Meet Deva Watson of Aligned Chiropractic & Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deva Watson.

Hi Deva, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Chiropractic Journey

My chiropractic story began when I was a freshman in college. One day, a recruiter from Life University visited my biology class. He looked right at me and said, “You’d make a great chiropractor one day.” At the time, I didn’t even know what chiropractic was! He handed me a small spine keychain and began telling me about Life University and an upcoming free weekend event where I could bring my mom to learn more.

A few months later, my mom and I attended that weekend, and it completely changed my life. We heard powerful testimonials about how chiropractic care was transforming lives—there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. At that time, my background was in athletic training, so that’s where my focus had always been. Toward the end of the day, the staff took us to the athletic facility and explained how chiropractic works closely with athletes as well. That was the moment I knew this was my calling. I fell in love with the philosophy—the idea that the body has the power to heal itself naturally, without the need for drugs or chemicals.

After graduating from Albany State University in 2019, I began my chiropractic journey at Life University just two months later. Over the next three and a half years, I immersed myself in the philosophy, art, and science of chiropractic care and graduated with my Doctor of Chiropractic degree in December 2022.

After graduation, I worked for a company that allowed me to intern and grow for a year and a half, followed by another year and a half with a personal injury franchise. Those three years taught me invaluable lessons—what to do, what not to do, and what kind of doctor I wanted to be.

Eventually, I knew it was time to step out on faith and build something of my own. That’s how Aligned Chiropractic & Wellness was born—a practice built on hard work, dedication, and a mission to educate my community, especially those who look like me, about the power of chiropractic care. My goal is to help people understand that when you remove interference from the body, it can function exactly as it was designed to.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Honestly, chiropractic school was easier than life after earning the degree.

My first job out of school — what I thought was my dream job — quickly turned into a nightmare. In school, we’d often hear the saying that “some chiropractors eat their young,” and unfortunately, I experienced that firsthand. I was building the practice largely through my personality, work ethic, and the genuine connections I made with patients. People started requesting me more often, and instead of celebrating that success, the owner grew increasingly unprofessional, creating a hostile work environment. After about six months of trying to make it work, I knew I had to walk away for my own peace.

Soon after, I joined a personal injury franchise, and that’s where I learned another hard truth — that side of chiropractic care can sometimes focus more on numbers than compassion. It was difficult to stay aligned with my moral compass in that environment, but I learned so much about the kind of doctor I did want to be and the type of office I wanted to create one day.

Now, as a solo provider building my own practice, my biggest challenge has been growing my patient base and generating consistent revenue to sustain the business. It’s not easy, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Every obstacle has taught me something valuable, and I truly believe that everything will work out the way it’s meant to. My faith reminds me daily that God has me exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Aligned Chiropractic & Wellness is a chiropractic practice dedicated to helping patients restore balance, reduce pain, and live healthier lives through natural, drug-free care. I’m passionate about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for — not just treated like another appointment on the schedule.

I’m known for my patient-centered approach and the way I make my patients feel like family. I take time to listen, educate, and empower each person who walks through my doors. My care goes beyond simple adjustments — I focus on posture, nervous system health, and overall wellness so patients can truly live aligned, inside and out. I believe in helping people understand the “why” behind their pain and guiding them toward lasting results, not temporary relief.

I specialize in:
• A gentle, patient-centered approach that prioritizes listening and individualized care.
• Spending extra time educating patients so they understand how and why their bodies are responding.
• Prevention and lifestyle-based wellness — not just reactive pain relief.
• Serving diverse communities, including athletes, women, and people who may have never tried chiropractic care before.

What sets Aligned Chiropractic & Wellness apart is the experience and perspective I bring — as a young Black female chiropractor building this practice independently, I offer a fresh, compassionate approach grounded in community and representation. Every patient is treated with the same compassion and respect I’d want for myself or my loved ones. My mission is to make chiropractic care approachable and inclusive — especially for people who may have never experienced it or didn’t know how much it could improve their quality of life.

I’m most proud of building this brand from the ground up. The name Aligned came to me in a dream, and I chose a name that starts with an “A” in loving memory of my late grandmother, Annie Ruth Eusery. Aligned Chiropractic & Wellness represents more than a business — it’s a reflection of faith, perseverance, and purpose. It’s about helping people live aligned physically, mentally, and spiritually.

At Aligned Chiropractic & Wellness, I offer chiropractic adjustments, hydro-jet therapy, massage therapy, heat and ice therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and therapeutic ultrasound. I also provide free screenings and consultations to help people begin their wellness journey with confidence. I want readers to know that chiropractic care isn’t just about the spine — it’s about aligning your whole life so your body can function exactly as it was designed to.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest piece of advice is to absolutely find a mentor — or even two. I wouldn’t be where I am today without mine. Mentorship can make all the difference in your growth, confidence, and direction as a professional.

The way I found my mentor was through shadowing different chiropractic offices. When I met her, I instantly knew she was the one. She had everything I aspired to — not just in her practice, but in how she carried herself. She looked like me, talked like me, and represented what I wanted to become. I could truly see myself in her, and that connection made all the difference.

Before finding her, I was paired with a mentor who was of a different race and gender. While he is an amazing doctor, I knew deep down that he couldn’t fully relate to the unique challenges I face as a young Black woman building a career in healthcare. That experience taught me how important it is to find a mentor you can genuinely resonate with — someone who understands not only your professional goals but also your personal journey.

Pricing:

• New Patient Exam: $40
• Adjustment & Therapy: $75
• Full Body Massage Chair: $75
• Consultation and Screenings: FREE

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.alignedchiro.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedchirowellness?igsh=a2ZoYXBkczZvY3F2&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/AlignedChiroWellness
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/drdevadc?igsh=MWtoeDZmZHAwYnB4&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Captured Images by Raven P. Smith
Henry County Chamber of Commerce