Meet Our Team

The BackBone of Health^TM philosophy is simple…help the patient get well and stay well.  And our non-invasive approach just makes sense…restore the body’s natural innate powers to allow for optimum function and well being.

Our experienced professionals are committed to promoting the health and well being of our patients.  From pediatrics to geriatrics and everything in between, you will be amazed at how many different conditions we can help.  In fact, we may be the alternative you need for health and wellness. 

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Dr. Michael R. Perusich
Chiropractic Physician & Wellness Consultant
Clinic Director

Dr. Perusich is the Clinic Director of BackBone of Health Chiropractic Wellness Center in Sedalia.  He earned his BS degree at the University of Texas-Austin and his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City.  His love of children led him to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association where he holds a Fellowship Certification and earned advanced training in the Chiropractic management of pediatric and pregnancy cases.  Dr. Perusich is the past Vice President and a founding member of the ACA Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics.  He is also certified in the Kennedy Decompression Technique.

Dr. Perusich is listed in the DAN (Defeat Autism Now) Clinicians Registry.  DAN Doctors are those that wish to employ rational, scientifically sound interventions for autism.  The registry provides parents and patients with a listing of doctors having specialized knowledge in these childhood development disorders.  As a DAN Doctor, Dr. Perusich has undergone intense training on the current research, science and treatment for the detection and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD).  To help children with ASD's, Dr. Perusich started BackBone Integrated Health which is dedicated to the management of these disorders.

Also, with his athletic background, Dr. Perusich enjoys helping athletes of all types overcome sports injuries and improve athletic performance.  He has worked with Olympic Athletes as a treating physician for the World's Greatest Athletes Chiroparctic Decathlon Club, the Extreme Sports Team, and you can currently catch him on the sidelines of our very own State Fair Community College Roadrunners, where he is serving as the Official Team Physician for all their athletic teams.  He has also served as a Director of Healthcare for Rodeo Sports Medicine.  Additionally, Dr. Perusich is the team physician for the Sedalia Bombers Semi-Pro Baseball Team and the Mid-Missouri Outlaws Arena Football Team.

A published author and regular lecturer regarding health and wellness issues all over the country, Dr. Perusich has received numerous clinical awards.  He served as the Vice President of the American Chiropractic Council on Pediatrics and actively serves on various boards in our community including President of Boys and Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri, Past Co-Chair of the American Heart Association's 15th Annual Pettis County Heart Walk, Past Co-Chair of Sedalia's Blue Ribbon Vision Community Health & Wellness team, and the Leadership Council of First United Methodist Church.  BackBone of Health was also recognized in Sedalia as the 2005 Employer of the Year and the clinic was featured in a recent edition of the prestigious trade magazine, Chiropractic Economics. 

Dr. Perusich is a past member of the American Chiropractic Council on Rehabilitative Therapeutics, the American Academy of Pain Management, and Who's Who in American Business.  He is also an active member in the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, American Chiropractic Association and serves as the Co-Chair for the National SACA Committee.  He also holds membership in several ACA organizations including the Council on Sports Injuries and Physical Fitness and the Council on Occupational Health. Dr. Perusich is also a member of the ACA Council on Forensic Sciences which offers advanced skill sets in medico-legal cases involving personal injury, workers compensation as well as expert testimony skills, disability determination, causation, permanent impairment, and independent medical examinations.

Dr. Perusich is a co-founder of BackBone Communications (BBC).  BBC is a multi-faceted company providing motivational engagements and training seminars as well as business and marketing consulting for doctors and entrepreneurs.  Dr. Perusich is a nationally recognized speaker and regularly speaks all over the country.  He is available as a keynote speaker for professional and motivational engagements as well as local clubs and organizations. 

Visit the BackBone Communications website TODAY!

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Dr. Michelle Palmer
Chiropractic Physician & Wellness Consultant
Senior Clinic Associate 

Dr. Michelle Palmer is the Clinic Associate of BackBone Of Health Chiropractic Wellness Center.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physiological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Arizona-Tucson.  As a Division I soccer player for the Arizona Wildcats, she found sports injuries and treatment intriguing.  That intrigue, along with the knowledge she gained from her work as a Physical Therapy Technician, Personal Trainer, and Aerobics Instructor, helped lead her to pursue her Doctorate of Chiropractic.  As Class Valedictorian, Dr. Palmer graduated Suma Cum Laude with her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College (CCC) in Kansas City, MO.

While at CCC, she became the first student doctor to be certified in Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) Technique and was awarded the Distinguished Intern Award.  After graduation, Dr. Palmer spent two years working for one of the busiest and successful CBP offices in the country, located in Lincoln, NE.  With the clinical expertise she gained there and a fellowship in Chiropractic Biophysics, Dr. Palmer opened her own clinic in 2006, Omaha Advanced Chiropractic in Omaha, NE.  Dr. Palmer is an active member of the American Chiropractic Association.

