After achieving a Bachelor’s of Science at Eastern Illinois University, Dr. Erin O’Connor attended chiropractic school at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where she earned her Doctor of Chiropractic. She then attended an American Veterinary Chiropractic Association accredited program at Parker University in Dallas, Texas to become an AVCA certified animal chiropractor. Additionally, she furthered her education to become certified in naturopathic carnivore nutrition by the American Council of Animal Naturopathy.
Before opening Vitality, she worked alongside an animal chiropractor in Geneseo, IL and also worked in an abroad clinic in Nadi, Fiji to provide care to people who can’t afford or don’t have access to healthcare.
Dr. O’Connor frequently lectures for various dog groups and provides demonstrations on canine chiropractic. She is one of the featured presenters each year at the Chicago Pet Show. She has also provided interviews for various media, such as local newspapers, magazines, and television. Additionally, she mentors students interested in animal chiropractic, particularly those from her alma mater, Palmer College of Chiropractic, both on campus and at her clinic.
Dr. O’Connor also provides animal chiropractic care once a week on Mondays at Autumn Green Animal Hospital in Geneva and volunteers her chiropractic services for injured wildlife at Fox Valley Wildlife Center in Elburn.
In the past, she has served as an Adjunct Professor of Anatomy & Physiology at College of DuPage as well as President of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce-Chicagoland. She also had provided monthly visits to Fox Valley Dog Training Club and Stewart Family Chiropractic, but due to increased demand at her own clinic and Autumn Green Animal Hospital, can no longer take the time away to do so.
In her free time, Dr. O’Connor enjoys scuba diving, traveling, cooking, hiking, learning, fine arts, and of course spending time with her own pets! She participates in agility with her dogs and recently dipped her feet into duck and sheep herding with her border collie. Dr. O’Connor and her husband, Dr. Nottoli (Vitality Soft Tissue & Spine) have an Italian greyhound, border collie, German shepherd dog, and an African grey parrot. Don’t let that list fool you, the parrot is the “head honcho” out of the bunch. The dogs come to work every day, so you may get a peak of them behind the front desk! Dr. O’Connor’s dogs have participated in obedience, CGC, agility, duck and sheep herding, and swimming. They receive regular chiropractic care and are raw fed.
Curriculum Vitae
Current Work
Owner & Animal Chiropractor, Vitality Chiropractic Center - Aurora, IL - Oct 2010-present
Provide animal chiropractic care to dogs, cats, exotics and more
Animal Chiropractor, Autumn Green Animal Hospital - Geneva, IL - Mar 2013-present
Provide animal chiropractic care to dogs, cats, exotics and more
Naturopathic Carnivore Nutrition Consultant, Roaring for Raw - Aurora, IL - Dec 2014-present
Provide raw nutrition guidance to owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets
Partner, Farm 2 Bowl - Fairbury, IL - Sept 2018-present
Providing premium prey-model raw food to the Chicagoland area
Past Related Work
Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, College of DuPage - Glen Ellyn, IL - 2011-May 2013
Taught anatomy and physiology lecture and lab to health profession majors, withdrew due to Autumn Green position
Microbiologist, Miniat, Inc - 2006
Ensure plant adheres to OSHA guidelines with a strong emphasis on sanitation methods, contamination avoidance and quality assurance, as well as perform temperature, metal, and microbial checks on equipment and food being processed
Research Microbiologist, Eastern Illinois University - Charleston, IL - 2005-2006
Perform and publish research on the antibiotic resistance of enterococcus species in the food supply
Volunteer Work
Animal Chiropractor, Fox Valley Wildlife Center - Elburn, IL - Jul 2011-present
Provide animal chiropractic care to native wildlife of Illinois, such as deer, raccoons, ducks, geese, hawks, owls, opossums, songbirds, doves, cottontails, snapping turtles, and more.
