Meet the GCSS Board of Directors
Jerry M. Mendez, DC — President
141 Lincoln Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-595-9559
Dr. Jerry Mendez is a 2005 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. Upon graduation Dr. Mendez began his practice in Bergen County, NJ. Currently, Dr. Mendez operates a family practice attached to his home along with his wife Rachel of 13 years who manages the front desk and administrative responsibilities. Their plan has always been to have a home office in which to raise their three children (6 year old twins and a 9 year old) within a wellness environment. Operating a home based practice affords the luxury of having the children at arm’s length at all times and provides invaluable family time. Dr. Mendez successfully earned his Gonstead Diplomate status in 2009. He has also had the honor and pleasure to serve on the GCSS Board of Directors since 2014. Dr. Mendez's Gonstead journey began in second quarter during chiropractic college. He never missed a club or workshop during his time as a student at Life University in 2001 until his graduation from PCC-W in 2005. He has served as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice-President and President at the Palmer West Gonstead club. Dr. Mendez mentors students and field doctors by offering bi-weekly classes at his office. He enjoys unicycling and doing bicycle wheelies during his free time.
Sam Gunlogson, DC — Vice-President
804 North 16th Street
Montevideo, MN 56265
320-269-3211
Dr. Gunlogson is a 2005 graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic. Prior to that, he attained his bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota, Morris. He is co-owner of Cornerstone Chiropractic Health Partners in Montevideo, MN with his wife, Jennifer Gunlogson, DC. Dr. Gunlogson holds a certification in chiropractic spinal trauma and is a member of the ICA's Council on Applied Chiropractic Sciences. He currently also sits on the board of directors for Gonstead Methodology Institute (GMI), and he teaches for GCSS and GMI. Dr. Gunlogson is also a GCSS Diplomate. He spends his free time with his wife and two boys.
Christopher N. Waddell, DC — Secretary/Treasurer
2621 N. Broadway
Shawnee, OK 78048
405-878-1340
Dr. Waddell graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic in 2001. While at Parker, he served as President of the Gonstead Club. Following graduation, Dr. Waddell and his wife, Terrie, established their Gonstead exclusive practice in Shawnee, OK. He was mentored by Dr. Larry Landers who was a former GCSS Fellow as well as a first-generation student, and patient, of Dr. Gonstead. This invaluable training helped Dr. Waddell learn firsthand how Dr. Gonstead examined and cared for his patients. Dr. Waddell has two children, Sidney, and Luke. Dr. Waddell previously served an eight-year term on the Oklahoma Board of Chiropractic Examiners (5 years as President).
Jeanne Taylor, DC — Executive Director
1280 17th Avenue, Suite 101
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-462-2712
Dr. Taylor graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College-West in 1986 and immediately set up practice in Santa Cruz, CA where she enjoys a full time practice. She earned her B.S. from University of Missouri-Columbia and an M.S. from San Jose State University prior to receiving her Doctorate. She served as a President of the PCC-W Gonstead Club and after graduation continued as a volunteer speaker at the Gonstead and Pediatric Clubs of Life Chiropractic College-West and Palmer Chiropractic College-West. Dr. Taylor joined the Board of Directors in 2000 where she served a four year term as President then moved into the position of Executive Director in 2005. She continues to teach Gonstead seminars both Nationally and Internationally and privately but voluntarily tutors students and doctors in the Gonstead technique. Dr. Taylor is an adjunct faculty for postceptorships through Palmer and Life Chiropractic Colleges. Living and working near the beach offers immediate stress relief. Extracurricular activities include hiking, biking, camping, singing, theater, traveling and wine tasting!
Stacy Jeff Aslan, DC
146 New York Avenue
Huntington, NY 11743
631-549-1490
Dr. Aslan is a 1988 graduate of LACC. He was introduced to the Gonstead technique when as a first semester student he asked Dr. Greg Plaugher what he thought of Motion Palpation Institute (MPI) and his response was, “If you want to learn real chiropractic come down to the Gonstead club meeting Thursday night.” Dr. Aslan never looked back. The class was on listings and it just made so much sense. He became president of the club for two trimesters. Dr. Aslan also spent many weekends at Dr. Richard Gohls office marking x-rays and learning adjusting. After graduation Dr. Aslan worked for a chiropractor in NYC who was a diversified guy but they had separate patients. After observing the doctor adjusting many patients, Dr. Aslan naively asked the doctor, “Does everyone have the same problem, because you keep adjusting them all the same way?” Six months later he started his own practice. Dr. Aslan earned his Gonstead Diplomate status in 2018 and joined the GCSS Board of Directors in 2019.
