Guest Speaking

Dr. Tommy Forrest

Position: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

My name is Dr. Tommy Forrest and I am excited about joining the TEAM here at Grand Strand Health and Wellness. My Chiropractic journey has not followed the normal course of events like most, but I have had the pleasure of practicing for over twenty years.

Growing up, I had a second cousin who was a Chiropractor and he would adjust the family when we saw him. The only problem was that I only saw him about three to four times my entire childhood. My parents did not believe in regular Chiropractic visits and fortunately we were never involved in any major injuries from sports or car collisions.

My first love was Sports Medicine. I have always been very involved with all sports, but tennis has been my life for quite a while.  I played collegiately for Baylor University and have continued to play as much as I possibly can.  Let me know if you play tennis!

It wasn’t until I was in graduate school at Indiana State University that I really saw the positive benefits of athletes getting adjusted on a regular basis.  Even when athletes were injured, those that were under Chiropractic care seemed to be back on the field or court in less time than those who did not get adjusted.  Upon graduation, I was fortunate enough to work for the summer with the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat.  As we traveled from city to city playing basketball it amazed me how serious the professional athletes were about getting adjusted before every game or scrimmage.  They obviously knew something that I did not.

This intrigued me to the point that I wanted to know why, so I reached out to Chiropractors across the state to ask them questions on how I could become a part of this amazing new way to look at health and elite performance.  In 1996, I decided to enter Life Chiropractic University and learn how to remove nerve interference from our spine and make us healthier individuals.  Upon earning my Doctorate of Chiropractic, I worked for a Doctor who used the Activator Technique, which is a handheld instrument. That Doctor proved to me that you did not have to manually manipulate every patient that walked in.  He had amazing results using the Activator exclusively.

I eventually decided to open my own practice, Forrest Sport & Family Chiropractic, in Lumberton, NC where we raised our four children and became very active in the community.  I was very involved in my Church where I served as a Deacon, VP and President for the Kiwanis of Lumberton, and played guitar for the contemporary service.

I eventually sold my practice after 15 years to better focus my energy on helping others achieve health and wellness through regular chiropractic visits.  In my 30 years of healthcare, I have seen amazing results with Chiropractic and when you combine that with a healthy lifestyle both physically and spiritually you really do get the “BEST POSSIBLE YOU!”

Dr. Christopher Garner

Position: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Dr. Garner is a graduate of Winthrop University in Rock Hill (B.S. in Biology) and Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic in Spartanburg, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic while graduating with honors and distinction. Upon completing his internship at Mussachio Chiropractic in Charlotte, Dr. Garner served at Popwell-Scota Spine Center in Greenville and Carolina Chiropractic Plus in Shelby, NC where he was Associate Clinic Director. 

He has provided over One Hundred thousand (100,000) adjustments while serving over 6,000 patients.

Dr. Garner is an active member in many professional and social organizations including:

• SC Chiropractic Association
• World Chiropractic Alliance
• Christian Chiropractors Association
• The Wellness Council for Coastal SC
• NewSpring Church
• Sherman College Alumni Association
• Rotary International
  • Past president
  • Past secretary
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Masonic Lodge #368

Dr. Garner constantly strives to improve and update his knowledge in the field of chiropractic wellness. He has completed extensive post-graduate study emphasizing the treatment and rehabilitation of whiplash injuries, sports injuries, headaches, neck and back pain.

A firm believer in the basic worth of every individual and the incredible healing power of the body, Dr. Garner is a true doctor for the people and he thoroughly enjoys helping people feel better and live more productive and active lives. He and his wife Shelby, both natives of South Carolina, have four children and reside in Socastee.

Cindy Ard

Position: Office Manager / Patient Educator
Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Hello and welcome!! My name is Cindy Ard. I am the Patient Educator and Office Manager here at Grand Strand Health and Wellness. I have been on staff since January 31, 2014. It is my pleasure, honor and delight to share information with our patients regarding how we can help them have happier and healthier lives. Martin Rooney quoted – “You were not given talents to impress people. You were given those gifts to help people.” It is my hope we will have the opportunity to see how we may help you.

A little about me: I was born and have lived my life in South Carolina, within a 2 hour radius of Murrells Inlet. I spent two years in Charlotte, NC as a young adult and loved it yet the beach is where my soul is happy. I graduated high school in the top of my class. After some years of finance and medical field work, I decided to return to school at Horry Georgetown Technical College. My goal was to become a cognitive behavioral therapist so I might help families and especially children have happier and healthier lives.