Animal Chiropractor, Naperville Area Humane Society - Naperville, IL - 2010-2011
Provided monthly visits of animal chiropractic services to the shelter's dogs and cats
Assist in Microbiological Research, Northern Illinois University - 2013-2015
Found participants who met criteria for the study of salivary and stool microbial strains comparing raw fed and kibble fed dogs, as well as swabs of participants to be used in the research study
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL – May 2006
Doctor of Chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA – February 2010
Animal Chiropractor, Parker College of Chiropractic, Dallas, TX – February 2010
Carnivore Nutrition Consultant, American Council of Animal Naturopathy – December 2014
Certificates and Recognitions
Tau Beta Sigma, Honorary Music Service Sorority – March 2003
Phi Sigma, Honor Society for Promotion of Research in Biological Sciences – April 2005
Microbiology Research Assistant, Eastern Illinois University – 2005-2006
Sigma Phi Chi, Promotion of Women in Chiropractic – May 2007
International Academy of Advanced Chiropractic Orthopedics Symposium on Upper Extremities – May 2006
International Academy of Advanced Chiropractic Orthopedics Symposium on Lower Extremities – February 2008
Clinical Internship, Noah’s Ark Chiropractic in Geneseo, IL – January 2008 – February 2010
Parker College of Chiropractic, Certificate in Animal Chiropractic – August 2009 – February 2010
Palmer Clinic Abroad, Humanitarian Service to the People of Nadi, Fiji – October/November 2009
Cranial Sacral Therapy for Animals – October 2012
President, Holistic Chamber of Commerce-Chicagoland – January 2013 – December 2013
Advanced Canine Gait Analysis Certificate – December 2013
Awards and Media
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2010
Featured on NCTV 17, Small Business Connection, Dec 2010
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Small Business of the Year Award Nominee, 2011
Featured in the Naperville Sun, Chiropractors Help Humans and their Pets, 2011
Small Business of the Year Award Nominee, 2011
Featured on NCTV17 New Broadcast, "Starting a Small Business During a Recession," July 2011
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2011
Featured in “Chiropractic: Holistic Health from Head to Tail” in Naperville Dog Magazine, Jan 2012
Mentioned in the book Heads or Tails- a memoir, by David Sharos, Mar 2012
Featured in “Animal Chiropractic Success Stories” on Mercola Healthy Pets, Apr 2012
Featured in “Chiropractic Care for Your Pets” on SheKnows, Jun 2012
Awarded “Best Chiropractor” Winner in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2012
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2012
Elected President of Holistic Chamber of Commerce - Chicago Chapter, Jan 2013
Featured on "Pampered Pets" Episode on The Ladies Room, NCTV17, Jan 2013
Awarded “Best Chiropractor” Runner Up in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2013
Author of "Animal Chiropractic: An Alternative for Neurological Conditions" article in West Suburban Dog Magazine, Jul 2013
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2013
Awarded “Best Chiropractor" Runner Up in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2014
Featured in "What Does An Animal Chiropractor Do" on Drop In Local, 2014
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2014
Author of "Helping Pets Stay Happy and Healthy With Animal Chiropractic"article in West Suburban Dog Magazine, 2015
Featured in "Animal Chiropractic" in American Council of Animal Naturopathy Newsletter and Blog, 2015
Awarded "Best Chiropractor" Winner in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2015
Author of "Animal Chiropractic" article in Raw Pet Digest, 2015
Featured in "An Animal Chiropractor Can Help Improve Your Pets Life" on DogTube, 2015
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2015
Featured in "Spotlight On Health: Dr. Erin O'Connor" in Raw Pet Digest, 2015
Featured Speaker in "Helping Your Senior Dog Enjoy Their Golden Years" Seminar, Feb 2016
Awarded “Best Chiropractor" Winner in Naperville Magazine, 2016
Forward Author of Let Food Be Their Medicine: Using Nature's Principles to Help Your Dog Thrive by Kristin Clark, Aug 2017
Contributing Writer to the book, Sophie... best friends are forever by Ted Slupik, Oct 2017
Awarded “Best Chiropractor" Winner in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2017
Author of "Raising a Puppy Naturally" article in Raw Pet Digest, Aug 2017
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "5 Ways to Avoid Spinal Injury in Your Dog," Nov 2017
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "Raw Nutrition for Dogs and Cats," Nov 2017
Contributing Author to Raw and Thriving by Kristin Clark, May, 2018
Awarded “Best Chiropractor" Winner in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2018
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "Amping Up Your Raw Feeding Game," Nov 2018
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "Secret Weapons for the Canine Athlete," Nov 2018
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "Happy & Healthy Geriatrics," Jan 2020
Certifications
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Part I – 2007
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Part II – 2008
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Part III – 2009
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Part IV – 2009
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Physiotherapy – 2009
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association Certified Animal Chiropractor – October 2010
American Council of Animal Naturopathy Certified Carnivore Nutrition Consultant – December 2014
Professional Memberships
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce
Young Professionals of the Naperville Chamber
American Council of Animal Naturopathy
Fox Valley Chamber of Commerce (Past)
Teaching
Adjunct professor at College of DuPage, Health & Sciences Dept, Anatomy & Physiology, 2010-2013
Mentor for Palmer College Animal Chiropractic Club, 2010-present
Dr. O'Connor's hours are: Tuesdays 9a-1p & 3-8p, Thursdays 3-8p, Fridays 8a-2p, Select Saturdays 10a-2p
Before opening Vitality, she worked alongside an animal chiropractor in Geneseo, IL and also worked in an abroad clinic in Nadi, Fiji to provide care to people who can’t afford or don’t have access to healthcare.
