Meet Katie Mills

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Mills. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.

Hi Katie, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

An optimist is said to be someone who sees the glass as half full—someone who holds the belief that this world is the best of all possible worlds. My optimism stems from a deep-rooted passion for helping others achieve their wellness goals in every realm: mental, physical, and emotional. I believe that health and wellness can be achieved through education and outreach, and I am committed to guiding my clients on their journey to better health.

Having spent 10 years as a bedside cardiac nurse, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and frustrations that come with poor health and the lack of clear direction on how to improve it. This experience ignited a spark in me, leading me to transition into functional medicine and integrative health, where I could make a more holistic and lasting impact.

I genuinely believe that people want to be well and have the best outcomes for themselves. It brings me immense joy to bridge the gap between confusion and clarity for my clients, offering them the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health. By focusing on the whole person, not just isolated symptoms, I help individuals discover the interconnectedness of their mind, body, and spirit.

In this field, every day is an opportunity to inspire and uplift. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the transformation in my clients as they embrace their potential for wellness. My optimism is fueled by their successes and the belief that with the right support and guidance, everyone can lead a vibrant and healthy life.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My experience in healthcare began as an EMT in rural Wyoming, where I gained invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in remote areas. This led me to pursue a career as a cardiac nurse, a role I embraced for ten years. Through these experiences, I realized that comprehensive well-being isn’t found within hospital walls but is discovered by addressing the root causes of ailments. There is so much more at play than just medicine and lab tests—the basics are important: sunshine, laughing, community, water, movement, and whole foods. This realization set me on a path toward finding the best way to connect with my clients in ways that allow me to educate them and empower them to proactively participate in health habits that improve their lives now and support longevity over time.

My professional journey led me to start my own small business: a concierge IV hydration and chronic illness management company. I’m thrilled to bring my expertise and IV modalities from that venture into Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness. This new chapter represents a merging of the most brilliant minds in the aesthetics and wellness industries into one comprehensive medical spa located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Kelly McKay, our clinical director, brings a wealth of knowledge about aesthetics and complication management, while I serve as our wellness director, excited to offer the most comprehensive array of wellness modalities available in the area. With over 200 services, we are dedicated to providing each client with a completely custom elevated experience every time they walk into Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness.

As I pursue my nurse practitioner degree with a focus on functional medicine and integrative health, I am excited to bring this specialized knowledge to Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness. My goal is to integrate the principles of functional medicine with our comprehensive wellness offerings, ensuring that our clients receive the most holistic and effective care. By combining my advanced training with our innovative approach, I aim to enhance our ability to support clients in achieving optimal health and well-being. This integration will allow us to offer even more personalized and effective wellness solutions, reflecting our commitment to excellence and comprehensive care.

What makes Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness truly special is our commitment to personalized care. Every individual who walks through our doors receives a tailored experience designed to meet their unique needs and aspirations. We offer a wide range of services, from cutting-edge aesthetic treatments to comprehensive wellness programs, all aimed at helping our clients look and feel their best. We believe in the power of innovative, evidence-based treatments combined with compassionate care and community engagement. Our goal is to inspire positive transformations and foster a culture of confidence, acceptance, and vitality. We want our clients to celebrate their natural allure, embrace self-love, and prioritize their well-being.

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new location in University Village on September 13th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This event marks the beginning of our journey to cultivate a supportive and uplifting environment where clients can embark on transformative journeys toward confidence, optimal health, and enhanced well-being. With integrity, compassion, and expertise, we are committed to helping our clients and members achieve their lifestyle and wellness goals one elevated experience at a time.

As we continue to grow, we remain focused on our core values of authenticity, self-care, and community. We are excited to be a part of the Colorado Springs community and look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients, helping them achieve their goals and live vibrant, healthy lives.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have truly shaped my path: adaptability, commitment to lifelong learning, and resilience. Each of these has been instrumental in navigating my career transitions and achieving my goals.

Adaptability: Navigating the shift from hospital medicine to functional medicine and integrative health required me to maintain a flexible and open approach, unlearning a lot of things I had picked up along the way. Embracing this transition allowed me to blend my extensive medical experience with a new, holistic perspective on wellness. For those embarking on a similar journey, I encourage you to stay open to change and view each new challenge as a chance to innovate and grow. This adaptability will help you integrate diverse approaches and enhance your ability to provide comprehensive care.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Staying engaged with the latest advancements and continually seeking new knowledge has been a cornerstone of my professional journey. To those embarking on their own paths, I recommend actively pursuing education, attending workshops, and staying curious. Surround yourself with mentors who can guide you and inspire your growth. I have been so lucky to be surrounded by providers who are passionate about not only delivering the most comprehensive care possible, but also serve as personal and professional mentors who invest their time and energy into my growth and success.

Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on your long-term goals is essential. There were definitely days when I wondered what the heck I was doing and whether I have what it takes to bring my goals and dreams to fruition. To me, cultivating resilience meant maintaining a positive outlook and managing stress with grace. Practicing self-care, setting achievable goals, and leaning on my support network for encouragement allowed me to come back to center and remember the outcomes I am out to achieve.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that has played a pivotal role in my development is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This timeless novel is brimming with profound wisdom and insights that have deeply influenced my journey personally and professionally.

The central theme of the book is the pursuit of one’s “Personal Legend,” or true purpose. This concept resonates with me deeply, encouraging me to follow my passion for functional medicine and integrative health in the midst of a career field that doesn’t always support those beliefs. It reminded me that listening to my heart and pursuing what truly fulfills me is essential for growth I could never imagine. The idea that we each have a unique path to follow inspired me to embrace my journey, no matter how unconventional it might seem.

The Alchemist also teaches that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. This perspective has helped me appreciate every step of my career, especially as I transition from traditional western medicine to functional medicine and integrative health. Each experience along this path has been invaluable, contributing to my growth and shaping the practitioner I am today. It’s a reminder to savor each moment and find joy in the process, rather than only focusing on the end goals.

Another valuable lesson from the book is the idea that obstacles are not just challenges but opportunities for growth. This wisdom has been particularly impactful in my career, reminding me to view setbacks as lessons and to remain resilient in the face of adversity. It’s a gentle nudge to stay positive and to understand that every challenge encountered brings valuable insights and growth opportunities, making us stronger and more adaptable.

These nuggets of wisdom from The Alchemist have guided me on my journey and continue to inspire me as I pursue my goal of becoming a functional medicine and integrative health nurse practitioner. They remind me to stay true to my purpose, appreciate the journey, and embrace the lessons from every challenge. This blend of light, airy optimism with a commitment to professional excellence is something I strive to bring to Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness every day. At our medical spa in Colorado Springs, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional and personalized care, and my goal is to integrate the principles of functional medicine with our comprehensive wellness offerings. By doing so, I aim to enhance our ability to support clients in achieving optimal health and well-being, creating an environment where they can embark on transformative journeys towards confidence, optimal health, and enhanced well-being.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,