We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Sarah Wilkes B.S., D.C. and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Sarah, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
“Treat others the way you’d want to be treated,” right? That’s what we’ve all been taught—and what many of us continue to pass on to our children. But after many years of serving families through holistic, nervous-system-based chiropractic care, I’ve come to reframe that saying:
“Teach others what you wish you were taught.”
This phrase carries deep meaning for me. Over the years, I’ve felt called to speak more openly and courageously about what I know to be true—that optimal health comes from within.
Throughout my career, I’ve sometimes held back from sharing certain information about topics like medicine and supplementation, vaccines, birth and birth trauma, infant milestones, and more—out of respect and a desire not to offend. But today, I feel more confident than ever in sharing evidence-based insights on these sometimes controversial subjects. My goal is to empower families with knowledge so they can make confident, informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Dr. Sarah Wilkes, a family chiropractor who has been serving San Diego County with holistic, nervous-system-based chiropractic care for the past 12 years. I’m the proud owner of Barker Chiropractic, located in the heart of Santee, CA.
It’s my greatest honor to support individuals and families through every stage of life—from conception and pregnancy to infancy, childhood, parenthood, and beyond. I have a special passion for helping expectant mothers adapt to their beautifully changing bodies, as well as supporting infants as they adjust to life outside the womb.
With a gentle, specialized approach, I love caring for little ones experiencing challenges such as torticollis, cranial imbalances, ear infections, reflux and digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and developmental milestone delays. Every adjustment is an opportunity to help the body function and heal as it was designed to—naturally and from within.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my dad has profoundly shaped how I see myself—as a powerful, educated, loving, determined, and faith-filled woman. I am a mother, wife, daughter, boss, friend, and sister who carries his example with me every day.
He was a single father who worked tirelessly to raise his three children, rarely taking a moment for himself. His incredible work ethic taught me the value of giving your all to serve others—while also maintaining a healthy balance between work, family, and faith.
The life I’ve built is a reflection of the foundation he laid, and I’m endlessly grateful for the lessons his love and perseverance instilled in me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a moment in my journey when I almost walked away from my dream of becoming a chiropractor. It happened after the passing of my mentor, Dr. David K. Barker. He wasn’t just a mentor—he was like a grandfather to me. He constantly reminded me to finish chiropractic college so he could personally train me to carry on his legacy.
After completing my classroom studies, that dream became reality. I had the incredible opportunity to train under him during the final stretch of my education. But just one month before I graduated, he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Even in the face of such devastating news, he remained optimistic and devoted to teaching me—not only how to practice chiropractic, but how to run a business, lead a team, and build a life of purpose and service.
He passed away six months after I earned my license. It was a defining moment—a “sink or swim” season of my life. And I swam. I pushed forward through grief, fear, and uncertainty, holding tight to the lessons he had instilled in me.
Today, I still carry his wisdom and his heart in everything I do. Barker Chiropractic isn’t just a practice—it’s a continuation of his legacy and a daily reminder that perseverance, faith, and love can transform even the hardest moments into something extraordinary.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
In a world full of quick fixes and trendy health fads, even the most educated people can be tempted by the promise of an easy path to wellness—whether through weight loss injections, pills, or shortcuts that overlook the body’s natural design.
But true, lasting health always comes back to the basics: quality sleep, nourishing whole foods, less sugar and alcohol, regular movement, and a well-balanced nervous system.
Many overlook how vital the nervous system is—it’s the control center for every organ and function in the body. When we care for it properly through regular chiropractic adjustments, our bodies function better from the inside out. The result isn’t just improved health—it’s greater energy, clarity, and vitality in every aspect of life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think my patients will miss the way I pour love and energy into every adjustment—what I like to call “the ultimate nervous system boost!” I truly enjoy connecting with people, being conversational and open, and creating a space where everyone feels seen and cared for.
My team and I make it our mission to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels special, supported, and loved. We want them to leave not only with a stronger nervous system, but with the confidence and joy to take on the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BarkerChiropractic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkerchiropractic.santee/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Barker-Chiropractic-Clinic-100039213055465/
