How do you define success?
By being not just a doctor, but a healer. Success for me is defined by seeing my patients heal. To see them walking easier, picking up a child, excelling in their athletics, or to simply recognize the pain is no longer there. Those moments thrill me.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?
I hope that independent practitioners who treat each patient as an individual, will persevere. The trend is chiropractic franchises on the mainland, and one here. The Joint admits that they only hire C-rated doctors to keep it uniform. Like Burger King. Most alarming is patients are becoming complacent with paying minimal fees for a 5-minute “crack.” When I treat visitors, I always remind them to follow up with their chiropractor at home. After treatment with me, many say they will need to find a new Doc, as they have never experienced a full chiropractic adjustment before

What do you love most about your job?
I had an insurance practice with staff in Los Gatos, California, for eight years before returning to O‘ahu in 2004. It was a relief to downsize and have patient care always be the priority. I enjoy every aspect of my practice. I handle everything from scheduling patients, treatment, to accepting payment. It can be stressful, but I love it. I regularly see visitors from the mainland, but also globally. Dubai, India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc. And they return to my office for treatment when they are back on-island. I may only have an opportunity for one or two treatments to relieve them from pain but love the challenge and meet many interesting people. However, local patients are always closest to my heart.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?
Insurance. Unlike most chiropractors, I spend an hour, hand on treatment with every patient. I accept most HMSA plans but most insurance reimbursement is as low as $30. As a result, insurance practices allow an average of 7-15 minutes face time with the doctor.

And usually require many return visits. I’ve tried that model and found it most effective to take time to provide comprehensive treatment starting with the first visit. Patients progress quickly out of pain and dysfunction.

What are some words of advice for an exit strategy?
A week after I attained my doctorate from Palmer in 1996, I met Dr. Moyer. She was in her nineties and still seeing patients. I decided then, that would be me. It’s still my plan.

What do you do for fun?
I also offer PT and personal training in my private exercise studio. I love physical activity, ocean swims, hikes, yoga. But I am also very content with a martini and a lovely filet. I enjoy the opera, Marvel movies, our museums and botanical gardens. I enjoy being in the Professional Women’s Network and love to get dressed up and attend events, PEM included.

Describe your ideal day.
Sleeping late, cuddling with my cats. Spending time with my friends and my parents who live down the hall.

What are some surprising lessons you learned in becoming a leader?
I was a competitive gymnast for 14 years and had sports injuries as a child. It became second nature to receive treatment, expect to recover, and move forward with a positive outlook. But it’s important to understand every patient has a unique experience and may never have experienced pain before—it can be terrifying. It’s important that I don’t just treat them but listen and provide reassurance during their recovery.