Meet Our Team
About Our Chiropractors in Bismarck, ND
The doctors’ mission is to create a community of families and individuals living wellness lifestyles, changing thousands of people’s lives … one person at a time. Their vision is for every household in the Bismarck-Mandan area and beyond to be informed about health, wellness, chiropractic, and the importance of nervous system function. Proper nervous system function is vital to create a healthier, happier individual free of sickness and disease.
Dr. Sara Weigel Ness
My first experience with chiropractic was with my mom. My mom experienced severe migraine headaches for many years as I was growing up. She tried many treatments with little results until she went to a chiropractor.
She was able to get the headaches under control, and was able to live the life she wanted without having to worry about headaches. After seeing what an effect chiropractic had on my mom, I decided that I would love to be a part of a profession that could have that kind of positive effect on someone without drugs or surgery.
I am privileged to be a chiropractor. Everyday in our clinic, we see miracles as people with both short and long term health complaints get better, without taking drugs or the risk of surgery. I have seen some patients now for over 18 years, over my career and it is a pleasure to be their go-to health care provider for all seasons of life! After having 3 kids of our own the power of chiropractic care has come full circle. All of our kids have been adjusted since birth, and they all have lived healthy, vibrant lives, with no one to ever having to be on any medications of any kind, which is amazing in this day and age!
What made the body heals the body, and we are so lucky to witness this everyday!
Chiropractic Education
Dr. Sara is from Fargo, ND where she graduated in 1996 from Fargo South High School with honors. While at Fargo South, she was very active in extracurricular activities including basketball, volleyball, fast-pitch softball, and student council.
After high school she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and graduated in 2000 Magna Cum Laude with major in biology and minor in chemistry. While at Concordia she also played two years of college basketball. Following graduation from Concordia, she attended Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN where she attained her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 2004.
Dr. Sara was named “Best Chiropractor in Bismarck” in The Bismarck Tribune’s Best of the Best contest in 2022 and 2023, and “Favorite Chiropractor in Bismarck” in 2024. She is honored to have served this community since 2004 and looks forward to doing so for years to come!
Dr. Doug Ness
Chiropractic
I am forever grateful for being a chiropractor. Every day I have the privilege of seeing and hearing the amazing impact chiropractic care has had on people, how it has changed their lives along with everyone around them! Everyday the results we get at Active Life Chiropractic amaze me. I make it my personal vendetta to give my patients the best care possible so families can have the opportunity to live the same life as we do!
Chiropractic found me
There is a saying in the chiropractic profession, “You do not choose chiropractic, chiropractic chooses you!” I had been to chiropractors as a kid for various sports related problems. From the visits I had, it was my belief that chiropractic was for treating pain. It wasn’t until I was a young chiropractic student sitting in a chiropractic seminar where I finally “heard” of what chiropractic can do! Since this epiphany, every day I see first hand how chiropractic has and continues to transform lives! Every day my passion becomes stronger and my purpose becomes greater to serve the people of the Bismarck-Mandan area and the teach them about health, wellness and chiropractic!
Dr. Brenna Jacobsen
I graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University with an ambition for helping people reach their health goals through the power of chiropractic. Since joining the Active Life Chiropractic team, I have had incredible opportunities to do just that while working with people of all ages looking to live healthier lives.
My personal experience with chiropractic care has been vital in keeping me healthy, especially when it comes to my immune system. Growing up, I had struggled with constant colds, and chiropractic was what helped my body heal itself from the inside out. Seeing firsthand the benefits that chiropractic care can have, through every stage of life, is what motivated me to choose chiropractic as a career path.
Growing up in northern North Dakota, Dr. Brenna has always enjoyed an active lifestyle, with my favorite hobbies including yoga, golf, and hiking with my fiancé Darren and golden retriever Louie. Family has always been a big aspect of my life, which is why I am is so happy to be living near friends and family and calling the Bismarck-Mandan area home.
Using a variety of chiropractic techniques I have the tools to help others take control of their health. For pregnant moms, newborns, athletes, grandparents, and all others, I am passionate about providing care to families in Bismarck and surrounding communities. I can't wait to see more lives change through chiropractic!
Dr. Steve Lipp
Dr. Steve is a veteran chiropractor having graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1993. Upon graduation he returned to his hometown of Minot, ND where he practiced for over 22 years, taking care of people of all ages with a wide variety of conditions. Being a former college athlete in the sport of wrestling, he has a passion for helping athletes perform at their peak level through chiropractic care.
