Inspiring Conversations with Nicole Dority of Nurture and Balance PT

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

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Biology/Chemistry in 1996 and was commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant I served 6 years of active duty, stationed all over the US. After serving, I came to Colorado to get both my Masters of Science in Physical Therapy and then a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

I worked in a variety of outpatient clinics throughout the city, as a clinician and administrator/owner. I later got a Master’s in Business Administration as I started to take on more leadership and ownership roles. In addition to Physical Therapy businesses, I also co-founded a company developing a medical screening tool, as well as a women’s wellness retreat business.

During that time, I was married to my amazing husband, who I have been married to for 20 years!! Since we were married, we have had two beautiful children who are now 14 and 15 years old!!! Over the last seven years, I have been involved in and co-founded a Wellness Marketplace startup called Nurture, located in the Highlands. Nurture is a beautiful place to commune, dine, move, restore, and care for yourself – we are so very grateful for the magic that the project is.

In addition, I have started my Physical Therapy practice (side gig) Balance PT, located in Congress Park. I specialize in orthopedics and biomechanics, somatic therapy and chronic pain management, women’s health, and pelvic pain.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With every great pursuit, challenges are inevitable. Early days in clinical practice are difficult because the learning curve is steep. Looking back today, I am so grateful for all the continuing education, mentorship, and experience I have had because clinical practice keeps getting better – working closely with the nervous system, somatic representation, and chronic pain have been my newest focus, and that learning curve is STEEP. But, never tiring of new education, taking on new challenges, and asking for help make these moments exciting and possible.

The world of start-up business takes a long and circuitous route. It is in my blood; I love the conception, creation, strategy, and evolution of a new business/concept. But saying yes to something new, with no guidebook is hard. It is easy to have imposter syndrome and mistakes are prolific. But, I would not want my career to be different. I love the thrill and creativity of the start-up world, and being a part of something as spectacular as Nurture makes it so worth it.

And, being a mom is the most difficult rewarding, AND magical thing I have ever (and will ever) do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nurture and Balance PT?
Nurture is an amazing Wellness Marketplace located in the Highlands. With over 50 providers, fitness, a beautiful cafe, recovery, membership, retail, events, and more, Nurture boasts the largest collection of best-in-class wellness offerings in the city.

Nurture is a 20000 sf space dedicated to every aspect of self-care, including beauty services and hair, acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, reiki, behavioral health services, tattoos, fitness, and more. The goal for the space is to create a place for people to take care of themselves, in the community, in a beautiful and homey atmosphere. We are so proud of the entire space, the people on our team, the magic of our provider businesses, and so much more. Please come to Nurture to check out all of the provider offerings, enjoy some food, take a class, do a recovery service, and just enjoy and work in the community. If you are interested in being more involved at Nurture, we also have a large membership program we are rolling out that is incredible and provides the members with the full Nurture experience.

Balance PT is my little Physical Therapy clinic. I see about 20 patients a week (in addition to Nurture) and focus on providing a safe space to help people heal, evolve, and learn to trust their bodies again. With the addition of the somatic therapy piece, my practice has evolved in leaps and bounds. After 20 years of experience, bringing it all together to treat the whole human is just an honor. Insofar as the PT clinical practice piece, I focus on manual therapy, postural and biomechanical reeducation, trigger point dry needling, pelvic health, and more.

I am proud of the work I do, of the community of providers I have the honor to work with, and of the amazing patients I get to see and know. My clinical work is an absolute gift in my life, and truly my life’s work. I am also pursuing more education in the somatic and Hakomi spaces to further understand the effects of trauma on the body. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to do some public speaking, podcasts, TED Talks, and writing.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never stop learning! Never stop being curious! Never stop asking questions! Never stop the pursuit of excellence and purpose!

Pricing:

• Physical Therapy Evaluation (60 min) $150
• Physical Therapy Treatment (60 min) $125
• Physical Therapy Five Pack (60 min per visit) $500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.visitnurture.com and www.balanceptdenver.com
• Instagram: @nikki_dority and @visitnurture
• Facebook: Nikki Mercaldo Dority and Nurture
• Linkedin: Nikki Mercaldo Dority and Nurture, A Wellcare Marketplace