Faculty Experts at Sherman College

Timothy R. Allison is an instructor in the clinical sciences department and a health center faculty member. He holds a B.A. from Grove City College (1975) and a D.C. from Sherman College (1994). Having practiced chiropractic in Pennsylvania for 12 years, Dr. Allison returns to Sherman College with practical experiences to share with future chiropractors. He enjoys endurance horse racing, reading and spending time with students. “The simplicity of chiropractic changed my life, and Sherman College is the place to be,” he says. “Not only do Sherman graduates have world-class adjusting skills, but they enter practice with the ability to communicate chiropractic with their communities.”

Carolyn Best is lab assistant in Microbiology and Lab Diagnosis. She has a B.A. degree from Lycoming College in Pennsylvania (1974). She also earned a medical technology (M.T.) degree from Williamsport School of Medical Technology and is certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists with a specialty in hematology. Prior to joining Sherman College, she was hematology supervisor with Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA, for 29 years and a laboratory generalist at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital for two years. She has been with the college since 2003. She enjoys reading and living with her two Saint Bernards.

Dr. Susan Boger-Wakeman is an associate professor. She has a B.S. from Purdue University (1992), an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Stout (1993), and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University (1999). She is a registered dietitian and teaches the Biochemistry and Nutrition courses. Susan joined Sherman College in 2003. Her interests include outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and gardening. “We pride ourselves on the opportunity Sherman College offers its students,” she says. “We have a dedicated faculty and staff, small class sizes and a commitment to provide the very best in chiropractic education.”

Dr. Ron Castellucci earned an A.S. from Nassau Community College, B.S. from the University of New York and is a 1988 graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. After 10 years of successful practice in Lexington, MA, Dr. Castellucci moved south to join the Sherman College faculty in 1998. He currently teaches full spine techniques, spinal palpation and patient education. In addition to his passion for teaching, Dr. Castellucci is involved in his community as a scout leader and soccer coach, and is an active member of his church. He maintains a private practice in Hendersonville, NC, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Dr. Alena Coleman is the Associate Dean of Clinical Program at Sherman College.  She has a B.S. in Biology from Texas Southern University (1999), a D.C. from Palmer College (2004) and a M.S. in Instructional Design from Syracuse University (2008).  She became a member of the Sherman College family in November, 2008.  She served as a faculty member in the diagnosis department of New York Chiropractic College for three years.  She originally hails from Chicago, IL, and enjoys traveling there to visit family and friends as often as possible.

Dr. William M. Decken is an associate professor of clinical sciences and chair of the philosophy department. He has a B.A. from Marist College (1979) and a D.C. from Sherman College (1986), and he teaches Philosophy I and II, Subluxation Theories and Communications. He has been with the college since his graduation in 1986. He enjoys people and helping them grow; he also enjoys building, bicycling and spending time outdoors. "If you believe that human beings are wonderfully and fearfully made, then chiropractic should be a part of your health care package because chiropractic honors the innate striving of the body to stay healthy," he says. "If you would like to learn this way of thinking so you can teach it to others, then Sherman College should be your choice."

Dr. Rochelle Delain is a 1992 Sherman College graduate who returned to the Sherman family as a faculty member in 2003. She is an assistant professor of clinical sciences and a member of the health center faculty. Dr. Delain also has an A.A. in medical sciences from Wesley College and a B.S. in biology from Excelsior College. She was in private practice in Anderson, SC, for nearly 5 years and currently practices part time in Spartanburg and Inman, SC. Dr. Delain is certified in the Webster technique, and specializes in adjusting pregnant women, infants, and children. She enjoys writing and publishes the bimonthly health center newsletter, “Straight to Your Health.” She also enjoys music (playing violin and singing), reading, cooking and entertaining, traveling, outdoor activities, church activities and spending time with her family.

Dr. Joseph J. Donofrio is Dean of Clinical Sciences, an associate professor and Chair of Technique Department. He has a D.C. from Sherman College (1994) and teaches spinal biodynamics. He has been under regular chiropractic care since the day he was born and is a second generation chiropractor. Dr. Donofrio has lectured internationally on spinal biodynamics, palpation, chiropractic history and education. What he really enjoys is studying the Bible and spending time with his family. "It is awesome to play a role in shaping the future of this great profession of chiropractic," he says.

Dr. Anthony C. Duke is interrim Dean of Basic Sciences. He has a B.A. from Einsham University (1968), an M.A. from Cleveland State University (1971) and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (1977). He teaches Neuroanatomy I and II, Neurophysiology and Endocrine Physiology. He has been with Sherman College since 1981 and enjoys listening to classical music, and spending time outdoors. "You are welcome to call if you would like more information about the courses or the program," he says.

