Casey Brechtel, DVM, PhD (Texas), an AVCA Certified Doctor, graduated from Colorado State in 1991.  After completing a surgical internship at Illinois Equine Hospital in Chicago he entered a private equine sports medicine practice, serving as show veterinarian on California’s “A” Hunter/Jumper show circuit.

In 1995, Dr. Brechtel left practice to pursue a PhD in Molecular Biophysics at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he studied bacterial and mammalian GABA transport proteins, and participated in an NIH toxicology training program.

In 2000, Dr. Brechtel served as Interim Director of Research at Critical Care Research in California, before settling down once again in Texas.  Since then he has managed his family’s four

Karin-Susan Breitlauch, DVM (Pennsylvania), an AVCA Certified Doctor, graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 1982, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor’s of Art in Biology.  She continued her education at Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1986.  At that time, she was the youngest veterinarian in the country, at age 22.

She opened Creature Comforts Veterinary Service in 1987, initially as a house call practice.  In January, 1991, the practice moved to its current location in Saylorsburg, PA.  The practice has been open 24/7 since 1993.  The practice handles any species and specialized in critical care, in addition to general practice, and employs over 55 people.  Dr. Karin was taught manipulative medicine techniques in 1987 and completed formal chiropractic training at Options for Animals in Moline, Illinois.

She is a Lifetime Member of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and has been certified since June 1999.  According to patient records, she has adjusted 1,100 patients, most of which are dogs and cats.  She was named the 2009 Pennsylvania Veterinarian of the Year by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association.  She is currently working on

Dr. Bo Brock is a 1990 Magna Cum Laude D.V.M. graduate of Texas A&M University and was also certified by the Equine Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2004 (DAVBP).  Dr. Brock is the owner and operator of Brock

Dr. Brandon Brock is a 1998 graduate of Parker College.  He is a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB) and a Fellow of the American College of Functional Neurology, American Board of Vestibular Rehabilitation,

Veterinary Clinic in Lamesa Texas.  He has operated this growing and thriving clinic since 1992.  He typically sees approximately 7000 equine patients per year and does 400 arthroscopic procedures per year and 125 colic surgeries per year.  This makes him one of the busiest and most experienced equine doctors and surgeons in the entire country.   He currently has five Veterinarians on the staff of his animal hospital which does virtually every equine procedure including manipulation and manual medicine.  Dr. Brock does over 1200 lameness workups per year which makes his interest and knowledge in gait and equine biomechanics second to none.

Dr. Brock has also served as an adjunct professor at Texas Tech University in the past.  Dr. Brock was awarded the prestigious equine practitioner of the year by the Texas veterinary medical association in 2007.  He is currently part of the editorial board compendium of continuing education and is on the board of Directors for the Texas equine veterinary association and Texas veterinary medicine association.

American Board of Electrodiagnostic Specialties and International College of Chiropractors.  He is also a family nurse practitioner, Certified Clinical Nutritionist and serves as chairman for the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Specialties.  Dr. Brock has a passion for lecturing on topics related to chiropractic care, the nervous system, neurological disease, nutrition, pharmacology, immunology, and directing students on how to diagnose and treat basic and complicated conditions.   His life mission and purpose is to never stop learning because he feels like his students and patients deserve nothing less.

Dr. Brock currently works at Rockwall Pediatrics in Rockwall Texas and serves in the role of family pediatric care, pediatric cardiology and urgent care and is also Professor of Neurology for the Carrick Institute and advisor and lecturer for Apex Energetics.  His blend of clinical and teaching experience along with his multidisciplinary educational background creates a unique perspective on treatment options and optimal wellness for patients in today’s healthcare environment.

David Browning, DC (Texas), an AVCA Certified Doctor, is an Associate Professor in the Philosophy and Technique Department at Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas. Heis a frequent lecturer for Parker Seminars and post-graduate programs. He is a 1991 graduate of Palmer-West, he has been involved in state and national board review courses as well as several post graduate seminars.  He has been practicing animal chiropractic since earning his AVCA cetification in 2003.

Wild at Heart: Purpose with Passion:  The first half of the presentation will be a look back at the founding principles and core values of animal chiropractic.  The second half will focus on the future of animal chiropractic.