January 2013, 1 year before arriving at Grand Strand Health and Wellness, I was 224 pounds, size 22 elastic waist pants and 3X shirt. Diabetes and heart disease runs in my family. As I mentioned God had blessed with me a precious son and on that grand day in my kitchen, it dawned me I was going to die prematurely from health issues if I did not get my weight and eating in check. That day my heart cracked open and my life began to change. The next day I called my chiropractor (as I had one intermittently for 20 years) because I knew if I was really going to do something different, I had to get in touch with my body and stop dragging it around like a wet load of laundry. Chiropractic does that for me. It helps me own (take responsibility for) my body. The rest of the story is history. 80 pounds and 100 inches lost in 10 months that I continue to maintain for past four years. If you ever have questions or need support staying mindful of your nutrition and exercise, it will be my pleasure to chat with you.

Your life and my life is a gift given with the intention of being lived to the highest and fullest. As we say at the gym, come on…LET’S DO THIS THING !!!!!!

Beatrina Keel

Position: Therapy Chiropractic Assistant
Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Hi, My name is Beatrina Keel. I’m 29 years old. I was born in Germany; which makes me a “military brat”. After my parents retired, we moved to Longs, SC where I was raised. From an early age I knew I wanted to help people. After graduating high school in 2005, I enrolled at the College of Charleston where I received my BS in Physical Education with a concentration of Exercise Science in 2009. After graduation I entered the work world and I also got other certificates that I was proud of: CNA, CPR, Medication Aide; to name a few.

I started working for GSHW in March 2017. Working for this company really helped me live out one of my life mottos: “If you love what you do, you won’t ever work a day in your life.” I get immense satisfaction if I can at least bring joy to one person I encounter throughout my day to day routine. One thing I love about our team is how versatile we all are and that we are more than willing to jump in to help each other and better serve our patients. As far as the patients I admire their willingness to learn about their condition and the persistence to not give up when the road doesn’t “appear to be as easy”. I absolutely love that I have a boss that appreciates my special talents and is willing to push me and the rest of the team to be at our best at all times. I couldn’t ask for a better mission because it embodies what the founder and his team believe and try to impart onto our patients. I have a six year old Llhasa terrier mix by the name of Tootie that I received as a rescue. One personal “tidbit” about me that some might not know is my attention to detail, how I have a mind full of random information, and my love to travel and food. One thing you can’t miss is my infectious laugh!

John Brown

Position: Human Resource Coordinator
Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Hi All!  I am excited to join the Grand Strand Health and Wellness Family.  I am a South Carolina native from Manning, SC.  I’ve been living in the Grand Strand for just over 20 years. Dating back to 2001 when I began my college career at Coastal Carolina University.  There I earned my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.  I also met my wonderful wife, Ashley, while I attended CCU.  Ashley and I are the parents of 3 amazing children, Andrew, Karter, and Kosa (Jax).  I have held many titles in my working career with a number of them in some type of a Human Resources role.  As the Human Resources Coordinator for Grand Strand Health and Wellness, I look forward to helping grow this organization in an effort to change as many lives as possible!  Thank you for such a warm welcome to the Grand Strand Health and Wellness Family!

Maureen Brown

Position: Front Desk Receptionist
Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Hello. My name is Maureen Brown, I am humbled to be part of Grand Strand Health and Wellness. Through the course of my life, I have worn many hats all have, in some form, been worn in order to serve others. I was born and raised in Connecticut yet I fell in love with the Grand Strand area when I was 10 years old. After working for 20 years in a major telecommunications company I opted for early retirement so I could move my family from CT to SC. We arrived in Murrells Inlet in mid-February 2020, and it was the best decision I could have made.

I have believed in chiropractic care since the early 2000’s when I was first introduced to the who, what, and why Chiropractors do. The opportunity I received to join Grand Strand Health and Wellness in May 2022 makes me excited as we all work together to serve our patients and community with a spirit of total caring. I look forward to seeing you when you come into the office.  

Alexis Gunther

Position: Therapy Chiropractic Assistant

Hi everyone! My name is Alexis Gunther and I am 21 years old. I am very excited to be starting my career in the medical field. I am originally from the New York Metropolitan area and I moved down to Murrells Inlet to live with my grandparents and help them around the house along with going to college. I just recently graduated from Horry Georgetown Technical College with my Certificate in science focusing on Medical Billing and Coding. I have been living here in Murrells Inlet for almost three years and I absolutely love it! I love being so close to the beach; being that reading on the beach is my favorite thing to do. I have always wanted to be in the medical field but not necessarily working in a hospital setting. I have always had this passion to help others along with having a big heart that allows me to care easily for others.

As the role of Line Coordinator Therapy Chiropractic Assistant at Grand Strand Health and Wellness, I am excited to be helping people as much as I can. I am very excited to see where this career will take me in life. I truly do love helping people on a day-to-day basis so this job will definitely fulfill that part of my life, which excites me to be able to do something that I love. I started working at Grand Strand Health and Wellness in September of 2022. Working here has definitely made me view life a little differently and made me want to get up in the morning and go to work every day. One thing people say about me is that I have a very caring heart and personality which I believe is so true and that’s why I really wanted to help people with my career. Thank you for such a welcoming staff and made me feel like I will fit right in with everyone here at the office!

Brittany Hilburn

Position: Public Relations Chiropractic Assistant

Hello and welcome to the Grand Strand Health and Wellness family! I was born and raised in Florence, South Carolina, and graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor’s degree in English & Mass Communication. I have had the opportunity to serve several organizations in Sales and Account Management over the past 10 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join the amazing team at Grand Strand Health and Wellness. I have a passion for people, and I am right at home with this incredible team of caring individuals whose mission is to change lives!

I live with my husband, Benji, and our beloved family of animals in rural Georgetown. In our free time we like to travel, attend church at Freedom Tabernacle, explore the many local events, and enjoy date night on Front Street or the Marsh Walk.

As our Public Relations Chiropractic Assistant, I look forward to meeting all of our patients and connecting with Horry County and Georgetown locals at our many upcoming and exciting events! If you have any questions about our events schedule, including upcoming seminars, or would like to inquire about opportunities for sponsorship/donations, please let me know and I would be happy to help!

Kayla Johnson

Position: Wellness Coach

Hi friends! My name is Kayla Johnson and I am 22 years old! I am excited to be a part of the Grand Strand Health and Wellness TEAM! I am originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania and moved to the Conway area 3 years ago as a junior at Coastal Carolina University. I just recently graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science and a minor in Photography. I have always had a passion for marine life but I found that after graduating I wanted to pursue a different career path and use my degree for more recreational activities like underwater photogragraphy and scuba diving. This is how I began my search for a career in the medical field! Most of my family has worked in the medical field so following in my mother and grandmother’s footsteps I decided to give it a try myself.

One of the things that drives my day-to-day life is doing things that better my community and the people in it. This passion brought me to Grand Strand Health and Wellness. Being given the opportunity to see first hand what our care can do for you all made me want to be on the TEAM even more. My role is a new one for the TEAM and hopefully this new initiative can change many more lives. I am over the moon to work with everyone on our TEAM and give patients the opportunity to live a life they love. I can’t wait to change lives! I am excited to meet everyone!

Glenna Ramsey

Position: Front Desk Chiropractic Assistant

Hi! My name is Glenna Ramsey and I am so glad to be here at GSHW!

The majority of my career life has been service-oriented in some way. This is where I love to be and thrive!

My favorite quote has always been “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier” by Mother Teresa. This is how it is at GSHW, everyone is so committed to the care and happiness of the patients!

Born and raised in New Jersey, I am grateful to have lived in this beautiful, beachy area since 2019.

My husband Jason and I are the proud parents of Maya and Trevor. We live in Murrells Inlet with our dog, 2 cats, several hermit crabs and tropical fish!

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team here at GSHW and I look forward to meeting you soon!

Amber Cook

Position: Patient Educator

Hello, My name is Amber Cook. I am grateful to be a Patient Educator here at Grand Strand Health and Wellness. I was born in Rochester, New York. One summer I came down to Murrells inlet on vacation and fell in love with the area and the beaches. I knew this is where I was going to live one day, and just a few years later I made the move! I have now been here for a little over 7 years and I am so blessed to be able to call this beautiful place home. I’m a mother to an amazing little girl named Kinsley, and a fur baby named Ayla. I am very excited to meet you and help you start your journey to living a healthier and happier life.

