Pahoa Chiropractic | About | pahoachiropractic.com

MEET PAHOA CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Melissa

Merrill, D.C.

Dr. Melissa Merrill started her career in chiropractic care as a receptionist at a chiropractor's office in upstate California. After her personal experiences with chiropractic care, which changed her life, she went on to study at Life Chiropractic College West, graduating in 2013. She began working at D'Amico Chiropractic in Fortuna, CA and discovered her love of helping people, especially pregnant women and young children. The youngest keiki she has adjusted to date was just 22 hours old. Some of her techniques include drop table chiropractic, muscles testing, activator adjustment treatments, and percussor therapy.

Dr. Melissa moved to Pahoa to continue the chiropractic practice of Dr. Roy Lozano, who chose to retire after losing his home to the 2018 lava flow in Puna.

Dr. Melissa first visited the island many years ago and fell in love. She feels welcome and at home in the Puna area and continues to enjoy the energy and community she has found in Pahoa.

B.S. (Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology) - Humbolt State University

Kinesiology (the study of human body movement with a heavy emphasis on anatomy and physiology)

Minor in Nutrition

D.C. (Doctorate of Chiropractic) - Life Chiropractic College West

BIOGRAPHY COMING SOON

Dr. Gregory
Robichaud, D.C.

Jarica's initial interest in the healing arts began with the path of Yoga, where she learned of the energetic system in the body. She studied Ayurveda at the Mount Madonna Center and trained in Ayurvedic bodywork therapies. She became a licensed Massage therapist in 2005; Studying at the Heartwood Institute in California. She trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Cranial Sacral, Polarity therapy, Shiatsu. In 2018 she completed a Masters in Acupuncture on Ohau and is currently licensed in Hawaii. She enjoys integrating the modalities that she has gathered for a holistic approach.

Acupunturist Jarica Barr

Earned a Master of Science from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colorado in 2010 and began private practice, including Community Acupuncture in Islamorada, Florida.

Tanisha

practiced there until 2016. From 2016-2021, she had a private clinic on her homestead in Cooper Landing, Alaska.

Tanisha is nationally board certified by the NCCAOM in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine and licensed by the state of Hawaii.

Prior to becoming a practitioner of East Asian Medicine, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of South Alabama. I worked in the areas of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, corporate fitness and wellness, and physical therapy. My clinical experience includes specialties in Women's Health (OB/GYN), Pain Management, Complementary Oncology Care, and Pediatrics. I practice a gentle style of Japanese Acupuncture combined with Moxibustion, therapeutic bodywork (Tuina & Shiatsu) and Chinese Herbal Medicine. I am attuned as a Reiki Master in the lineage of Mikao Usui.

Acupunturist Tanisha Walters

Business Manager
Carlos Perez

Susan Beal,
Receptionist

Susan Beal has been in the ‘business’ of customer care for over 35 years. Susan is an accomplished massage therapist. She strives to treat everyone with compassion, respect, and patience. Her goal is to help each individual receive the care they need.

She has been married to her husband Mark for 38 years and they arrived on island together, from Pennsylvania, at the beginning of 2025, with their dog, a Boxer, named Lizzy.

They all love living here and spending as much time as possible at the ocean. When she is not at work, you will find her volunteering her time helping others learn about the Bible or snorkeling and enjoying the beach.

LMT, CST-t, LC, NCTMB