Dr. William E. Fehl is an associate professor of clinical sciences. He has a D.C. from Sherman College (1983) and a B.S. from Excelsior College (2003). He teaches Full Spine I, II, III, X-ray Analysis II, Applied Technique, Gonstead, and Spinal Illustration. He has been with Sherman College since 1997. Dr. Fehl maintains a chiropractic practice on Spartanburg's westside. He enjoys camping, family activities and scriptural studies. "Nothing in chiropractic is finer, than to study it in Carolina at Sherman College," he says.

Joy A. Gayler is an assistant professor of clinical sciences. She has a B.M.E. from Stetson University (1987), an M.M. from Converse College (1994), and an M.A. in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University (2008). Joy has been with the college since 1998 and teaches Automated Office Procedures. She also serves as Director of Teaching and Engaged Learning and Quality Enhancement Plan. Visit Joy's instructional technology weblog.

Dr. Cynthia B. Gibbon is a professor of clinical sciences and a member of the health center faculty. She has a B.A. from Elmira College (1970) and a D.C. from Sherman College (1991). She teaches Laboratory Diagnosis, Physical Exam and First Aid and has been with Sherman College since 1986. Her hobbies include activities and sports that her children are involved in, and she enjoys swimming when she has time. "Come visit us!" she says. "We pride ourselves on a community atmosphere while pursuing your D.C. degree."

Dr. Laura R. Greene-Orndorff is a professor, Chair of the Radiology Department, and a member of the health center faculty. She has an R.T.R. from Mercy Hospital (1989), an A.S. from Pennsylvania State College (1990), a B.S. from Regents College and a D.C. from Sherman College (1995). She has been with the college since 1996 and teaches Soft Tissue Pathology, X-Ray Anatomy, Analysis and Review, X-ray Lab, and X-ray Positioning III. She enjoys gardening, walking and floral design. "Education is the best investment you can make for yourself and others," she says.

Dr. John F. Hart is an associate professor of clinical sciences and Acting Director of Research. He holds a D.C. degree from Palmer College (1981) and a master’s degree in health science from Nova Southeastern University (2006). He teaches courses in pattern analysis, research methods, and x-ray physics. "If you want to be a chiropractor who focuses on vertebral subluxation, Sherman College is the place for your training," he says.

Dr. Robert L. Irwin is Vice President for Academic Affairs and an assistant professor of clinical sciences. He has a D.C. from Life (1979) and an A.S. from SouthWestern Michigan College (1976). He has been with the college since 1998 and teaches Clinical Reasoning and Upper Cervical Technique. He enjoys golf, reading and fishing.

Dr. Stephanie Johnson is an instructor of clinical sciences and a member of the health center faculty. She has a B.S. from Coastal Carolina University (1995) and a D.C. from Sherman College (1999) where she graduated magna cum laude. Dr. Johnson assists in palpation, x-ray analysis, upper cervical contacts, student clinic, full-spine classes and teaches Spinal Exam Review. She is from Pawleys Island, SC and practiced in Georgetown, SC for six years prior to joining Sherman College in 2006. Dr. Johnson continues to maintain her practice in Georgetown, SC in addition to her teaching responsibilities. Her interests include going to the beach, reading, shopping and watching movies. "I'm glad to be a member of the Sherman family," she says. "It allows me the best of both worlds...taking care of patients and teaching."

Dr. Patricia Kuhta is a professor of clinical sciences, Director of the X-ray Department, and a member of the health center faculty. She has a D.C. from Sherman College (1994) and a B.S. from Excelsior College (2001). She teaches X-Ray Analysis and Atlas Orthogonal and has been with the college since 1994. She enjoys working out and traveling. "If individuals want to learn dentistry, they should go to dental school," she says. "If individuals want to learn medicine, they should go to medical school. If individuals want to learn specific straight chiropractic, they should come to Sherman College. BJ Palmer once said, 'Chiropractic is specific, or it is nothing.' Sherman College is the home of specific straight chiropractic."

Dr. Pengju (George) Luo is an assistant professor of basic sciences. He teaches Public Health and Microbiology I and II. Luo received his Ph.D. (2006) and M.S. (2003) degrees in microbiology from Clemson University and his medical degree (1997) from Tongji Medical University (now known as Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology) in China. He was a medical doctor specializing in internal medicine in Jingzhou city, Hubei Province, China, before he came to the United States. Luo’s research interests are in the interdisciplinary areas of microbiology and nanotechnology, focusing on the study of the antimicrobial applications and detection of bacterial species via the use of nanomaterials such as nanoparticles and nanotubes.

Dr. Beth A. McDowell-Reizer is an assistant professor of clinical science and a member of the health center faculty. She has a B.A. from Saint Vincent College (1992) and a D.C. from Sherman College (1996). She has been with the college since 1997, and she teaches Terminology and assists in Toggle I, Pre-Clinic, Radiographic Analysis I and II and Orthopedic/Neurological Exam. "As a recent graduate and a current faculty member of Sherman, I've been on both sides of the Sherman family," she says. "Sherman is just that - a family. The small faculty to student ratio (1:10) makes your chiropractic education more personalized and individualized."

