MEET OUR DOCTORS
Dr. Abbie Ballard
D.C., C.A.C.C.P., CFMP
Dr. Abbie (Fox) Ballard was born and raised on a farm in Shelbyville, Illinois. Knowing that she wanted to be a doctor, she decided to get a jump on her education and took her first classes through Lake Land College when she was just 15. She continued night classes and summer school through Lake Land before enrolling in the Pre-Medicine program at SIU-Carbondale in 2003.
While earning her first Bachelor of Science degree in Carbondale, she worked as a research assistant for Dr. Michael Collard and Dr. Jodi Huggenvik, studying cancer and gene mapping in their labs. She also worked as a pharmacy technician for Wal-Mart, dispensing medications to hundreds of people each day.
It was through these experiences with medicine, and the science behind the medicine, that Dr. Ballard started to change her belief system about “healthcare” and traditional medicine. Prescribing and dispensing pills that address chronic symptoms without addressing the cause of disease and illness gave her pause.
Her search for better options to regain and maintain health and wellness lead Dr. Ballard to Logan College of Chiropractic where she earned a second Bachelor’s degree, as well as her Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.). During her 3 years at Logan, Dr. Ballard completed additional internships in Radiology and Rehabilitation. She also completed postgraduate certification programs in Acupuncture and as an Internal Health Specialist.
Since graduation Dr. Ballard has completed 200 hours in pediatrics to become a Certified Pediatric Chiropractor. Dr. Ballard also completed her certification in Functional Medicine, board eligible through the American Clnical Board of Nutrition, and pursuing additional education in Functional Immunology to better help patients with autoimmune disease.
Emily Henschen
Soon to be Dr. Henschen
Emily Henschen is from Pana, Illinois and developed her passion for health and wellness through both her love of science and her own personal health journey. After being diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, Emily underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2014. Her experiences navigating chronic health challenges, along with later seeking chiropractic and holistic support for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and metabolic health concerns, helped shape her passion for neurologically focused, whole-person care. She especially loves women’s health, pediatrics, and helping families build healthier lives through proactive wellness care.
Emily graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences before continuing her education at Logan University, where she is currently an intern completing the final component of her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. During her clinical training, Emily completed a pediatrics-focused internship at Montgomery Health Center, where she gained experience caring for children and families in a wellness-centered environment. She has
also completed additional training in pregnancy and family chiropractic care, along with education in several chiropractic techniques that support individualized patient care.
Emily values providing neurologically focused care that supports the body’s natural design to promote whole-person wellness. She is passionate about helping patients identify and address the underlying causes of dysfunction while encouraging healthier lifestyles for individuals and
families. Emily plans to continue her education in pediatrics through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association as well as additional functional medicine education in order to
better serve her patients and community.
Emily is married to her high school sweetheart of ten years and is excited for the opportunity to learn from Dr. Abbie Ballard while caring for the patients and families at Ballard Family Chiropractic.
