About Us
How Vera Chiropractic Came to Be
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Vera Chiropractic was created from a deep belief that the nervous system is the foundation of health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and childhood.
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My journey toward this work began in 2017 when I started chiropractic school with a dream of changing the trajectory of people’s health naturally. What I didn’t yet realize was just how profound chiropractic care could be for pregnant moms, babies, and growing families.
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During school, I learned how a nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight (sympathetic overdrive) can impact the way the body develops, adapts, and heals. In children, this often shows up as sensory challenges, difficulty with focus, frequent emotional outbursts, and trouble regulating big feelings. When the brain and body can’t communicate clearly, everything feels harder—for kids and for parents.
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That realization changed everything.
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I went on to intern at one of the largest pediatric chiropractic offices in the world in Illinois, where I witnessed moments that still give me chills:
• Non-verbal children saying their first words
• A little boy hugging his mom for the first time after no longer being hypersensitive to touch
• A teenager with depression experiencing joy for the first time in years
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But what impacted me just as deeply was how care was delivered. This office didn’t just adjust spines—it built community. Families felt known. Kids played together. Milestones were celebrated. Support extended far beyond the adjustment table.
I knew then that I wanted to create that same space—one where families feel safe, supported, and deeply cared for—within my own community.
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After spending two years learning how to be both an excellent chiropractor and a thoughtful business owner, my family and I fell in love with Columbia, Missouri. The moment we experienced the community here, we knew this was where we wanted to raise our kids and put down roots.
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Vera Chiropractic officially opened its doors on April 29, 2023—with a mission to support pregnant moms, babies, and full families through neurologically-based chiropractic care and genuine connection.
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— Dr. Kenzie
Meet the Vera Chiropractic Team
Dr. Dee Patel, DC
Pediatric & Family Chiropractor
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Dr. Dee brings a gentle, thoughtful approach to care with a special interest in cranial work and supporting babies and children with feeding challenges, tongue ties, and early developmental stressors. She is also Webster Certified and provides excellent care for our mommas and babies alike.
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Dr. Dee is passionate about serving the pediatric and perinatal population through nervous system-focused care. As a mom herself, she brings a deep level of empathy and understanding to the families she supports. She’s dedicated to raising awareness about the powerful benefits chiropractic care can offer during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood.
Dr. Kenzie Schouten, DC
Founder & Pediatric + Prenatal Chiropractor
Dr. Kenzie is a pediatric and perinatal chiropractor with advanced training in caring for babies, children, pregnant moms, and full families. She is Webster Certified and continually pursues advanced education to ensure families receive the highest level of neurologically-based care.
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Her passion lies in helping babies with feeding challenges, colic, reflux, and constipation, supporting kids with sensory and emotional regulation challenges, and walking alongside moms through pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.
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Above all, Dr. Kenzie believes care should feel calm, empowering, and deeply personal—never rushed, never scary, and always rooted in truth.
Wendy Cooney
Care Advocate & Patient Experience Coordinator
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Wendy is often the first friendly face you’ll meet at Vera Chiropractic. As our Care Advocate, she helps guide families through their care journey—from scheduling appointment and answering questions to holding babies and celebrating milestones along the way.
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Wendy is passionate about creating a space where moms feel truly heard, valued, and supported in their health journeys—both for themselves and their little ones. She loves that Vera offers a safe and welcoming environment for every person that walks through the doors.
You'll usually find Wendy up front at the desk, working to create the best patient experience or behind the scenes bringing Vera's heart to life on social media!
