In February 2026, I traveled to Nebraska for the Life West Nexus Conference.

In February 2026, I traveled to Nebraska for the Life West Nexus Conference.

I went there as an animal chiropractor, an ACES graduate, and president of the ICA Council of Animal Chiropractic.

While I was there, Todd Grodin interviewed me about animal chiropractic and my work through the council.

Sitting there speaking on behalf of the profession felt significant.

Years earlier, I had been an undergraduate student volunteering in a mixed-animal veterinary clinic. I assisted nine veterinarians with everything from spay and neuter procedures to equine castrations, ACL surgeries, and caring for livestock.

At that time, I knew I loved working with animals—but I had no idea where that love would eventually lead me.

I certainly didn’t imagine that one day I would become a certified animal chiropractor, lead a national chiropractic council, and be interviewed about the future of the profession.

The trip wasn’t only about the interview.

At the Nexus Conference, I met prospective animal-chiropractic students who were standing near the beginning of their own journeys. I had the opportunity to answer their questions, encourage their interests, and share what animal chiropractic has made possible in my life.

I also spent time exploring Life West’s Nebraska campus and considering how I might contribute to the profession’s future.

The entire experience felt like several parts of my life meeting in one place:

The student who loved animals.

The chiropractor who stepped into an unfamiliar specialty.

The council president advocating for the profession.

And the doctor who still loves helping an animal move, function, and feel better.

Leadership doesn’t always begin with the ambition to hold a title.

Sometimes it begins with loving the work enough to keep learning, keep serving, and keep stepping forward when opportunities appear.

That trip reminded me that we rarely see the full destination when we first answer a calling.

We simply take the next step.

Then one day, we look around and realize that the path we chose has placed us in a position to help create opportunities for those coming behind us.