OUR TEAM
YOUR DOCTORS
Tara Scharich, D.C.
FOUNDING CHIROPRACTOR & EDUCATOR
Dr. Tara Scharich is a bold voice in modern chiropractic, and a lifeline for overwhelmed parents who are tired of guessing, googling, and getting nowhere. Specializing in brain-based chiropractic care for kids with big emotions, she helps families uncover root causes and real solutions, without defaulting to the hamster wheel of behavioral meds or endless antibiotics.
A fifth-generation chiropractor, Dr. Tara honors her legacy while breaking the mold—providing a uniquely gentle approach that goes far beyond traditional chiropractic and is safe for everyone from the tiniest newborn to the wisest senior. As the founder of Fully Alive Family Chiropractic, she’s spent the past 18 years guiding thousands of families to lasting transformation.
Tara is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a degree from Palmer College—the OG school of chiropractic, known today for producing the best chiropractors in the world! She is also Webster Technique Certified, cranial-trained, and a Focus Certified Brain Blossom Provider.
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Today, she helps families navigate the complex challenges of developmental delays, sensory struggles, and the overwhelm of modern parenting. By showing parents how small, healthy choices—like chiropractic care for children —can create massive change over time, she’s helping rewrite the future for an entire generation.
She’s also a dynamic educator, speaker, and community builder. Through workshops, wellness events, and judgment-free support, she serves the families who need it most. In a world full of conflicting wellness advice, Dr. Tara is a trusted guide. She helps parents filter the noise of endlessly conflicting medical information, understand their child’s nervous system, and take one clear step forward after another. For her, this isn’t just patient care—it’s a calling.
Originally from Canada, Tara came to the U.S. on a tennis scholarship, married her college sweetheart Dave. They now live near Lake Michigan with their three teenagers, David, Gabby and Josh and their dog, Luna. When she’s not adjusting tiny spines or leading community workshops, you’ll find her hiking, snowboarding, wakesurfing, or enjoying a sunset at the beach, living the vibrant, fully-alive lifestyle she helps others reclaim.
Melanie Kom, D.C.
PRENATAL & PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Mel can be found in our adjusting rooms caring for babies, bellies, and the families who love them. Known for her calm presence and confident hands, she helps moms feel empowered through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. With advanced training in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic, Dr. Mel provides prenatal care, breech support, and newborn adjustments from day one—helping women feel strong, supported, and seen, while giving even the tiniest newborns the healthiest start possible.
A graduate of Sherman College of Chiropractic (cum laude), Dr. Mel brings both heart and clinical excellence to every visit. Her gentle, brain-based care supports fertility, eases pregnancy symptoms, encourages optimal fetal positioning, and helps growing babies thrive from day one.
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Outside the office, you’ll often find her on walks with her boyfriend and their dogs—coffee in hand, soaking up the simple joys of life. Her peace and steadiness remind everyone around her what it means to live fully present.
YOUR CHIROPRACTIC ASSISTANTS
Suzanne Thursby
Patient Advocate & Brain Blossom Support Specialist
You’ll often find Suzanne in the exam and Brain Blossom rooms, helping families understand how their child’s nervous system is adapting, celebrating wins, and guiding them through every stage of care. With a degree in Biology and Microbiology from California State University and over 15 years on Team Fully Alive, Suzanne blends science and heart in everything she does.
She partners closely with Dr. Tara and Dr. Mel to track patient progress and support families of children with learning, socialization, or behavior challenges through our Brain Blossom program. Her background spans lab research, preschool teaching, women’s ministry, and hotline leadership—giving her a uniquely compassionate lens for every story she hears.
Outside the office, Suzanne’s curiosity never stops—she studies books about the brain for fun and brings her creativity to life through community theater, both performing and supporting local productions. Her joy for learning and service reflects her deep belief in helping others thrive.
Jennifer Durocher
Financial CA & Office Systems Queen
When you meet Jennifer, you’ll quickly notice her superpower: she remembers every number, date, and detail with ease. From balancing patient accounts to organizing team systems, Jen keeps Fully Alive running with excellence and grace.
A mom of six and long-time PTO leader, Jen brings over seven years of dedication, precision, and heart to her role as our Financial CA. She thrives on helping patients understand their care plans and feel confident about their investment in health.
Known for her love of minimalism and simplicity (except when it comes to beautiful paper products—if you need napkins, she’s your girl!), Jen brings order, warmth, and humor to every day at Fully Alive. Her gratitude, consistency, and quiet faith create a calm, grounded presence that blesses everyone she serves.
Kait Dothsuk
Front Desk Coordinator & Heart of the Welcome
The moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by Kaitlyn’s bright smile and contagious warmth. Whether she’s welcoming you by name, playing peek-a-boo with your baby while you get adjusted, or helping you schedule your next visit, she’s the sunshine of our front desk.
As a mother herself, Kaitlyn understands how much care it takes to juggle family, healing, and everyday life. With a background in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, she brings an extra level of patience and understanding to every interaction. Her love for photography and all things creative shines through in the way she captures moments—both in life and in the office.
Her compassion, creativity, and joyful spirit embody the heart of Fully Alive—connection, family, and growth.
Lily Stark
Tech CA & Community Connector
You’ll find Lily helping with patient notes, assisting during exams, or caring for little ones so moms can receive their adjustments in peace. A nurse by training and a mom of four, Lily brings both compassion and clinical confidence to her role as our afternoon Tech CA.
Her heart beats for motherhood, natural living, and community connection. She leads our Fully Alive in Motherhood group and monthly Book Club, creating space for women to grow, learn, and feel seen. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find her outdoors, knitting, or chatting about birth stories and parenting insights over tea.
Lily’s warmth and wisdom invite everyone around her to slow down, connect, and live life more fully.
Gabby Scharich
Tech & Marketing Assistant
You’ll often find Gabby behind the front desk or alongside our doctors helping with patient care, social media, and special projects. As Dr. Tara’s daughter, she has grown up surrounded by chiropractic and a deep appreciation for holistic health.
Currently completing a work-study program, Gabby is passionate about learning everything she can about health, communication, and leadership as she prepares to pursue a career in Recreational Therapy. She brings fresh creativity, a listening ear, and a heart for helping others feel seen.
