We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Rivera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Nicole, appreciate you joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

It was December 2019, a year before I graduated, and I was honestly completely lost as to what to do after finishing school. Ever since I started chiropractic school in 2016, I had thought I would return to my home in Puerto Rico. But as time passed, I realized I wanted to stay in the U.S. for at least a few more years. I was unsure whether I wanted to open my own practice or become an associate first to learn how to successfully run a business. What I did know was that I wanted to work with families and help guide them toward health and wellness.

In the midst of that confusion, I received a message inviting me to have dinner with a chiropractor in Atlanta where I was living, whom I had taken several seminars with. I admired how she taught and ran her practice. We met up, and she told me that she had been watching me in her seminars and believed I would be a great fit to work in her office. I was elated, to say the least. This was such a fantastic opportunity to learn from someone I respected and felt connected to.

Since I still had a year left in school, we decided that I would start working part-time as an exam doctor, getting to know the patients and the practice, making the transition to performing chiropractic adjustments easier later on. Although we didn’t expect a pandemic to hit, it all worked out beautifully for both of us. I loved having that extra time in the office, building relationships with existing and new patients, and getting comfortable in my soon-to-be role as a Doctor of Chiropractic.

I loved everything about the office. It was a wellness center where we provided chiropractic care, nutritional services, massage therapy, and life coaching. We also worked closely with other providers, such as physical therapists, midwives, doulas, therapists, psychologists, and Reiki practitioners. Our practice operated on the belief that health and wellness is a whole-body approach—it includes the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. The pandemic was challenging, but I learned so much, and after I graduated, I felt very confident in my skills as a practitioner. The transition was smoother than I had expected. I practiced there until the end of 2021, when I made the decision to move to Dallas with my fiancé.

This truly was a great first job. I learned so much about the business and about myself, both as a person and as a doctor. Entering the workforce is never easy, and having someone to guide you through the process was a true blessing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Absolutely! I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and nervous system, and for a long time, I thought I’d become a Pediatric Neurologist. But that changed when one of my little cousins was diagnosed with autism. My family decided to support him holistically, and one of his providers was a Pediatric Chiropractor. Watching him work with neurodivergent kids was a game-changer for me—it was incredible to see the impact chiropractic care could have on the whole family. That’s when I realized this is what I wanted to do.

I specialize in pediatrics, pregnancy, and perinatal care, and I’m Webster-certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). This certification gives me extra training to help pregnant people through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I also treat babies and children, including those with autism, ADHD, and other developmental or neurological challenges. Aside from all of that, I can see anyone in the family and that’s what makes me proud, helping families live healthier, more vibrant lives by supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. My approach is all about getting to the root cause, helping people feel great for the long term and help them reach their health goals.

The main thing I want everyone to know is that my practice is unique because it’s a concierge service—I come directly to your home, providing chiropractic care in the comfort and convenience of your own space. My goal has been to create a small, intimate practice where we can take the time to build rapport and a strong provider/client relationship. This allows me to truly listen to your needs and provide the personalized care you deserve.

What sets my approach apart is that your goals are my goals. We work together to help you achieve better health and live your best life, ensuring you get the time and attention necessary for quality care.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This past year has been incredibly challenging for me, both personally and professionally. Before I was laid off, for business reasons, from my previous chiropractic job, I lost my grandmother, who was so dear to my heart. Losing her, and then the added weight of not having a job, felt overwhelming. Just the thought of working again was almost too much. However, my patients showed me so much love and patience. They encouraged me to open my own practice, reminding me how committed they were to the care I provided. It truly felt like a team effort; they gave me strength in my darkest hours.

Six months later, I faced another devastating loss—my grandmother’s twin, the woman who raised me, passed away suddenly. My entire world shattered. Once again, the grace, love, and support from my patients were incredible. With everything that had happened, I could have easily given up, filed for unemployment, and retreated into grief. But the love and commitment I have for my patients kept me going.

I’m so blessed to serve amazing families and individuals who truly value their health. Their strength became my strength, and in return, I’ve learned to embrace the balance I encourage my patients to practice every day. This past year is a testament to what I preach: sometimes, we need to slow down, rest, and take care of ourselves. That’s how we show ourselves love. Finding that balance between resting and showing up has helped me through the hardest moments, and I’m grateful to be living proof that resilience, care, and patience can carry you through the darkest times.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Absolutely! Chiropractic has gifted me with a whole new way of life, even with its ups and downs. It hasn’t always been easy, especially since much of the knowledge and beliefs in this field are non-mainstream, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I have no regrets about the incredible professionals and friends I’ve met along the way, or the amazing patients who have changed my life for the better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vitalhealingchiro.janeapp.com
• Instagram: drnicolerivera
• Facebook: Vital Healing Chiropractic
• Other: Phone 972-514-9365
  Email [email protected]

Image Credits

Meagan at Raising Stone