Meet Nikki Dority of Nurture and Women in Balance Community in Denver Highlands

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Dority.

Nikki, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from high school in 1992. I then moved to Florida for undergraduate.

I graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Biochemistry and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. After, completing the Officer Basic Course at Fort Sam Houston, TX. I completed Jump School and Air Assault school during that time. I served in the Army for five-plus years, in various capacities, including Company Commander for a 180 soldier company, and ending as a Chief of Medical Operations for Fort Huachuca, AZ, overseeing all medical operations for the post.

Upon discharge, I came to Colorado to pursue my Masters and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy. My thesis was on the benefits of Pilates in treating Low Back pain in post-partum patients. I got married to my husband, Mark, during that time, which was a beautiful gift to my life.

During my PT career, I have taken more than 200 continuing education courses, with specialization in Orthopedics, Women’s Health and trauma. I also took additional specialist training in Pilates, Yoga, Massage Therapy and Dry Needling. I also studied biomechanics and functional movement systems at Washington University in St. Louis.

During my 18 year PT career, I have taught and developed numerous courses on mechanics, as it relates to Functional Movement, Prenatal and Postpartum movement, women’s health and orthopedics. I have also had two beautiful children, who have been my absolute greatest teachers, and my impetus to work on my own personal development, mental health, and stability. They are my other greatest gift.

All of my careers, I have had a penchant for entrepreneurship. I started a home health company where I would provide PT services to both mommies and babies in their homes, post delivery.

I was one of the founding partners of Preaction/4c Technology, a predictive analysis technology, used to identify biomechanical dysfunction and the impacts of concussion in athletes.

I co-founded Women in Balance, a Colorado-based Women’s retreat and resource group, focused on finding balance and resources to support the whole woman.

A year and a half ago, I joined Peter Strauss and Kelly Campbell in founding Nurture, a wellness marketplace coming to Denver, which we are so excited to launch later this year (more to follow soon).

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a bumpy road, but the bumps create a richness and lessons in life that is otherwise unattainable.

Balancing family and work has been difficult. The challenges of motherhood and marriage are always tricky, but I will say that these two facets of my life have forced such beautiful change and evolution. I have worked to surround myself with the most supportive and loving people, who support my evolution, my creation and my shortcomings. Managing past trauma and challenges and pursuing personal development and mental health support has been so very important.

And of course, losing loved ones and personal tragedy is part of life, but so very difficult at the moment.
In my career, I have kissed some proverbial frogs, but this too has been a gift. The learning that comes from being uncomfortable is really everything. Delving out of my comfort zone has been enriching too.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Nurture and Women in Balance Community – what should we know?
I have been a women’s health physical therapist for many years. I have loved this work; to create lasting healing in my patients, empowering and showering them with support has been so valuable. The startup has been a beautiful opportunity to take chances and grow.

I am so very proud of Nurture and of the two partners I have the blessing to work with. The team of provider businesses we are building in the marketplace will be second to none, all carefully curated and procured. We will have every resource that a client will need to be well supported, in a comfortable and accepting community environment. I am honored to be a part of it all.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Curiosity, tenacity, and heart.

Each is integral to success, and the pillars to developing yourself as a human, a community member, and leader. Asking questions and getting curious is one key to life. Recognizing the connection of humankind to the planet, and understanding all is connected, and we must support each other, are the key elements to creating a beautiful organization. And passion/tenacity represent the icing on the cake to create alignment.

Contact Info:

• Address: Nurture
  2949 Federal Blvd. Denver
• Website: www.visitnurture.com
• Phone: 7202991260
• Email: nikki@nurture.me

Image Credit:
Julie Larkin

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver 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.