Meet Dr. Jada Yvonne Lee, B.A. (Biology), B.A. (Spanish), D.C.

We recently connected with Dr. Jada Yvonne Lee, B.A. (Biology), B.A. (Spanish), D.C. and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Jada Yvonne, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

From a childhood shaped by struggle and resilience to a career devoted to healing and empowerment, Dr. Jada Lee embodies perseverance and purpose. Through personal loss, financial hardship, and the challenges of having family in the system, she has learned to show up fully — for herself, for her community, and for every patient who walks through her doors. Today, as the founder of Yvonne Chiropractic Inc., she is building a legacy that honors her roots, uplifts others, and inspires the next generation to believe in their own strength.

I get my resilience and work ethic from life itself — from learning how to step out of the room, break down for five to ten minutes, talk life back into myself, and then walk back in ready to serve again. That rhythm of falling apart and pulling myself back together taught me early on that resilience isn’t the absence of struggle — it’s learning how to function, feel, and still show up.

My childhood looked different than most. While other kids were at playdates and sleepovers, I spent a lot of time in small, institutional visiting rooms — the kind with cold linoleum floors, harsh fluorescent lights, and a little TV humming in the corner. Vending machine snacks like Big Azz cheeseburgers were our fuel for the day, and correctional officers patrolled the space as we tried to make the most of it. Some days my oldest brother was behind the glass, other days we sat face to face at a small table, locked into endless games of Uno, laughing, talking, and just being present with each other. Those were our versions of memories. I’ll never forget being eight years old when he asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up — and then telling me to go be that and then some. He spoke life into me that day, planting a seed that I’ve been nurturing ever since.

With two brothers in the system, prison wasn’t just something I saw from afar — it became woven into my entire childhood and shaped the way I saw life. Everyone thinks about the person serving time, but few think about the family members who “lose” them in the moment-to-moment ways — missing their presence at holiday dinners, graduations, or big milestones, not being able to call or FaceTime freely, and feeling the weight of that absence every day. For us, connection came in small, meaningful ways — shouting encouragement to each other, endless Uno games across the table, and those letters through JPay that kept us tethered, reminding us that our bond endured despite the walls. For a long time, I was afraid to tell that story — afraid people would see the stigma before they saw the strength. But those experiences are what made me who I am, and they made me love people for who they are, not for how big or scary they may look, not for the mistakes they have made or where they come from.

By the time I was a teenager, I had already faced more loss than most adults I knew. I lost a full set of grandparents — two to cancer and chronic disease — and my other grandparent to colon cancer. Six months later, my mom was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. On top of that, two of my brothers were navigating life in the system. At that age, I had already started associating “cancer” and incarceration with absence and loss, but my mom’s fight showed me something different: that strength isn’t always loud or unbreakable — sometimes it’s quiet, consistent, and deeply human.

Financial hardship was a constant backdrop, so I started working young — at least one or two jobs since sixteen. I was a retired Starbucks barista of eight years, a personal banker, a Buc-ee’s employee, a food avenue worker at Target (I burnt myself too many times on those hot pans), and now, a chiropractor. Every job taught me something about people. It taught me to respect every hustle, to give grace to every customer service worker, and to understand that work ethic isn’t about titles — it’s about intention.

When I entered chiropractic school, I didn’t have a roadmap, but I had drive. My mentor network became my foundation — a village of people who spoke life into me at my lowest — you know who you are. Those moments meant, and still mean, everything to me because you saw something in me I didn’t. I’m just getting started, and I’m still not done. They pushed me into leadership roles, signed me up for opportunities I was afraid to say yes to, and reminded me that fear can’t coexist with purpose. Through spaces like the American Black Chiropractic Association and the Samurai Seminars, I learned finesse over force — in my adjustments, but also in my approach to life.

Somewhere, in the midst of it all, I found my purpose — a calling to heal, to empower, and to build a legacy that honors every struggle I’ve experienced and every person I’ve had the privilege to serve.

Those experiences taught me that being “the only one in the room” wasn’t something to shrink from — it was something to grow through. It built the confidence and grace I carry today as a doctor, especially in a profession where we absorb so much of our patients’ pain. That same skill I learned as a teenager — to step away, breathe, and talk life back into myself — is the same one I use now when the emotional weight of being a healer feels heavy. It’s how I honor both my humanity and my purpose.

I do this for little Jada, and for every kid growing up with struggle. It doesn’t matter what you look like, where you come from, how many times you’ve moved, how many schools you’ve attended, how many roofs you’ve called home, or what hardships you’ve faced. It doesn’t matter if you grew up in the system, on the street, in wealth, or in want — what matters is that you keep showing up, keep dreaming, and keep believing in yourself. Your story, your perseverance, and your resilience matter — and they can inspire someone else to keep going too.

