Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business came from being told in nursing school that I should pursue something other than nursing. I used that doubt as motivation to succeed on my own terms. My unconventional approach to medicine led me to create my own practice. The name Chief Health & Wellness is inspired by my father, a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran. “Chief” represents priority and importance—just like my patients, who always come first.

How do you stay motivated?

Failure keeps me motived. I'm doing this for myself, my husband and son, and for my patients. I absolutely cannot fail. My patients are tired of traditional medicine and being dismissed by other providers with their concerns. I want to change the dynamic of healthcare and actually help my patients succeed in reaching their healthcare goals. I'm very nutritional based in my practice philosophy, and I don't always resort to pharmaceuticals. If I stop, how will healthcare change?

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded the $25,000, I would use it to create a space that truly reflects the level of care and support I want to provide to my community. Right now, I am working out of a small room within a chiropractic office, which limits how many people I can help and the services I can offer. Having my own dedicated space would allow me to expand access to care, create a more comfortable and welcoming environment, and better meet the needs of those in the community who rely on my healthcare services.