the person behind the practice
Meet your Doctor -
Dr. Leah Johnson, DC, CCSP®
Dance found me early, before I could even tie my own shoes. I started dancing at three years old at Carlsbad Dance Centre, and movement quickly became more than an activity; it became how I understood the world. I trained across multiple styles at my home studio for 15 years, competing for 10 of those years, while simultaneously dancing for four years on the Carlsbad High School varsity dance team, where I held leadership roles during my junior and senior years.
At twelve years old, I was diagnosed with a severe spinal condition – scoliosis – and was told I should quit dancing and consider surgery. I decided that wasn’t going to be my story.
"I became the doctor I wish I'd had as a young dancer—someone who wouldn't just tell me to stop doing the thing I loved most."
Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician
Instead, I learned how to work with my body, doing everything I could to stay healthy enough to continue dancing, training, and competing at a high level. That experience shaped the way I think about movement, resilience, and long-term care and it’s something I continue to manage to this day.
When I went to college and later into my doctorate program, I began strength training consistently. For the first time, I felt strong in my body – not just flexible or capable, but supported. That strength helped my back feel better, improved my dancing, and fundamentally changed how I understood what dancers need in order to thrive. It became clear that quality care for dancers isn’t about doing less – it’s about building strength, capacity, and confidence in movement.
That curiosity led me to earn my BFA in Dance Science from California State University, Long Beach, where I studied biomechanics and kinesiology alongside technique and performance. From there, I pursued my Doctorate of Chiropractic, trained in sports medicine clinics across Southern California, and became a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician committed to helping dancers not just recover from injury, but build bodies that support long-term performance.
Today, when a dancer walks into my office feeling scared, frustrated, or unheard, I see myself in them. I know what it’s like to have your identity wrapped up in your art. I know the panic of wondering if you’ll ever perform the same way again. And I know that “rest” isn’t a strategy – it’s a last resort.
That’s why I built Vitality – not as another clinic, but as the kind of care and environment dancers deserve. One-on-one attention. Treatment that respects your training. A provider who speaks your language – literally. Whether we’re talking about your turnout, your à la secondes, or the way your hip clicks during développé, I’m not going to need a translator.
This work isn’t just my profession. It’s personal. And I’d be honored to be part of your journey.
BFA in Dance Science from Cal State Long Beach—integrating kinesiology and biomechanics with dance
Doctorate of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences
CCSP® Certified—Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician specializing in athletic care
Certified Personal Trainer with expertise in dancer-specific strength & conditioning
Jacie Sumner
l'm excited to officially welcome Jacie to the Vitality team!
Jacie is currently studying Dance and Business Entrepreneurship at Loyola Marymount University and brings a unique combination of creativity, organization, and passion for supporting dancers.
As a dancer herself, she understands the physical and mental demands of training and shares the same commitment to helping dancers stay healthy, strong, and performing at their best.
She'll be helping behind the scenes with educational content, patient resources, systems, and special projects as we continue to grow and serve more dancers and families throughout San Diego.
One of the things that stood out most about Jacie is her passion for dancer wellness, longevity, and creating a positive impact within the dance community.
I'm excited for you all to get to know her and be part of this next chapter at Vitality.
If you see Jacie in the office this summer, be sure to say hello and give her a warm welcome!
Marketing & Growth Coordinator