That’s the heartbeat of Yvonne Chiropractic Inc. The name “Yvonne” represents more than my late grandmother — it embodies the strength, struggle, and soul of every branch of my family. I come from Black, white, Native American, and Mexican roots — a tapestry of culture, resilience, and rediscovery. Through this clinic, I’m building a legacy that honors every part of that story: every struggle, every comeback, every version of me that refused to give up.

Resilience, to me, is not about perfection — it’s about presence. It’s about showing up even when life tests your faith, and doing it with compassion, grace, and purpose. That’s the work ethic I live by — one rooted in humanity, built through hardship, and refined through healing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the founder and lead doctor of Yvonne Chiropractic Inc., located at 2603 La Branch St, Ste 103, Houston, TX 77004, in the heart of Midtown. Our clinic is built on the belief that chiropractic care is more than just adjustments—it’s about healing the whole person, empowering individuals, and creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.

What excites me most about my work is combining science, empathy, and creativity to help patients reclaim mobility, alleviate discomfort, and rediscover confidence in their bodies. Every patient has a story, and I take pride in meeting them where they are, guiding them toward wellness, and celebrating the progress they achieve along the way.

What makes Yvonne Chiropractic special is how deeply it reflects my values and family legacy. The name “Yvonne” honors my grandmother and embodies the resilience, strength, and nurturing spirit that shaped me. The clinic is designed to feel welcoming and inclusive, a space where patients can embrace their authentic selves while prioritizing their well-being. From vibrant design elements and natural light to music that uplifts, every detail is intentional to create an environment that feels like community and home.

Professionally, I’m focused on expanding access to care and empowering patients to take control of their health. As we continue to grow, I’m excited about creating experiences that go beyond traditional chiropractic care—from wellness consultations to educational events and community engagement. Whether you’re coming in for an adjustment, exploring our services, or connecting with the community we’re building, Yvonne Chiropractic Inc. on La Branch is about more than care—it’s about helping people leave stronger, lighter, and more seen.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, emotional intelligence, and intentional leadership.

Resilience came from life itself. Growing up with challenges — from financial hardship to having family in the system — taught me how to adapt and keep pushing even when the odds weren’t in my favor. That resilience became my backbone through chiropractic school, balancing rigorous academics with leadership roles, work, and life. My advice to anyone building resilience is this: don’t run from your hard seasons. Embrace them. Every moment you choose to keep going is shaping you into the version of yourself that your future will thank you for.

Emotional intelligence shaped the way I connect with people. It’s what allows me to read a room, meet patients where they are, and truly understand their needs beyond just symptoms. In school and in practice, it’s what grounded me. My advice? Don’t silence your emotions — study them. Emotional awareness is what turns compassion into strength and empathy into healing.

And then there’s intentional leadership, something my mentors poured into me long before I saw it in myself. As a chiropractic student, I served as Secretary (Oct 2021–Jan 2022) and then President (Jan 2022–June 2023) of the Student American Black Chiropractic Association, Palmer Florida Chapter, as well as President of the Women in Chiropractic Club (Jan 2022–Jan 2024) and Samurai Student Representative (Sept 2022–Dec 2024). Those experiences taught me how to lead with purpose — not just to speak, but to listen, to inspire, and to create space for others to shine.

Now, as a practicing doctor and business owner, I carry that same energy into my community as a Houston Beauty Boost Partner, CEOBae Member, and Houston Hottie Social Hour Member. Leadership, to me, isn’t about titles — it’s about impact. My advice for anyone learning to lead: find mentors who challenge you, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to grow into the roles that scare you the most.

These three qualities — resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership — didn’t just help me build a career; they helped me build a life with purpose. And the best part? I’m still learning, still growing, and still becoming.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been my faith walk — truly learning to let God lead. What’s wild is realizing He’s always been talking to me; I was just too naive to listen. For so long, I thought I had to carry everything on my own. I kept pushing, grinding, and showing up strong for everyone else, but deep down, I was running on empty.

A few years ago, I hit one of the lowest points in my life — mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I remember crying out to God, not even sure what to say, just knowing I couldn’t keep doing life the way I was. And that’s when He spoke to me. It wasn’t loud or dramatic — it was that quiet conviction in my spirit telling me to get into my Word. Not just so I could learn who He is, but so we could actually build a relationship.

That’s when everything shifted. He promised me restoration, renewal, and peace — three things I honestly didn’t think I’d ever feel again. But He kept His promise. The moment I allowed Him into my life — really allowed Him — everything started to change. I realized He’d always been there; I just wasn’t making room for Him to move.

Now, every day I make space — whether it’s my morning devotion, prayer, or just a quiet moment of gratitude. My peace feels unshakable because it’s rooted in something eternal. My faith has become my foundation, not my fallback. And through it all, I’ve learned that surrender doesn’t mean weakness — it means alignment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yvonnechiropractic.com
• Instagram: Yvonne Chiropractic Inc. (@yvonnechiropracticinc) Instagram · yvonnechiropracticinc 1.3K+ followers
• Other: booking link: janeapp.yvonnechiropractic.com