Gene Giggleman, DVM (Texas), AVCA Certified Doctor, is Parker University College of Chiropractic, Dean of Academic Affairs, 2000-present, Parker College of Chiropractic, Dean Center for Basic Science, 1995-2000, Parker College of Chiropractic, professor; Systemic Anatomy, Pharmacology/Toxicology, 1994 - present, North Lake College, adjuvant professor; Anatomy and Physiology 1989-1994, Parker College of Chiropractic, associate professor; Pathology, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Physiology, 1983-1987, Parker College of Chiropractic, Dean of Student Affairs, 1984-1986, Texas A & M University; Department of Chemistry, D. R. Lee, Proctor and tutor, 1978-1981, Bryan Community College , Bryan, Texas, Instructor, 1976.  Dr. Giggleman has also served on the AVCA Board as President-Elect, and currently serving as president.  He lectures nationally at both chiropractic and veterinary venues.

Donna Gigliotti, DC (New York), an AVCA Certified Doctor, has been working on animals in conjunction with local veterinarians since 1997 when she received her basic certification in animal chiropractic from the AVCA.  She then went on to complete her advanced certification through the AVCA. Dr. Gigliotti has completed a 700+ hour course in animal neurology which will eventually lead to a master’s degree.

Over the years, Dr. Gigliotti has completed numerous seminars and classes in neurology, biomechanics and energy therapies.  She has also trained with leading practitioners in those fields to improve her knowledge and skills.  Dr. Gigliotti uses a combination of techniques and modalities to help your animal achieve its maximum health potential.

SOT Part 1 and 2 – This will be an introduction into the philosophy, art and science behind SOT.  WE will learn the terminology and indicators used in SOT.  We will learn the neurology behind how and why SOT is an effective chiropractic treatment that can be used with animals.

We will be taking the neurology, terminology and indicators learned in part 1 and begin applying them to animal cases.  WE will learn how to evaluate the whole animal as an interconnected system of systems.  Using SOT we will learn what to do and where to go with the adjustment.

SOT Lab – This lab is intended to assist the doctor in improving their observation and palpations skills so they can formulate the most effective treatment plans for the animal patient.

Amy Hayek, DVM (South Carolina), an AVCA Certified Doctor, was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She graduated from Iowa State University (B.S., M.A.), and Colorado State University (DVM).  During her first life she taught college level English.  Following 6 years of that she attended veterinary school.  After practicing for 3 months, she enrolled in the Chi Institute for her Acupuncture certificate, and later attended The Healing Oasis for both animal chiropractic and advanced neurology.  She currently lives with her husband, Dr. Bill Ormston, in Summerville, SC and Dallas, TX, along with their children, dogs, horse and cat.  How many they have depends on the day of the month.  She is grateful for such a fine group of people here in the AVCA.

Right Front Recurrent Short Stride, Angular Deformity, Handedness, Club Foot Tendency and the Chiropractor’s Duty will discuss how the development of these right front leg dysfunctions are neurologically related, can be resolved with chiropractic, and how treatment of the subluxation may involve ancillary modalities to correct the subluxation.  Show the relationship to right hind short stride, G.I. sensory tract involvement, motor function of distinct muscle groups and other areas of the horse that are affected.  These ancillary modalities include changes in the environment, nutrition/diet, and addressing the internal environment of the animal.  Use of a team approach will change the conformation and prevent further injury, and will necessitate education of the farrier/trimmer.  Notes and information on how to discuss this with the farriers will aid the animal chiropractor in achieving this end.

Dental Motion and Its relationship to Chiropractic in the Dog and the Horse.  This lecture will discuss a clinical review of the differences between dental anatomy, evolution, and motion and how changes to normal occlusion can affect movement in the animal.  This review will focus on the biomechanics of four legged animals and attempt to point out the majority of ways the mouth, teeth, jaw, tooth wear, tongue position, bone and musculature influence the chiropractic adjustment.  The reason for focus on the mouth is to point out to animal chiropractors the need to pay attention to this when evaluating and diagnosing the subluxation, in particular, the recurring subluxation that is difficult to resolve.

Donald Howard, DVM (Oregon) , an AVCA Certified Doctor, graduated WSU in 1968 as a DVM, and practices in Portland Oregon. Two years under Dr. John Metcalf in an equine practice.  Started own practice in Salem, Oregon in 1970, doing strictly equine medicine and surgery.  He constructed Twin Oaks Veterinary Hospital, in 1976, a complete medical-surgical facility for equine and small animals.

Rotary member 14 years, (Board member 4 years), Back Country Horsemen of Oregon/America, member since 1994; Chaired Land Use/ Legislative Committee 3 years, Past President Salem Executives Association , Past President Marion Polk Veterinary Assoc, Past Board Member and current member OVMA, Past President and current President Northwest Equine Practitioners Assoc, AAEP current member, AVCA current member past Board Member/ Certification Chair, IVAS Certified 1997, AVCA Certified 1999, AAVA member, AVMA member.

