Through The Avoda Project, the nonprofit she leads with her husband,
Dr. Clark brings health resources and dignity to underserved communities in Jamaica, Cuba, and the U.S. “Advocacy starts with education,” she says.
“Chiropractic is about restoring function and hope.” Dr. Thornton began her pageant career more than 20 years ago, and
competitions have followed important milestones and changes in her life ever since. Pageantry became a proving ground for resilience during graduate school and times of personal upheaval. “I attended Palmer’s campus in Port Orange — it’s like a family down there,” Dr. Thornton says. “The faculty had my back personally and professionally during a difficult time in my life.” Now Mrs. American 2025, Dr. Thornton represented the United States at Mrs. World this winter, where she took home a fourth-place honor.
“Pageantry exposes, expands, and celebrates your capacity,” she says. “You find your voice.” That voice now champions chiropractic, compassion, and hard
conversations about health, abuse awareness, and identity. Through her work with Compassion International, Dr. Thornton sponsors 71 children worldwide, with a goal of reaching 1,000. She has also authored three children’s books focused on core identity. Drs. Clark and Thornton know each other well. Both Palmer Florida
graduates, Dr. Clark was a teaching assistant while Dr. Thornton was a student, and the two have since connected through professional circles and on Dr. Thornton’s podcast. Together, they exemplify how Palmer graduates act as leaders far beyond the walls of the clinic.
Advice from two pageant winners
“Take a chance. I did my first pageant because my sister dared me! What started as a sisterly joke has become a transformative part of my life. You never know where meaning will come from.”
—Tiffany Thornton, D.C. (`12)
“Look for opportunities to lead. Our College made us masters of our craft and uniquely prepared us for leadership roles. Step in when the time is right and make a difference for your patients and the causes that matter to you.”
—Kanema Clark, D.C. (`12)
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