We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Erin Foley, Dc, Cfmp, Nbc-hwc a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Erin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. 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.
For decades, I poured my heart and soul into my natural healthcare practice, combining chiropractic, acupuncture, and functional medicine to help my patients heal and thrive. I loved working hands-on, but deep down, I felt a tug—a calling to do more. My hands, however, told a different story. Years of manual chiropractic and acupuncture had left them chronically damaged, and I knew something needed to change. I wanted to reach beyond the walls of my office and connect with women all over the country. Yet, making such a monumental shift felt daunting, and I wasn’t sure how to begin.
As fate would have it, the Universe stepped in to guide me—though not in the way I expected.
In 2020, the world came to a standstill as COVID-19 shut down life as we knew it. Just two days into the shutdown, I experienced my own personal upheaval. While stepping outside, I slipped on the ice, and in a split second, my life changed. The fall was catastrophic—I tore three hamstring tendons from the bone and required emergency surgery. For the next eight weeks, I was bedridden, encased in a brace that stretched from ankle to thigh. It took months of grit and determination to relearn how to walk and drive.
During this dark and humbling time, I leaned heavily on my incredible husband, who cared for me every step of the way. I also came face-to-face with a harsh reality: I wouldn’t be able to return to my patients. The hands-on care that had defined my career was no longer an option. It was time to let go of the practice I’d built and embrace a new path—the one I’d always dreamed of.
From my bed, with a laptop propped on my lap, I began building a virtual functional medicine and health coaching practice. It wasn’t easy. I had to pivot quickly, learn the ins and outs of online business, and figure out how to connect with women in a whole new way. I hired a business coach and spent countless hours on Zoom, all while healing my body and nurturing my spirit.
That period was one of the darkest chapters of my life, but it also held a surprising gift. It forced me to confront my fears, step outside my comfort zone, and create something entirely new. I also was able to have 3 surgeries my hands needed to heal. Today, I’m proud to have a thriving virtual practice where I guide women—not just in Colorado, but all across the country—on their journey to better health and balanced hormones.
Looking back, I see that the fall wasn’t just an accident—it was a turning point. It propelled me toward a life and career that align with my deepest passions. Sometimes, the Universe pushes us off balance so we can find our footing in a whole new way.
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.
Dr. Erin Foley, DC, CFMP, NBC-HWC
When it comes to women’s health, one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to helping women over 35 uncover the root causes of their health challenges and create personalized solutions that truly work.
As a Functional Medicine Practitioner, National Board Certified Health Coach, Chiropractor, speaker, and author, I specialize in helping women navigate the complexities of hormone health, and help you stop the hormone guessing game. Whether you’re struggling with low energy, weight changes, poor sleep, gut health issues, mood swings, or the transitions of perimenopause and menopause, I’m here to guide you.
Think of me as your natural hormone-balancing detective—curious, intuitive, and dedicated to getting to the bottom of your unique health puzzle. Too many women fall through the cracks of traditional healthcare or get overwhelmed by conflicting advice online. My goal is to eliminate the guesswork and empower you with clear, customized strategies through hormone testing, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle coaching.
But it’s not just about the science—it’s about creating a vibrant, balanced life. I work with women virtually and in person, meeting them where they are and tailoring solutions to their needs.
Why Functional Medicine?
It’s the ultimate tool for individualizing care. By focusing on the root causes, I use natural solutions like hormone testing, personalized nutrition, targeted supplements, stress management, health coaching, and sustainable habit changes to help women reclaim their health—and their confidence.
With decades of experience as a Chiropractor and over 10 years as a certified Functional Medicine practitioner, I’ve dedicated my career to uncovering the power of natural healing. My lifelong passion lies in helping others achieve vibrant health by addressing the connection between body and mind.
Every step of my journey has been fueled by the belief that true wellness comes from working with the body’s natural systems—not against them. Whether it’s through personalized care, functional medicine strategies, or holistic approaches, I’m committed to empowering women to live their healthiest, most balanced lives.
When I’m not working, you can find me embracing the beauty of Colorado. I love hiking in the high country with my husband, skiing, and growing vegetables in my small-space garden. As a lifelong musician, I also enjoy playing the electric bass, guitar, and flute. And, of course, I’m always reading, writing, and learning—fueling my passion for helping women transform their health naturally. I’m also spend time with my lovable and mischievous cat.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start thriving, let’s work together to create the vibrant, balanced life you deserve.
Unlock Your Best Health: Free Resources for Women Over 40: Looking for practical, science-backed advice to boost your energy and take control of your health? Dive into a wealth of resources tailored specifically for women!
🌟 Weekly Inspiration
Subscribe to my free email newsletter for actionable tips on women’s hormones, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle habits. Plus, when you sign up, you’ll receive my exclusive guide, “5 Steps for Women to Have More Energy,” designed to help you feel your best every day.
🌟 On-Demand Learning
Explore 15 free masterclasses on topics ranging from hormone health to stress management, all available on my website. Choose the ones that resonate with you and start learning at your own pace.
🌟 Community Talks
I’m passionate about empowering women through education. Whether in person or on Zoom, I love speaking to women’s groups about the critical connection between hormones, health, and vitality.
Visit my website at https://vibranthealthywoman.com/ to access these free resources and take the first step toward better energy and vibrant health!
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Being committed to making an impact and helping to change the narrative around women’s health is what keeps me going. To me success in my field is about women learning to take control of their health and being their own advocate, to be the CEO of their health. I reach women through writing and speaking, and also in client and patient work.
It’s about educating and teaching, and if I can help one women learn how to eat for her body, and what supplements to take and what lifestyle changes to make to reduce stress, based on her hormone testing, then I have helped her become self sufficient in her health.
Women now are not interested in being told what to do and to take medications to mask their health issues. They are curious and are willing to research, and I love to provide content to be a trusted resource.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My resilience shines through my unrelenting passion for learning and growth. I’m vibrant, curious, and deeply aware, and throughout my career, I’ve never stopped seeking new knowledge to better serve my patients and clients. I began my journey as a Chiropractor, but my desire to offer more led me to become board-certified in Acupuncture. Still, I craved a deeper understanding, so I pursued certification in Functional Medicine. And because I wanted to empower my clients even further, I earned my board certification as a Health and Wellness Coach.
To me, resilience is about being intentional in everything I do. It’s about constantly asking, *How can I better serve the people I work with? How can I bring them more tools, more insights, and more possibilities for transformation?* It’s a commitment to continual growth—so that I can help others transform their health and live their best lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vibranthealthywoman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrant_healthy_woman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrErinFoleyVHW
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinfoleydc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VibrantHealthyWoman
Image Credits
Mandy Penn Photography