Andrea Cecchi, DC, BS, ICCSD
Corso Rosselli 182
10141 Torino, Italy
+39-011-385-0161
Dr. Andrea Cecchi is a 1998 magna cum laude NWCC graduate. In 1993 he had received a cum laude degree in physiological science from UCLA where he was a three-time NCAA champion in 1991 and 1992 in the 100 and 200 Breaststroke. A ten-time Italian national champion and record holder in the 200 breaststroke he represented Italy in the 1992 Olympic Games. He later became the Italian National team chiropractor from the 2004 Athens Olympics to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
From his very first term in Chiropractic College, he had the fortune to start his training under the supervision of Dr. John Thatcher and he spent the next 5 years in his clinic. Dr. Thatcher was one of Dr. Gonstead’s pupils and he was granted teaching recognition by the master himself. After the passing of Dr. Thatcher, Dr. Cecchi continued the refinement of this incredible method under the supervision of Dr. Gary Pennebaker. He decided to officialize his knowledge of the Gonstead method in 2013 through the Diplomate program because of the great confusion he found in Europe on such a method which he has been teaching officially since 2018 under the name: International Gonstead Academy. From 2021 he is also a Professor for the Barcelona College of Chiropractic where he teaches the Gonstead method to the 3rd year students.
Dr. Cecchi has been active in the Chiropractic political world and was vice-president of the Italian Chiropractic Association (AIC) from 2002 to 2011. In these 10 years, he held several charges amongst which AIC president of the School Committee, PR specialist for CVI accidents, president of the scientific committee, ECU working party and ECCE observer. Now, Dr. Cecchi is proudly serving in the GCSS Board and one of his missions is to make sure the Gonstead method is genuinely represented and taught in Europe.
J. David Currie, DC
2140 Peralta Blvd, Suite 105
Fremont, CA 94536
510-604-1500
Dr. Currie graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He has been actively in practice in Fremont since 1982. Specializing in chronic and difficult cases, Dr. Currie is an Associate Professor at Life Chiropractic College-West while maintaining an active practice. Dr. Currie's philosophy is "Find the Patient's Problem, Fix it, and Leave it Alone". He practices, consults and teaches the world famous Gonstead System of Chiropractic to students and doctors nationally and around the world. He is fondly known as the "Dancing Chiropractor" as one of his passions is ballroom and Latin/salsa dancing,
Anthony Del Angel, D.C.
1920 Westside Boulevard
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-922-9444
Dr Tony Del Angel graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA in 2007. He was a Troxell Intern during his tenure at Palmer College and is now the owner of Gonstead Physical Medicine. Dr. Tony’s mission is to change the way healthcare is delivered so that people don’t have to suffer anymore. His goal is to bring the Gonstead system to the forefront of healthcare and deliver results that exceed the community’s level of expectation. By the year 2031, Dr. Tony’s vision is to operate 10 clinics across the southwest region of the U.S. and deliver excellence as the new standard of healthcare. Gonstead Chiropractic has changed his life and he now wants to deliver that same experience to every community that he is involved in.
Lydia Dever, M.Ed., DC
1301 Shiloh Road, Suite 1310
Kennesaw, GA 30144
404-886-2300
Dr. Lydia Dever is a 2002 graduate of Life University. She received her B.A. from Kent State University near her hometown of Akron, Ohio, and her M.Ed. from the University of Georgia. She has been in private practice in Kennesaw, GA as a Gonstead doctor since graduation. She is a GCSS Diplomate, Board Member, and chair of the Diplomate Committee. She has taught for GCSS at the Extravaganza in Mount Horeb, WI, the Gonstead Master’s program at AECC, for Life University continuing education, and numerous other Gonstead workshops. Dr. Dever is an Associate Professor and the Assistant Dean of Chiropractic Sciences at Life University supervising a variety of classes including Gonstead. She is also one of 4 Student Gonstead Club Advisors. She has been published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, The Journal of Chiropractic Education, and is a reviewer for the History of Chiropractic Journal.
