FOCUS OKC XV SPEAKERS 

Dr. Lacey Nevel is an Oklahoma native and graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Health + Exercise- BOOMER! After leaving the great state of Oklahoma she started her new life in Dallas, Texas where she received her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Parker University. Throughout her journey in chiropractic school, she found her love for caring for families, especially in prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric wellness care. Dr. Lacey has extensive training through the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association, Sacred Doula, Epic Pediatrics, and BIRTHFIT. Her life purpose is to serve individuals and families with an abundance of love, using chiropractic as a portal for deep connection and understanding. She lives a life committed to elevating the consciousness and authenticity of others and along with her soul mate, Dr. Colten Nevel, aspires to create a space of love for the community to gather.

Dr. Aliya Gard focuses on chiropractic for pregnancy and pediatrics, acupuncture and dry needling, and heads the Functional Medicine programs at Gard Wellness Center and nationwide.

Bio Coming Soon

Dr. Alasha Young went to the University of Oklahoma and studied Pre-Chiropractic and Health and Exercise Science and received her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Parker University in 2017. Her mission is to deliver the best possible chiropractic care so that families may express health to their fullest potential. She is certified in Webster Prenatal Technique, a Birthfit professional, EPIC Pediatric certified, trained through spinning babies, is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, and is working towards receiving her diplomate from the Academy of Chiropractic Pediatrics. She is continually expanding her knowledge and expertise in family care. She is passionate about providing the OKC community with a drugless healing art so that we may not just survive or live, but thrive! Young Life Chiropractic is a community centered practice dedicated to inspiring health and empowering families. Dr. Alasha Young is excited to help you maximize the expression of the perfection within!

I was born in a “third world” country where women of all ages were suppressed, disempowered, and robbed of their freedoms and basic human rights. When your freedom is taken away from you, the only thing you have left is your mindset, perspective, and attitude. As a young girl growing up in that environment, I didn’t allow for any of those limitations to grow roots into my subconscious. I capitalized on opportunities for growth and leadership at every dead-end, and found a beacon of light in every dark corner. At the age 16 I migrated to the United States, and a week later started my senior year of high school… without knowing but 10 or 12 English words. My obsession with mindset and perspective was put to test yet again. I experienced high school without speaking a single word for the first two months, because I was struggling to understand the world around me. From learning a completely new language, adapting to my new country, and putting myself through Berkeley and Life Chiropractic College West, to establishing a million-dollar practice, starting multiple other businesses, getting married, and having a child… I have continued to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Over the past few years, I have become a certified life coach, an NLP Practitioner, a chiropractic coach, and a Platinum Partner with Tony Robbins. My obsession with personal growth and life experiences has led me to a life that I never thought was possible. All thanks to my mindset.

Hi I’m Tom, but I am guessing you know that. I’ve always had a drive to stick up for the ‘little guy’, I guess that comes from growing up and being picked on when I was young. Turning that around I have dedicating my life to helping others. I see true health as the ‘little guy’ in society. I have seen first-hand working with patients the frustration, upset and heart ache it causes when health is lost and when the modern medical system has forgotten about you or kept you swimming in treacle with the promise of this pill and that pill, with no change. I’m here for you! I am a chiropractor by training and have been in private practice for over 10 years, I have a passion for delivering the truth on health and motivating people to take personal responsibility. It was through my own health journey that I really accelerated my drive to make a change in the lives of others. Years ago, on the outside, I was the epitome of health and success. I had a great body, exercised hard, travelled the world speaking to audiences about health and success, I ran a thriving chiropractic practice in the heart of my community with my wife. Everything looked great. But under the surface something wasn’t right, tired and fatigued, and some bleeding when going to the bathroom. Long story short I had precancerous polyps in my bowel. My body was screaming at me to change. Through self-inspection and a lot of critical thinking, I knew there were areas of my health I was neglecting, thinking I was untouchable. These are my teachings and insights that I will share with you. You don’t have to get breaking point to change. And even if you’re reading this thinking, you’ve got it all sorted? I’m here to tell you there is more. Some of what I say will be hard to hear, it will be frustrating, you may disagree. But one thing we can all agree on is that without our health we are not living, just simply existing.