Jess Sarvis

Position: Therapy Chiropractic Assistant

Hello and welcome! I’m Jess and I’m 23 years old. I am the new Therapy Chiropractic Assistant. I look forward to assisting with the life changing results you will receive here at Grand Strand Health and Wellness. I am also an Aquarius. I was born and raised in this beautiful county we call Horry County. I’m very big on uplifting others and being that smiling face that everyone can look forward to seeing every day. I am really adamant on traveling and trying to see as much of the world as I can. I have been to Paris, Germany, Mexico and a plethora of the 50 states; and it has only poured fuel on the fire I have inside to see the world through my own lens. Helping people has always been at the forefront of my life and I am so excited to be a part of the change I want to see. One factor that fuels my drive is doing things that can better the community I’m in and the people in it. My love for helping others turned into my passion and that passion brought me to Grand Strand Health and Wellness.

Dr. Christopher Garner

Position: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Dr. Garner is a graduate of Winthrop University in Rock Hill (B.S. in Biology) and Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic in Spartanburg, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic while graduating with honors and distinction. Upon completing his internship at Mussachio Chiropractic in Charlotte, Dr. Garner served at Popwell-Scota Spine Center in Greenville and Carolina Chiropractic Plus in Shelby, NC where he was Associate Clinic Director. 

He has provided over One Hundred thousand (100,000) adjustments while serving over 6,000 patients.

Dr. Garner is an active member in many professional and social organizations including:

• SC Chiropractic Association
• World Chiropractic Alliance
• Christian Chiropractors Association
• The Wellness Council for Coastal SC
• NewSpring Church
• Sherman College Alumni Association
• Rotary International
  • Past president
  • Past secretary
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Masonic Lodge #368

Dr. Garner constantly strives to improve and update his knowledge in the field of chiropractic wellness. He has completed extensive post-graduate study emphasizing the treatment and rehabilitation of whiplash injuries, sports injuries, headaches, neck and back pain.

A firm believer in the basic worth of every individual and the incredible healing power of the body, Dr. Garner is a true doctor for the people and he thoroughly enjoys helping people feel better and live more productive and active lives. He and his wife Shelby, both natives of South Carolina, have four children and reside in Socastee.

Dr. Tommy Forrest

Position: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

My name is Dr. Tommy Forrest and I am excited about joining the TEAM here at Grand Strand Health and Wellness. My Chiropractic journey has not followed the normal course of events like most, but I have had the pleasure of practicing for over twenty years.

Growing up, I had a second cousin who was a Chiropractor and he would adjust the family when we saw him. The only problem was that I only saw him about three to four times my entire childhood. My parents did not believe in regular Chiropractic visits and fortunately we were never involved in any major injuries from sports or car collisions.

My first love was Sports Medicine. I have always been very involved with all sports, but tennis has been my life for quite a while.  I played collegiately for Baylor University and have continued to play as much as I possibly can.  Let me know if you play tennis!

It wasn’t until I was in graduate school at Indiana State University that I really saw the positive benefits of athletes getting adjusted on a regular basis.  Even when athletes were injured, those that were under Chiropractic care seemed to be back on the field or court in less time than those who did not get adjusted.  Upon graduation, I was fortunate enough to work for the summer with the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat.  As we traveled from city to city playing basketball it amazed me how serious the professional athletes were about getting adjusted before every game or scrimmage.  They obviously knew something that I did not.

This intrigued me to the point that I wanted to know why, so I reached out to Chiropractors across the state to ask them questions on how I could become a part of this amazing new way to look at health and elite performance.  In 1996, I decided to enter Life Chiropractic University and learn how to remove nerve interference from our spine and make us healthier individuals.  Upon earning my Doctorate of Chiropractic, I worked for a Doctor who used the Activator Technique, which is a handheld instrument. That Doctor proved to me that you did not have to manually manipulate every patient that walked in.  He had amazing results using the Activator exclusively.

I eventually decided to open my own practice, Forrest Sport & Family Chiropractic, in Lumberton, NC where we raised our four children and became very active in the community.  I was very involved in my Church where I served as a Deacon, VP and President for the Kiwanis of Lumberton, and played guitar for the contemporary service.

I eventually sold my practice after 15 years to better focus my energy on helping others achieve health and wellness through regular chiropractic visits.  In my 30 years of healthcare, I have seen amazing results with Chiropractic and when you combine that with a healthy lifestyle both physically and spiritually you really do get the “BEST POSSIBLE YOU!”