Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Chelsea Drda, D.C.
Dr. Drda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since childhood, I have been driven to help others. Empowering others to make informed health choices is what motivates me to get out of bed every day. As a teenager, I fell in love with the chiropractic philosophy of allowing the body to heal itself by removing interference caused by stress and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent disease whenever possible. I earned my degrees from the University of Connecticut and Life University quickly because I was so excited to live my life’s purpose as a Doctor of Chiropractic. My first few years in practice were spent learning from the two visionary chiropractors in my family, Dr. Celeste Holstein, and Dr. Mark Frank, and in the fall of 2017, I returned to Georgia to practice at Atlanta Natural Health Clinic. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve families in the Northeast Atlanta community every day; watching children light up after their adjustments is the most incredible experience. Having personally experienced health challenges (migraine headaches, food allergies, asthma, fatigue, and weight issues) which have been minimized with diet, lifestyle, and chiropractic care, I’m compelled to help others transform their health. Approaching 30, I feel more alive every day and I thrive on creating health empowerment through public speaking, radio, videos, and social media. I’m driven to empower the world to live better, one person at a time.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
You can’t have beautiful flowers without both rain and sunshine and I certainly have had my fair share of both. There were seasons where I would finish a whole box of cupcakes in a day, wondered how I was going to pay my rent, wore clothes until they fell apart, and felt like a zombie shuffling through my activities. I lost friends, felt isolated, gained weight, drowned in Netflix binges. What kept me going was the fire in my heart to help others. Find something that inspires you, that you feel passionate about, something that will not only help you but will also help others, and cling to it with your whole being. Feed that passion every day, even if it’s only a nibble, 10 minutes, a baby step. Write at least three things you’re grateful for daily, even all you write is “I’m still breathing, I have clothes on my back, and a roof over my head.” In your worst moments, return to your breath; breathe in for a count of four and breathe out for a count of eight until your thoughts start to clear. Remember that this is a season and that the seasons always change eventually. When I’m out of ideas and inspiration, I search for wisdom in YouTube, podcasts, and the library; there are infinite resources within reach and you will find what you’re looking for (probably sooner than you think). Just keep swimming, you can do it!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Atlanta Natural Health Clinic – what should we know?
I love being able to practice chiropractic care in a way that is gentle, safe and effective for people of all ages. The purpose of Atlanta Natural Health Clinic is to facilitate a greater expression of life by supporting and empowering patients to take responsibility in their quest for health and healing; what I often hear from new patients is “Wow, I wish someone had told me about this sooner!” We work hard to make sure our patients feel like part of our family and know we care about their health and well-being, even during seasons when they can’t come in for care. The heart of my practice surrounds pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum care for both mom and baby, and wellness support for growing children. It brings me great joy to sit on the floor and be on-level with children; I can often be found hosting story time to a cluster of kiddos while Mom treats herself to a detox footbath or simply a few moments to clear her head. I also maintain my certification in the Webster Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association to best support women through the changes of pregnancy. Every day, I’m asking our patient family members what went right with their day, because sometimes “Well, I made it here for my adjustment” is the only positive they can think of.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I could publish a book on the women who have shaped my life expression; I was fortunate to be born into a family of strong, creative women (including seven aunts and two sisters) and have acquired numerous additional female mentors over time. My Mom inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare when she came home from her days as a Nurse in the operating room and shared stories of the amazing things the human body is able to do. Her tireless giving spirit in our home, the hospital, the music ministry in our church, her social circle, and beyond has always been a significant contributor to my service mindset. My future Mother-In-Law has also helped me see far beyond my vision and intention for myself and push the boundaries of what I can accomplish.
The most important things I have learned from my female mentors are:
1. Put Your Own Oxygen Mask On First: You must take care of yourself first because you can’t pour from an empty cup and YOU deserve to be happy while living your life and supporting your loved ones.
2. Embrace Your Circle: The world is full of challenges and our sisters are our best support group. They know who you are, they know what you face, and they will help you through it.
3. Invest In Yourself Deeply & Often: We all love a fresh manicure, but what will you remember in 20 years, that floral design or the seminar that boosted your business?
4. You Matter: You may not see the effects, but what you do every day has an impact on those around you. You continuously bring value to your network, embrace it!
Contact Info:
- Address: Atlanta Natural Health Clinic
4633 Buford Hwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30341 - Website: www.AtlantaNaturalHealth.com
- Phone: 770-455-6767
- Email: drchelsea@atlantanaturalhealth.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AtlantaNaturalHealth
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/drchelseadrda
- Other: www.Facebook.com/AtlantaNaturalHealth
Image Credit:
Barbara Naso, Jordan Ceraso, Latangela Crossfield
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
