I’ll never forget the night my family received a phone call telling us that my father had been in a severe multi-vehicle auto accident outside of Madison, WI. Although he sustained countless injuries during the accident, he thankfully survived. In the weeks, months and years following the accident he was seen by more doctors, specialists and support care individuals than I can even begin to count. However, each member of his care team played a special role in his healing journey. It was in this time that I knew I wanted to be apart of this journey for others. It was in witnessing those very moments that I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up, I wanted to help people! More than just being a doctor, though, I knew I wanted to work with kids and their families. I have always loved kids and feel I am able to form special bonds with them that are built on trust, respect, and understanding. I especially love being a role model that kids can look up to with the feeling that they always have someone standing in their corner cheering them on.
I received my Bachelor in Nutritional Sciences from UW-Madison. (Go Badgers!) While I’ve always had a love for science it was during my undergraduate career that my fascination for the inter-working of the human body grew into something so much more. Part of this growing fascination came after starting under chiropractic care myself. Not only did my chiropractor take extra time explaining all the science behind what he was doing he also gifted me my first Grey’s Anatomy textbook (yes…I’m kinda a nerd)! From my very first appointment I couldn’t help but notice how friendly and happy everyone seemed to be there. The patients, the staff, the doctor. It was infectious, I’d never observed an environment even remotely similar at the endless other healthcare offices I’d shadowed and I wanted in. So the fall after graduating from UW-Madison, off to chiropractic school I went. Logan College of Chiropractic, near St. Louis Missouri became my home for the almost next four years!
Now I must say those four years were filled with many ups and downs, moments of joy and moments of struggle. It was during this four years that my father passed away but also the time when my youngest nephew was born. I gained incredible amounts of knowledge from some of the most incredible doctors, instructors and mentors. It was also here that I met some of my best friends and fellow colleges. Needless to say, it was an adventure that has shaped the rest of my life. From there, I ended up interning at an amazing pediatric/family office in Dubuque, IA. Within those walls I saw miracles. I saw children connecting to their moms and dads on a deeper level for the first time. I saw IEP’s being dropped left and right. I saw little girls get rid of anxiety and become confident in themselves. I saw pregnant women achieve the birth of their dreams. I saw babies sleep through the night, free of colic and reflux. I saw families who previously struggled with constant rounds of sickness finally regain health. The stories go on and on!
After my internship, I decided that I wanted to move back to Wisconsin in order to be closer to family and friends. And this my friends is how Essence Family Chiropractic came to be!!! I am so excited to walk alongside individuals and families in this community to help create a more connected, healthier place for us all to call home. When I’m not hanging at the office, you can find me with my family and friends! Without the love and support of my incredible family I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
In addition, I have a big heart for all things animals. I grew up training and riding horses so you could say the barn is one of my “happy places”. I also love spending time with my two dogs, Atlas and Axel, they are large balls of energy but you can’t help but feel loved when they are around. Life is so sweet and I just cannot wait to be a part of your family’s health and wellness journey and be a part of this lovely community!