ABOUT
Our Legacy
CIHP was born from a belief that true healing requires understanding. In the early 1990s, Dr. Clayton Skaggs began his practice in St. Louis, driven to help patients move beyond pain and toward performance. His curiosity led him beyond the limits of traditional care, recognizing that exercise, movement, and nutrition were essential missing links.
Everything changed when he met Dr. Vladimir Janda, the pioneering neurologist from Prague who taught that the body must be treated as an integrated system. Dr. Janda’s philosophy, blending art and science to bridge orthopedics and rehabilitation, profoundly shaped Dr. Skaggs’ approach and became the foundation for what CIHP stands for today: restoring human performance through precision, simplicity, and connection.
Our Philosophy
We Believe That Doing What Matters Has Real Power.
Our mission is simple yet profound, to help do what matters and make an impact that lasts. Sometimes that means solving chronic pain when every other approach has failed. Other times, it means restoring movement, building resilience, or unlocking the vitality that allows you to live longer and stronger.
And here’s the truth: more isn’t always better. More therapies. More routines. More devices. Healing begins when we strip everything away until only what matters remains. It starts not with technology, but with breath. With the experienced hands of a practitioner who can see what others miss; the way you stand, walk, breathe, and move. In that clarity, the path to true healing appears.
At CIHP, this philosophy is forged through years of treating people others couldn’t help. The living proof of what’s possible when simplicity meets precision. It’s shared in our book, The Power of Doing What Matters, and expanded through our digital platform, The Curious Gap. Education, tools, and assessments help you close the distance between where you are and where you want to be. Together, they form a blueprint for resilience; a guide to lifelong health.
Here, we refuse to accept decline as inevitable, or pain as permanent. We know the resilience of the human body is extraordinary. When you do what matters, you heal what’s important. And when you heal what’s important, you live again.
This is not just a treatment plan.
It’s a philosophy. It’s a movement. It’s the power of doing what matters.
Our Founder
Clayton Skaggs, DC
Founder, Central Institute for Human Performance
For Dr. Clayton Skaggs, healing has always been about more than treating pain, it’s about helping people reclaim their potential. Early in his career, he saw that traditional care often stopped short of true recovery, missing the essential roles of movement, nutrition, and the mind-body connection. His search for a better way led him to Drs. Vladimir Janda and Karel Lewit, pioneering neurologists from Prague who believed medicine was both art and science. And that it was rooted in observation, listening, and empathy.
That philosophy became the foundation of CIHP, which Dr. Skaggs founded in 2003 to unite clinical precision with real human insight. What began as a small St. Louis practice has evolved into a globally recognized institute treating everyone from Olympians and Stanley Cup champions to elite military and high-performing professionals.
Equally devoted to teaching as to treating, Dr. Skaggs has spent decades mentoring physicians, therapists, and researchers across disciplines. His leadership and curiosity continue to shape CIHP’s mission: to help people everywhere learn, move, and live with strength, resilience, and purpose.
Meet The Team
Clayton Skaggs
Dr. of Chiropractic
In the early 90’s Dr. Clayton Skaggs established a private practice in St. Louis, Missouri. While he was helping patients and working as a post-doctoral instructor to chiropractic physicians, dentists and physical therapists, he knew he needed to expand what he was doing for patients and that exercise and nutrition were missing links. A major turning point in his career came when he attended a workshop in Peoria, Illinois where Dr. Vladimir Janda, a neurologist from Prague, Czech Republic, was lecturing on rehabilitation. Dr. Skaggs often cites Dr. Janda as “blending art and science to the procedures and applications of traditional orthopedics and rehabilitation.”
After that meeting, Dr. Skaggs traveled to Prague annually for over a decade to study with Dr. Janda, Dr. Karel Lewit, and physical therapists at Charles University. Dr. Lewit would become his most influential mentor and our clinics’ namesake. Drs. Janda and Lewit, both neurologists, are now recognized as leading pioneers in rehabilitation and sports medicine. As Dr. Skaggs often relates, because the physicians and therapists in Prague did not have the means for high tech medicine or diagnostics, they mastered the art and science of observing, listening, and feeling the needs of the patient.
The practice then moved to Clayton, Missouri where exercise and nutrition were expanded. Over the next 10 years Dr. Skaggs was on eight university-based post-doctoral faculties, including Clinical Research Professor at Logan University and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Jim George joined the practice located in Clayton (then known as Clayton Physical Medicine) first as a student, then intern, then associate. He is now the Clinic Director and partner at the location in Kirkwood, Missouri.
During this academic period, Drs. Skaggs and George led a National Institutes of Health (NIH) randomized trial that resulted in publication of one of the largest studies on low back pain in pregnant women. Additionally, they were authors in eight different books and over 20 published papers on sports medicine and rehabilitation.
While only a 1500 square foot facility, the sports and performance care grew and attracted professional and elite athletes from around the world. The concept of a larger institute began to take shape. Following the purpose of creating an institute known throughout the world as a place to go when injured or wanting to improve performance, the Central Institute for Human Performance (CIHP) was formed in the historic J. Milton Turner school building in Kirkwood, Missouri in 2003.