Dr. Maria E. Michelin is an associate professor of clinical sciences and a member of the health center faculty. She has a D.C. from Palmer College of Chiropractic (1993) and a B.S. from the University of the State of New York (1998). She has been with the college since 1997 and teaches Diagnosis Review, Orthopedic/Neurological II, Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis, Case History, Orthopedics and Neuropathophysiology. She enjoys cats, art films, hiking, ethnic eating, reading, cheering loudly at hockey games and singing out of tune.

Dr. Kelly Bryant Miller is an assistant professor of clinical sciences. Dr. Miller has an A.A. from Salem College (1980), a B.S. from Fairmont State College (1982) and a D.C. from Sherman College (1989). Dr. Bryant-Miller teaches OB/GYN and Pediatrics/Geriatrics and has been with Sherman College since 1990. She enjoys riding, running cross-country, being a home birth labor support attendant and spending time with her 3 boys. "Sherman has a great learning environment," she says. "The education the faculty instilled in me made it possible to graduate and comfortably practice abroad without my mentors nearby. I hope to share my education and inspire future students as they pursue their own personal dreams."

Dr. John H. Porter is an associate professor of clinical sciences. He has a D.C. from Sherman College (1977) and teaches Toggle Recoil and Full Spine. He has been with the college since 1979 and enjoys reading and swimming. "Come to Sherman College and enjoy an exciting and rewarding career as a chiropractor," he says.

Dr. Kevin Power is an assistant professor of clinical sciences and a member of the health center faculty. He is an assistant instructor in technique classes. Power has a D.C. from Sherman College (1981) and was in private practice in Australia and the U.S. until he joined the college faculty in September 2002. He enjoys golf, bass guitar, racquetball and motorcycling. "You can get everything in life that you want if you will just help enough people get what they want," he says.

Dr. Beth A. Roraback is an associate professor and a member of the health center faculty. She has a D.C. from Sherman College (1990) and a B.A. from Michigan State University (1993). She has been with Sherman College since 1986 and teaches Orthopedic/Neurological, Examination I and II, Physical Examination and Diagnostic Review. She enjoys sketching, ethnic cooking, cats, art films, East/West philosophy, motorcycles, canoeing, camping and laughing. "Turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones improves your outlook," she says.

Dr. Perry O. Rush is an assistant professor of clinical sciences. He has a D.C. from Sherman College (1976) and an A.A. from Ricks College (1973). He teaches Blair X-Ray, Instrumentation, Full-Spine/Upper Cervical X-Ray Set-Ups and Upper Cervical Rationale. He has been with the college since 1980 and enjoys cross country jogging, beach camping, ocean kayaking, fossil hunting, shrimping and flounder fishing.

Dr. Jon Schwartzbauer is President of Sherman College and an assistant professor of clinical sciences. He has a D.C. from Sherman College (1997) and a B.S. (2003) from Excelsior College. He joined the Sherman College faculty in 2002. He practiced at Schwartzbauer Straight Chiropractic Center in Mahtomedi, MN, for five years. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Mitzi Fox Schwartzbauer, D.C. (instructor of clinical sciences at Sherman), and their two daughters, Sophi and Jozi.

Dr. Mitzi Fox Schwartzbauer is an assistant professor of clinical sciences. She holds a D.C. from Sherman College (1996). She joined the faculty in 2004 and is the lead instructor for classes in Palpation, Toggle and Chiropractic History. She practiced at Schwartzbauer Straight Chiropractic Center in Mahtomedi, MN, for six years with her husband, Jon Schwartzbauer, B.S., D.C.

Dr. Claudia E. Seay is an associate professor of clinical sciences and a member of the health center faculty. She has an A.S. from Cumberland College (1976) and a D.C. from Sherman College (1980). She has been with the college since 1988 and teaches Clinic. Her interests include computers, reading, cross-stitching, camping, her children, her husband and her practice. She shares this quote by Richard Bach: "Learning is finding out what you already know; Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know it just as well as you. You are all listeners, doers, and teachers."

Dr. Arlene Welch is an instructor of clinical sciences, a member of the health center faculty and is chairperson of the college's Institutional Review Board for Research. She holds a B.S. from Regents College (1994) and a D.C. from Logan College (1996). She joined the college in 2004 and assists with various clinical sciences classes in addition to teaching Alternative Adjusting, Philosophy II, Full Spine II , X-Ray Anatomy, and Clinic Lab 722.
 

Dr. Leslie M. Wise is a professor of clinical sciences. He has a B.A. from the University of California - San Francisco (1966) and a D.C. from Palmer College of Chiropractic (1974). He teaches Practice Management and Ethics and Jurisprudence; www.chiroethics.com. He has been with Sherman College since 1974 and enjoys his private chiropractic practice, music, reading and gardening. "I encourage prospective students to visit Sherman and experience chiropractic education at its finest," he says. Leslie also maintains a practice management weblog.