From Federal Agent to Spinal Health Champion

What happens when a career in federal law enforcement comes to an abrupt end? For Dr. Stacy Neal, a workplace injury that left her dependent on a walker transformed into an unexpected gateway to a fulfilling second career in chiropractic care.

As the newest member of Activator Methods International's Speakers Bureau, Dr. Neal shares her extraordinary journey from senior special agent with Homeland Security Investigations—where she tackled human trafficking, narcotics, and financial crimes—to becoming a passionate chiropractor. After sustaining a severe injury during training that led to eleven surgeries and an implanted spinal cord stimulator, it was a workers' compensation chiropractor who convinced her she could walk unassisted again. That life-changing experience inspired her complete career transformation at age 41.

Dr. Neal brings a unique investigative mindset to patient care, applying her background in criminology and forensics to clinical diagnosis. This approach has proven invaluable, as she recounts a powerful story of helping a patient who had been dismissed by both emergency room and urgent care providers. Her persistence in ordering appropriate imaging revealed the true source of the patient's debilitating pain, bringing not just physical relief but profound emotional peace.

Now serving as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, Dr. Neal has come full circle from student to practitioner to educator. Her story embodies resilience and purpose—demonstrating how personal adversity can reveal unexpected calling. Through Activator Methods' new Speakers Bureau launching in 2025, associations and organizations can request Dr. Neal and other speakers at no cost to share their expertise and inspire others in the chiropractic community.

Have you considered how life's unexpected turns might be directing you toward your true purpose? Share your thoughts or reach out to learn more about Activator Methods' speakers for your next event.

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