Today, CIHP continues to evolve and expand its reach. As part of our certification and alliance with Prof. Stuart McGill, individuals with back pain come from across the country to seek our care. Prof. McGill is an influential colleague, mentor, and friend of Dr. Skaggs’ and now of CIHP. Dr. McGill and Dr. Skaggs have taught post-doctoral programs and conducted clinical research together for nearly 20 years. Dr. McGill has most recently contributed to the development of our Movement and Behavior Imprint (MBI).
Through our non-resident program, we are training and consulting individuals from California to New York to Texas. Our team now consists of chiropractic physicians, physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, strength coaches, dietitians and client advocates. To date, Dr. Skaggs and the teams at CIHP have worked with World Series Champions, Stanley Cup Champions, Elite military, PGA Champions, NFL, NHL and MLB All Stars and thousands of professional and elite athletes. We continue with what Dr. Skaggs started: creating a place where people can choose their health, resilience and performance. We recognize knowledge is our most valuable asset and we must have the courage to continue to ask questions of our work, to teach, and as Karel Lewit shared with Dr. Skaggs, “to feel the needs of our patients and clients.”
William Bunge
Dr. of Chiropractic
Credentials: DC, ATC
Previous Experience
Chiropractor at private practice for 3 years.
Education
• Doctor of Chiropractic, Logan University
• Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, Nova Southeastern University
Professional Certifications
- Board Certified Chiropractor and Athletic Trainer
- State of Missouri Licensed Acupuncture
- Full Body Certified Active Release Technique (ART)
- McGill Method Certified Practitioner
Professional Interests: Rehabilitation, DNS, Manual Therapy, Nutrition, McGill Methods
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Hobbies: Triathlons, Swimming, Cooking, Family Time
James W. George
Credentials: DC
Previous Experience
• Instructor, Logan University, College of Chiropractic
• Adjunct Instructor, Washington University School of Medicine
Education
• Doctor of Chiropractic, Logan University, College of Chiropractic
• Bachelor of Science, Truman State University
Professional Certifications
• State of Missouri Licensed Chiropractic Physician
• Board Certified in Acupuncture
• American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Rehabilitation, McGill Methods, Manual Therapy, Acupuncture
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Hobbies: Family Time, Fishing, Outdoor Activities
Kelly Scheller
Practitioner
Credentials: BS-PT
Previous Experience
- St. Anthony’s Medical Center, Inpatient and Outpatient Physical Therapy Services
• Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Inpatient and Outpatient Physical Therapy Services
Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Manager of Physical Medicine Services.
Education
• Bachelor of Science, St. Louis University
Professional Certifications
• State of Missouri Licensed Physical Therapist
• American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Rehabilitation and Personal Training
Hometown: Quincy, Illinois
Hobbies: Cycling, Spinning, Watching High School Sports.
Greg Hauck
Operations Manager/Practitioner
Credentials: M.Ed., ATC,, CSCS, NASM-CES
Previous Experience
- Head Athletic Trainer, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club
- Assistant Athletic Trainer, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club
- Minor League Rehab Coordinator and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Oakland Athletic Baseball Club
Education
• Master of Education, University of Phoenix
• Bachelor of Science, Southern Oregon University
Professional Certifications
• Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer
• State of Missouri Licensed Athletic Trainer
• American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Patient and Client Assessments and Care, Furthering Knowledge through Educational Courses
Hometown: Ashland, Oregon
Hobbies: Family Time, Yard Work and Reading
Sarah Klassen
Practitioner
Credentials: PICP Level 2
Previous Experience
- Over 10 years of experience under CIHP philosophy and training
- Internship at CIHP postgraduate
Education
• Bachelor of Science, Missouri Southern State University
Professional Certifications
- Training Certifications – PICP Level 2 & Biosignature Modulation Level 2
- American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Performance Training and Nutrition
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Hobbies: Experimenting with different recipes, weight training, reading, hanging pool side, recreational soccer.
Tim Sirmon
Lead Rehabilitation Practitioner
Credentials: PT, DPT, OCS
Previous Experience
- Physical Therapist at Encore Sports Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama.
Education
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of South Alabama
• Bachelor of Science, Louisiana State University
Professional Certifications
• Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
• State of Missouri Licensed Physical Therapist
• American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Rehabilitation, Human Performance, McGill Methods, Methodology Development
Hometown: Luling, Louisiana
Hobbies: Family, reading, learning new things.
