Growing up in Missouri, Amanda Scipho, DC (’17), MS (’17) always had a sense of purpose shaped by family and service. Her father served in the United States Navy and then settled the family in Missouri, after living in California.
“The inspiration behind my decision to become a chiropractor comes from a deeply personal place,” said Dr. Scipho. “Having witnessed my dad’s struggle with chronic pain, I knew I wanted to find a solution without drugs and surgery. I have always been drawn to a more holistic approach, and I knew I had a place in the medical model with chiropractic.”
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree from Truman State University, Dr. Scipho embarked on the next step of her journey at Logan University. In 2017, she earned both a Master of Science in Nutrition & Human Performance (MS-NHP) degree and a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. During this time, Dr. Scipho also earned an acupuncture certification and gained valuable clinical experience working at her clinical rotation at Scott Air Force Base, setting the stage for a thriving chiropractic career.
Dr. Scipho started her private practice just before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. At the time, she was balancing the demands of a new business while preparing for a wedding and a future family. The early days were marked by part-time roles teaching fitness classes at Gold’s Gym and Club Fitness alongside personal training and a position with The Joint Chiropractic to hone her skills.
Today, Dr. Scipho runs a practice, Ananda Chiropractic and Acupuncture, offering personalized care that includes chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, cupping, kinesiology taping, and rehabilitative exercises.
“My business model allows me to spend extra time with my patients; my appointments range from 30 minutes to an hour,” she said. “My patient base is diverse—I see patients from mechanics to teachers, as well as first responders and military personnel.”
In 2022, Dr. Scipho joined The Health Catalyst, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reduced-cost care for military members, veterans and first responders. She was eager to serve these communities, which hold a special place in her heart.
With a father, brother and many family members either active or retired from the military and a husband who serves as a paramedic firefighter, the mission of The Health Catalyst resonates deeply.
“I think it’s important to give back to these groups that give so much for us every day,” she said.