Meet the Doctors

Renee I Pethtel B.S., D.C. is a 1996 Graduate of Life University in Marietta, Georgia. My personal experience with Chiropractic began just after birth.  I was born over a month premature with a condition called Hyaline Membrane Disease, This condition affects premature babies since their lungs are under developed. Since my  lungs were so under developed, the Medical Doctors told my parents that if I did not have a complete blood transfusion within the next three days that I probably would not make it past the first few weeks of life.  Over the next three days my father, the late Donald L. Pethtel D.C., D.A.C.S., spent countless hours adjusting me, and working on me doing everything he could possibly think of . On the am of the third day, just prior to the scheduled blood transfusion, the doctors came in dumbfounded. They said they reran the tests three times, and my function had returned to almost normal and the transfusion was no longer needed. It is stories like these, and many others,  that I get to witness and be a part of through the practice of Chiropractic.

I have undergone extensive post graduate training, and  have trained under the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) to learn the latest in techniques  and analysis for adjusting newborns and children of all ages. I am certified in the Webster Technique. This is a  specific Chiropractic Analysis and Adjustment for pregnant moms, which has been shown to allow the baby to get in the best position possible for birth. Currently, I am undergoing further training to become a Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner (CCWP).

My father, the late Donald L. Pethtel D.C., D.A.C.S., opened the Van Born Chiropractic Clinic over 40 years ago, in 1968. Over the years, we have always prided ourselves in being able to offer quality Chiropractic Healthcare at affordable rates.

Organization Affiliations

Member of the Michigan Association of Chiropractors since 1996.

Member of the International Chiropractic Association since 1996.

Member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association since 2001.

Member of the Michigan Chiropractic Pediatric Association since 2009.

Dr Donald G. Pethtel, has a lifetime of chiropractic experience. Growing up with a chiropractor for a father has imbued him with a deep appreciation for the healing that chiropractic can bring. Before beginning his formal chiropractic education, Dr. Pethtel served his country by enlisting in the Marine Corps. This gave him fisrt hand knowledge of the extreme physical and mental demands that can lead a person to injury and poor health. By incorporating these extreme experiences with formal education and understanding he is better able to serve a wide range of patients. Dr. Donald G. Pethtel is a 2001 graduate of Life University in Marietta, Georgia. He has operated clinics in East Lansing MI and Austin TX, and now brings his experience to the Van Born Chiropractic Clinic.

Meet Our Staff

Kerri	I have worked at Van Born Chiropractic Clinic since 1995 as a Chiropractic Assistant. I am married and have 2 very active sons. Chiropractic care plays a very important role in our lives. My sons are both very active in sports along with my husband. Over the years, regular Adjustments have helped to keep me and my family healthy. I take every opportunity I can to share my knowledge of Chiropractic with others. I want everybody to experience an improved quality of life, just as my family and I do.
Lilly	My name is Lilly. I just moved up to Michigan from Georgia. I have been under Chiropractic Care for over 2 years now and have experienced the amazing health benefits of it. It allows me to remain healthy and active and keep up with my 2 dogs, Max and Wrangler. I also love to hang out with my family and friends. I truly enjoy talking with people and sharing what I know of the great benefits of Chiropractic care. I can't wait to see what my journey holds here at Van Born Chiropractic!
Gloriani	My name is Gloriani (Glo for short). I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I moved to Michigan in 2020 looking for a new start. Since then I became a first time mom, bought my first house and began my job at Van Born Chiropractic. I would consider myself a creative person and love to craft and create decor for my home. My son is the biggest motivation in my life. He always motivates me to do my best, learn new things and to work hard so I can always be a good example to him. I am so excited and really enjoy working at Van Born Chiropractic. I look forward to gaining more knowledge and experience with Chiropractic and to help others in their Chiropractic journey.
Heather	My name is Heather Himes. I was born and raised in Michigan. I have always been very active. I was a dancer for 15 years and played Volleyball and Basketball throughout high school. Now that I am older I have began to feel the effects of all of those activities. I had never been to a Chiropractor prior to working at Van Born Chiropractic. I have always been interested in learning more about how the human body works. In just a few adjustments its amazing how much better I feel. I am so thankful to be a part of the family here at Van Born Chiropractic. I am very excited to see what the future holds.