Upon completion of her residency Dr. Dengler returned to her home state of Pennsylvania and is now in private practice and teaches holistic nutrition and courses in health and wellness for several universities. In her practice, Dr. Dengler is pleased to offer natural health care for the whole family and specializes in food sensitivities and gastrointestinal conditions as well as women’s health and hormone balancing. She takes an individualized approach to health and is committed to supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal using natural therapies to restore health.
Dr. Melissa Dengler received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 2001. She received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 and then completed a one year residency in family medicine at the Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center in Scottsdale, AZ with a special focus in homeopathy, environmental medicine and clinical nutrition.
Vince Ganoe is a graduate of the Professional Masters Level Acupuncture program of the American Institute of Alternative Medicine in Columbus, Ohio. He is certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is registered by the State Medical Board of Pennsylvania. He has been in practice since 2014.
Vince’s expertise includes providing relief for pain issues such as acute and chronic knee, neck and back pain, plantar fasciitis, and headaches, and other health-related concerns including depression, anxiety and the ill-effects of stress. He utilizes different techniques in addition to acupuncture such as motor and trigger point release (dry needling), cupping and micro-current therapy. Needles may or may not be used.
Vince’s prior work in employee health and wellness programs has given him the experience needed to address the wide range of needs and concerns of his patients.
Rebecca Lanagan has been a Certified Reflexologist since 2012 after completing a course with the Acusage Academy in Oxford, MA. She was led to this decision after experiencing an unexplained health challenge that could have resulted in hospital procedures, however she remedied it with reflexology. Upon evaluating the purpose of this event, she realized it was her call to provide reflexology professionally to those who seek an alternative, drug free and a non-invasive healing option. Her personal reward is seeing the benefits her clients realize with her reflexology treatments.
Rebecca has walked her talk by living a healthy lifestyle, including eating unprocessed foods (mostly raw), using nutritional supplements, and getting adequate exercise. Her objective is to feel good every day! Reflexology has also been an important ingredient in her health protocol. She has been benefiting from reflexology since she was a young girl. Her mother taught her reflexology during her early teen years and Rebecca used it throughout her life for herself as well as many others in casual settings.
After working in the corporate world in retail management for 20 years, she moved on to co-creating a sustainable farm and natural bakery and was the general manager for a natural foods co-op for several years.
She enjoys growing much of her food, taking long walks in the woods among the wildlife, reading about the latest in health and nutrition, and caring for her furry family members. Each day she practices mindfulness and kindness as she travels her spiritual journey.
Diana is the smiling face you will encounter when arriving at Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center. She will answer questions, assist in selecting products, schedule appointments and keeps order in the office. She takes pride in providing excellent customer service.
Diana spent many years as a nurse in several settings. Assisting a surgeon in the operating room, working in two family practice offices and a urologist’s office are among her many accomplishments. With this experience, it was a natural transition to work in the office at Vitality.
Being a 70’s girl, she learned about natural therapies and found health benefits from various supplements. Upon her nursing training, she then followed the traditional medical protocols for herself and her family. Years later, she realized there were options to traditional medicine and began researching different modalities. Having found positive results from yoga, dietary changes, exercise, and supplementation, she was able to discontinue medications for rheumatoid arthritis. This led her to proceed on the path of natural alternatives as a part of her lifestyle.
Diana spends her non-working time caring for her family, teaching Sunday School, walking and staying in shape. Her strength comes from her Christian faith.
Terry Hemlock completed a four year Feldenkrais professional training in 1991 in the New York city area. He is certified through the Feldenkrais Guild of North America to practice Functional Integration and Awareness Through Movement. He chose the Feldenkrais Method to compliment physical therapy in order to help people achieve more functional and fulfilling lives through gentle mindful movement to bring new awareness and possibilities into every aspect of their lives.
He received a BA in Sociology from Saint Vincent college in 1971 and graduated from Wayne State University with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1975. Terry has practiced in hospitals, nursing homes, home PT and private practice settings. Emphasis has been on orthopedic PT and manual therapy. He has incorporated the Feldenkrais Method into his PT practice working with children to the elder citizen. He has taught Awareness Through Movement classes throughout Northwest PA and Western NY.
He provides individual Awareness Through Movement lessons and Functional Integration lessons at Vitality Health and Wellness.
Meagan lived in a small town in Montana until she was 8. In 2008 her family moved to Erie to take care of a family estate, and ended up loving PA, so they stayed.
In 2013 her family moved to Conneautville to pursue her dad’s dream of raising sheep. They ended up buying a 53-acre farm where they have raised a variety of animals.
Meagan was homeschooled along with her four siblings through high school. After graduating, she worked for a couple years before pursuing a call to missionary work. She worked in missions for about a year, and moved to Taiwan for 2 months before coming back. Since Meagan has been home she has enjoyed reconnecting and settling into life in Crawford County.