Jeffrey N. Durski, D.C.
14999 West Beloit Road, Suite A
New Berlin, WI 53151
414-525-1030
Dr. Durski received his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. He graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport IA, in 1988. It was at Palmer that Dr. Durski first learned about Gonstead technique by visiting the Palmer Gonstead Club. Soon after, he was frequenting seminars in Mt. Horeb WI. Upon entering private practice in Milwaukee, Dr. Durski continued to attend seminars, pestering Dr. Alex Cox with boxes of x-rays, while seeking insight on Gonstead analysis and case management. In 1995 he received his Gonstead Diplomate via the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. In 2017 he was accepted as a Gonstead Fellow also via the GCSS. Dr. Durski has received advanced training in a variety of post graduate courses including clinical neurology through National College's post graduate program. He served in the preceptor program for Palmer and Northwestern chiropractic colleges and participated in practice-based research led by Dr. Cheryl Hawk. Dr. Durski currently practices in New Berlin WI and lives with his beautiful wife Joy in nearby Muskego. He enjoys listening to music from his vast collection, attending live music events, cycling, and going for long walks with Joy and their Sicilian hound, Ruby.
Kristin M. Fellows, D.C.
1590 Thomas Center Drive, Suite 110
Eagan, MN 55122
651-209-9710
Dr. Fellows is a 2002 graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic and a Diplomate of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. She experienced the Gonstead difference during her first trimester of school while under the care of Dr. John Thatcher, who immediately became her mentor. Dr. Fellows is the founder of Cornerstone Family Chiropractic in Eagan, MN which is now three doctors and several support staff strong. She is an active instructor with the Gonstead Methodology Institute (GMI) where her passion involves lecturing on the analysis portion of the Gonstead system. Dr. Kristin is secretary of the C.S. Gonstead Chiropractic Foundation Board of Directors which serves to maintain, preserve, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the renowned Gonstead Clinic in Mt. Horeb, WI. Dr. Fellows assists in furthering the education of chiropractic students as an adjunct professor at both Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN, and Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, IA within the Clinical Preceptor Training Programs. She spearheaded the online Gonstead Ladies group to help train and encourage the women of Gonstead chiropractic to advance their skills, and create balance in their work and home lives. Dr. Fellows resides in a small town in Minnesota, with her loving husband John, who is an entrepreneur and software developer, and their three children. She loves meaningful connection, exploring her surroundings on scenic hikes, cozying up around a fire, and traveling with her family to northern Minnesota to experience the cooler weather and the peace of beautiful Lake Superior.
David A. Fowler, D.C., F.I.C.P.A.
6620 Owens Dr
Pleasanton, CA 94588
760-608-0495
Dr. Fowler graduated from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 2000. He served as Vice-President of the LACC Gonstead Study Club for six semesters. In addition, he completed advanced training through the ICPA to become a Fellow of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Following graduation, he returned to his hometown of Ridgecrest, CA and began practicing full time. During that time, Dr Fowler began working with students. He taught an elective Gonstead course at LACC before he joined the faculty at Life University as an adjunct instructor, which included being the lead Gonstead instructor. Now, Dr Fowler works in a capacity that allows him to split his time between seeing difficult cases and teaching younger doctors. In addition, he is also the host of The 1505 Club Podcast. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, playing video games with his kids, and traveling.
David R. Geary, DC
2999 West County Rd. 42 #212
Burnsville, MN 55306
952-882-1965
Dr. Geary earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1991, and founded Valley Chiropractic Associates the same year. He is an adjunct professor at Northwestern Health Science University within the Clinical Preceptor Training Program, where he trains and educates interns. Dr. Geary also currently serves as past president and a board member of the Gonstead Methodology Institute, which trains chiropractic students and field doctors in the advanced application of the Gonstead Technique. He also serves as an active Gonstead Clinical Studies Society lecturer and instructor on adjustive technique and case management, and board member of the Gonstead Foundation. Dr. Geary is an international speaker and teacher having Diplomate status in the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. He received his post-graduate degree in Spinal Trauma enabling Dr. Geary to manage and effectively treat difficult injury conditions. He is happily married and has four great children who occupy his enjoyment and remaining leisure time.
