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.

The Active Life Team

Cortnie

Masters of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology

ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiology

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support & Basic Life Support Certified

Hi everyone! I’m Cortnie Mongeon, born and raised in Mandan, ND. I’ve always loved being active, which led to my passion for exercise. I enjoy golfing, volleyball, basketball, skiing, and spending time outdoors with family and friends—especially on the river in the summer.

I earned both my Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Master's in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Mary. I’ve worked as an Exercise Physiologist at Sanford’s Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab where I worked with patients that were recovering after a heart related event or lung condition. During graduate school I assisted with research of the exercise science program.

I’m passionate about helping others improve their physical and emotional health. I believe exercise is medicine and strive to create personalized, compassionate plans for long-term wellness. I’m excited to be part of Active Life and to help people achieve their fitness goals!

Fun facts: I grew 9 inches in high school, play volleyball with my mom and sister, love nacho cheese, and can’t resist watching The Proposal.

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!

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