Kari's chiro story- From skeptic to believer to team member

My relationship with chiropractic care has been a true journey of discovery, transformation, and ultimately, purpose. After graduating with a pre-med degree, I took a job at a chiropractic clinic simply because I needed work—I honestly had no idea what chiropractic care even meant. That first experience was disappointing and left me with a negative impression that lasted for nearly two decades.

Years later, when a back injury left me barely able to walk, someone suggested chiropractic care. Desperate for relief, I gave it another chance. This time, I experienced genuine healing and began to understand what chiropractic could truly offer. However, when my insurance stopped covering visits, I mistakenly thought I had to stop treatment, not yet realizing there were other options available.

My real chiropractic awakening came when my son was in third grade. He was struggling in school, pulling out his hair, and showing signs of severe anxiety. The school recommended medication for ADD/ADHD, and following their guidance, I took him to a pediatrician who quickly prescribed Adderall. What followed was heartbreaking—my son was either completely wired and unable to sleep or eat, or so sedated from a second medication that he slept for days straight. I knew something was terribly wrong with this approach.

Then, by what felt like divine timing, a friend invited me to a dinner where chiropractors were speaking about children's health. As they discussed everything from birth trauma to ear infections, antibiotics, and ADD/ADHD, I felt like they were speaking directly to our story. For the first time, I heard explanations that made sense about what my son was experiencing.

We started chiropractic care the very next week, and the transformation was remarkable. Almost immediately, I began seeing changes in my son. His anxiety decreased, his focus improved, his hair grew back, and most importantly, he was genuinely happy again. We were able to discontinue both medications, and I watched him blossom into the child I knew he could be.

This experience completely changed my understanding of health and healing. I realized that the body has an incredible ability to heal itself when given the right support. Both my son and I became regular chiropractic patients, and I witnessed firsthand how this care could address root causes rather than just managing symptoms.

When I decided to seek new employment, I knew exactly where I wanted to work. I approached the doctors at our clinic and asked if they knew of anyone looking for help. That's how I discovered Dr. Karisa and Viva Family Chiropractic—and I knew immediately this was where I belonged.

Now, as Office Manager at Viva, I have the privilege of supporting other families on their own chiropractic journeys. Having experienced both skepticism and profound transformation, I understand the questions, concerns, and hopes that parents bring with them. I've seen how life-changing this care can be when you find the right environment with practitioners who truly understand the healing process.

Every day, I get to witness families discovering what we discovered—that there's often a gentler, more natural path to health and wellness. I'm here to help make your family's experience at Viva as comfortable and supportive as possible, because I know from personal experience just how transformative this journey can be.