Adapt Sports Therapy

Meet The Team

Our Providers

Get To know Our Team

Shawn Small, DC

 Dr. Shawn Small has been involved in sports and fitness in some capacity his entire life. Playing traditional ball sports throughout grade school he eventually discovered his passion for cycling and endurance sports while attending Texas A&M University. Since then Shawn has raced his bike throughout the country at the elite and professional level gaining insight and knowledge in endurance sports from first-hand experience.

Being an athlete means that he speaks the language and can speak to various injuries and imbalances according to your specific sport. Shawn is passionate about serving such a thriving and active community in Fort Collins and chances are pretty good that you will see him on your weekly group ride or at local races regularly. 

Natalie Small, DC

 Dr. Natalie Small has always been passionate about movement and the outdoors. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she spent her time running, hiking, playing tennis, and wakeboarding — activities that shaped her love for an active lifestyle. After attending Washington State University, she pursued her doctorate at Parker University in Dallas, Texas, graduating Valedictorian of her class while simultaneously competing as a runner.

Natalie now combines her personal experience with a clinical focus on helping active individuals recover from injury, improve performance, and stay active for life. Her expertise spans orthopedics, foot and ankle rehabilitation, and running-related injuries — whether you’re a recreational jogger or a competitive athlete. As a mother and endurance athlete, she brings a unique understanding to her work with runners, women navigating various life stages, and anyone who values long-term health and movement.

Natalie believes that fitness is not just physical — it’s a vital source of identity, stress relief, and connection to community. Her goal is to help every patient feel empowered, resilient, and ready to pursue what they love most.

Gillian Emerson, DC

Dr. Gillian developed a passion for movement at a young age, beginning her athletic journey as a gymnast at age five. She quickly excelled in both competitive gymnastics and cheerleading, earning medals in consecutive years at Texas State competitions and capturing the All-Around International Champion title in gymnastics in Mexico at age 10. In high school, she shifted her focus to dance and performed with her drill team all four years. She continued her competitive spirit in college, winning her local CrossFit box competition two years in a row.

Through her own experiences with sports-related injuries, Dr. Gillian discovered the profound benefits of conservative care—not only for recovery but also for performance enhancement. This realization inspired her to pursue a career helping others move and feel better. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Texas Tech University, followed by her Doctor of Chiropractic degree Magna Cum Laude from Parker University.

Dr. Gillian is deeply motivated to look beyond simply treating injuries for her clients. She focuses on optimizing movement mechanics, correcting imbalances, and helping athletes unlock their full potential.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Gillian stays active with Pilates, strength training, and exploring the hiking trails of Northern Colorado. She is intentional about building sustainable habits that support long-term strength and independence. A firm believer that “movement is medicine,” she embraces variety in her training, regularly challenging her body in new ways to prevent injury and promote lifelong wellness.