Being raised on a farm, she grew up in a more organic way of living. This has translated into her adult life as well. She has been a customer at Vitality, and was thrilled when the opportunity to work there came up. Meagan says, “Being able to work with like-minded people as well as receive sound council as I continue on my health journey is a blessing.”
Meagan will be assisting customers with their questions, answering the phone, scheduling appointments, and providing the service of the Detox Foot Bath and Infrared Sauna. She looks forward to helping anyone who walks through the door.
With several years of learning and practicing martial arts, he knew he had a passion for working with energy. He began his energy healing studies in Usui Reiki Energy Healing. Phil was attuned to Reiki I by Reiki Master Julia Thompson on June 23 , 2019 and Reiki II on November 23 , 2019 . He was attuned by Reiki Master David Peters on August 8 , 2021 as a Reiki Master. Phil is an Affiliate member of the International Center For Reiki Training under Reiki Master William Lee Rand. Phil has also studied with Inner Compass LLC. With the Reverend Joanne Franchina In Sprit messaging . Phil continues to train and teach martials and Reiki energy healing.
Dr. Gray completed her Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2019 from Northeast College of Health Sciences after falling in love with the profession as a teenager after seeing her parents’ life improve significantly after starting care. She is certified in RockTape and ConnecTX Instrument Assisted Therapy, and has certificates in Sports Science and Human Performance and Whole Food Nutrition.
Dr. Gray loves to be outside in her garden and taking care of her many house plants. She also enjoys playing with her dog, knitting, and finding new recipes to make and share.
Dr. Gray offers individualized care tailored to patients needs with lots of muscle work and manual adjusting designed to help everyone move and feel their best. She also likes to help people stay healthy by teaching them methods to keep their bodies feeling good after their adjustments. Dr. Gray looks forward to helping you feel better and move better!
Marnie began managing the Vitality Grove City store and office location in 2021. She is grateful for all that she is learning from the wellness center and for the opportunity to serve the community through this health-minded small business. Working at Vitality allows Marnie to enjoy two of her passions; working with numbers through the many store details and building relationships in her community!
Marnie grew up in Grove City and graduated from Grove City College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education. During college Marnie married and soon after that began raising a family in Erie, Pa and then Albany, NY. While in NY Marnie earned a Masters in Mathematics Education. And over the past 15 years Marnie has loved raising her three children and spending time teaching secondary math and science.
In 2019 Marnie moved back to the area and started a hobby farm with her family! She is continually awestruck by God’s beauty, wisdom, and care displayed in the natural world. Marnie has found that, much like the farm, Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center is a place that promotes healing through a natural mindset. And we would be honored to partner with you in your wellness journey!
Sally grew up in Cochranton, PA and earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer from Grove City College. Upon Graduation she spent time in Columbus, OH working for Bible Literature International as a computer programmer. She and her husband relocated back to Grove City, PA where she worked for the College in the Admissions Office and then as a computer programmer.
In 2006 her friend opened Grove City Natural Options and she was invited to join the team. Since that time she has worked many different roles in the store and is a familiar face to many of our loyal Grove City clients. Currently she is working behind the scenes for Vitality helping with our bookkeeping.
In the early 90s, after a personal family crisis caused an ulcer to develop, she began to explore foods that may help her stomach to heal. Who knew… cabbage juice could be the thing that would help! She has learned lots since that time and has enjoyed working to support a team of people who have acknowledged God as the Great Physician and who love helping others find natural alternatives on their journey to better health.
Debbie grew up on a small lake, in the Southern Tier of New York State, swimming, fishing, loving the outdoors and playing sports competitively. After graduating from Philadelphia College of Bible (now called Cairn University) with a Bachelor degree in Bible and a Bachelor Degree in Education, she married her college sweetheart and had three children.
A change in direction brought the family to Grove City where they worked at George Junior Republic for 10 years. While working there, Debbie earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Cairn University. Another life change occurred and Debbie then taught first grade for 9 years at a Private Christian School.
Currently, Debbie enjoys living in the country with her husband and spending time with her children, their spouses and her grandchildren. It is with a deep faith and a love of learning and helping others that Debbie came to work in the Health and Wellness Industry. While creating community and developing deeper relationships, Debbie’s desire is to share the love of Christ and encourage others in wellness.
Chris is one of the smiling faces you will encounter when arriving at Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center in Grove City. Chris grew up in Butler, PA and graduated from WVU with a B.S. in Dental Hygiene. She worked as a dental hygienist for several years. Next, she moved into the homeschooling of her four daughters through their high school education.
Chris and her husband recently celebrated 33 years of marriage. Their family now includes 10 grandchildren that they very much enjoy! They also love to travel and explore new places. Throughout the raising of her family and then caring for elderly parents, Chris grew in the desire to better understand and use natural ways to handle illness within her home.
