Dr. Adrienne Varnado Penley and her younger brother, Dr. John Varnado, are Picayune Memorial High School graduates who have each returned to their hometown to practice healthcare in their respective fields.

The paths they have taken have been unique, but the brother and sister have returned to their roots to continue their medical careers. Varnado is out of chiropractic school and working at the offices of Dr. Kathy Stanek, the same doctor he shadowed during his senior year at PMHS. His sister’s dental practice, Penley Family Dentistry, is approaching its one-year anniversary in March.

“It’s great to be back around so many familiar faces and my family,” said Varnado.

John and Adrienne’s parents still live in Picayune – their father is a local pharmacist and their mother is a teacher at Picayune Memorial High School.

“It’s so nice to have that connection within the community,” said Penley, “Being back in Picayune has worked out even better than I imagined.”

After graduating from Picayune Memorial High School, Penley went to school at Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. Before attending dental school, she lived in Japan for four years with her husband, who was stationed on an aircraft carrier during his service in the United States Navy.

In her time abroad, Penley did volunteer work in a dental assistant program through the American Red Cross. It was there that she discovered her calling.

“I’m so grateful for that break,” said Penley, “It really showed me that I wanted to be a dentist.”

Upon returning to the United States, Penley completed dental school at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. In March of 2014, she bought a practice in Picayune and opened Penley Family Dentistry.

Her younger brother began his journey towards chiropractor school when he was a senior at PMHS.

“Ever since high school, I had always been interested in helping people,” said Varnado, “The most direct way to do that seemed to be a position in healthcare.”

In 2005, Varnado was working on his senior research project, an assignment designed to help students find a potential career. He called every chiropractor in Picayune and Poplarville in an attempt to find one who would allow him to job shadow. Stanek was the only one who returned his call.

Over the course of the ensuing eight years, Varnado worked at Stanek’s office as a chiropractic assistant.

Varnado graduated from Logan University in St. Louis, Missouri and already knew where he wanted to practice.

“I’m going to continue to work here and serve the people of Picayune,” said Varnado.

To make an appointment at Stanek Chiropractic Center, call 601-799-2225 or visit www.stanekchiro.com for more information.

To schedule an appointment at Penley Family Dentistry, call 601-749-9330 or visit www.penleyfamilydentistry.com.