Welcome to Renew Chiropractic! Let's meet our crew!

Hi, I am Dr. Cara!

Practice Owner & Leading Chiropractor

Healing hands, helping hearts, and transforming lives—one spine at a time.

Some people spend years discovering their calling—Dr. Cara knew hers practically from the time she could walk. Growing up in Batavia, New York, she set her sights on becoming a chiropractor and never looked back. Her journey began at the State University at Fredonia, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology, and culminated at the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa—the birthplace of chiropractic medicine itself. There, she graduated Cum Laude with her Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree, already demonstrating the excellence that would define her career.

When Dr. Cara arrived in Richmond in 2015, fresh from chiropractic school, she brought with her not just impressive credentials but a genuine passion for healing. After three years working as an associate, she took the leap to establish her own practice in May 2018, creating a space where her vision for patient-centered care could fully flourish.

A certified expert in Webster Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Dr. Cara has a special passion for prenatal and pediatric care. This specialized approach helps expectant mothers experience greater comfort during pregnancy while preparing for safer, more comfortable deliveries. Many of her pregnant patients have reported significant reduction in discomfort and more positive birth experiences as a result of her care.

Dr. Cara's expertise extends across multiple techniques including Toggle-recoil, full spine Gonstead, Diversified, Thompson Drop, Activator, and Sacral-Occipital Technique. This versatility allows her to create truly personalized treatment plans—because she believes no two patients are exactly alike, and neither should their care be.

Lifelong learning isn't just a catchphrase for Dr. Cara—it's a way of life. You'll often find her with a new book in hand or registering for the latest seminar to expand her knowledge. She's been known to retake courses she's already completed, believing that revisiting foundational concepts with fresh eyes leads to deeper understanding and better patient outcomes.

During her time at Palmer, Dr. Cara wasn't just earning top grades—she was already demonstrating leadership as a Student Council Representative and sharing her knowledge as a Teaching Aid for the Radiology and Diagnostic Department, where she showcased exceptional skills in academic radiology, diagnosis, and pediatrics. Today, she continues to stay at the forefront of her field as an active member of both the ICPA and UVCA.

Service to others runs deep in Dr. Cara's DNA. Growing up immersed in community service activities, she continues this tradition today through her practice's annual contributions to local food drives and support for a local Christian school. She believes that healing extends beyond the adjustment table and into the community that has welcomed her so warmly.

When she's not transforming lives through chiropractic care or giving back to her community, you might find Dr. Cara exploring new travel destinations, reconnecting with family, enjoying the beauty of nature, cheering at sporting events, relaxing at live concerts, or simply enjoying good food with good company.

At the heart of Dr. Cara's practice is a profound belief in your body's remarkable ability to heal itself. Through precise, targeted spinal adjustments, she helps free your nervous system from interference, allowing your body to function at its optimal level. Her approach combines warm, nurturing care with empowering education—ensuring you understand not just what she's doing, but why it matters for your long-term health.

Ready to experience the difference that personalized chiropractic care can make?

Dr. Cara welcomes new patients with a thorough consultation and gentle approach designed to put even first-timers at ease. She looks forward to discussing how chiropractic care can benefit you and your family on your journey to wellness.

Learn More about ICPA

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association provides recent research on Chiropractic care for the Pediatric and Prenatal population. Check out their site to subscribe to the Pathways's to Family Wellness newsletter and magazine for helpful and informative articles.

Find out more

Hi, I am Dr. Mariela!

Lead Associate Chiropractor

From Caribbean sunshine to healing hands: bringing warmth, expertise, and a global perspective to your family's care.

If you're looking for a chiropractor who combines clinical excellence with genuine warmth and cultural richness, Dr. Mariela might be your perfect match. Born and raised under the tropical sun of Puerto Rico, she brings both island vibrancy and scientific precision to every patient interaction.

Dr. Mariela's journey to chiropractic wasn't just academic—it was deeply personal. While studying Biology and Psychology at Syracuse University, summer volunteering in a Puerto Rican hospital sparked her passion for neonatology. Those profound moments—witnessing new life enter the world, cradling newborns, and supporting mothers through their vulnerable first days—shaped her future path in ways she couldn't yet imagine.

As a 2023 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida, Dr. Mariela represents the newest science and techniques in the field. Her Webster Certification and specialized training with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) make her particularly skilled with pregnant women, babies, and children—patients who often require an especially gentle, nuanced approach.

What sets Dr. Mariela apart is her unique ability to blend multiple techniques (Diversified, Thompson, Gonstead, and Activator) into personalized care plans that evolve as your family grows. For expectant mothers experiencing discomfort, newborns adjusting to life outside the womb, or families seeking natural wellness approaches, Dr. Mariela offers solutions that honor the body's innate wisdom while providing tangible relief.

Her philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: your body knows how to heal itself—sometimes it just needs the right guidance to unlock that potential. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, she addresses the root causes that might be blocking your body's natural healing abilities.

When not transforming lives at the practice, Dr. Mariela's adventurous spirit takes her across the globe—she's already explored 16 countries and is always planning her next cultural immersion. A self-proclaimed foodie with a taste for diverse cuisines, she brings that same curiosity and appreciation for variety to her treatment approaches.

Whether you're seeking specialized care for your growing family, looking for a provider who speaks Spanish as her first language, or simply connecting with her warm approach and global perspective, Dr. Mariela welcomes the opportunity to be your partner in health. Her patients often remark that what began as a chiropractic appointment evolved into a transformative wellness journey they never expected.

Ready to experience care that's as unique as you are?

