Our Clinic
Drs. Ryan and Allyson Kathalynas formed their business, Kathalynas Spine, Sport, and Rehabilitation, in 2010 after graduating with a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Logan University in Chesterfield, MO. The husband and wife team established and grew their practice for the next ten years in Dr. Ryan’s hometown of West Frankfort, IL. During this time, the doctors treated patients in three separate locations trying to fulfill the demands of their growing practice. With their patients’ best interests in mind, the doctors were prompted to build their dream practice. Construction of the new facility began at the end of 2019 and was completed at the beginning of 2020. Drs. Ryan and Allyson Kathalynas now proudly serve their patients at their new location, which is just six miles away in Dr. Allyson’s hometown of Benton, IL.
Our Physician Team
Dr. Ryan Kathalynas
Dr. Ryan Kathalynas is an Illinois board-certified chiropractic physician with a focus on sports and evidence-based movement. Dr. Ryan earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in human biology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Logan University in Chesterfield, MO. While attending Logan University, Dr. Ryan also became interested in treating and preventing sports injuries. He then decided to further his education by completing Logan University’s Masters degree program in Sports Science and Rehabilitation as well.
Dr. Ryan was one of the most awarded graduates in his class. He received a chiropractic science award for the diversified adjusting technique, an award from the Biofreeze Sports and Rehabilitation Clinic at Logan University, and the Al Chamberlin student doctor scholarship for overall performance while going through the clinical training. Dr. Ryan has had the privilege of treating college and junior Olympic athletes, as well as, many local athletes during his advanced studies.
After graduating, Dr. Ryan and his wife, Dr. Allyson, moved back to Southern Illinois to help the people in their hometown community. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, boating, exercising, cycling, attending concerts, and sports activities.
Dr. Allyson Kathalynas
Dr. Allyson Kathalynas is a board-certified chiropractic physician for the state of Illinois. She attended Logan University in Chesterfield, MO, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. After graduating in 2010, Dr. Allyson and her husband, Dr. Ryan, moved back home to establish their practice. The doctors have since strived to offer the best chiropractic care possible to the members of their community.
Since moving home, Drs. Allyson and Ryan Kathalynas have also started their family. The couple has three children: Alivia, Kade, and Jace. In her free time, Dr. Allyson enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, writing, boating, and exercising. The couple currently resides in West Frankfort and attends Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton.
Dr. Michelle Marvel
- Dr. Michelle Marvel is a board-certified Chiropractic Physician with a focus on evidence-based movement and corrective muscle therapies. Dr. Michelle earned both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Logan University in Chesterfield, MO. As a result of her National Board Score, she was awarded an internship at Jefferson Barracks Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, MO, where she was involved with the Pain Management team. As a member of this team, she had the opportunity to work in conjunction with other physicians in developing specialized treatment plans for our veterans. Dr. Michelle felt it was both a privilege and an honor to have had the opportunity to help those who have served our country.
After graduating in 2008, Dr. Michelle returned to Southern Illinois, where she has been practicing ever since. Dr. Michelle continues to pursue additional knowledge and skills with continuing education, which allows her to provide evidence-based treatment utilizing numerous techniques and procedures customized to her patient’s individualized health concerns. In her free time, Dr. Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, water sports, hiking, and exercising. Dr. Michelle is also an avid animal advocate and has a passion for helping animals in need.
Our Massage Therapist
Kristi Parsons
- Kristi is a licensed Massage Therapist who has four years of experience in her field. She completed the Massage Therapy program through Rend Lake College in 2006, after deciding she wanted to help people cope with their pain. Kristi has also received a certification as an infant massage trainer, which gave her the ability to instruct caretakers on techniques to help with common infant issues, such as colic, gas, and reflux. Many of her clients have said she has a ‘sixth-sense’ in finding problem areas and making them feel better overall. Massage has been a fulfilling career for Kristi, as she gets a real sense of accomplishment when she is able to help others. Kristi has a mantra she likes to live by, “Pain relief without a prescription.”
At home, Kristi has been married for almost 10 years. She has three children, two boys and a girl. She enjoys going on hikes and doing anything nature related.
Our Physical Therapist
Gunnar Galloway
Gunnar is an Illinois board-certified Doctor of Physical Therapy. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology/Exercise Science locally from SIU Carbondale. While attending SIU Carbondale, he participated on the track and field team as a high jumper before graduating and continuing on to earn his clinical doctorate in physical therapy through South College in Knoxville, TN.
Upon graduation and armed with the desire to provide the surrounding communities with the highest standard of care, Gunnar chose to return home to Southern Illinois. With an initial interest in treating the athletic population, he has diversified in his previous 2 years of employment to treating patients of all ages and populations. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising/playing sports, and gardening
Our Personal Trainers
Lynn Jackman
Lynn was born and raised in Southern Illinois, and is also a Southern Illinois University graduate. Specializing in both one-on-one and small group class environments, she has continued to develop her skill set and knowledge in the fitness industry. Lynn has become well known in the region with her certifications in personal training, TRX, and Spin Cycling. She is also certified in nutrition and has the ability to develop plans to help you reach your goals. While her clients benefit from her vast knowledge of fitness, Lynn is also known for the relationships she forms with her clients.
When she is not helping people reach their goals, Lynn enjoys kayaking, biking, and volunteering at Angels on Assignment in Mt. Vernon. She is also an avid knitter, an expert in Mexican cuisine, and a lover of all things British.
Joe Raby
Joe, a native of Benton, spent more than a 15 years in the personal training and Medical Fitness arena between Kentucky and Northern California coming back to Southern Illinois in 2018 to manage a hospital based wellness program, but his passion for helping everyone from young athletes to chronic pain patients and cancer survivors to those just wanting to achieve a better level of fitness, never left. Joe was a two sport college athlete, competing in tennis and track and field. He holds a BS in Kinesiology and an MS with an emphasis on Sport and Exercise Psychology. He has been certified as a personal trainer, exercise and cancer recovery specialist, certified ergonomic specialist, functional movement specialist and had his own health coaching business. Teaching and educating on the “why” behind the movements each client or athlete performs is what sets him apart.
In his spare time, he loves to spend time outdoors with his family, working out and woodworking. Joe and his wife Michelle live in Marion, IL with their son Cohen and daughter Annalee.
Kamree Koester
Kamree was born and raised in Benton, IL. She began working for Kathalynas, Spine, Sport, and Rehab in May of 2021, while still in high school. After graduating, she went on to Rend Lake College to get her associates degree in art and science. Kamree is currently pursuing her college education with a focus on Nuclear Medicine, a field that combines cutting-edge technology with a passion for patient care. She plans to transfer to the University of Missouri in the fall of 2024 to begin the Nuclear Medicine program.
In her free time, Kamree likes to shop, be outdoors, go to coffee shops, and attend sporting events.
Our Support Team
Stacey Petro
Stacey was born and raised in West Frankfort, IL. After high school, she pursued a career in a factory setting for several years but knew it was not where she wanted to work for the rest of her life. She saw herself in a healthcare facility, interacting and helping patients. In November of 2012, a quiet and shy individual started that dream when she began working part-time with Drs. Ryan and Allyson Kathalynas. Eleven years later, both she and the practice have grown. Stacey is now a full-time employee and enjoys working with all the patients that come into the clinic. In her free time, Stacey enjoys spending time with her husband and their 4 children: Giovanni, Bentley, Piper and Seiger.
Your Total Health Ally
At Kathalynas Spine, Sport, and Rehab, our trained professionals have the knowledge and training to help you meet your goals. Let us help you live your best life!