With Her Own Two Hands
Jill Bivona brings compassionate, patient-focused chiropractic care to the Jasper community
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
In the heart of Jasper, Dr. Jill Bivona is weaving a tapestry of healing, resilience, and determination. As the proud owner of Bivona Chiropractic Clinic, Jill's journey is a testament to the transformative power of tragedy, the pursuit of passion, and the integration of holistic care into the fabric of a community.
Hailing from Bessemer, she experienced a childhood filled with the laughter of siblings and the call of the outdoors. A graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School, she furthered her education at Birmingham-Southern College, earning a degree in English and Art History. After finishing her undergraduate studies, she decided to pursue a career in dentistry.
The trajectory of Jill's life took an unexpected turn when she was taking her medical pre-requisite courses at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). It was during this time that tragedy struck, as her closest friend, Mallory Burns, a sister-like figure from grade school through college, passed away in a car accident. Mallory's untimely departure prompted fill to reevaluate her path.
"Mallory was halfway through chiropractic school at the time of her passing, and she was just so passionate about it," Jill recalls. "I was interested in health and the human body, so I felt that pursuing chiropractic was a great way to mix my interests with honoring her."
Armed with a newfound purpose, Jill ventured into chiropractic school at Life University in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite the initial uncertainty, she embraced the challenge. Total reassurance came on the day of her graduation, four years to the day of Mallory's passing.
"Everything came full circle. I knew I was doing what I was meant to do," Jill says.
She practiced as an associate and contractor in the Birmingham area for several years before her path took another twist, and she found the opportunity to operate her own practice.
"Dr. Wade O'Mary sustained an injury that made him unable to practice at his clinic in Jasper, so I began working there a couple of days a week. Soon, I was presented the opportunity to buy the practice," she says. "After I started working here in Jasper, I became aware that it was time for me to leave Birmingham. God just laid it out for me."
In September 2022, Jill officially purchased the business and renamed it Bivona Chiropractic Clinic. As the practice owner, fill is not merely a practitioner; she's a driving force behind a paradigm shift. Her dedication to evidence-based practice not only serves her patients but also challenges stereotypes surrounding chiropractic practice, paving the way for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to healthcare in Jasper.
"We focus on individualized treatment plans for every patient, and the treatment plans don't just aim to fix a singular ailment; they focus on evidence-based patient education and treatment for more pain-free movement, which leads to a healthier lifestyle, which leads to more overall vitality," she says.
Outside her bustling clinic, fill finds solace in her family - her husband, Keith Rains, their vibrant 5-year-old daughter Callie, and their two dogs, James and Lady. The family shares a love for playing tennis and enjoying the serenity of the Warrior River.
Reflecting on her journey and the legacy she aims to create, Jil states, "I always want to be a positive light in someone's life and never the reason someone has a bad day. I want to make everyone's day a little bit better."
Though beginning her own practice was a leap of faith, Dr. Jill Bivona is proud to serve the Jasper community. In doing so, she is able to honor Mallory and follow God's calling for her life.
"I always want to bring her charismatic spirit into what I do. On days I feel a little burned out, I remember that I get to do this, and it's an honor to do it and keep her legacy alive," Jill reflects.
A poignant reminder of her journey hangs on the wall of Jill's office a painting gifted to her by her late best friend. The canvas bears Mallory's handprints and the lyrics of a Ben Harper song: "I can change the world with my own two hands. Make a better place with my own two hands. Make a kinder place with my own two hands." It's a daily inspiration for Jill, a reminder that Mallory's spirit is ever-present, motivating her to be a beacon of light in the lives of others.
Through Jill's chiropractic practice, Mallory's spirit finds a remarkable continuation. The hands that once pressed onto that canvas now extend to the patients of the Jasper community, bringing physical healing and a sense of hope and renewal. Jill's commitment to her craft, fueled by the memory of her best friend, transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. 78