Meet Christen Saccucci | Family Chiropractor and Birth Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christen Saccucci and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christen, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The most important decision I made to contribute to my success is choosing a career discipline that fulfills me. I graduated college with an engineering degree and found that I did not enjoy my work and it greatly took a toll of my mental health. It was difficult to decide to leave a well-paying career to endure further student loans and four more years of school. Despite the challenges, I know that aligning myself with my values and giving back to my local community has ignited an intrinsic motivation that is essential for success in all aspects of life. I love that I am able to problem solve and troubleshoot for people in a way that keeps them involved in their favorite activities and educated about how to advocate for their own health.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My fiancé and I co-own Colorado Spine and Strength, and inclusive family and sports chiropractic office. We provide active families with gentle, full body chiropractic care and individualized rehabilitation. Our goal is to always keep patients moving better so that they feel better and understand what they need to do to STAY better. I personally specialize in women’s care. I manage musculoskeletal aches and pains of pregnancy, menstrual cramping, and postpartum rehabilitation. I recently began providing mobile care to women in their third trimester of pregnancy as I understand that it can be difficult to make it to multiple provider appointments. In addition to chiropractic care I also provide doula services as a part of perinatal care. A doula in a person who provides a birthing person with continuous non-medical support, comfort measures, and ensures the birthing person and their partner are informed throughout the duration of labor. I incorporate movement into all my chiropractic treatment and comfort measures for my doula clients. Movement has always been important to me. I grew up competing in gymnastics and collegiate track and field as a Pole Vaulter. During chiropractic school I coached CrossFit and have always felt the best when I am staying active. I have found that patients heal faster when they exercise or move their bodies consistently especially if performed with others. What sets me apart is that I educate and encourage everyone to take an active role in their own health. I find that when clients are educated about the risks and benefits of interventions the can make a truly informed decisions about care and stay involved in their favorite activities. I tailor care towards clients goals whether that is getting back in the gym, feeling confident through birth, or picking up their kids.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would say a must see itinerary would include Coors Field and (in a Covid-free world) attending a baseball game. I would enjoy some incredible meals at my favorite restaurants including Briar Common Brewery, Trattoria Stella, and Uncle in the Highlands. I am also a huge fan of Little Man ice cream and Hello Coffee in Lakewood, which is right below my office! Of course I have to also include some time in the mountains. I work right around the corner from Green Mountain and have been on some great mountain biking adventures. I also love hiking lookout mountain near the city, hanging out at Bear Creek Lake, and walking (or running) up and down the steps at Red Rocks Park. I love supporting and learning more about local small business owners, they are definitely some amazing people to hang out with!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a shout-out to the the chiropractors I shadowed while preparing to switch careers and all the others who supported me through school, clinicals, and internships. In particular, Dr. Michelle Wendling has been an incredible mentor through my transition into clinical chiropractic practice. Dr. Michelle recently turned her practice in Cherry Hills over to another incredible chiropractor, Dr. Melanie Schweitert. I would also like to give a shout-out to Ann Pollack of Denver Doula Training. Ann teaches new doulas in seminar style courses to bring connection into training. I left the class with so much knowledge but also incredible colleagues in the Denver birth community. I would not be where I am today without the unconditional support of my amazing fiancé, Sean, and my family. They have given me the tough love necessary for me to kickstart my business and the love for me to keep it going.

Website: www.cospineandstrength.com

Instagram: @strongasamother_colorado