Chiropractors

Dr. Bradley Eyford
Doctor of Chiropractic

Dr. Bradley Eyford was born and raised in Vancouver BC, Canada. He Graduated from the University of Victoria, in Victoria BC with his Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology in 1998. Soon thereafter, he moved to Portland OR for his post-graduate education at Western States Chiropractic College. After graduating Chiropractic College in 2003, he began his practice in Tacoma WA has been practicing there ever since. As a lifelong patient of Chiropractic care, Dr. Eyford knows and truly values the benefits of the adjustment. It's this knowledge and passion for helping others that drives him in his constant quest to improve the lives of his patients.

Dr. Eyford is the co-owner and clinic director of The Health Connection, Tacoma's premier provider of natural health and wellness. With a background in exercise physiology, and a love of sports, Dr. Eyford utilizes a balanced approach when working with his patients. He has worked extensively with patients of all kinds including elite level athletes, weekend warriors, Monday morning quarterbacks, and aspiring desk jockeys. He has worked extensively with families who choose to incorporate Chiropractic in to their regular health and wellness programs. Dr. Eyford's wife, Dr. Shannon Eyford has a specialty in Chiropractic pediatrics, and with their 2 wonderful boys, Jackson and Pearce, Working with Children comes naturally for Dr. Eyford.

The Drs. At the Health Connection utilize state of the art diagnostic equipment, combined with several integrated Chiropractic procedures ranging from low-force techniques to traditional manual Chiropractic adjustments. Our system of analysis is based on the highly regarded and well-researched method of Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT). To enhance our patient's experience and to achieve rapid and lasting results, we use a combination of specific exercises, proper nutritional supplements, and appropriate therapies and home care with our patients.

Education:

1998 – Bachelor of Arts (Kinesiology) – University of Victoria, Victoria BC 2003 – Doctor of Chiropractic – Western States Chiropractic College, Portland OR

Licensure:

Doctor of Chiropractic, Washington State Department of Health Canadian National Board of Chiropractic National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (I, II, III, IV)

Memberships & Associations:

Washington State Chiropractic Association American Chiropractic Association (A.C.A.) Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow) Tacoma Narrows Rotary (Club President 2010-2011)

Certification & Techniques:

Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) Activator Methods Diversified Extremity adjusting Thompson drop Cranial / TMJ

Dr. Shannon Eyford
Doctor of Chiropractic

Dr. Shannon Eyford was born in Santa Rosa, California and raised in Olympia, WA. Most of her adult life has been spent between Ellensburg, Portland, and Olympia pursuing her dream of being a Chiropractor. She was introduced to Chiropractic by her mentor Dr. Bob Provasoli, and soon after graduating in 2002, worked as an intern for him. After moving to and practicing in Puyallup for several years, she joined forces with her husband to start The Health Connection in Tacoma, WA in May of 2005. They have two children, Jackson, born in January of 2005, and Pearce, born in June of 2007. Dr. Shannon practices full spectrum chiropractic, however she has an emphasis on working with pregnant women and children. She is currently taking a leave from patient care to focus on the needs of her children as well as office management.

Education:
Bachelor of Human Sciences, Western States Chiropractic College
Doctor of Chiropractic, Western States Chiropractic College

Techniques:
Diversified
Drop
Activator
Flexion-distraction
Low-force

Licensure:
Washington State Chiropractic License
Parts I, II, III, IV National Board certification

Certifications:
Diploma in pediatrics (ICPA)
Active Release Technique (ART®)
Total Solutions Graduate (CLA)

Memberships & Associations:
Washington State Chiropractic Association (WSCA)
American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)
Chiropractic Leadership Alliance

Hobbies:
Boating
Water skiing
Snowboarding
Yoga/Pilates
Shopping
Family time!

Dr. Ryan Smith
Doctor of Chiropractic

Dr. Ryan Smith grew up in Olalla, WA and went to South Kitsap High School. Dr. Smith then attended Washington State University, earning his undergraduate degree while playing baseball for WSU. Dr. Smith received his chiropractic degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon, where he developed his philosophy of treating the spine and extremities as well as exercise, rehabilitation, and nutrition.