He and wife Joan, have been married for 34 years, and have two children, Jodi and Holly.  Dr. Howard is currently in private practice Salem, Oregon and Prineville, Oregon.

Chiropractic Failure in the Equine Lab: This lab is designed to demonstrate on the live horse the use of acupressure points to help determine underlying causes of Chiropractic failures.  Specific acupressure points, meridians, trigger points and syndromes will be discussed and demonstrated.  This is an advanced lab, attendance of related lecture is highly recommended.

Jay Komarek, DC (Colorado), an AVCA Certified Doctor, began his career in Chiropractic in 1997, adjusting both humans and animals.  He also began teaching Holistic Health at local college in Philadelphia at the same time he began his practice.  He has been involved in education for chiropractors throughout his career.  He speaks throughout the country for chiropractic organizations and colleges.  He has worked with numerous veterinary practices since receiving his animal chiropractic certification.  He has managed chiropractic offices, personnel and has a healthy career in chiropractic.  His wife Mimi is also a chiropractor and together they are raising their daughter Sophia.  He current has offices in Boulder and Durango, Colorado.  He also travels throughout the country taking care of animals, primarily horses.

Current Models of Neurology as it relates to Force Application in the Correction and Restoration of Balance of the Bio-Mechanics. This two hour presentation will cover Art, Science and Philosophy of Chiropractic as it relates to the

delivery of the chiropractic adjustment to subluxated and fixated structures.  We will be covering neurological pathways, stored energy potentials of structures as well as the physics of mass, speed and acceleration. I will be presenting the most current neurology available on the subject.

Doug Lawson, DC, MSc (Alberta) is the husband of the charming and intelligent Maria Lawson, a volunteer with the AVCA. They have two delightful children, the older a professor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and the younger a team leader specialist with WestJet airlines.  Doug and Maria have over 40 years of experience in examination design and implementation.  Doug has a Master of Science degree from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, and Medical Education Research Unit. His area of special interest was in psychometrics.  As a second generation chiropractor, Doug has contributed as the Chair of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and Chief Executive Officer. He was also the Registrar of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta.  For his service to the chiropractic profession he has been recognized with a lifetime honorary member of the College of Chiropractors of Alberta, an honorary member of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, and the Medal of Merit of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.  He has published over fifteen articles in peer reviewed journals and sits on the editorial

board of three journals.  He is a long-time volunteer of his time and expertise to the animal chiropractic profession working with the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Doug also is a long-time volunteer for The Arthritis Society.

Question Writing Workshop and Delphi/Scope of Practice Round Table Discussion Dr. Lawson is making sure that you the AVCA Certified Doctor is defining your profession.

Dina Livolsi, BS, DC (Pennsylvania), an AVCA Certified Doctor, currently is the staff chiropractor for Fox Run Equine Center and Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic, and has been practicing chiropractic for 20 years, 12 of those include working with animals.  She has received certification from the prestigious American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA), and has completed all of the requirements, including a research project and internship, for the advanced certification (formerly known as the Diplomate Program).  She served as a Practice Standards committee member and examiner for the AVCA.

Dr. LiVolsi was the first chiropractor in Pittsburgh with hospital privileges and worked at the University. She has written and produced an educational video on animal chiropractic, complete and presented a research project

(The Occurrence of Femur Misalignments in the Canine) at Options for Animals. She provides continuing education seminars, teaching her own EnergyWorks Chiropractic Technique and the Intense Review “Plus” seminars. She has spoken at the Ohio State Board of Veterinary Medicine’s Midwest Conference and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Conference.  Dr. Livolsi has also traveled several times to Cairo, Egypt, where she adjusts military horses, endurance racer, hunter/jumpers and guard dogs.

Neuromuscular Reflex Testing Made Easy (NMRT): This course is for the doctor who is curious about NeuroMuscular Reflex Testing (NMRT), more commonly known as “muscle testing”.  This inter active lecture will be hands-on with other participants in the class; small animal labs following day.  De-bunk, de-mystify misconceptions; use Monday morning!  Our time will be thought-provoking, active and lots of fun!

NMRT Lab: Attendance of related lecture is highly recommended as a prerequisite for the lab.

Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, DC, FICC, FACC, FICA, (Texas) is the President of Parker University College of Chiropractic, and is an internationally acclaimed bi-lingual speaker, author, educator, philanthropist, and president of one of the leading Universities in the world.  His childhood dreams of serving humanity ignited in Texas where he pursued pre-medicine at the University of Dallas in preparation to become a neurosurgeon.  He later enrolled as a student at Parker College of Chiropractic where he discovered his true passion for life – empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own health and life. 

