About us
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. Our doctors are living this mission as they raise their own kids in the chiropractic lifestyle. Each one of them has been adjusted since the day they were born and is an example of living vitality.
Dr. Sara Weigel Ness
Chiropractic
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 20 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 and 2025. 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. Doug was voted “Favorite Chiropractor in Bismarck” in 2025.
Dr. Charles Weigel
Chiropractic
I grew up in Napoleon, ND, where I graduated as Salutatorian in my class. I went on to Graduate Cum Laude from NDSU in Fargo in 2004. In 2007, I graduated Cum Laude from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN attaining a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Dr. Doug and I became friends at Chiropractic school and I am Dr. Sara's cousin. I got into chiropractic because I had headaches nearly every day as a child. Chiropractic was the ONLY thing that would make my headaches go away for an extended period of time. I also have had multiple sport injuries and a car accident in college that chiropractic helped me with immensely! I have been teaching others about the benefits of chiropractic far beyond pain relief for nearly 20 years. I have specialized training in pediatrics and pregnancy and my favorite patients to take care of are babies.
I currently live in Napoleon with my wife and 4 kids aged 1.5-18 years old. Outside of helping others live their best life, I enjoy traveling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, learning new things, and playing games with my family.
James Morales
Strength and Conditioning Coach
AA, BS, MS in Kinesiology
NSCA - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Hi everyone, I am James, and I am the Strength and Conditioning Coach here at Active Life!
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas where I began my career in kinesiology. I earned my Associate degree in 2013 and worked as a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym. Following the COVID pandemic, I returned to school and completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi.
With a background in BMX freestyle and personal experience navigating injury and rehabilitation, my passion for strength and conditioning developed early. I gained hands-on experience working with Division 1 athletics during my undergraduate internship and later earned by Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential.
During graduate school, I served as a teaching assistant, contributed to sports performance research presented at the national level, and was recognized as Outstanding Islander Graduate. I went on to coach at the collegiate level before joining Active Life, where I apply exercise physiology principles to help individuals move better, build strength safely, and transition from care into structured training.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and exploring new places with my wife, Cassie, and our two dogs.
I look forward to helping athletes, former athletes, and people of all ages achieve their goals of increased performance and better movement!
Faith Schwartz
Licensed Massage Therapist
Hi, I'm Faith Schwartz, Licensed Massage Therapist since 2004, specializing in movement rehabilitation. I have a strong background with all age groups and conditions, including infants, seniors and athletes.
In my sessions I use deep tissue, Swedish, myo-fascial release, prenatal, stretch, lymphatic customized to your needs and preferences.
In my 22 years of practice, I've worked with clients recovering from injury and surgery, employees staying ahead of injuries, and those wanting to maintain wellbeing.
I have been trained in therapeutic, medical, geriatric, infant and hospice massage and was a licensed practical nurse, all which inform me in your assessment and planning.
My aim is to guide people in maintaining their maximum health.
I moved to Bismarck from NY to help with 3 small grandchildren which brings me great joy.
The Active Life Team
Paige
Chiropractic Assistant
Hey guys! I grew up in Fargo, ND. After graduating from Shanley High School, I came to Bismarck to attend Bismarck State College where I am continuing my education and volleyball career. While I have many interests, I am taking classes to get a degree in finance.
I have been getting adjusted regularly for a handful of years now and I have personally seen how chiropractic care can impact a person’s life. Since being an athlete, I have dealt with some injuries that chiropractic care has helped me get through and stay healthy throughout my seasons.
Working here is seriously the best as I get to see firsthand how regular chiropractic care can change a person’s life! All the smiling faces and kiddos truly make my day. In my free time you can find me traveling, shopping or simply enjoying all life has to offer. Thanks to chiropractic I am able to continue doing what I love!
Caitlin
Chiropractic Assistant
Hey guys! My name is Caitlin, and I am originally from the Twin Cities area. I attended the University of Jamestown in 2008, where I majored in psychology and communications. After moving to Bismarck in 2012, I worked at a pediatric psychiatrist facility where I found my love for helping and caring for people.
I had never been adjusted by a chiropractor before, but since working here I have found how consistent chiropractic care can have a positive impact on a person’s life. As a busy mother and wife, there are many non-stop and demanding days, so chiropractic care helps me stay active in my life.
Outside of work you can find me spending time with my family, reading books, playing video games, chess, or pinochle.
Cassie
Chiropractic Assistant
Hi everyone! I am Cassie, and I am originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. Starting at the age of 3, I spent most of my time on the soccer field, playing on a travel team from 7 to 17. For the past 16 years, I have worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant where I worked across a variety of healthcare settings. With this I have developed a deep appreciation for how movement and self-care can have a positive impact on everyday life.
I was drawn to join the Active Life team as they focus on the whole body, wellness and community involvement. Here I am able to witness how chiropractic care can have a positive impact on everyone’s lives, from babies to grandparents.
Outside of work I can be found exploring the area with my husband and dogs, getting used to the cold winters, and findings new ways to make Bismarck feel like home!
Michelle
Office Manager
If you are reading this, you are taking the first step toward a wonderful health journey. Active Life is exactly where I want to be. While it may sound cliché, I truly believe the body has an innate ability to heal itself.
I have been seeing a chiropractor since about age 12. I credit my dad for his attention toward health. I also accredit him to a back problem. We had constant things around like leaving Muscle & Fitness magazines around the house while building his own “gym” at our farm house. He was always focused on preventative care. I would beg my mom to let me get fitness magazines when we were out shopping. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for wellness rather than sickness.
After graduating high school in Beach, ND, I attended the University of Mary and earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. I strongly considered chiropractic as a career path, but the timing wasn’t right. I began raising my family while working in a unique role within a chiropractic office which eventually led me back to the University of Mary; this time to earn my master’s in health management.
I found my happy place raising my family while continuing my career in healthcare and maintaining an active lifestyle. I have been certified in personal training, Pilates, Piyo, and my favorite…cycling.
I enjoy hiking, biking, and learning and growing plants. I value my relationships with family and friends and consider my five children and six grandchildren to be the greatest joys of my life. I am incredibly grateful to be part of Active Life and to share in your journey towards your best life. I am so glad you are here!
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