Dr. O’Connor frequently lectures for various dog groups and provides demonstrations on canine chiropractic. She is one of the featured presenters each year at the Chicago Pet Show. She has also provided interviews for various media, such as local newspapers, magazines, and television. Additionally, she mentors students interested in animal chiropractic, particularly those from her alma mater, Palmer College of Chiropractic, both on campus and at her clinic.
Dr. O’Connor also provides animal chiropractic care once a week on Mondays at Autumn Green Animal Hospital in Geneva and volunteers her chiropractic services for injured wildlife at Fox Valley Wildlife Center in Elburn.
In the past, she has served as an Adjunct Professor of Anatomy & Physiology at College of DuPage as well as President of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce-Chicagoland. She also had provided monthly visits to Fox Valley Dog Training Club and Stewart Family Chiropractic, but due to increased demand at her own clinic and Autumn Green Animal Hospital, can no longer take the time away to do so.
In her free time, Dr. O’Connor enjoys scuba diving, traveling, cooking, hiking, learning, fine arts, and of course spending time with her own pets! She participates in agility with her dogs and recently dipped her feet into duck and sheep herding with her border collie. Dr. O’Connor and her husband, Dr. Nottoli (Vitality Soft Tissue & Spine) have an Italian greyhound, border collie, German shepherd dog, and an African grey parrot. Don’t let that list fool you, the parrot is the “head honcho” out of the bunch. The dogs come to work every day, so you may get a peak of them behind the front desk! Dr. O’Connor’s dogs have participated in obedience, CGC, agility, duck and sheep herding, and swimming. They receive regular chiropractic care and are raw fed.
Curriculum Vitae
Current Work
Owner & Animal Chiropractor, Vitality Chiropractic Center - Aurora, IL - Oct 2010-present
Provide animal chiropractic care to dogs, cats, exotics and more
Animal Chiropractor, Autumn Green Animal Hospital - Geneva, IL - Mar 2013-present
Provide animal chiropractic care to dogs, cats, exotics and more
Naturopathic Carnivore Nutrition Consultant, Roaring for Raw - Aurora, IL - Dec 2014-present
Provide raw nutrition guidance to owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets
Partner, Farm 2 Bowl - Fairbury, IL - Sept 2018-present
Providing premium prey-model raw food to the Chicagoland area
Past Related Work
Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, College of DuPage - Glen Ellyn, IL - 2011-May 2013
Taught anatomy and physiology lecture and lab to health profession majors, withdrew due to Autumn Green position
Microbiologist, Miniat, Inc - 2006
Ensure plant adheres to OSHA guidelines with a strong emphasis on sanitation methods, contamination avoidance and quality assurance, as well as perform temperature, metal, and microbial checks on equipment and food being processed
Research Microbiologist, Eastern Illinois University - Charleston, IL - 2005-2006
Perform and publish research on the antibiotic resistance of enterococcus species in the food supply
Volunteer Work
Animal Chiropractor, Fox Valley Wildlife Center - Elburn, IL - Jul 2011-present
Provide animal chiropractic care to native wildlife of Illinois, such as deer, raccoons, ducks, geese, hawks, owls, opossums, songbirds, doves, cottontails, snapping turtles, and more.