Education:
BA in business administration, Washington State University
Doctor of Chiropractic, Western States Chiropractic College

Techniques:
Diversified
Drop
Activator
Extremity
Flexion-Distraction
Low Force
Myofascial Release

Licensure:
Part I, II, III, IV National Board Certification
Washington State Chiropractic License

Hobbies:
Road trips
Fishing
Golf
Working out
Spending time with Jessica and their two dogs, Tucker and Cooper.

Acupuncturists

Janelle Bartow
Licensed Acupuncturist - Board Certified Chinese Herbalist

Janelle was born in southern Oregon and moved to Washington in 1993. Prior to joining The Health Connection, she attended the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine, a unique apprentice style school that emphasizes clinical training through close relationships with expert clinical faculty members. Janelle helps her patients achieve wellness through acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and lifestyle advice. When not practicing Chinese medicine, Janelle spends a few hours each week assisting Tibetan monks and lamas at The Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.

Education:
Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine
Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion, The Evergreen State College

Licensure:
WA state Acupuncture License
NCCAOM diplomate in Oriental Medicine
NCCAOM diplomate in Chinese Herbology

Techniques:
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Manaka (Japanese) style acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, Moxabustion, Gua Sha, Cupping, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy and Chinese Tui Na Massage.

Hobbies:
Nature photography
Hiking
Cooking
Gardening
Making crafty things

Massage Therapists

Megan Jones

Licensed Massage Practitioner

Megan is a northwest native having grown up in both Tacoma and Olympia. She loves to spend time with family and friends, which are the main reason for her return to the northwest. Originally Megan left Washington for Mills College in Oakland, CA to study Ethnic Studies. After that she spent 9 years working with people with disabilities. She traveled internationally with a woman with cerebral palsy who is a speaker on disabilities as well as spent many years doing social work. Then she switched careers and pursued another passion, massage. She has a particular love for Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, and Myofascial Therapies. She has worked in diverse environments such as wellness centers, spas, private practice, and corporate workplaces. However some of her favorite experiences have been practicing her specialties pregnancy massage and disability massage. She has worked on hundreds of pregnant women and still thinks it is one of the world's most magical things. She loves to see women experience pain-relief, relaxation, and energy that prenatal and postpartum massage can provide.

Education:
National Holistic Institute, College of Massage Therapy
Interned with Lindy Johnson, a Certified Nurse Midwife with 30 years experience.
Trained with Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy from Carole
Osborne-Sheets, founder of Pre-Perinatal Massage Therapy.

Techniques:
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Myofascial Therapies
Shiatsu
Aromatherapy
Trigger Point Therapy
Lymphatic Massage
Sports Massage
Pre-Perinatal Massage (Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum Massage)
Disability Massage

Licensure & Certifications:
WA State Massage License
Insured through the American Massage Bodywork Professionals
National Certification- NCTMB
Certified Massage Therapist and Health Educator by National Holistic Institute
Certified Pre-Perinatal Massage Therapist by Carole Osbourne-Sheets

Hobbies:
Dancing
Grape-Stomping
Camping and Hiking
Sing Gospel

Heather Casey
Licensed Massage Practitioner

Heather grew up in Connecticut and moved to Washington in July 2008. She has been practicing massage therapy since 2004 and loves helping people and seeing their progress in health. She is always taking classes and continuing her health care knowledge.

Education:
Connecticut Center of Massage Therapy

Techniques:
Swedish Massage
Sports Massage
Deep Tissue
Trigger Point Therapy
Relaxation Massage

Licensure & Cirtifications:
WA State Massage License
National Certification- NCTMB

Hobbies:
Anything outdoors
Exercising
Shopping
Spending time with William

Keri Nottingham
Licensed Massage Practitioner

Keri spent most of her life on the East Coast but is now proud to call Washington her home. She was raised in Virginia Beach, VA then spent 4 years in the Air Force stationed in South Carolina. She moved to Washington in 2002 and never wants to live anywhere else. After the military, Keri went to school at Ashmead College of Massage and graduated with Honors in 2004. Her approach is more clinical as she finds helping people get better and improving their quality of life most rewarding.

