What does it look like when your life's path takes an unexpected turn? When your dreams of practice ownership transform into something entirely different - yet equally fulfilling? Dr. Amanda Alcamo joins us to share her powerful journey from sleeping in her car during the early days of helping build someone else's practice to becoming a thriving associate doctor who treats the business as her own.

In this raw, heartfelt conversation, Amanda opens up about overcoming severe health challenges that sparked her chiropractic journey, navigating identity struggles when her original plans shifted, and finding her true purpose beyond the title on the door. Nine years into her associateship at Restoration Chiropractic, she reveals how heart work transformed her relationship with success, leadership, and self-worth.

🔥 In This Episode:

• How a devastating spinal surgery and subsequent complications led Amanda to discover her chiropractic calling
• The vulnerable reality of sleeping in her car while helping build a practice from scratch
• Why letting go of "needing" to own a practice created space for deeper fulfillment
• The importance of early, honest conversations between associates and practice owners
• How inner work changes everything - from team leadership to patient care

Whether you're contemplating associateship, currently working as an associate, or a practice owner wanting to better understand your team, Amanda's story reminds us that sometimes our greatest purpose isn't found in the title or position we imagined for ourselves - but in showing up fully wherever we are.

Connect with Dr. Amanda: Instagram: @one_restoring_lives @restorationchiropractic

Connect with us: Instagram: @drsaranelsongray @dr.marisa.nicole10 @theheartworkpodcastt Email: theheartworklife@gmail.com

What happens in those critical first 90 days when you bring a new doctor into your practice? In Part 2 of our associate series, Dr. Sara and Dr. Marisa unpack the intentional onboarding process that transforms a new hire into a confident practitioner who truly embodies your practice's vision and values.

From day one celebrations to strategic shadowing periods, this episode reveals the exact framework that successful practice owners use to ensure both their patients and new associates feel supported, connected, and empowered. Whether you're hiring your first associate or looking to improve your current onboarding process, this conversation shows why rushing clinical responsibilities rarely creates the deep connection and confidence you're looking for.

🔥 In This Episode:

• The critical 30-60-90 day framework that builds confidence without overwhelming
• Why having associates shadow for 30 days creates stronger patient relationships and clinical skills
• How to incorporate celebration, team bonding, and regular check-ins from day one
• The importance of cross-training doctors on front desk operations and practice flow
• Practical systems for tracking patient interactions and case knowledge before hands-on adjusting

True onboarding isn't just about clinical training—it's about creating an experience where your new doctor feels valued, capable, and deeply connected to your mission. This episode offers the step-by-step blueprint to transform your hiring process into a relationship-building journey that benefits everyone: you, your new doctor, and every patient who walks through your door.

Stay tuned for Part 3 next week where we'll interview a current associate to get their perspective on what makes a successful associate experience!

Connect with us:

• Instagram: @drsaragray @dr.marisa.nicole10 @theheartworkpodcast
• Email: theheartworklife@gmail.com

What makes the difference between an associate who stays for years and one who leaves after months? Dr. Sara and Dr. Marisa unpack the truth about building a thriving doc team that goes beyond transaction to transformation. Drawing from Dr. Sara's 8+ years of experience managing multiple associates and Dr. Marisa's current journey hiring her first part-time doc, this conversation reveals how the traditional "workhorse" model is failing both practices and practitioners.

🔥 In This Episode:

• The difference between hiring for clinical excellence vs. growth-focused associates
• How to create benefit packages that attract and retain incredible talent
• Why the "work-horse" mentality is destroying associate relationships
• How leading from abundance creates a culture associates want to stay in
• Real talk about contracts, PTO, maternity leave, and competitive compensation

When you prioritize finding people who align with your values, create benefits that honor their whole lives, and lead from a place of abundance rather than fear—you build a practice where everyone can grow together. The results go beyond just business metrics to creating a team that stays, thrives, and serves your community with heart.

Join us next week as we dive into the essential onboarding process that sets your associates up for success from day one.

Connect with us: Instagram @drsaragray@dr.marisa.nicole10@theheartworkpodcast Email: theheartworklife@gmail.com