It’s hard to believe that my career path may have been set when I was a young gymnast in high school. Or that I wouldn’t realize what my true career path would be until I was in my forties. The demands of gymnastics and track and field took their toll on my body which caused me to try chiropractic treatment. The ability of the chiropractor to rejuvenate my body left an impression. It wasn’t just that I healed quicker, I actually seemed to perform better. Still I never thought of it as a career option.
For 17 years I worked as a college administrator, enjoying the work and the financial stability it provided me. Yet, I never felt truly fulfilled. I kept thinking back to the impact chiropractic care had on me and wanted to provide that care to others. So I did what many thought was unfathomable. I walked away from my job and returned to school. Going to the top chiropractic school in the country would certainly help my chances, but it was no guarantee of success.
With my education as a chiropractor complete, I set about setting up my business. I partnered with another chiropractor, who was my live-in partner as well. When this relationship ended, so did the partnership and I took over the business completely. For me, it wasn’t that I was changing careers relatively late in life. I was actually taking on two new roles, one as a chiropractor, and the other as a business owner.
My ability to adapt was put to test the strongest when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the same time I began my treatment, I was separating from my partner. I decided to keep the news from my patients and only tell family and friends. I knew the cancer would eventually be beaten, but I couldn’t allow my treatments to interfere with the growth of my practice. My patients had to be my focus; even though the treatments were tiring, I managed to keep going.
I don’t think I’m done evolving. There are no rules which are set that women have one path they need to take. I’m constantly adapting my chiropractor practice to the latest techniques. I was one of the first to utilize low level lasers, which helped speed up my patient’s recovery time. I continue with my studies, learning all I can about the human body. I constantly look for new business opportunities, such as working with athletes.
