Meet Shay-ann Scott, Nmd, Lmt, Cst | Naturopathic Physician, Medical Massage Therapist , CranioSacral Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shay-ann Scott, Nmd, Lmt, Cst and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shay-Ann, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my first business at 19, driven by a combination of necessity and the desire for flexibility. At the time, I needed to help pay for chiropractic school. Working for myself made it easier to attend a rigorous program while earning money. Although I had jobs over the years, self-employment made the most sense, especially later on when I needed to support myself and my children after going through a divorce.
Running my own business allowed me to take control of my time and finances. I could be there for my kids when they needed me—whether it was taking them to the doctor when they were sick or attending their games and school events—without having to ask for time off.
As my business grew and my children became more independent, my motivations evolved. While they didn’t need me there as much, they needed more financial support. I wanted to provide not just for their needs but also for some of their wants. Balancing the demands of owning a business with being a present parent has been challenging. I often ask myself whether I am as available as I can be/could have been.

Despite the challenges, I am happy to see that my children gained more than my time and financial support; they report also learning the value of ambition and family. What is most important to me is that they understand that while I may not have been perfect at balancing it all, I was always committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for them while pursuing my professional and educational goals.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional journey is very much intertwined with my personal experiences. My interest into alternative healthcare began in my teens, initially when I got relief from debilitating migraines and asthma. A visit to a chiropractor not only alleviated my symptoms but also ignited a passion for chiropractic and holistic healing. I fast-tracked through high school and university to enter chiropractic school early, at age 18.

Unfortunately, I encountered significant health obstacles including a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition called Sarcoidosis. I dealt with extensive hospital stays, experienced a couple of near-death situations, struggled with vision loss and mobility issues, and battled a weak immune system. These health challenges caused interruptions in my chiropractic education, leading me to redirect my path towards practicing as a health coach and medical massage therapist, and eventually becoming a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

With the support of my chiropractor and naturopathic doctor, I regained my health enough to move to Arizona seven years ago and begin medical school. It was during my education that I learned how to truly get well and I became my first patient. I am now a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and owner at HealOne Integrative Health and HealOne Massage & BodyWork.

Navigating my own health challenges has significantly shaped my approach to patient care. I integrate my extensive knowledge of chiropractic principles, massage, and bodywork with my medical training to provide comprehensive, whole-person care. I believe we all have an innate ability to heal, and as a physician, my responsibility is to help remove obstacles to that healing, provide the body with what it needs, and educate my patients on how to improve and maintain their health.

I love working with people of all ages and genders, but especially children and men. While men’s health wasn’t initially my focus, I’ve found it to be an area where I can make a difference. Many men seek my help for pain management, and that’s when I encounter those who neglect their overall health. We are losing too many men to preventable conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as hidden mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

I feel most excited when working closely with patients, getting to know them, their families and their individual journeys. I feel so much joy when a patient walks in looking a foot taller, or jumps up from their chair with more energy, or lights up with a brighter, wider smile. Those moments signify that the healing power within them has been turned on again.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of advocacy. Having to navigate my own health challenges and having to raise a child with special needs, I understand how vital it is to create an environment where my patients feel seen, heard, and supported. I want to be a doctor who stands up for my patients, supporting them beyond their diagnosis, beyond their symptoms and beyond the walls of my clinic.

The tag line for the HealOne brand is heal, thrive and inspire because that sums up my own health journey. I found the right paths to healing and although I’m still on that journey, I’m thriving! And I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have to admit, with raising kids, running a business, and spending what feels like a million years in medical school, I haven’t had much time for fun or really getting to know Arizona. But if I had a visitor, I’d definitely start by taking them to downtown Chandler. I absolutely love it there, especially at night. Sure, I’ve mostly just driven through or popped into the business office to renew my business license, but I’d love to share the experience. There’s a fantastic coffee shop called Peixoto where I meet a friend sometimes. I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but their coffee and teas are amazing!

I also love to laugh, so a night out to StandUpLive Comedy Club is a must. My husband and I finally managed a date night with friends recently, and I laughed so hard my sides hurt. I would definitely take visitors there!

For Sunday brunch, my favorite spot is First Watch. We often go as a family to the location in Gilbert. The team there is wonderful, and the food is fresh, delicious, and healthy.

I’d also take them for a nighttime walk in Tempe on the trail and bridge by Rio Salado. My husband might give me the side eye for mentioning it since he’s been wanting to go for ages, but I went once and loved being near the water. It was a great atmosphere with the city bustling around us and a diverse crowd enjoying each other’s company.

Although I wasn’t overly impressed with Sedona on my two short visits – yes, I know, blasphemy!—I’d still take them there because, well, what’s Arizona without Sedona?
A boat excursion on Lake Pleasant would be lovely, and I had a blast tubing on the Salt River! I only went once with my medical school cohort during my first month here, but it was so relaxing and so much fun. I’d also take them for a scenic drive past Camelback Mountain—definitely a drive, not a hike! I attempted to “rock climb” that beast my first month here and felt like I left my body! Never again! But I was proud to make it to the top.

Answering this question has reminded me of the fun I could be having here in Arizona. I definitely need to get out more. Maybe I should tell a few friends to come visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother has been the most supportive person in my life. Even when I make mistakes and I can hear her frustration, she still encourages me, lifts me up, redirects me, motivates me, and yes, sometimes scolds and lectures me—all while always loving me unconditionally. I have to also acknowledge the tremendous support I’ve received from so many others throughout my life, including family, close friends, and professional connections. I truly have a village, and I know I wouldn’t be who I am today, both mentally and emotionally, without them.

Website: https://www.HealOnehealth.com

Instagram: @healonehealth

Facebook: @healonehealth

Other: www.sastherapeutics.com
480-876-4811

Image Credits
The picture of me giving a massage
– by Michael Hummel of Inbound AZ.
The first picture of me in blue scrubs
– by Kendra Rubalcaba