The chiropractic industry lost an inspiring, award-winning advocate with the passing of educator, author, consultant and coaching expert Carol Ann Malizia, DC, in April.
Dr. Malizia served as a speaker and consultant to professional and larger organizations seeking an integrated model of health care delivery, following her vision of achieving true quality of life for patients using the foundational principles of chiropractic care and whole-food nutrition to create sustainable solutions.
Her long list of awards and achievements included Chiropractor of the Year in 1996, Women Chiropractor of the Year from the World Congress of Women Chiropractors in 2005, the One Voice for Chiropractic Award and Chiropractor of the Year from Parker College of Chiropractic in 2008, and in 2012 Parker Chiropractic College recognized her international contributions to chiropractic in Japan, Australia, Italy and Canada. In 2017 the League of Chiropractic Women recognized Dr. Malizia with their highest honor, the Legacy Award.
For 25 years she maintained a full-spectrum chiropractic practice in Hudson Valley, N.Y., with an emphasis on lifestyle and longevity programs. Dr. Malizia graduated from New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) in 1989, completed her certification as a chiropractic sports practitioner, and completed a master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from NYCC.
She also served on the board of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. Along with Dr. Liz Anderson Peacock, Dr. Malizia created the “Girls, Gals and Gurus” program which helped support and elevate women at all stages of their life.
“She was a vibrant leader who donated so much to the chiropractic profession and our foundation,” said Sherry McAllister, MS (Ed), DC, CCSP, executive vice president for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. “She will be remembered as a warm, cheerful, talented and loving colleague and friend.”
An active advocate for Veterans, Dr. Malizia was a featured lecturer to the medical staff at Keller Army Hospital at West Point and numerous conferences for veterans. She participated in creating a U.S.-based nationwide education program for health care providers to support the unique needs of Veterans through whole food nutrition, named the Military Access Program.
Her husband, Kevin Hayes, has started a foundation in her honor to support various charitable initiatives with a focus on women’s empowerment, military support, chiropractic and wellness — the Dr. Carol Ann Malizia Legacy Foundation.
The family is asking for donations to the foundation in lieu of flowers at: https://cfosny.org/our-funds/donor-advised/dr-carol-ann-malizia-legacy-foundation/.
