I practiced for 18 years in Colorado before relocating to California. My Daughter got a scholarship to play Div 1 basketball in Northern California and I moved to be closer (but not too close!) to her. I went back to school to complete a Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

I joined Newport Beach Wellness after graduation as the staff acupuncturist and opened CSCA the following year to expand my own practice. So, I have a business within a business and am very grateful to have a place to work and a place to grow my own practice.

Graduated in 1992 from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City with a degree and a baby! Moved back to Colorado where she began her practice in 1993 as an associate doctor and opened the doors to Harmony Chiropractic in 1994. Her early practice she trained with and sponsored some body builders with the NPC. She had a busy family practice. In her spare time, she contributed her vocal chops to several local bands but mostly she enjoyed raising her beautiful daughter. Shanti was a very active kid who enjoyed dance and sports. From the age of 3 she began dance classes and age 5 started soccer. From that point on she was involved in soccer, tennis, softball, basketball and gymnastics. She lettered in softball and basketball in high school which led to a D1 scholarship. Dr. Smith’s spare time was consumed with supporting her kid and enjoying every minute. Her daughter had such a natural athleticism that she believes was enhanced and supported by chiropractic care. Shanti had her first chiropractic adjustment at just 2 weeks of age while Dr. Smith was still attending chiropractic college.

As a single mother, it was crucial that she could work and having a child that never got sick thanks to regular adjustments was not just a blessing put was crucial to the success of her practice.

In addition to chiropractic Dr. Smith held the acupuncture certification under her chiropractic license. It was during a period of years when she also worked with a multi-discipline group of doctors and providers that she discovered facial rejuvenation acupuncture. It was amazing to be able to help people look and feel younger with this ancient healing therapy.

Once Dr. Smith made the decision to follow her daughter to California she learned that in this state one needs a separate and distinct license and degree in order to practice acupuncture. Therefore she enrolled at SCUHS and began what she calls “one whopper of a do-over!” Returning to school after so many years was the ultimate blessing! She and her daughter were in college at the same time! It gave Dr. Smith the opportunity to use her years of experience as an incentive to do well in school and at the same time completely surrender to being a student. It was humbling, difficult, awesome, challenging and rewarding all at once! Through this second go-around she’s met some of the coolest, smartest most determined people you could imagine. She’s lucky enough to call many of them friends.

The time away from full-time practice gave her time for reflection and re-invigorated her to go back into practice armed with more skills and more enthusiasm! Top that off with a few life lessons and 18 years of “boots on the ground”. You have a well-seasoned healer.

The depth and breadth of education from attending a full master’s program gave her a far greater appreciation for Acupuncture and Oriental medicine. She has fully embraced this art form