Anitra

Patient Care Coordinator

Anitra grew up in Jefferson City and was a member of the Jefferson City High School Track Team.  She has always had an artistic flair and was very interested in fashion.  It was these two interests that brought her to Columbia College.  During college she studied fashion design and art finishing with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art.  Anitra has always loved staying active.  During her years at Columbia College, she served on the Student Activities Commission, she was Co-Captain of the Cougar Cheerleading Squad, and she was elected Junior Class President.  She and her friends were frequently found running or rollerblading on the sidewalks of downtown Columbia, kicking a soccer ball on the MU Quad, or out and about country dancing!  She also worked for several years at Maurices during college and earned a role as an assistant manager by the time she graduated.  But her journey truly began after college.  

Shortly after graduating, she had the opportunity to become a flight attendant for Ozark Airlines, which was a small start-up airline based in Columbia.  Within a year, the airline was purchased and moved to Tulsa, OK.  She was invited to relocate to Tulsa and move away from everything she knew here in Mid-Missouri and she did!  What an adventure!  She worked her way up in the company soon becoming an Inflight Trainer and going on to head up the Training Department for Great Plains Airlines.  In 2001, the September 11th attacks occurred and took a toll on regional airlines.  The company was forced to close its doors, but this was not the end of her story. 

Using her background in customer service, Anitra landed a job in the bridal industry serving as a bridal consultant for Facchianos Bridal and Formalwear in Broken Arrow, OK, which was just outside of Tulsa.  Working closely with the owner, Anitra soaked up even more knowledge during her time there.  She not only learned the often-difficult task of satisfying fussy brides while planning their big day, but she also helped organized bridal shows, modeled in fashion shows, and also learned a bit about buying at the National Bridal Market in Chicago!

On a rainy night in 2006, she was unfortunately the passenger in a serious car accident that left her with severe injuries including a broken ankle, a separated shoulder, and a fractured spine.  She was paralyzed on the entire left side of her body and spent the next 29 days in the hospital.  During her recovery, she worked with a fantastic group of doctors and physical therapists who helped her fight her way back.  She went through 10 weeks of rehabilitation after returning home.  This was her first experience with the healing powers of movement.  It inspired her to push forward despite one doctor telling her she “would never be the same.” Anitra was determined to prove him wrong!

She continued to live in Jefferson City with her parents for 4 months during her recovery, but soon another opportunity presented itself.  The Villager on Broadway in downtown Columbia hired her and within a year she moved up and served as store manager for the next few years.  

Anitra married in 2010 and gave birth to her twins 3 years later – one boy and one girl.  Her daughter, Alley, is a basketball star and will begin running track during the off season this spring.  Her son, Asher, is a talented goalie for his competitive soccer team, wrestles for his middle school team, and also runs track on the off season.  Both are very involved in choir – Alley is part of the ensemble and Asher is rehearsing for a lead role in the school musical this December.   Anitra spends most of her time running them from one event or practice to the next!   

Her first experience with chiropractic care came after carrying the twins.   She was enduring a lot of pain in her lower back and after several treatments, she became a true believer in the field.  Since then, her son, Asher, who is definitely “rough and tumble” has become a patient of Focus on Health. 

In her spare time, Anitra enjoys a cup of coffee on her back porch, curling up with a good book, taking a walk in the park, traveling, and going on bike rides with her kids.  She is very excited to further her career in customer service and use the skills she has acquired along the way to serve in her new role.  She is incredibly grateful and excited to begin this new chapter with Focus on Health!