Dr. Steve semi-retired from practice to work in development at his alma maters Bishop Ryan Catholic School and Minot State University Foundation. Dr. Steve and his wife Trini have recently moved to Bismarck to be closer to family and to pursue his passion once again for chiropractic! He is so excited to get back to helping people get and stay well through chiropractic care. Dr. Steve has three grown children, Madelyn, Maxwell, and Murphy, along with three grandchildren, Karol, Dorothy, and Simon. He is a sports enthusiast and enjoys playing golf in his spare time.
Dr. Steve is looking forward to meeting and serving all the patients at Active Life Chiropractic and the greater Bismarck-Mandan community!
The Active Life Team
Kayla, Exercise Physiologist
Master's in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Fit for Birth Pre & Post Natal Corrective Exercise Specialist
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Group Exercise Instructor
Hey, I'm Kayla Thomas! I grew up in Helena, MT and have been living in Bismarck since 2012 to attend the University of Mary. My husband and I spend most of our time involved in athletics in some way. We both coach on and off throughout the year, and compete in recreational volleyball and walleyball year-round. If we are not coaching or competing, we are probably in the stands as spectators. We enjoy spending time with friends and family, gardening, and enjoying the warm weather during the summer months.
My goal is to change my client's everyday life by helping them improve their physical functionality and emotional resilience- components people forget that exercise can also improve. My passion lies in exercise is medicine. I strive to share that passion and assist others in becoming healthier and happier through lifestyle changes.
Being a part of the Active Life Chiropractic team is more than just going to work. I love being a part of a business that helps people every single day. Lives are changed in our office everyday!
Paige, Chiropractic Assistant
I was born and raised in a very small town in northcentral North Dakota where my family is fourth generation farmers. I graduated from Bismarck State College with a degree in Farm and Ranch Management - Agribusiness. After I graduated I moved back home where I then became an insurance agent for the next three years, while coaching varsity volleyball. In the beginning of 2020 I decided to move back to Bismarck to pursue a new career where I found the amazing opportunity to start with Active Life.
Seeing the all the different faces of Active Life everyday truly brightens mine. Watching our patients become healthier and better versions of themselves, naturally from chiropractic is one of my favorite things.
From getting to snuggle the babies,(definitely the best part of the job,) to just getting to know all of our patients and watching how they quickly become part of our Active Life Family.
With being someone who has struggled from chronic migraines in the past, chiropractic has truly changed my life. Nothing has been able to touch them, except chiropractic. Being able to keep enjoying my favorite things like hunting, riding horse and being on the the lake were not an option for a while. Thanks to chiropractic I’ve been able to do what I love again.
Emily, Chiropractic Assistant
Hey there! I was born and raised in Dickinson. I attended Dickinson State University where I studied Graphic Design, but my true passion was sitting behind the potters wheel and creating ceramic art. I moved to Bismarck in 2019 in pursuit to grow my career in the coffee industry. After being in the coffee industry for 6 years I decided it was time for a new adventure.
In the past I knew how much chiropractic care had helped me get back on my feet and re-energized. That’s when I found Active Life Chiropractic. The best part of the job is getting to know everyone who walks through the door, and seeing lives being changed. Getting to see people of all ages return to what they love doing or seeing how their quality of life has improved with chiropractic care, which has been incredibly rewarding.
When I am not at work you can find me enjoying the trails around Bismarck with my dog, or riding bike. I also enjoy going on long road trips, car camping and being surrounded by nature.
Lateasha, Massage Therapist
Lateasha has deep western North Dakota roots- Beach to be exact- and is pleased to be in Bismarck. In 2018 she completed her certificate and became a licensed massage therapist. Since then she has served at various locations in Minnesota and North Dakota including both chiropractic and spa facilities. She also has her teaching degree from NDSU which has allowed her to serve and invest in numerous individuals.
In her personal life, the faith, their family and the farm are at the top of the list for Lateasha, her husband Adam and their daughter Eyla. They enjoy appreciating the simple beauty these can bring to life.
In her massage practice she approaches each client in their own unique way- with a blended massage style. Specific techniques include relaxation, isolated dynamics and pain management with dermoneuromodulation (DNM). Everyone is battling something: physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually... and while our body desires to heal, we must allow it to. With God’s grace, I’m here to help with that.
Connie & Millie, Co-Employees of the Month
Hello! We are Connie and Millie, aka the best greeters you could ever ask for. We have a very strong love for belly rubs and most importantly treats. Millie will always lay on her back for everyone to scratch her belly, but for me, Connie, I prefer treats before my belly rubs. If you bring them often enough I will even meet you at the front door when you’re walking in. Millie on the other hand, she’s usually busy holding a patient’s hand or wondering when the next time Dr. Doug is going to take her hunting.
XOXO, Connie and Millie