How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have 3 kids ages 6, 5 and 3.
How long have you lived in Columbus and what made you decide to live here?
We moved here Fall of 2020, my husband’s job brought us south and DURING the beginning of the pandemic. It was an experience; we are originally from Northern Ohio.
What are your favorite family activities in the Columbus area?
Since we moved during the pandemic, we did not get to really experience all that the Columbus area had to offer right away. We absolutely love the Columbus Zoo and the vast number of outdoor parks and recreation.
What do you love about living in Columbus?
The opportunities our children have had to explore and learn. We love that there is a park at either end of our street, and we can walk or ride a bike anywhere downtown. Not to mention the opportunities Central Ohio has brought my husband and I.
Tell us more about GSM Chiropractic.
Honestly, this practice was started for many reasons, the main reason being that mothers deserve MORE when it comes to their health and wellness. I am a bit different than most, in that I know what both communities have to offer. What I mean by that is, that I am a registered nurse and a chiropractor. There are so many conditions that could of been prevented, if preventative and wellness care was more of a priority. When we moved to the Columbus area my youngest was one, and I was physically in pieces. This is when I realized now was the time to start my own practice because I knew I couldn’t be the only one suffering. My passion started out by opening a mobile practice where I quickly became an independent contractor at a large hospital in Columbus area and provided chiropractic care to the employees. It was May of 2022 when I started my brick-and-mortar location, and the practice has since continued to grow. GSM Chiropractic & Wellness is located close to downtown Powell and is private pay, however we do accept HSA/FSA. All my patients get my undivided attention when they come in for their appointments. After a thorough evaluation and exam to determine the root cause, we utilize muscle balancing techniques and nervous system focused chiropractic care to help your brain communicate better with your body. Our philosophy is simple, but our approach is state-of-the-art. We are introducing new technology into practice that is changing the way people heal. I happen to be the first provider in Ohio to be using this in practice and I could not be more excited!
Who is your typical client and what do they most often come to see you for?
A typical client at the practice is a mother who comes to see me for low back complaints, pelvic floor complaints or just overall needing some help managing the stress and demanding lifestyle of a mother. We are all overstimulated, stressed out and overworked. Most mothers I see quickly return to life as “normal” after having a child but never take the time to properly address their concerns to prevent future conditions. There are quite a few patients that come in essentially as a preventative measure. The other large portion of patients consist of the “I have tried everything and nothing has helped, so the doctors suggested chiropractic”. No pressure! 🙂
What are some of the benefits of regular chiropractic care?
Benefits of regular chiropractic care, oh my goodness where to START! Sometimes it is hard to explain until you FEEL it happening to you but I will do my best. Know that I am a nerd, I love evidence-based care and research. So, everything I say in this section is what current research has proven. If everyone truly knew the benefits of regular chiropractic care, there would be a shortage of chiropractors, and everyone would be getting adjusted once a week. Here we go:
-When you get adjusted, this releases endorphins in your body, similar to that of when you run or workout, the FEEL GOOD hormone. I don’t think I need to elaborate on why that’s good.
-Stress happens every day whether you feel it or not, regular chiropractic care can help your body respond to stress in a healthier way. Meaning when you get adjusted, research has shown that your frontal cortex of your brain activates (is affected) for up to 2 hours post adjustment. Essentially this HELPS calm your nervous system, which helps with a lot of things.
-When I provide chiropractic care I am providing movement to areas of restriction, thus allowing proper flow of nutrients, blood and signals traveling to and from your brain. One study showed providing chiropractic care aided in the activation of deep core muscles, which ultimately helps prevent injuries and accidents (falls etc.) This fact is KEY when it comes to working with my mothers, hint has to do with your pelvic floor!
-Regular chiropractic care aides in better QUALITY of sleep!
-Regular chiropractic care is GREAT for the immune system!
– Overall regular chiropractic is great to help my overstimulated mothers (adults in general) decompress and improves MOOD!
I could go on, but I think those are some of the main points to touch upon, I tried to keep it simple.
What do you love about your job?
Everyone in my practice knows I am a mother, and my family comes first, the flexibility of my schedule is the biggest blessing. I honestly truly enjoy all the patients in my practice, my passion and purpose has attracted wonderful energy. My patients have fun and look forward to their appointments, likewise I look forward to treating them. One of the BEST places to work.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I typically get up, drink some hot water with lemon, read 10 minutes of a motivational book. Then starts the workout of the day. If I am lucky all the kids are still sleeping. After my workout, I drink my “Breakfast Blend” protein shake by Potential Power Nutrition (has all my vitamins & minerals & can count as a meal replacement). Then “mom mode” half day and treating patients the other, mixed in with meetings and networking. Let’s not forget showing up on social media for the practice as well, which is a love/hate relationship!
How do you juggle work and being a mom?
Juggle is a great word. Because it truly feels like a circus act at times. But without hesitation I have an AMAZING husband and we just moved my parents closer! Family has been extra helpful! My husband and I sit down and have our own little meetings. We shared calendars, agendas, grocery shopping list and we share the DUTIES around the house.
What is the best piece of advice you have received from another mom?
Depends on what stage of life I was in: when my babies were young another mom introduced me to the haakaa hand pump, changed the game for me when it came to sleep and breastfeeding at night. At one point when I had 3 under 3, another said at the end of the day they are fed, they are safe and they are loved, don’t stress about the MESS, it will always be there when you’re ready. One of the best pieces of advice I could give is ONE load of laundry a day keeps you sane. Seriously this was a game changer in my household.
I have met so many amazing women who own businesses in the area, then there is a small group who own businesses and HAVE kids. For me I did not know another woman chiropractor with 3 young kids who started her own practice in the Columbus area. So, I really had to lean on other “Mom Chiropractors” throughout the US that I found through joining the nonprofit group, Women Chiropractors. This is where I realized how RARE it is for a female chiropractor to start her own practice with 3 young kids. It is so hard because what works for others without kids DID not work for me, this was beyond frustrating. It has been one of the most difficult and rewarding things I have ever done in my life. This is why I truly am inspired and love to support other mothers in their business endeavors.