Education:
Ashmead College of Massage in Fife, WA

Techniques:
Orthopedic Massage
Deep Tissue
Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage
Trigger Point therapy
Structural Relief Therapy
Swedish Massage

Licensure & Cirtifications:
WA State Massage License
Certified in Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage Therapy, Kate Jordan Seminar
Insured through AMTA

Hobbies:
Spending time with family and friends
Reading
Camping
Running
Hiking
Anything Outdoors

Laura Hart
Licensed Massage Practitioner

Laura was born and raised in University Place and now resides in North Tacoma with her husband and daughter. Laura graduated from Bodymechanics of Myotherapy in 2006 and has been focusing on injury treatment since. She enjoys helping people overcome pain and seeing the benefits of massage.

Education:
Bodymechanics of Myotherapy in Olympia, WA

Techniques:
Deep Tissue
Relaxation
Trigger Point therapy
Myofascial Release
Swedish Massage

Licensure & Cirtifications:
WA State Massage License
Insured through AMTA

Hobbies:
Skiing
Spending time with family
Running
Hicking
Reading

Office Staff

Jenny Schwartz
Chiropractic Assistant

Jenny joined The Health Connection team in May 2005 on opening day. As an original team member she has excelled in her knowledge of the inner and outer workings of the business. Her passion for the health care field is evident by her personal interest in patient care for family members of all ages. In her spare time, Jenny along with her husband Adam, enjoy outdoor activities, working on their home and taking road trips to new and exciting destinations. Her genuine warmth and compassion is mirrored in her stellar smile as well as every greeting. She is a tremendous asset to our team!

Ashley Ricard
Chiropractic Assistant

Ashley has rejoined The Health Connection team after taking a year off to travel over seas and spend time with her husband Shad, who is a firefighter in Kent. Originally from southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2000. With a background in alternative health care, she enjoys assisting patients in achieving the highest quality health care possible, as well as, educating patients in the importance of preventative health care. Ashley thoroughly enjoys being a part of the strong team at The Health Connection where her work ethic, communication skills and initiative are utilized to the fullest!

Briana Pauley
Chiropractic Assistant

Briana was born and raised outside of Bremerton, Washington. She returned to the northwest to work in the chiropractic field as a certified x-ray technician and assistant after completing her B.S. in Kinesiology at Arizona State University. Briana danced in a local ballet company and played soccer since a young age, and she continues to stay active in these activities as well as hiking and skiing in her time off. She is excited to be part of The Health Connection team as she can expand and utilize her knowledge of rehabilitative and restorative healthcare.

Susan MacDonald
Billing Specialist

Susan has just joined our team at The Health Connection, and has worked in the rehabilitative medical field since graduating from college. She was born and raised locally in Gig Harbor. She is newly married to Ryan, who is currently serving in the Army and is deployed to Afghanistan. In her spare time, she is active in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by playing in a women's indoor soccer league, running, jet skiing and has coached middle school track for the past four years. She looks forward to what is ahead both in her personal and professional life with The Health Connection.

Chiropractors in Training

Jackson John Eyford
Chiropractor in training

Jackson, the son of Dr's. Brad and Shannon Eyford, was born at home in Puyallup, WA, January 28th 2005. He was adjusted within days of his birth and has been adjusted regularly since. Jackson loves to dress up! He has an abundant supply of costumes and every day is a new day with a new costume! Currently his favorite is "Spiderman" He is enjoying being a big brother and loves to teach Pearce all of the wonderful things that 3 year olds love!

Jackson is truly a "chiropractic kid". He is full of life and exudes absolute health and happiness. He knows that if he has a fall or starts to get a sniffle, he needs to get adjusted and he will tell us so. He is well aware of the fact that adjustments help to balance his nervous system and improve immune function so that he can function at his highest potential. He recognizes the value of chiropractic by showing such interest in adjusting and being adjusted.

Pearce Bradley Eyford
Chiropractor in Training

Pearce, son of Dr's Brad and Shannon Eyford, was born at home on June 6th, 2007. He is quickly learning life through his big brother! He has no fear and keeps his parents on their toes by the constant climbing, jumping and falling. This is the child that wants to be at the highest point possible in the house, the one who stands at the top of the stairs with a sly look, bends his knees and jumps....seeing how fast you can get there! He "challenges" his parents in many ways, mostly being a very busy boy but also with his health needs. Pearce has multiple food allergies and keeps his parents very busy with his very specific food needs, not to mention the daily worry that he will eat something dangerous to his health!

However, it is seen as a challenge to educate further and be yet another health resource for the patients in our office. Please ask us if you have questions on food allergies!

The Team