Now, a sought after guest on radio and television programs, Dr. Mancini travels the world inspiring thousands each year with his innovative messages of success, service, health, and wellness.  Dr. Mancini’s enthusiasm for life is contagious and has earned him

numerous recognitions, including Heroes for Humanities, Humanitarian of the year, CEO of the year, etc.  Additionally, Dr. Mancini has given testimony to the White House Commission for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and has served for years on the Texas Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness.  He serves as the Health expert for CNN Espanol and Univision.  He received the honor of having Mexico’s new leading University, UNEVE, name their Library after him.

Dr. Mancini is the co-author of the best-selling books Chicken Soup for the Chiropractic Soul, Well Adjusted Soul and Four Steps to Living a Fabulous Life.   He also has been inducted into the Wellness Revolutionaries Hall of Fame for his contributions in this field and is an active member of the National Speakers Association. He is also the proud father of Daniella, a beautiful Maltese and Chloe, a small and energetic Yorkie.  

A Vision for the Future of Animal Chiropractic:  In this inspiring presentation, Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, President of Parker University College of Chiropractic, will share compelling stories on why Chiropractic for animals is one of the disciplines that is attracting a tremendous amount of interest.  He will share a vision of the future growth of Animal Chiropractic and the trends that are impacting the decisions our patients will make.  He will discuss effective communication and business principles that will allow you to serve more people and pets.  Also, he will share insights on what is happening within and outside of Chiropractic and how that can help you position yourself as the professional to go to.

William Ormston, DVM (Texas), an AVCA Certified Doctor, received a BS in animal science in 1982 and then in 1984 he returned to Iowa State University to pursue a veterinary degree.  Since graduating in 1988 Dr. Ormston has worked in or owned mixed animal practices.  In 1998 he attended Options for Animals and became certified in animal chiropractic care.  In 2004 he completed his degree in Veterinary Homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy.  He currently practices in Dallas metroplex or Charleston, South Carolina area where he uses a blend of traditional and alternative therapies to treat both large and small animals.

Dr. Ormston is an instructor in the Parker Chiropractic College’s Post Graduate course in animal chiropractic.  Bill and his partner and wife, Amy Hayek have a television show that has aired on 4 continents and airs up to 12 times per week here in the US. The main focus of the program is horse health through the use of alternative therapies, mainly chiropractic.  Dr. Ormston has authored three books on alternative therapies in animals and is a regular contributor to several publications.  He has teamed with Sports Motion, Inc to bring economical video gait analysis to the animal world.  He has helped Erchonia Medical bring their class 3 laser into the veterinary market.  Their four children, Riley, Philip, Jessica and Robert consider their place home when not at college as do a varying number of pets in Celina, Texas.

Whiplash in the Dog.  Cervical acceleration/deceleration (CAD) injuries have not been mentioned in veterinary literature.  The finding of a study of 100 plus dogs will be presented as well as current methods to diagnosis and help dogs with these injuries.

The Importance of Leg Length in the Quadruped. The importance of leg length in quadruped locomotion and diagnosis will be examined.  The similarities and differences between the biped and the quadruped will be examined as well as ways to determine leg length in both the horse and the do.

Lab - Saddle Fit: This lab will examine the problems of saddle fit, then looks at ways to fix them for a given rider and horse.  After years of frustration with fitting saddles and getting different opinions from each person that looked at a saddle Dr. Ormston has stumbled upon several tools that take the guess work out of saddle fit.  This lab will be a hands-on introduction into use of these tools.

Lab - Doctor's Rounds: This is a confidence building, idea exchanging opportunity for animal chiropractors of all experience levels.  Your group of doctors has an hour to adjust the patients in front of you.  The group should use this time to exchange ideas and information with each other.  This is your time with a group of your peers in a non judgmental environment.  Exchange, ask, learn and enjoy.  Everyone has something to offer.

AVCA Chicken Stew – Animal Chiropractic Technique:  These sessions, equine and canine, are meant to allow AVCA Certified Doctors to present new techniques, different listings, technique modifications, and pearls of practice so that all AVCA animal chiropractic professionals will gain from your experience.