Dr. Shannon Black was born in Danville, IL and attended Covington High School located in Indiana. Dr. Black received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hanover College. Pursuing her interest in the art of chiropractic Dr. Black graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College with honors earning a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. Dr. Black is also a certified acupuncturist and a member of the Acupuncture Society of America.

Hugo V Gibson, DC, FICA, LCP. Born in the Union of South Africa in 1942. Attended Palmer College of Chiropractic and graduated in 1972 and also married Judy that year. They have four children. While at PCC he became involved in the student ICA and has been an ICA member since (52 years). He is a Distinguished Fellow of the International Chiropractor’s Association. He is the current President of the Distinguished Fellows of the ICA He was the Chairman of the Board of the ICA under Dr. George Curry. He is a Life Member of the ICA. He was elected as the 2019 ICA Chiropractor of the year. He is an LCP (Legion of Chiropractic Philosophers) member. He practiced in South Africa from 1973 till the end of 1985 and was one of the prime movers in uniting the profession there and in re-opening the chiropractic register in 1985, which had been closed in 1971. He was deeply involved in sport injuries especially rugby and was involved at provincial level administration for the sport. On his arrival in the USA he was employed by Cleveland Chiropractic College where he was an instructor until 2006. In1996 he was promoted to full Professor of Clinical Sciences. He is also a Board member and Past President of the Missouri Academy of Chiropractors. He has been in private practice since 1972 (49 years).

Dr. Troy has been a chiropractic patient since he was 13 years old. His first experience with a chiropractor was after a pole vaulting injury in high school. At the time his mother and brother were both going to the chiropractor. Instead of the traditional route of muscle relaxers and medicine, his mother decided to take him along with them to the chiropractor. For the rest of his career in athletics at Belleville East High School, he saw a chiropractor, not just for injuries, but to also help maintain a strong healthy body. It took several years later for Dr. Troy to see the full scope of chiropractic care. You see, for years Dr. Troy suffered from horrible allergy problems. He was the kid that always had tissues with him on the sports fields (so did his mom). When he was in 8th grade he started receiving allergy shots and began taking allergy medication. For four years he was on the routine of allergy shots and medicine without much success. The shots stopped but the allergies didn’t. Dr. Troy continued to take the allergy medicine to help him with the allergies. Then, a life changing event happened. While a student at the University of Illinois, he had been working as an assistant in a chiropractic office. What he noticed over the next two years changed the course of his life forever. The sinus and allergy problems he had always dealt with had completely dissipated while getting consistent chiropractic care. How could that be? Years of failed shots and medications and now by seeing a chiropractor, he could breathe easier, didn’t have to take medication and wasn’t carrying around a box of Kleenexes everywhere he went. The bottom line, it’s AMAZING what happens with the body when it is functioning properly. “What I realized was that had a disturbance in my nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) that coordinates and controls every cell, tissue, organ and their functions in the body. By having my nerve system adjusted by my chiropractor restored my body to functioning optimally.” Dr. Troy decided to change his major from Education to BioScience, which would get him into Chiropractic school. Dr. Troy Dukowitz is a 1996 Graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield Missouri. He is a native of Fairview Heights. After graduating and taking on a position in Champaign, Illinois, he knew he needed to return home to care for the people of our community. Opening his private practice in August of 1999, he has been a leader in driving home the impact of a chiropractic lifestyle in St. Clair County. Dr. Troy now brings almost 20 years of experience to the Vitalize Family Chiropractic TEAM. His dedication to his patients and the profession is unprecedented. In his spare time he works with other chiropractors and is an internationally known speaker. He is the husband of Dr. Leah Dukowitz, whose leadership in the community is inspiring other families to take charge of their health and their lives with chiropractic at the forefront of their overall health care! Dr. Troy is also a proud daddy. He and Dr. Leah have 2 boys- Wyatt (3) and Watson (7 months). Together they have defined what the true meaning of FAMILY Wellness is and they are dedicated to helping you and your family to reach outrageous levels of health and wellbeing through a chiropractic lifestyle!

