Who we are
Dr. Karen Austin, DC, FICPA, FMACP
Dr. Karen brings more than two decades of clinical experience in chiropractic biomechanics, functional medicine, and patient-centered healthcare consulting. She has served in collaborative case-management roles alongside medical physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare teams, supporting coordinated, integrative care and clinical continuity.
Her work spans clinical, wellness, and consultative settings, where she guides patients of all ages toward sustainable, long-term health outcomes through thoughtful evaluation, individualized planning, and evidence-informed therapeutic care.
Clinical Expertise
Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic with extensive hands-on clinical experience
Certified in Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA), including advanced soft-tissue and joint mobilization techniques for complex musculoskeletal conditions
Functional Medicine clinician with focus in hormone health, pediatric and women’s health, and mycotoxin-related illness
Design and implementation of individualized care plans integrating advanced laboratory testing with evidence-based therapeutic strategies
Integration of advanced diagnostic tools and structured clinical protocols to improve clarity, outcomes, and long-term wellness
Professional Leadership & Collaboration
Dr. Austin’s professional experience extends beyond direct patient care into healthcare operations, compliance, and interdisciplinary coordination. Her background includes:
Medical insurance billing, appeals, and medical record auditing
Accounts receivable management and clinical documentation oversight
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) awareness and compliance support
Participation as an expert witness in personal injury case review, including documentation analysis and court-related testimony proceedings when required
This breadth of experience supports clear communication with providers, attorneys, insurers, and care teams while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical, patient-centered practice.
Community & Service
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Karen actively supports community health, youth athletics, and charitable outreach. Her regulated clinical participation includes service as an approved referral provider for Veterans Affairs, Medicare participation, and designation as a Texas Workers’ Compensation physician.
East Texas Food Bank; Toys for Tots; Alex’s Lemonade Stand (pediatric cancer research)
Red Raiders Football Team Physician; Lindale Youth Football Association Team Physician
Texas Elite Spartans, Women’s National Football Conference Champions Team Physician
Foundation for Wellness Professionals Volunteer
Dr. Austin believes true wellness extends beyond treatment and into education, family support, and community connection.
Clinical Collaboration
Dr. Shamonica Trunell, DC
Dr. Shamonica Trunell is a respected chiropractic physician and the founder of Hillcrest Chiropractic in Waco, Texas. She and Dr. Karen Austin began their professional training together at Parker University in August 2000 and have maintained an ongoing collaborative relationship since graduation.
Through shared clinical values and longstanding professional trust, their collaboration supports peer-level case review, clinical troubleshooting, coordinated patient care, and continuity of treatment when additional insight or referral is beneficial. This partnership reflects a mutual commitment to thoughtful clinical decision-making, professional integrity, and comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Dr. Trunell’s clinical experience includes caring for patients within Veterans Affairs–coordinated care, Texas Workers’ Compensation, and Medicare and Medicaid populations, demonstrating familiarity with regulated healthcare environments and diverse patient needs. She has served these communities with a strong focus on access to care, education, and functional recovery.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Trunell is committed to community service and outreach, including volunteer efforts and participation in women’s encouragement and empowerment initiatives and seminars. Her dedication to service, education, and evidence-informed chiropractic care aligns with a shared mission of restoring function, reducing pain, and improving long-term quality of life for the individuals and families served.
Our Therapy Team
At East Texas Chiropractic & Wellness, patient care is supported by a compassionate and highly experienced team of therapeutic professionals who share a commitment to healing, restoration, and whole-person wellness. Each therapist brings unique training, clinical insight, and a heart for serving the community.
Penny Rushing
Penny Rushing is a licensed massage therapist and the founder of Deeper Kneads in Tyler, Texas. She received her massage license in August 2002 and brings more than two decades of hands-on therapeutic experience focused on restoring mobility, relieving pain, and supporting long-term muscular health.
Penny has been a valued part of Dr. Austin’s clinical journey since 2008, when they began working together in the Tyler practice setting. Their longstanding professional relationship reflects shared clinical standards, patient-centered care, and a deep commitment to helping individuals achieve meaningful, lasting improvement.
Her clinical background includes experience supporting patients within Veterans Affairs–coordinated care, Medicare, and Texas Workers’ Compensation environments, along with extensive familiarity across a wide range of therapeutic and rehabilitative modalities. This breadth of experience allows her to tailor care to each patient’s functional needs, comfort level, and recovery goals.
Known for her attentive presence, skilled technique, and genuine compassion, Penny provides thoughtful, individualized therapy that promotes relief, relaxation, and long-term wellness. Her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to continued learning make her an integral part of the wellness community serving East Texas families.
Ashley Kilgore
Ashley Kilgore is the founder of Beacon of Light Wellness in Webster, Texas, where she provides holistic, client-centered wellness care focused on restoration, balance, and whole-person healing. She has collaborated with Dr. Karen since 2014, when they first worked together in the Tyler clinical setting, establishing a longstanding professional relationship grounded in trust, shared clinical values, and patient-focused care.
Ashley brings extensive experience with therapeutic and rehabilitative care, including familiarity with physical therapy–style modalities and support of patients receiving care within Veterans Affairs–coordinated care, Medicare, and Texas Workers’ Compensation settings. This background reflects comfort working within structured treatment plans, documentation standards, and regulated care environments.
With a passion for supporting both physical recovery and emotional well-being, Ashley approaches each client with thoughtful attention, individualized care, and a calming therapeutic presence. Her work emphasizes gentle restoration, personalized support, and creating a safe environment where clients can move toward improved health, clarity, and overall wellness.
Ashley’s compassionate approach and years of collaborative clinical experience make her a valued part of the extended wellness community serving East Texas families.
Gayle Miller – Therapeutic Massage Professional
Gayle Miller brings many years of professional massage experience, including previous ownership of her own massage practice. She now enjoys serving clients within our wellness community while also spending meaningful time supporting her grandchildren’s athletic activities.
Her clinical background includes experience caring for patients in the Lindale office setting, including those receiving care connected with Veterans Affairs–coordinated services and Medicare populations, reflecting familiarity with structured care environments and diverse patient needs.
Gayle provides a wide range of therapeutic techniques tailored to each client, including myofascial release, deep tissue, orthopedic and medical massage, hot stone therapy, essential oil integration, and other supportive therapeutic modalities. Her approach emphasizes comfort, functional improvement, and individualized care designed to promote relief, mobility, and long-term wellness.
Known for her calm presence, attentive listening, and genuine compassion, Gayle creates a supportive environment where clients feel cared for, relaxed, and confident in their healing process. Her experience and dedication make her a valued part of the wellness team serving East Texas families.