She likes working at Vitality Natural Health and Wellness where she continues to learn about the beautiful design of the human body and better ways to nourish and naturally supplement to improve health.
Barb grew up in a beautiful little town in Ohio. She then went on to earn her degree in Graphic Design/Visual Communications at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
During her time in Pittsburgh, she met her husband. They moved to Meadville in 1981, and other than a short 2 year move to Atlanta, have lived on a small farm outside of Meadville.
When it comes to her own personal health and wellness, she has always been a firm believer in naturopathic/traditional medicine partnership. That pursuit led her to Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center.
Being part of the office support staff gives Barb the opportunity to learn and grow in knowledge and experiences the Center provides for their clients. She enjoys meeting new people and seeing their lives enriched through the care and support they receive here at Vitality.
Rebecca Gaines was born in Erie, Pa. After high school she wanted to pursue a career in the health care field but not sure what area. She took a year of general studies at Edinboro University. Always having a desire to use her hands she decided on Massage Therapy and has provided this service for 20 years. She graduated from Great Lakes Institute of Technology in May 2002. She started practicing massage therapy in a small spa in Erie, Pa for her first year. Then wanting to be more in the health field, she found an opening with a chiropractor in Edinboro, Pa where she stayed for 17 years.
Experiencing health issues, she decided to take off from massage therapy for a year and a half. Missing the ability to help people she decided to return to Massage Therapy. With the need to be closer to home for her family she has started her new path with Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center. Rebecca believes in trying to find the balance between modern medicine, alternative therapies, supplements, healthy eating, and exercise. She loves being able to give people physical relief from sore, achy, and painful muscular issues. Using Swedish Massage as her base, she tailors each session to the needs of her client.
Rebecca enjoys being outside with her family raising their garden, chickens, ducks, guineas, rabbits, cats, and dogs. She also keeping busy with baseball, cub scouts, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Rebecca offers massage therapy at both the Meadville and Grove City locations.
Blair became a certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner through The Nutritional Therapy Association in 2014. Growing up on a small farm in Guys Mills sparked her interest in nature and science. While studying at Allegheny College, she majored in Biology, specifically focusing on Microbiology. After graduating from Allegheny, she studied at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health where she obtained a Masters of Science in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and then worked as a research technician in an HIV laboratory. During her time as a microbiologist, she learned that the majority of our immune system is housed in our digestive tract. She became very interested in how the condition
of the gut could impact the strength of the immune system and overall health. The more she learned about the gut, the more she grew passionate about nutrition. Today, she enjoys working with clients to create individualized nutrition and lifestyle plans to help them reach their health goals.
Blair has been an athlete most of her life, competing in cross country and track in high school and college, and later finding CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting. In 2016, she became a certified Sports Performance Coach through USA Weightlifting.
Her joy in life is raising her two small children, and spending time with friends and family.
Sharon has had a long passion for the healthcare field which has lasted for over 30 years. She started her career off at UPMC Passavant Hospital in 1990 in the Respiratory and Cardiology Departments. Thanks to her dad and his strenuous job in the autobody industry, she found that she had a special gift in massage at an early age, but she did not pursue this for many years.
Sharon graduated from Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy earning her certification in massage as well as Laurel Technical institute for her Licensing. With Sharon’s experience, she prides herself in bringing relief mind, body and soul to those who are in pain, need relaxation or stressed. To ensure the client’s comfort and satisfaction, she customizes a treatment plan offering a variety of massage styles including Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue work, Sports Massage, Hot Stone as well as Pregnancy Massage.
Sharon is available for massage and reflexology appointments at the Meadville location.
Kay Ferraro was child number seven of nine children born to Shirley and Bomber Ferraro. Kay is fraternal twin to brother, Daniel, fighting to make her way into the world several minutes before him. She grew up in a busy home, doing chores, and because of being is such a large family where funds were often scarce, Kay went to work in high school and has never stopped. Being a part of such a big family taught Kay team work and gave her a great work ethic that continues to contribute to her boundless energy.
After graduation Kay trained for cosmetology and became licensed but it never quite filled the bill for her. She then, pursued phlebotomy at JH Thompson and hit her lane with a career spanning 28 years at Associated Clinical Laboratories. Kay eventually embraced retirement and decided that full retirement didn’t suit her active lifestyle and was pleased to accept a position at Vitality. Kay believes in public service and finds joy volunteering at a local fire department, and helps with area fund raising for people in need. She never meets a stranger and always at ease reaching out. She maintains her yard and flowers and relishes moments by the pool, and quiets herself coloring adult coloring books. Blessed with three sons, Jeremy, Ryan, and Adam, and 6 grandchildren, Kay Ferraro’s life is a tapestry woven with family, relationships, career, and meaningful pastimes.
Kay is the phlebotomist at the Meadville location as well as providing customer service.