Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Mindi Jentes.
Dr. Jentes, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began my chiropractic journey not long after I had given birth to the last of my 4 children. My own birth was traumatic and caused spinal problems. As a result, I lived with tremendous migraine headaches for over thirty years. During my pregnancies, these headaches subsided and my overall joint pain decreased. However, between pregnancies, all my pain would return. After giving birth to my youngest child, my headaches fired up with a vengeance. The chronic joint pain became so severe it was in bed most every day for nearly a year. I was not able to attend many of my children’s school field trips, go to school events, or do much of my daily activities around the house because of the constant daily pain. I sought help from my primary doctor as well as my OBGYN. No one had any answers and told me I needed to manage my stress better.
Seeing my health rapidly declining, a friend of mine, referred me to a chiropractor who utilized a specialized technique called Activator Methods. I figured if he could do something to get rid of the headaches, I could deal with the rest of my pain. After just a few visits, my headaches were gone and my joint pain began to fade. Within 5 months of frequent weekly visits, I was no longer debilitated and was able to run around the bases with my children for the first time EVER! After 8 months of weekly visits, I had my life back! It was then, my chiropractors asked me if I would work for them running the front desk. I couldn’t believe it! Not only did they give me my life back, they offered me a job in a profession that changed my life! I will never forget the day husband in tears shook my chiropractor’s hand and said, “Thank you for giving me my wife back!”
The amazing life transformations I witnessed in that chiropractic office were incredible! I witnessed people with chronic diseases go into remission. I witnessed babies with birth trauma make a full recovery. I witnessed elderly patients who stood completely hunched over, return to standing fully erect. I witnessed people in severe pain with anger issues, become some of the most fun-loving people. I witnessed whole families maintaining a chiropractic lifestyle because they would rather invest in their longevity than other luxury items. I saw my husband’s and our children’s health transform before my very eyes!
As I witnessed all these things, I couldn’t help but be compelled to find out HOW this was all happening. How did a chiropractic adjustment do so much for people? I began to study the nerve posters in the office, asked a lot of questions of my chiropractors, and started reading anything I could get my hands on to discover more about this mind-blowing healing art.
One year after I began working for my chiropractors, my husband was asked to move to California to help run a non-profit church planting organization. It was then my chiropractors pulled me aside and encouraged me to become a chiropractor. They knew there was a school within driving distance of our home in California and they knew my passion was unquenchable. When we arrived in California and after much prayer, my family and I decided I should listen to wisdom and begin a new journey… to become a chiropractor and give the blessing of health that was given to me to those I would have the privilege of treating.
During those years, my family was my backbone. They held me up when I didn’t think I could continue. They gave me courage to tackle my fears and to pursue my dreams. They supported me even when I was being difficult. I owe them more than I can ever repay.
After graduation, I had two pennies in my pocket, one child heading off to college, and massive student loans. I had been offered a couple jobs working for other chiropractors and almost bit, but it didn’t feel right. I had been given a promise from God and a mission to fulfill. I was not going to be deterred by a pay check. So with change in my pocket, I found a small one room office and opened up shop. Within one month, I added a second room. Just four months, I had to move into a larger space all together. My dreams were coming true!
Today, my practice is located in a medical building in Los Alamitos, a small family-centered community near Long Beach. In just three years of practice I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of patients realize their full potential and live the life before they only dreamed about! My oldest daughter, Kayla, who was instrumental in helping me study during chiropractic school, gained a passion for the possibilities she saw in herself. She decided to become a chiropractor and will be starting chiropractic school this fall!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My passion for knowledge and helping people can also be my struggle. Balancing time between practice and family can be a challenge, because I want so badly to research more about their case and find answers. Knowing well my enthusiasm and personality, my mentors and my family encouraged me before I even began my practice to make sure I took care in my schedule to “turn off” so I could be 100% present for my family and my own personal needs. Initially this was a challenge. The first two years in practice required an enormous amount of my attention. It’s gotten a lot easier now and I’ve learned to let some things go till “next week.”
One of my biggest struggles has been seeing patients who desperately need help, but for whatever reason, decide not to make their health a priority. My passion and heart’s desire is to see them thrive and walk in confidence. When they reject the offer before them, it’s disheartening. Not for me, but for what I see as such huge possibilities for them! Little did I know, when I took that step of faith over 12 years ago to trust my chiropractor’s skills and training, would my life be so radically changed as it is today. I want that for them too!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Brio Wellness Center story. Tell us more about the business.
In my practice, I specialize in women’s health and family wellness. I believe a person’s happiness is directly proportional to their health—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is my passion to radically transform the health of my community so people are free to live the life they desire & deserve. By addressing the body as a whole and not just a set of symptoms, I give my patients the tools they need to achieve their optimal health. I accomplish this through chiropractic adjustments, neurological re-education, therapeutic massage, and nutritional counseling. My team is amazing to work with. They care about every detail of a person’s life. It’s important to me that patients feel embraced and care about as part of a family.
I graduated with my Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2013 and hold Advanced Certification in Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. This gentle and specific, state-of-the-art technique is one of the most researched techniques in all of chiropractic, and is safe and effective for people of all ages (www.Activator.com). I am also enrolled in a post-doctorate Functional Medicine diplomate program. This certification program allows me the tools necessary to help women address specific health needs through advanced nutritional support. (e.g. like endocrine disorders, hormone imbalances, reproductive disorders, autoimmune conditions, menopause, headaches, pregnancy, etc…)
The central nervous system controls every single cell, tissue, organ and function of the body. Many of the patients who seek care in my office come to the table with a host of chronic illnesses beyond back or neck pain and are frustrated with the previous care they have received. I help them to realize their potential and then we get to work addressing the underlying cause of their concerns so their central nervous system can be restored…so they can get their life back!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know about luck. I have never won a single contest and or the lottery. Though, that would be amazing! My journey in life and business has been guided by Jesus. I have taken HUGE risks in my life based upon my faith and knowledge of His love and protection. At the age of 38 I decided to go back to school to become a doctor. That required a lot more than luck. I would not be the person or doctor I am today had I not learned to trust God and walk in faith. I have been through many struggles, trials, and pain. My journey has not been easy, but I count it all nothing but Joy to be His follower. My life has been blessed and I owe Him all the praise!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4132 Katella Ave.
Suite 206, Los Alamitos, CA 90720 - Website: www.BrioWellness.com
- Phone: (562) 598-2746
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briowellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrioWellness/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrioWellness
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brio-wellness-center-los-alamitos-2
Image Credit:
Activator Methods
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