Schedule with Dr. Mariela today and discover how her blend of compassionate attention and specialized expertise might be exactly what your family needs.

Hi, I am Amber!

Practice Manager Extraordinaire

Some things are simply meant to be—and Amber joining our team was definitely one of them.

After circling in each other's orbit since 2019 and numerous "what if" conversations since 2021, the stars finally aligned to bring Amber officially into the Renew Chiropractic family. And now that she's here? She's stuck with us for good! (And we couldn't be happier about it.)

With over 20 years in healthcare, Amber brings a wealth of experience that perfectly complements our holistic approach to wellness. Her background as a certified nursing assistant across various healthcare settings provided her with versatile skills, while her work as a birth and postpartum doula and lactation consultant aligns beautifully with our focus on family care. This unique combination makes her not just our Practice Manager, but a valuable resource for patients navigating their wellness journeys.

Originally hailing from a small town in West Virginia (cue the "Go Mountaineers!" chants), Amber has embraced Richmond as her home for the past 15 years alongside her husband of 11 years, Dan. As a stepmom to two grown boys and devoted fur-parent to two cats, she understands family dynamics in all their beautiful complexity. Though she loves all animals, it's the call of the ocean that truly speaks to her soul—one of her dreams is to return to beachside living someday, where dolphin-watching would become part of her daily ritual (and yes, we've already requested that the entire office be allowed to relocate with her!).

When she's not expertly managing our practice, you might find Amber exploring new destinations, losing herself in a good book, experimenting with new recipes, or transforming spaces with her decorating talents. Her natural creativity and attention to detail shine through in everything she does—including the thoughtful touches she brings to our patient experience.

What truly sets Amber apart, though, is her infectious personality. With a genuine warmth that makes everyone feel like an old friend the moment they walk through our doors, she embodies the heart and soul of our practice philosophy. Her bubbly demeanor, compassionate approach, and natural leadership ensure that your experience with us will be seamless from scheduling to follow-up care.

Under Amber's skillful management, our commitment to providing exceptional, personalized care continues to strengthen. We may have taken our time finding each other, but some things are worth the wait—and Amber's addition to our team proves that timing truly is everything.

Hi, I am Dana!

New Patient & Outreach Coordinator

The friendly face guiding you through your first steps at Renew Chiropractic.

When you're new to our practice, Dana is your personal navigator—the warm, welcoming presence who transforms uncertainty into confidence. With a heart deeply rooted in service and a genuine passion for connecting with people, she brings a unique blend of administrative expertise and compassionate care to her role.

Dana's journey with Renew Chiropractic began two years ago as Dr. Cara's very first office manager. Having witnessed our practice grow from its early days, she carries our founding values and vision in everything she does. What keeps her coming back? The joy of watching new mothers and babies thrive, and the vibrant community that has blossomed around our care philosophy.

In fall 2022, Dana took a bold step toward her dream of a real estate career—with the full encouragement of the Renew family. It's a testament to the special bond she's formed here that she continues to dedicate her talents to our practice part-time, creating a perfect balance between pursuing her professional goals and remaining an integral part of the community she helped build.

Before joining our team, Dana honed her people-first approach through years in office administration and social services, where she worked with troubled youth, foster families, and others in need. This background has given her an exceptional ability to meet people exactly where they are—a skill that proves invaluable when helping new patients navigate their wellness journeys.

Richmond has been Dana's home for over five years, and she embraces the RVA community both professionally and personally. When not at Renew or showing properties, she channels her natural giving spirit into volunteer work with Compassion International, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and her local church. Her passion for travel speaks to her curious nature and desire to understand different perspectives—qualities that make her exceptionally adept at helping our diverse patients feel understood and valued.

Dana finds genuine fulfillment in being part of your family's wellness story. Whether you're calling with your first questions about chiropractic care, stepping into our office for an initial consultation, or connecting at a community event, her goal remains the same: to ensure you feel seen, heard, and supported at every step of your journey with us.

Hi, I am Marta!

Marketing & Media Coordinator

From devoted patient to passionate team member—bringing our story to life through her personal experience.

When Marta crafts content about the benefits of chiropractic care, she's not just sharing marketing messages—she's speaking from lived experience. As a longtime Richmond resident who first walked through our doors as a patient in 2019, she embodies the journey from curious newcomer to devoted advocate.

What makes Marta's perspective so valuable is her personal transformation through chiropractic care. Dr. Cara became an essential part of her pregnancy journey, with weekly adjustments—beginning even before conception—contributing to what Marta describes as a beautiful birth experience. This firsthand knowledge of our care's impact infuses authenticity into every post, newsletter, and campaign she creates.

With a professional background in marketing, social media, and brand building, Marta brings polished expertise to her role. But it's the perfect alignment between her personal passion for holistic living and our practice philosophy that truly sets her work apart. Her natural enthusiasm for discovering ways the body can thrive as it was designed makes her an ideal translator of complex wellness concepts into engaging, accessible content.

Outside the office, Marta embodies the balanced lifestyle she promotes. You might find her baking with her little one (perhaps testing recipes to share in our newsletter), enjoying beach days, researching the latest wellness trends, meeting friends for coffee, or simply taking long walks to clear her mind and connect with nature. These moments of connection and joy reflect the whole-person wellness approach she helps communicate through our channels.

For Marta, joining our team wasn't just a career move—it was coming home to a community that had already transformed her life as a patient. That sense of belonging shines through in her work, as she helps new patients discover what she already knows: that at Renew Chiropractic, you're not just receiving care; you're becoming part of a family committed to your wellbeing.