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Lara Seng, MA

Autism Specialist

Lara Seng, is the newest member of the BackBone of Health Team.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Family Studies with a minor in Human Rehabilitative Services from the University of Northern Colorado.  Lara is also a graduate of the University of Colorado with a Masters in Sociology with an emphasis in Counseling.  She has specialized in case management, children’s therapy, and mental health counseling for adults. Previously, Lara provided drug/alcohol and mental health services in the Sedalia area.

Having a son with autism, Lara discovered a great need for resources and guidance for parents of autistic children. Together with her first-hand experience and her former education, she decided to pursue a specialty in the autism field.  At the University of Missouri, she received training on conducting discrete trials, data tracking, and ABA implementation.  As a service provider for First Steps of Missouri, Lara provided ABA implementation, parent training, and workshops for new implementers. She received a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas and completed an extensive supervised internship in which she worked one-on-one with many children under the autism spectrum.  Most recently, Lara provided consultation for families and schools in the Colorado area.

Lara is currently available to provide individualized programs to support clients of various needs and age ranges. In addition to consultation services, Lara offers behavior plan development and monitoring, as well as Discrete Trial Training programs. She also specializes in home-based ABA programs, implementation, parent education, and social skills trainings. Lara enjoys being actively involved in the community by offering support and a variety of resources for families with autistic children.

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Laura Jones MOT, OTR/L 
Occupational Therapist 

Laura Jones, Occupational Therapist, joined BackBone of Health in August 2010, bringing vast experience and training in the management of joint related conditions. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Masters of Occupational Therapy and is currently studying to become a certified hand specialist (CHT).  She also works with Thoracic Outlet and Carpal Tunnel Syndromes, upper extremity over-use and repetitive action syndromes and work-related injuries.  Laura also offers expertise in custom orthoplast splint fabrication for the upper extremity and home safety evaluations.  For the workplace, Laura offers ergonomics training and job site evaluations as well and works with work related injuries of the upper extremities.

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Jessica Mango   
Nutrition and Wellness Coach 

Jessica Mango joins the Backbone of Health team and as Nutrition and Wellness Coach.  She is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics. She is a Smithton native and has very active in the Sedalia/Pettis County community for many years.
Nutrition is a huge part of her everyday life and has been a point of interest for Jessica for many years. Since her younger brother was diagnosed with type-I diabetes she has been very aggressive in learning about nutrition and disease, as well as disease prevention. This life changing family event gave her the drive to educate and mentor others about nutrition and leading a healthier lifestyle.
Jessica provides patients with individualized nutritional education as well as making recommendations to improve their overall wellness and enhance their optimal health. Recommendations are derived from nutritional plans, goals, and tips, as well as a variety of supplements and nutritional factors.
 Jessica offers options for weight management programs, nutritional education, as well as disease specific consultations.  With her strong background in food-based nutrition, she provides tips and ideas of how to prepare food to obtain and preserve the essential micronutrients.
Jessica’s approach is to promote the importance of a balanced diet to achieve desired health and wellness. She is a very patient centered educator and mentor evidenced by the personal attention she gives to the patients at Backbone of Health.

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Marisa
Director of Operations

Having earned her Business Management degree from CMSU, Marisa oversees the business aspects of the clinic and works with third-party payers to ensure our patients receive the maximum amount of benefit from their insurance plans. She also assists patients with scheduling, billing, insurance filing, and records management, as well as being the assistant to the doctors. Marisa posesses an extensive knowledge of medical industry billing practices to help patients maximize the value of their care.  Marisa also manages Dr. Perusich's speaking schedule and oversees the management of the other BackBone Companies.

A native of Sedalia, Marisa, her husband, and their two children call it home. She has been with BackBone of Health for more than 9 years and also serves on the BackBone Vision Team.

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Maleah
Director of Rehabilitative Services

Maleah assists our doctors by working directly with patients in our neuro-muscular rehabilitation department. She is a graduate of CMSU with a degree in Exercise Science. She is regarded as one of the best in her field at delivering quality care for patients.  As the senior staff member, Maleah also serves on the BackBone Vision Team.

Maleah and her husband live in the Sedalia area with their son and daughter. She has been with BackBone of Health nearly 10 years. Maleah is also a very talented singer and can be seen participating in many contests in the area.

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JoAnn
Director of Community Relations

Jo interacts with a number of civic and service groups, serving as our clinic liaison to the Sedalia community. She creates opportunities for our clinic to educate and support other organizations, businesses, and the citizens of our community. A graduate of CMSU with a BS in Business, she and Dr. Perusich returned to Sedalia, her hometown, to open the BackBone Of Health in 2000.  Jo is also a full-time instructor at State Fair Community College in the business department. Doc and Jo are grateful to raise their daughter surrounded by friends and family here in Sedalia.

Jo is also a co-founder of BackBone Communications (BBC).  BBC is a multi-faceted company providing motivational engagements and training seminars as well as business and marketing consulting for doctors and entrepreneurs.  Jo is available as a keynote speaker for professional and motivational engagements.

Visit the BackBone Communications website TODAY!