Michael K. Powell, DC, DACNB (Iowa), uses a “whole person approach” when taking care of his patients.  By combining the very best hands-on-technique, state of the art physiotherapy procedures, and providing the newest and best natural vitamins and mineral supplements on the market today, Dr. Powell is able to help you to accelerate and /or maintain your journey to good health.  In addition to his private practice, Dr. Powell serves as an instructor, teaching other doctors how to help patients with difficult Neurologic presentations.  Over the years his affiliation with the Carrick Institute has taken him to lecture in the US, Canada and Europe.  Each year he instructs approximately 200 hours of postgraduate coursework in clinical neurology.  Lecturer – Clinical Neurology and other topics to doctors of Chiropractic, educators, Neurologic rehabilitation specialists, patient and advocate organizations and students

ranging from elementary, middle school, high school, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. Dr. Powell currently serves as president of the Iowa Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Changing the Brain:  How Adjustments Remodel the Architecture of the Nervous System:  After this lecture the learner will be able to explain how environmental receptors receive and transmit signals, how consistent firing physically changes neurons and how adjustments change signaling of constantly firing receptors.  The learner will be able to apply the following in a clinical setting.  Assessment of deficient firing in an area of the nervous system, perform adjustments appropriate to addressing deficient brain activity and rehab parameters appropriate to addressing deficient brain activity.

Thomas Redenbaugh, DC (Texas), an AVCA Certified Doctor, enjoys teaching the science, philosophy and art of chiropractic at Parker University in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Redenbaugh has lectured worldwide spreading the good news about both human and animal chiropractic. As past Chair of the Department of Chiropractic Philosophy and Techniques, Dr. Redenbaugh has been responsible for the instruction of techniques ranging from B.E.S.T. to Gonstead.  When asked how to reconcile the disparity between such low force and high force techniques he says “Sometimes you have to whisper…sometimes you have to shout!”  Dr. Redenbaugh maintains a private family chiropractic practice in Denton, Texas.

Canine Extra Spinal Analysis and Technique:  This lecture explores the various methods that can be used to detect and correct those subluxations that are found outside of the spinal column.  We will look at some of the basic anatomy associated with extremity joints and the resultant neurological ramifications that occur when these joints become subluxated.  Determine how to accurately detect these subluxations using different methods such as static and motion palpation.  Demonstrate how to effectively and safely adjust those subluxations.  Finally, how to re-assess those joints to insure that your adjustment has corrected the subluxation.

William L. Schmidt, DC (Arkansas), AVCA Certificant, a National College of Chiropractic graduate, has been adjusting animals over 20 years. The majority of his practice being thoroughbreds, though he has adjusted rodeo bulls to exotic birds. He has published Instructions on How to Adjust Animal Sternums, the Costo-Sternal and Costo-Chondral Articulations and An Addendum to the Sternum and Rib Adjustment Techniques books. He lectures to interested groups nationwide.

Dr. Schmidt’s predominately visceral practice addresses a variety of acute and chronic conditions which includes blood chemistry

He is a 2nd term Delegate (Arkansas Chiropractic Society), AVCA Board of Directors member, American Chiropractic Association member, Council on Diagnosis and Family Practice, Council on Diagnostic Imaging, and Council for Chiropractic Hospital and Convalescent Care.

He and his wife Kristen live on a mountaintop near Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.

Lab - Hands-On with Dr. Schmidt: Observation and recognition of different forms of abnormal structure, motion and the correction of these problems.

Judith M. Shoemaker, DVM (Pennsylvania) AVCA Certificant Dr. Judith Shoemaker, internationally known practitioner and educator, has been affiliated with premiere equine sports therapy centers, providing maintenance, therapeutic management and consultation to US and international equine competitors. She has taught anatomy at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and has regularly instructed for several universities including University of Pennsylvania, University of North Carolina, University of Minnesota, and Tufts University.

Dr. Shoemaker graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980.  Dr. Shoemaker is currently licensed in 17 states, and is an international instructor and consultant in complementary veterinary therapies. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and lecturer through IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) and AAVA (American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture) and is certified through AVCA (American Veterinary Chiropractic Association) of which she was a charter/founding member.

Dr. Shoemaker conducts a complementary medicine mixed practice with a focus on sports medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, farriery, dentistry, and adjunctive therapies for difficult conditions.

Her patients include top-level competitors of many disciplines and wonderful companions as well.

Advanced Sacro-Pelvic Adjusting Techniques:  This referenced, experience and evidence based presentation of sacro-pelvic adjusting techniques will integrate detailed concepts important to accurate, successful management of chiropractic cases, including relevant skeletal, neural and fascial anatomy, clinical neurology, and practical considerations.  It will give practitioners new insights into the complex interactions of interventions and discuss techniques that are easily applied in practice.