Since his appointment as the fifth president of Life University in May 2017, Dr. Scott has championed a significant commitment to enhancing the University’s academic and online offerings, campus culture and physical facilities, while placing emphasis on innovating technology and expanding research infrastructure while supporting the rich diversity of the campus community. During Dr. Scott’s tenure, Life U has added new online academic programs and the first accredited degree program in a Georgia correctional center for incarcerated students. The University has opened a new 362-bed student living community and eatery – The Commons and Commons Dining Hall, along with significant updates and improvements across campus, including the 14,000 square-foot Running Eagles Performance (REP) Center that our men’s and women’s national champion wrestling teams call home. In addition, student enrollments have seen new heights through impactful retention initiatives that support student learning, engagement and success. Seeking a campus with a richly diverse student body, Dr. Scott initiated a campus-wide cultural climate initiative that resulted in the funding and establishment of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) in 2020 and a robust offering of programming and resources that foster a campus community and culture that allows for its members to feel welcomed, valued and respected. Aiming to enrich student experiences, cultivate connectivity and optimize human performance, Dr. Scott has developed initiatives for a multi-year fundraising campaign called the Brighter LIFE Capital Campaign. The campaign seeks to build/renovate three primary spaces on campus for student connection, learning and leadership; alumni and friends to gather; and innovative research collaboration: Chuck Ribley Lasting Purpose Alumni and Event Center Student Center Research and Human Performance Center As President, Dr. Scott has successfully “put a face” to the Office of the President and plays a visible role on campus with students, faculty, staff and alumni by regularly engaging in campus activities and events. A passionate and articulate advocate for the Life U’s mission, Dr. Scott continues to build the recognition and legacy of Life University within the greater Atlanta area and global community. Dr. Scott holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physiology from the University of Minnesota, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University and is the only college president in the chiropractic profession that also holds a Diplomate of Chiropractic Philosophical Standards. His master’s degrees include a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from OISE at the University of Toronto. He attended the University of Guelph to earn his Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. Dr. Scott came to Life U in 2005 as the Dean of the College of Chiropractic before moving to Vice Provost and executive leadership roles in Academic Affairs. He has also worked as the Dean at Northwestern Health Sciences University and as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Logan University. “I have been honored to serve the Life U community,” says Dr. Scott. “From our forward-thinking programs to the commitment of our students, faculty and staff, Life University is truly an institution dedicated to social innovation.” In May 2017, Dr. Scott was named the fifth President of Life University, succeeding former President and Chancellor Dr. Guy Riekeman. “Dr. Scott has been a longtime friend as well as a trusted colleague, says Dr. Riekeman. “I attempted to recruit him years ago because he was an emerging talent. Today, after working together for more than a decade, I can say I was correct. He is now at the top of his field, and Life University is enriched because of his contributions to education and our vision.”

My name is Devin. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, boss, servant, visionary, leader, student... I wear many hats. I work hard. I play hard. And, I love with ALL my heart! I am a loud, passionate extrovert! And, ironically, I am a quiet lone wolf. I have lived lifetimes in my 40 years young. I am so blessed! I have traveled the world. I have studied at the foot of wise, gifted healers and teachers. I have succeeded. I have failed. I have had my heart shattered into a million pieces (more than once). I am a pain expert! I have held space for thousands of women, children & families through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing journey's. And with God's help, I lean into the contractions and feel into the pain to learn from it so that I may better serve, support and champion my family and community.

Dr. Young was born and raised in Springfield, MO. After graduating in 1994 from Cleveland Chiropractic School in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Young and his family relocated to Oklahoma City where he began his own practice, Young Chiropractic. Dr. Young is the Founder and Past President of The Oklahoma Chiropractors’ Association; Founder and President of the National Chiropractic Seminar, Focus OKC; Founder and President of Focus Foundations. He travels the world teaching his Focus Chiropractic Mastery program that emphasizes specific adjusting techniques and patient connection. Along with running one of the more successful chiropractic offices in the nation, Dr. Young excels in maintaining a balanced life and keeps his family his first priority. Along his side is his wife Shannon, 3 children Ashlee, Alasha, and Aryion, and grandsons Copeland and Quinn Rye. Dr. Young maintains a mission to serve his community, patients, and his profession with love, compassion, and gratitude.to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...