Melissa Filla
Credentials: M.Ed., ATC, LAT
Previous Experience
• Assistant Athletic Trainer, University of Illinois, Men’s & Women’s Gymnastics
• Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer, University of Missouri, Women’s Gymnastics
Education
• Master of Education, University of Missouri
• Bachelor of Science, Eastern Illinois University
Professional Certifications
• Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer
• State of Missouri Licensed Athletic Trainer
• American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Rehabilitation, Athletic Training, Nutrition, McGill Methods
Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois
Hobbies: Outdoor activities, Cooking, Gardening, Antiques, Family Time
Steve Jamieson
Credentials: ATC
Previous Experience
-Assistant Athletic Trainer, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Figure Skating and Golf
-Summer Athletic Training Intern, San Francisco 49ers
Education
-BS in Athletic Training, University of Missouri
-BS in Exercise Science, Rockhurst University
Professional Certifications
-Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer
-State of Missouri Licensed Athletic Trainer
-American Heart Association CPR/AED
-Blood Flow Restriction Certified
Professional Interests: Athletic Training, Rehabilitation, Injury Prevention
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Hobbies: Hockey, Golf, Music, Spending time with my Family
Trey Adams
Practitioner
Credentials: NASM – CPT, CSCS
Previous Experience
- Personal Trainer in a Private Studio Facility (one-on-one, semi-private, & group training)
- Integrated Health Specialist in a Mental Health and Medical Clinic
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Missouri State University
Professional Certifications
- EXOS Performance Specialist
• FMS Level 1
• American Heart Association CPR/AED - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Professional Interests: Strength Training, Nutrition, Mental Health
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Hobbies: Strength Training, Hiking, Traveling, Hockey, Soccer
Joey Penn
Practitioner
Credentials: CSCS
Previous Experience:
- Strength & Conditioning Intern with Murray State University’s Athletics (all sports)
• Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Barwis Methods. - 5+ years of running a personal training business.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Murray State University
Professional Certifications:
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Athletic development, Powerlifting, Injury prevention
Hometown: Collinsville, Illinois
Hobbies: Camping, Hiking, Traveling, Concerts, and Live Sporting Events.
Hannah Kilwin
CIHP Front Desk Team
Professional Interests: Nutrition
Hometown: Waterloo, IL
Hobbies: Pilates, Hiking, Trying out new restaurants, Live Music, and Cooking
Mavis
CIHP Front Desk Team
My goal in life is to help people. Rather you need a smile, or need to make an appointment, I’m happy to do it. I also enjoy working with kids, but anything that gets me interacting with people is what I love to do.
Hobbies: Shopping, Art, and Reading
Hometown: St. Louis
Jessi Behymer
Practitioner
Credentials: MS, ATC
Education
• Master of Science in Fitness Management, Missouri Baptist University
• Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, Missouri State University
Professional Certifications
• Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer
• State of Missouri Licensed Athletic Trainer
• American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Rehabilitation, Athletic Training, Nutrition
Hometown: St. Peters, Missouri
Hobbies: running, baking, outdoor adventures with family
Megan Moose
Credentials: PT, DPT
Previous Experience
- Physical Therapist at Joint Effort Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapist at Wellness Physical Therapy
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Truman State University
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy at A.T. Still University- Arizona School of Health Science
Professional Certification
- State of Missouri Licensed Physical Therapist
- American Heart Association CPR/AED
Professional Interests: Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention, McGill Methods, and Research
Hometown: O’ Fallon, Missouri
Hobbies: Cooking, Gardening, Water Skiing, Hiking, and Reading
Marcia Schmeerbauch
Hometown: Lexington, Ohio
Hobbies: Walking and talking with friends, a good book, cooking (no recipe required).
Caleb Little, CSCS
Previous Experience
- Strength and Conditioning Intern with the University of Kansas football team
Education
- Bachelor of Science, University of Kansas
Professional Certification
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Professional Interests: Performance Enhancement, Longevity, Nutrition
Hometown: Columbia, IL
Hobbies: Traveling, Training, Cooking, Reading, and playing various musical instruments
Delia Smith
Dr. of Chiropractic
Credentials: DC, ATC
Previous Experience
- Associate Chiropractor at a private practice in Minnesota
- Athletic Trainer for Mercy Sports Medicine and St. Louis Athletic Training Services – Hockey and Lacrosse
Education
- BS Athletic Training from Lindenwood University
- Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan University
Professional Certifications
- Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer
- CPR/AED Certified
- State of Missouri Licensed Athletic Trainer, Chiropractor
- Licensed in Acupuncture
Professional Interests: Sports Medicine, Concussions, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, Manual Therapy, Research
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Hobbies: Figure skating, coaching, hiking, science podcasts, and watching hockey (I’m a Montreal Canadiens fan, but I support the Blues too!)
Evan Edwards
Credentials: American College of Sports Medicine, CEP
Previous Experience
- Exercise Physiologist at Liberty Hospital Cardio Pulmonary Rehab
- Fitness Coordinator at Grandview Community Center
Education
- BS in Exercise Science at Truman State University
Professional Certifications
- Certified Exercise Physiologist
- American Heart Association BLS
Professional Interests: Athletic Performance, Cardiovascular Disease, and Exercise Physiology
Hometown: Platte City, MO
Hobbies: Cycling, Golf, Strength Training, and hanging out with my cat.
Emily Csengody
Professional Interests: Patient Care
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Hobbies: Pottery, flower arranging, long walks, horseback riding and baking.