Meet the Team

GARY COOLS, N.D., DAc        Gary Cools, who has earned a PhD in Naturopathy,  recently joined the team at Fruitport Chiropractic Center/Pathways to Health.  He is also a MASTER HERBALIST and ACUPUNCTURE DETOX SPECIALIST.  Gary has worked out of his office in Ludington since 1998, and at the Suttons Bay Medical Clinic of Integrated Health since 2001.  At the clinic, he offers herbal medicine, nutrition consultation, addiction therapy, pain management, homeopathy, medical massage, and both ear and full body acupuncture.  He was the first person in the United States to be nationally certified by both the American Massage Therapy Association and the American Medical Massage Association. He is trained in cancer therapies, homeopathics and in responses to autism and brain damage.

        Gary has attended MSU, EMU, CMU, and U of M, Westshore Community College and Washtenaw County Community College, among others.  He has served on various Boards of Directors, including the Blue Heron Academy and the Michigan Complementary Medicine Association.  He was a site developer and instructor for the Traverse City branch of the Blue Heron Academy, and created the Hartwick Institute for Medical Arts and Sciences as a means of teaching research-based complementary therapies to the medical community.

        Mr. Cools is available by appointment through Fruitport Chiropractic Center.  You can call the office at (231) 865-6545.

Melissa VanderHaar, CMT

     Melissa is a Certified Massage Therapist, having received her certification from Muskegon Community College in 2005.  She also has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology, and a minor in Exercise Science from Hope College in Holland, Michigan.  Melissa specializes in Medical Massage, and has a passion for helping people through her work.

     Melissa specializes in Relaxation, Deep Tissue, and Neuromuscular Therapy, and can tailor a visit to fit your needs.  She works closely with Dr. Steve, and her work complements the chiropractic treatment(s) he provides. 

     Appointments are available every day of the week, and can be scheduled by calling (231) 865-6545.

Barb McPhail, Personal Weight Loss Coach

     Barb has several years of experience in the weight loss field.  She has designed personalized programs and has coached several clients to success.  She offers a computerized menu program for each individual, personal coaching, and spends the time necessary to establish and maintain your program.

     In addition, Barb is training with Dr. Steve in the Brimhall methods, Nutrition Response Testing (NRT),  and in assisting with some of the chiropractic treatments.  If you would like more information about her programs, please call her at: (231) 865-3430.   You can also e-mail her at:  Healthystyles@ymail.com.

Beverly J

     Bev opens up the office in the morning, and keeps it humming throughout the day.  She is our "first line of defense" when it comes to dealing with insurance companies.  Bev handles the day-to-day operations of our front office, keeping it running like a "finely-tuned machined."

     Bev graduated from Fruitport High School and earned an Associates Degree in Accounting from Muskegon Community College.  She has worked with the public for more than 14 years, and has been part of our team for more than five years.

Julie T

     Julie is our back-up office person who assists with day-to-day office operations as well as patient care.  She also places weekly nutrition orders and keeps a check on the inventory.  One of her main responsibilities is marketing the programs offered here at Fruitport Chiropractic Center/Pathways to Health.

     Julie also graduated from Fruitport High School, as well as Muskegon Business College (now known as Baker).  She has worked in retail, health, graphic arts, as well as small business management.  Julie has been with us for over six years.

Marcia S

     Marcia is our Billing Specialist.  She processes patient billing as well as insurance billing.  Troubleshooting accounts and keeping the office stocked with necessary supplies are other areas of responsibility.  When needed, Marcia also serves as a back-up for the front office.

        Are we the missing piece to your health puzzle???