About The Chiropractic Experience in Lawrence, KS

About Us - The Chiropractic Experience - Lawrence, KS

Healthcare professional consulting with patient Founded by Dr. Mark Howarter in 1999, The Chiropractic Experience in Lawrence, KS, is built on a strong foundation of personal healing and passion for holistic health. Inspired by his own remarkable recovery through chiropractic care, Dr. Howarter shifted from business management to dedicate his life to chiropractic, later earning a degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College. Over decades, he has continued to serve the people of Lawrence and beyond, expanding the practice with advanced technology, a talented team, and a steadfast commitment to individualized, family-focused care. As a locally rooted, community-minded clinic, we cherish building long-term relationships and watching generations of families grow healthier with us. Many patients have trusted us through every stage of life, from newborns and athletes to parents and grandparents, finding comfort in an environment where they are truly known and cared for by name. Our team values a welcoming atmosphere and is active in the local community, continually investing time and heart beyond our office doors.

Our primary service area is Lawrence, Kansas, and the surrounding Douglas County communities—we take immense pride in serving our neighbors and friends. We understand that health is deeply personal and strive to make every visit feel less like an appointment and more like catching up with family. Whether you’re recovering from injury, seeking ongoing wellness, or bringing in the next generation, our team is here for you at every step. We believe in the power of personal connection, listening intently, and creating a safe, comfortable experience where patients often become friends.

From young athletes to active adults, expectant mothers, seniors, and those seeking comprehensive wellness, The Chiropractic Experience welcomes a diverse range of patients. Our approach is holistic and rooted in compassion, expertise, and advanced care—offering chiropractic adjustments, advanced diagnostics, neuropathy and pain management, custom orthotics, metabolic health support, and more. We tailor every care plan with your unique goals in mind, always striving for a lifetime of mobility and vitality. We invite you to explore our provider profiles and get to know the dedicated team who will walk with you on your path to better health. We look forward to meeting you and being part of your wellness journey.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Mark Howarter

Founder & Lead Chiropractor

Dr. Mark Howarter, the visionary founder of The Chiropractic Experience, has been a cornerstone of the Lawrence chiropractic community since 1999. Raised with a small-town Kansas work ethic in Garnett, Dr. Mark’s path to wellness began during his undergraduate years at Emporia State University. While working in a machine shop, he suffered debilitating back pain that traditional methods couldn't resolve. Upon seeking chiropractic care, he experienced a "health miracle"—not only did his back pain vanish, but his chronic allergies and psoriasis disappeared as well. This transformative recovery redirected his life’s mission, leading him to graduate from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City with an unwavering commitment to natural healing.

Today, Dr. Mark is a highly credentialed expert, holding specialized Pediatric and Webster Technique Certifications from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). This expertise allows him to provide gentle, effective care for pregnant mothers, infants, and growing families. Beyond traditional adjustments, he is certified in Insight Subluxation Station technology, utilizing advanced neurological scanning to assess nervous system stress. His "whole-body" approach to family wellness integrates cutting-edge treatments such as spinal decompression therapy, Shockwave Therapy, and neuropathy protocols, ensuring that patients in Lawrence receive the most advanced non-invasive care available.

Driven by a spirit of service, Dr. Mark has extended his healing touch globally, leading chiropractic mission trips to Guatemala, Ghana, and Uganda. His dedication to people is further reflected in his Master’s Degree in Ministry and Pastoral Leadership, which informs his compassionate, patient-centered philosophy. When he isn't helping patients regain their vitality or consulting for Leander Tables, Dr. Mark is an active outdoorsman and a dedicated family man. Whether he is bowhunting, hiking, or serving in his local church’s men’s ministry, he embodies the active, wellness-oriented lifestyle he encourages for every patient who walks through his doors.

Michelle Beard

Office Manager

As the Office Manager at The Chiropractic Experience, Michelle Beard is the heart of the practice, ensuring every patient feels welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. A lifelong resident of Lawrence, Kansas, Michelle transitioned from a successful career in accounting to her true calling: caring for people. After spending fifteen years nurturing local families as a stay-at-home provider, she brought her organizational expertise and compassionate spirit to our team. Now in the "third phase" of her professional journey, Michelle finds deep fulfillment in witnessing the physical and emotional breakthroughs our patients achieve through consistent chiropractic care.

Michelle views her role as much more than administrative; she is a vital pillar of the patient experience. Whether she is offering a comforting word, lending a listening ear, or keeping children entertained so parents can focus on their treatment with Dr. Mark, her goal is to provide a sanctuary of healing. She believes that true wellness involves uplifting the spirit as much as the body. Outside of the office, Michelle celebrates a 37-year marriage and enjoys the rewards of raising two grown children. An avid reader and talented crafter, she can often be found crocheting or enjoying a shopping trip, bringing the same warmth and dedication to her personal life that makes her indispensable to our Lawrence chiropractic family.

Whitney Rothwell

Shockwave Therapist

Whitney Rothwell brings a specialized blend of clinical expertise and athletic perspective to her role as a Shockwave Therapist at The Chiropractic Experience. A Lawrence native and graduate of Free State High School, Whitney’s deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system began on the softball field. After a shoulder injury shifted her path from collegiate fast-pitch at Highland Community College to a career in recovery, she became a Licensed Massage Therapist. Her background in manual therapy provided the perfect foundation for her transition into advanced technical care, where she now specializes in non-invasive pain relief and tissue regeneration.

With advanced certification through the Academy of Shockwave Excellence, Whitney is an expert in utilizing targeted technology to accelerate healing for chronic injuries, mobility issues, and sports-related pain. Her unique history as a high-level athlete—who still competes nationally in slow-pitch softball—gives her a firsthand understanding of the frustrations of physical limitations. By combining her knowledge of human anatomy with Shockwave Therapy, she helps patients recover faster and move more freely. Whitney’s mission is simple: to leverage her passion for movement and her technical skills to make a tangible, life-changing difference in the health and performance of the Lawrence community.