Formerly known as Plaza Center Healing Arts West, the clinic was previously run by Dr. Jack Donnelly at this location for 11 years. Prior to that the clinic operated on Lover’s Lane for 8 years more. Jack felt after approximately 20 years of practice it was time to retire and “ride off into the sunset” to focus on his animal patients. He set about finding a doctor that would be able to meet the extremely high standards of his patients. After many years of searching he met Dr. Kelly. Both immediately knew that the fit was perfect almost immediately and the legacy has been passed on. Now, Dr. Jack comes to see Dr. Kelly for his monthly adjustment.

Better & Better Healing Arts is in honor of our grandmother Rebekah Hickman and her healing spirit. If at any time you asked about her day, she would always respond, “Better and better. Every day in every way, I’m better and better.” This is how we hope you feel after experiencing the care here at our clinic. Grandmama was an inspiration to all who came into contact with her and we hope to extend that inspiration to others. In a way, we’re still spreading her love.

Grandmama’s Story:

After her graduation from Charleston High School in 1935, Becky earned her bachelor of arts in education at Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston, also Dr. Kelly’s alma mater) and post-graduate courses in social work. Her passion and special gifts for addressing the needs of children and adolescents began with her career as an elementary school teacher at West Dunbar Elementary School. She subsequently served as a Kanawha County juvenile probation officer. Later she established the first mental health aftercare outreach program for the West Virginia Department of Mental Health. A talented artist and gifted crafter, she served for 20 years as director of the arts and crafts therapy department at Highland Psychiatric Hospital. Following her “retirement,” she founded the first West Virginia Parents Anonymous self-help groups for challenged parents. Never one to slow down, at the age of 69 she expanded her interest in promoting every person’s self-improvement by becoming the certified instructor and West Virginia director of basic and advanced courses for the international Silva Method of Mind Development.

Our dear Grandmama, Becky Hickman, 94, passed away in her sleep on December 31, 2012. She would have been 95 years old on January 19. Her genuine interest in people and engaging smile were constants in her life, inspiring, supporting, encouraging and healing everyone she met. In one of her last conversations Becky said, “I’m getting better and better!”