Cheyanne Schmaltz’s journey to chiropractic care began with a personal experience that sparked her passion for holistic health care. Now in her 10th trimester at Palmer Main, Cheyanne is expanding her clinical expertise through her preceptorship in Illinois. She’s learning from Dr. Minor at Minor Chiropractic in Channahon, Illinois, and Dr. Nicolopoulos at the Spine & Sports Center of Chicago, Illinois, both of whom bring distinct approaches to chiropractic practice. “I’m excited to gain diverse experiences and learn from two incredible doctors with different styles,” Cheyanne shares.
Cheyanne’s decision to choose Palmer was influenced by the positive feedback she received from Palmer graduates she shadowed. “When I shadowed multiple doctors before applying, I asked, ‘If you had to do it all over again, would you choose the same school?’ Every Palmer graduate said yes, while most doctors from other schools said no. That response spoke volumes to me and made my decision clear,” Cheyanne explains. She also appreciated Palmer’s commitment to making education accessible, which played a significant role in her decision. “I spoke with advisors at other chiropractic schools, and when I mentioned Palmer’s scholarship offer and asked if they could match it, they said, ‘You should just go to Palmer,’” she recalls, further reinforcing her choice.
At Palmer, Cheyanne has found a thriving, tight-knit community that encourages professional and personal growth. “What I find special about Palmer is its sense of community and the wide variety of practice styles it embraces. If you’re interested in something, there’s likely a club for it,” she says. This inclusive atmosphere and the College’s continuous focus on improvement have been essential in her development as a student. “Palmer is up to date and always looking for ways to improve, which ensures we are at the forefront of chiropractic education.”
Cheyanne’s inspiration to pursue chiropractic came from her experiences with back pain caused by horseback riding. “The pain became so severe that I almost had to quit riding,” she reflects. Seeking a solution, Cheyanne turned to chiropractic care. “After seeing a chiropractor, my back pain virtually disappeared. Chiropractic care became a key part of my routine for staying healthy, and I realized I wanted to help others in the same holistic way,” she says.
Her academic journey at Palmer has been both challenging and rewarding. “The rigorous curriculum pushes me to grow, while the supportive community of faculty, staff and fellow students makes the journey manageable and inspiring,” Cheyanne shares. Palmer’s emphasis on hands-on learning and its focus on the science, art and philosophy of chiropractic care have equipped her with a well-rounded foundation to succeed.
In addition to her coursework, Cheyanne has actively contributed to campus life by founding the HVLA (High Velocity, Low Amplitude) Education Systems club, where she transitioned from attendee to teacher. “Teaching at the club was a transformative experience that helped me grow both as a student and a future chiropractor,” she says. The opportunity to practice early in her education has been invaluable in preparing her for practice and reinforcing the importance of continuous learning.
As she looks ahead to her future career, Cheyanne offers advice to incoming students: “Get involved in clubs and take advantage of every opportunity to practice hands-on skills. It can feel intimidating at first, but everyone starts in the same place. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—your peers and mentors are there to support you.”
