My Journey Back to Chiropractic: How Palmer Helped Me Reclaim a Childhood Dream

I’ve been connected to chiropractic care for as long as I can remember. My story began when I was two years old, fussy and uncomfortable in ways my parents couldn’t quite explain. Their concerns were often dismissed as something I’d eventually grow out of, but nothing changed. It wasn’t until my aunt, Dr. Nicole McCauley, then a Palmer student, encouraged them to bring me to the clinic that everything shifted.

I still love hearing my parents tell the story of my first adjustment with Dr. Cherie Marriott, who I am now interning under at the Palmer Clinics! They describe it as if I “melted”—my tiny body relaxing, my face softening, my constant frustration dissolving into calm. That moment didn’t just bring relief. It planted a seed, and it’s amazing to now be learning under the doctor who delivered my first chiropractic adjustment.

By age five, I was announcing to anyone who’d listen that I wanted to be a chiropractor “just like Aunt Nicole.” I built a “clinic” in our living room, complete with a yoga mat and a back massager I pretended was an Activator. I mimicked what I saw my aunt do—help people feel better. Even then, I knew being able to help others heal was something special.

Through high school in Wausau, Wisconsin, I did some career exploration and took a detour away from my original dream. I discovered how much I loved working with kids and considered becoming a pediatric physician assistant. I earned my CNA certification, wanting firsthand experience supporting patients. My CNA roles in a nursing home and hospital during the pandemic taught me resilience, but also took a physical toll.

Long, demanding shifts left my back aching, and I knew exactly what I needed: chiropractic.

I found care with Dr. Sarah, a family friend and chiropractor near my undergrad campus at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Her adjustments eased my discomfort, but the conversations we shared did something even more meaningful. We talked about wellness, spinal support, home care and the many ways chiropractic can improve someone’s daily life. Eventually, she asked if I’d be interested in working with her as a chiropractic assistant.

So I jumped in, working as a chiropractic assistant in the mornings, full-time student during the day, CNA overnight. Exhausting? Absolutely. But that period was transformative.

As a CNA, I helped people through some of their hardest moments, but I didn’t often see relief or joy. In the chiropractic office, though, I saw people come alive again—smiling, moving easier, rediscovering comfort. Witnessing that contrast reminded me of the dream I had as a five-year-old with a toy Activator.

It was time to return to what I always knew in my heart. With the support of my husband, Ethan—my biggest encourager and the one who quizzed me before exams and lifted me through the hardest days—I made the choice to pursue chiropractic school. We packed up our lives, adopted our sweet cowboy corgi, Rascal, and moved to Davenport to begin the next chapter at Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Choosing Palmer felt natural. Every chiropractor who had shaped my life—from Aunt Nicole to Dr. Sarah—was a Palmer graduate who spoke with pride about their education. Palmer’s academic rigor, its respect for the profession, its commitment to research and its culture of excellence all made it the right place to invest in my future.

My academic journey here has been challenging, fulfilling and full of growth. The curriculum is clear and well-structured, and I’ve been guided by faculty who expect the best from us because they believe in our potential. Technique courses, diagnosis and radiology labs, and board preparation have stretched me in the best ways. Becoming a teaching assistant in physical diagnosis and radiology helped strengthen my clinical confidence, preparing me for the Palmer Clinic.

Campus life has been one of the most rewarding surprises of my Palmer experience. I’ve been deeply involved in the Palmer Pregnancy and Pediatrics Club since it began, and it’s been amazing to help build a space where students learn, connect and share excitement about caring for families. My work as an exam proctor, teaching assistant and now a Student Services assistant has allowed me to support events like Homecoming, orientation, Palmer Games, graduation and the launch of Palmer Plexus. These roles helped me find community—and helped me grow as a future doctor.

Now, as a clinic intern under Dr. Marriott, I’m caring for patients of all ages and backgrounds, applying the skills I’ve learned and constantly refining my technique. Being in the clinic has made the future feel real. It has reminded me why this profession has been part of my story from the beginning.

What I look forward to most is giving others what chiropractic has given me—hope, comfort, joy and a chance to live life fully. I’m excited to serve communities and support people who need it most.

If I had to summarize my Palmer experience in one word, it would be dynamic. Every day brings new lessons, new challenges and new reminders of why I chose this path. Chiropractic supported me through my life, and now I’m honored to be preparing to deliver that same support to others.