The People Behind the Practice

Dr. Craig Akridge is a licensed chiropractor in Bellevue, Nebraska, with a passion for solving complex health challenges. His commitment to patient care stems from a personal journey—after a severe car accident in high school left him with unexplained pain, a chiropractor discovered spinal misalignments that restored his ability to thrive. Inspired by this experience, Dr. Craig pursued his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO, where he also served as a senior intern and group leader. Dr. Craig is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association, Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians’ Association, and multiple local chambers of commerce. Recognized for his leadership and community involvement, he was honored with the “Suburban 40 Under 40” award. His mission is simple: to provide answers, deliver relief, and help his patients live their best lives.

Dr. Conor Penington is a dedicated chiropractor specializing in personalized care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. A member of the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association, he uses advanced techniques such as Webster, Thompson, Flexion Distraction, and Torque Release to address the root causes of pain and restore wellness. Inspired by his own transformative experience with chiropractic care during high school, Dr. Penington earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland University - Kansas City and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of South Dakota. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, concerts, pickleball, and cheering on Nebraska sports with his wife and their two cats.

Lauren Castillo is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner with 15 years of experience helping individuals navigate mental health and substance use challenges. Known for her direct, compassionate, and often humorous approach, Lauren creates a safe, judgment-free space for adolescents and adults to explore their struggles and strengths. She specializes in evidence-based treatments and has worked across residential, outpatient, and community mental health settings. Lauren believes recovery is about progress, not perfection, and partners with her clients to develop practical, solution-focused strategies that result in real, meaningful change.

Carla is a dedicated mental health and substance use professional known for her compassionate, down-to-earth approach to care. With a diverse background and lived experience, she supports individuals from all walks of life as they navigate challenges related to mental health, addiction, life transitions, and personal growth.

Carla creates a safe, judgment-free space where clients can show up as they are and feel truly understood. Her style is warm, relatable, and refreshingly real—offering support that breaks away from the “typical therapist” mold. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, recovery, or simply need someone to talk to, Carla meets you where you’re at and walks alongside you as you move forward.

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Emily Rokon is a licensed mental health therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve lasting emotional well-being. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she empowers clients to break unhelpful thought patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful change. With advanced certification as a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C), Emily also supports clients during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood, addressing the unique emotional challenges of this transformative stage. She works with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem issues, offering a compassionate, collaborative approach in a nonjudgmental space. Whether you’re seeking short-term guidance or long-term personal growth, Emily is committed to helping you take confident, practical steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Emily Niess is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner who provides compassionate support to individuals and couples navigating life’s challenges. With clinical experience spanning children, adolescents, and adults, Emily works with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, compassion fatigue, and relationship dynamics.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that therapy is never one-size-fits-all. Emily meets each client exactly where they are—emotionally and personally—tailoring strategies that foster healing in a way that feels right for them. She offers a warm, welcoming environment grounded in kindness, empathy, and a touch of humor to make space for real connection and growth.

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