Daniel D. Lyons, DC, DPhCS
2920 S. Webster Avenue, Suite 100
Green Bay, WI 54301
920-347-4884
Dr. Lyons is a 1996 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa and has since been in full-time private practice. His undergraduate degrees are in biology and biochemistry. He holds a Diplomate in Philosophical Chiropractic standards and is a GCSS Fellow. Dr. Lyons has served as the president of the Loyal Legion of Chiropractic Philosophers, The Gonstead Methodology Institute and currently serves as a board member for The Center for Chiropractic Progress, Gonstead Methodology Institute and the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. Dr. Lyons has been an instructor for Gonstead Methodology Institute since 1996 and regularly teaches Gonstead technique and Philosophy seminars for these groups as well as for other states and countries. He currently practices in Green Bay Wisconsin where he lives with his wife, Brookh and their two children. They love to travel and spend time watching their daughter perform in musicals and show choir and their son play soccer.
Rocco Perugini, DC
435 Rivercrest Court
Mukwonago, WI 53149
262-363-9552
Dr. Perugini has been in private practice in his hometown of Mukwonago, WI since 2001. He attended Marquette University, was a member of Triangle Fraternity, and graduated with a BS in Biology. Following graduation from Marquette in 1998, Dr. Perugini enrolled in Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He earned his GCSS Diplomate in 2005 and joined the Board of Directors in 2008. The most important things are his wife Mara and their three beautiful daughters, Milana, Daria and Valentina. In his free time Dr. Perugini also enjoys downhill skiing, bowling, and biking, ping pong and actively participates in car shows.
David M. Waller, DC
4210 Ridge Rd. Ste 102
Heath, TX 75087
972-722-0054
Dr. David Waller is a Gonstead Diplomate, U.S. Army Veteran and 2000 graduate of Parker College of Chiropractic. Dr. Waller was taught and mentored by Dr. Larry Landers a long-time student and patient of Dr. Gonstead and took over for Dr. Landers upon his retirement in 2004. He has practiced across Texas as well as internationally in El Salvador where he managed 2 clinics. Today, Dr. Waller practices in Heath, Texas and is heavily involved in teaching the Gonstead work to Parker students via his Gonstead Advanced Practicum (GAP) program. He enjoys the outdoors and spends free time hunting and fishing. Dr. Waller currently serves on the GCSS Board of Directors and is the Chairman of the GCSS Diplomate & Membership Committees.
Jennifer Zhu, DC
68 Harold Avenue; Suite 101
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-246-1738
Dr. Zhu's path to chiropractic was an unconventional one. She, like many young people, started studies as a pre-med student in UC Irvine in 2001. She had the good fortune to land a coveted internship program where she was able to experience firsthand that the hospital setting was not where people got well, and decided to pivot to holistic healing. She enrolled in Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2005 for their dual graduate program of chiropractic and acupuncture, with the intention of becoming an acupuncturist. It wasn't until she experienced her first Gonstead adjustment a year later that she was able to understand the profound difference a quality adjustment could make. She had no discernable symptoms, but that adjustment made her want to literally skip while walking off the table! It was a testament to how many people may not know they have a problem, and that helping that problem could drastically improve their enjoyment of life. From there, she became voracious in learning the technique, attending every Gonstead seminar available and dropping acupuncture to focus her attention to honing skills (because who wants to be mediocre at two things when they can be great at one thing?). Since then she has gone on mission trips with Dr. Tanaka annually from 2007-2012, and eventually co-founded the Tanaka Chiropractic Missions nonprofit alongside Dr. Randal Johnson and Dr. Justine Rhee. She has had many great mentors along the way, and in 2015 she established her little health oasis called Element Chiropractic Wellness in Santa Clara, CA, where she serves her community today. When she is not working or volunteering, Dr. Zhu stays active by water activities on sunny days, snowboarding in winter, and dancing mambo whenever she can. On quieter days, she enjoys living room dance parties with her husband and two children, perusing farmer's markets, crafting, and bullet journaling.
Original Board Members
The Original Board Members of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society were:
Dennis Acquaro, DC
Darald Bolin, DC
Dan Bourns, DC
Dwight Gunderson, DC
Charles Nelson, DC
Robert Petchauer, DC
Thomas Porn, DC
Thomas Sherman, DC*
Peter Thibodeau, DC
Richard Thornton, DC*
Dr. Alex Cox
Dr. Doug Cox
Dr. James Stoenner
Dr. Ray Clinton
*Original founders of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society