We were lucky to catch up with Tori Hartline recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tori, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
My journey toward healing and helping others began as an infant with relentless colic, cycling through countless formulas without relief. This early struggle evolved into chronic digestive discomfort, teaching me a powerful truth: unresolved issues don’t simply disappear — they transform into larger, more complex challenges if left unaddressed.
As I grew older, my symptoms persisted, leading me to countless doctor’s appointments where I was often told my pain was “in my head” or that I simply needed more probiotics. I became so accustomed to constant discomfort that it took an intense three-day stretch of abnormal pain for me to speak up. Even then, doctors dismissed my concerns. It was only through my parents’ persistence that I received a CT scan — a scan I was never supposed to get — which revealed a life-threatening appendicitis, landing me in emergency surgery that very evening.
This pivotal moment ignited my determination to take control of my health. I began exploring elimination diets, learning to read nutrition labels, and relentlessly searching for answers. Around the same time, I developed back pain from high school cheerleading, which eventually brought me to a chiropractor’s office. To my surprise, not only did my back pain improve, but my chronic digestive discomfort eased as well. It was in that moment I realized the profound impact chiropractic care could have on whole-body wellness.
These personal experiences shaped my passion for understanding the body’s interconnected systems, leading me to study Nutritional Science at Pepperdine University, followed by earning my Master’s in Functional Nutrition and Doctorate of Chiropractic from Parker University College of Chiropractic.
Our life’s challenges often serve as stepping stones to our purpose. In the midst of hardship, it’s easy to question why we must endure such trials. But looking back, we often see a greater plan at work. I’ve come to think of this process as a “mind gym” — much like building physical strength through resistance, our mental and emotional resilience grows through adversity. When difficulties arise, instead of resisting the pain, I’ve learned to embrace it, knowing it’s an opportunity to grow stronger.
Today, I have the privilege of working with patients as young as newborns, addressing issues like colic, torticollis (limited neck range of motion), ear infections, motor development, sleep challenges, and more. I get to explain to parents that the work we do isn’t just about temporary relief — by identifying and addressing the root cause now, we’re setting their children on a lifelong trajectory of health and vitality.
Every step of my journey, no matter how difficult, has led me to this purpose: empowering others to find lasting wellness and live vibrant lives reaching their full potential.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Sunlife Chiropractic began with my vision driven by a commitment to holistic health that encompasses mind, body, and spirit, I set out to create a space where families could find comprehensive, compassionate care.
My personal experiences bring unique empathy to our office, especially inspired by my journey as a sister to a sibling with special needs. This experience has fueled my passion for working with children, especially those with special needs, and for providing a nurturing environment where every family feels seen, understood, and supported. Though I see patients of all ages, my heart lies in working with children, women, and families, guiding them toward greater well-being with nervous system-focused chiropractic care.
Sunlife Chiropractic strives to welcome you with a vibrant, kid-friendly waiting area filled with a playhouse and toys, helping young patients feel at ease. From the beginning, Sunlife has been designed to be more than a clinic—it’s a community hub where parents can connect, share experiences, and find support. We host events to create a space for parents to foster friendships and connect while receiving attentive, family-centered care at every appointment.
Being a chiropractor isn’t just about symptom relief; it’s about helping families build a foundation of wellness, through nervous system regulation, that will carry through generations. I hope that Sunlife Chiropractic’s commitment to supporting children, along with prioritizing family well-being, creates a trusted resource for holistic health in our community. Today, Sunlife isn’t just a chiropractic office—it’s a place where families grow healthier together.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Beyond my years of education, professional licensing, and certifications, one of the most transformative influences on my journey has been life and leadership coaching with Trust and Leadership Coaching. Owning a business is like holding up a mirror, revealing your cracks, flaws, and areas for growth. As business owners, it’s essential to first look inward before directing our focus outward, because true leadership is rooted in self-awareness and personal accountability.
If you find yourself struggling in a particular aspect of your business, I encourage you to reflect on where that challenge might stem from within. Owning a business is the ultimate self-development journey — an ongoing opportunity to evolve and grow. I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be the leader I am today without the support and guidance of a coach who created the space for me to explore, learn, and build the courage to look within.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
If you’ve spent any time in a service-based industry, this truth isn’t new — but it can never be overstated: the most powerful way to build your reputation is to love people.
As a believer, my faith calls me to first love God, then love others. Yet, this principle reaches beyond religious beliefs; it’s a foundational life value — treat others the way you want to be treated. In business, this translates to every aspect of your work: your customer service, client experience, the quality of your offerings, and most importantly, how you treat people. It’s about seeing them as individuals and building genuine relationships.
We live in a time where loneliness is at an all-time high, and meaningful connection can feel rare. People long to be seen, heard, known, and valued. So, acknowledge their presence, truly listen to their concerns, seek to understand who they are, and show love through kindness and respect.
Let your reputation be a reflection of how well you love people — because, in the end, relationships are at the heart of every successful business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunlifechiropractic.com
- Instagram: @sunlifechiropractic
- Facebook: @sunlifechiropractic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtori-hartline/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunlifeChiropractic
