About
Meet our Founder and learn more about Animas Chiropractic in Durango, CO
Our Mission & Vision
At Animas Chiropractic, our main goals are centered around your wellness, comfort, and long-lasting positive relationship with your body. We aim to first get you out of pain as quickly as possible, so that you can live your life pain-free. We then shift our focus to long-term goals, and improving our patients’ lives via preventative and wellness care.
We are a community-focused clinic with the goal to bring value to our community with specialty chiropractic services.
Dr. Lauren Preston
Founder
Born in Austin, TX, Dr. Preston joined Durango Community in 2015. She was raised as a competitive swimmer, and started triathlons freshman year of college at Texas Tech.
Dr. Preston competed in Half Ironman World Championships in 2015 and Ironman Coeur d’Alene in 2021.
She is currently actively involved in Durango’s cycling, swimming and triathlon scene, and is personally connected to active lifestyle circles within the community.
Professional Experience
Dr. Preston earned her undergraduate degree with focus on nutrition, psychology and kinesiology from Texas Tech University before training at Palmer Chiropractic College, Florida.
She has a passion for treating active families, with special training in pediatric, prenatal (Webster technique), sports and postpartum care.
She also earned an advanced Dry Needling certification, including Foundations, and Pelvic Floor/Lumbo-pelvic Needling.
Kaitlyn Gabaldon
Lead Exercise Physiologist
Kaitlyn Gabaldon is our lead Exercise Physiologist, holding an Honors degree in Exercise Science from Fort Lewis College. Drawing on her experience as a former collegiate cross country and track athlete, Kaitlyn Gabaldon specializes in Shockwave Therapy, using expertise in biomechanics, human anatomy, and physiology to treat injuries, optimize movement, and prevent future injuries.
Kilana Kenworthy
EMT-E
Kilana Kenworthy serves as an EMT-E and front desk receptionist. Holding an enhanced EMT certification, she is dedicated to patient safety and well-versed in taking vitals, emergency assessment, stabilization, and transport. Whether welcoming you at the front desk or assessing urgent medical needs, Kilana brings both skill and care to our team. Outside the office, she loves heading out to go fishing with her dog, Kona!
Heather Mace
Registered Nurse
With a background in urology and nursing, she brings both experience and a genuine passion for helping people feel comfortable and cared for. She began her career in urology at Durango Urological Associates, where she worked closely with patients and helped guide them through appointments, procedures, and surgery. This experience sparked her interest in both women’s and men’s health and the importance of helping patients feel at ease when discussing personal health concerns.
Since then, she has worked in a variety of nursing settings, including the operating room, wound care, school health, and home health. She enjoys connecting with people, listening to their concerns, and helping them feel informed and supported. She understands that healthcare can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with sensitive or personal issues, and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, respected, and comfortable asking questions.
Outside of work, she’s a mom of two who loves spending time with her family and enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer. Whether she’s hiking, camping, or rafting, she loves getting outside and making the most of life in beautiful Southwest Colorado. She’s also an artist who enjoys expressing her creativity. She believes that building genuine connections, leading with kindness, and taking the time to listen make all the difference in caring for others.