Animal Chiropractor, Naperville Area Humane Society - Naperville, IL - 2010-2011
Provided monthly visits of animal chiropractic services to the shelter's dogs and cats
Assist in Microbiological Research, Northern Illinois University - 2013-2015
Found participants who met criteria for the study of salivary and stool microbial strains comparing raw fed and kibble fed dogs, as well as swabs of participants to be used in the research study
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL – May 2006
Doctor of Chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA – February 2010
Animal Chiropractor, Parker College of Chiropractic, Dallas, TX – February 2010
Carnivore Nutrition Consultant, American Council of Animal Naturopathy – December 2014
Certificates and Recognitions
Tau Beta Sigma, Honorary Music Service Sorority – March 2003
Phi Sigma, Honor Society for Promotion of Research in Biological Sciences – April 2005
Microbiology Research Assistant, Eastern Illinois University – 2005-2006
Sigma Phi Chi, Promotion of Women in Chiropractic – May 2007
International Academy of Advanced Chiropractic Orthopedics Symposium on Upper Extremities – May 2006
International Academy of Advanced Chiropractic Orthopedics Symposium on Lower Extremities – February 2008
Clinical Internship, Noah’s Ark Chiropractic in Geneseo, IL – January 2008 – February 2010
Parker College of Chiropractic, Certificate in Animal Chiropractic – August 2009 – February 2010
Palmer Clinic Abroad, Humanitarian Service to the People of Nadi, Fiji – October/November 2009
Cranial Sacral Therapy for Animals – October 2012
President, Holistic Chamber of Commerce-Chicagoland – January 2013 – December 2013
Advanced Canine Gait Analysis Certificate – December 2013
Awards and Media
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2010
Featured on NCTV 17, Small Business Connection, Dec 2010
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Small Business of the Year Award Nominee, 2011
Featured in the Naperville Sun, Chiropractors Help Humans and their Pets, 2011
Small Business of the Year Award Nominee, 2011
Featured on NCTV17 New Broadcast, "Starting a Small Business During a Recession," July 2011
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2011
Featured in “Chiropractic: Holistic Health from Head to Tail” in Naperville Dog Magazine, Jan 2012
Mentioned in the book Heads or Tails- a memoir, by David Sharos, Mar 2012
Featured in “Animal Chiropractic Success Stories” on Mercola Healthy Pets, Apr 2012
Featured in “Chiropractic Care for Your Pets” on SheKnows, Jun 2012
Awarded “Best Chiropractor” Winner in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2012
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2012
Elected President of Holistic Chamber of Commerce - Chicago Chapter, Jan 2013
Featured on "Pampered Pets" Episode on The Ladies Room, NCTV17, Jan 2013
Awarded “Best Chiropractor” Runner Up in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2013
Author of "Animal Chiropractic: An Alternative for Neurological Conditions" article in West Suburban Dog Magazine, Jul 2013
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2013
Awarded “Best Chiropractor" Runner Up in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2014
Featured in "What Does An Animal Chiropractor Do" on Drop In Local, 2014
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2014
Author of "Helping Pets Stay Happy and Healthy With Animal Chiropractic"article in West Suburban Dog Magazine, 2015
Featured in "Animal Chiropractic" in American Council of Animal Naturopathy Newsletter and Blog, 2015
Awarded "Best Chiropractor" Winner in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2015
Author of "Animal Chiropractic" article in Raw Pet Digest, 2015
Featured in "An Animal Chiropractor Can Help Improve Your Pets Life" on DogTube, 2015
Featured Speaker at the Chicago Pet Show, Nov 2015
Featured in "Spotlight On Health: Dr. Erin O'Connor" in Raw Pet Digest, 2015
Featured Speaker in "Helping Your Senior Dog Enjoy Their Golden Years" Seminar, Feb 2016
Awarded “Best Chiropractor" Winner in Naperville Magazine, 2016
Forward Author of Let Food Be Their Medicine: Using Nature's Principles to Help Your Dog Thrive by Kristin Clark, Aug 2017
Contributing Writer to the book, Sophie... best friends are forever by Ted Slupik, Oct 2017
Awarded “Best Chiropractor" Winner in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2017
Author of "Raising a Puppy Naturally" article in Raw Pet Digest, Aug 2017
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "5 Ways to Avoid Spinal Injury in Your Dog," Nov 2017
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "Raw Nutrition for Dogs and Cats," Nov 2017
Contributing Author to Raw and Thriving by Kristin Clark, May, 2018
Awarded “Best Chiropractor" Winner in Naperville Magazine, Jul 2018
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "Amping Up Your Raw Feeding Game," Nov 2018
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "Secret Weapons for the Canine Athlete," Nov 2018
Speaker at the Animal Wellness Summit, "Happy & Healthy Geriatrics," Jan 2020
Certifications
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Part I – 2007
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Part II – 2008
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Part III – 2009
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Part IV – 2009
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certificate of Attainment, Physiotherapy – 2009
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association Certified Animal Chiropractor – October 2010
American Council of Animal Naturopathy Certified Carnivore Nutrition Consultant – December 2014
Professional Memberships
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce
Young Professionals of the Naperville Chamber
American Council of Animal Naturopathy
Fox Valley Chamber of Commerce (Past)
Teaching
Adjunct professor at College of DuPage, Health & Sciences Dept, Anatomy & Physiology, 2010-2013
Mentor for Palmer College Animal Chiropractic Club, 2010-present
Dr. O'Connor's hours are: Tuesdays 9a-1p & 3-8p, Thursdays 3-8p, Fridays 8a-2p, Select Saturdays 10a-2p
Proudly powered by a love for animals.