NC and is a member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). Janet’s goal for each session is to reduce the ache and pain of stressed muscles, improve mobility whether from everyday tension, injury or compensation patterns and allow for a sense of ease and well-being within the body. She specializes in Neuromuscular Therapy, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Trigger Point Therapy and Swedish.

In her spare time, Janet enjoys reading, gardening, hiking the trails of western NC and spending time with her family and friends.