This week’s Mom Monday spotlight features Dr. Dawn, a wife, mom of three, and the heart behind Bear Paw Medical here in the Lake Houston area! With a deep commitment to family, function, and community, Dr. Dawn brings both compassion and innovation to the care she provides—and it shows in every part of her story.
Meet Dr. Dawn & Her Family
Dr. Dawn and her husband are raising three kids, each in a different season of life. Their oldest is currently living in Sacramento with his biological mom, carving out his own path. Their middle child is a sophomore at Kingwood High School and involved in the theater program, while their youngest keeps busy with boys gymnastics at Alpha Omega and the arts—playing two instruments in the Creekwood Middle School Orchestra and singing in Men’s Chorus.
Her husband works for Intertek, where he’s actively helping change the oil and gas core analysis industry. At home, life is full, busy and meaningful—and that’s exactly how she likes it.
Some of her favorite everyday moments? Sitting down to dinner and having real conversations with her 16-year-old about life and the world, all while enjoying what she lovingly calls “dinner and a show” as her 13-year-old plays the bass, violin, or cello nearby. “Beautiful music and time with my family is truly a daily occurrence,” she shares, “and it makes my heart happy.”
A Heart for Community
Community involvement has always been second nature to Dr. Dawn. Earlier in her career as a high school athletic trainer, she chose to live close to where she worked—long before it was trendy—simply to better understand the lives of her athletes and their families.
That mindset carried over when she opened Bear Paw Medical. “You can’t treat people’s health without understanding what their bodies need to do daily,” she explains. Living and working in Kingwood allows her to stay close to her patients, their families, and what matters most to them. That connection helps her tailor care in a way that’s both personal and practical.
About Bear Paw Medical
Dr. Dawn owns and operates Bear Paw Medical, a unique practice offering traditional medical care for patients ages 6 and up, alongside comprehensive chiropractic care for all ages—including newborns.
What truly sets Bear Paw Medical apart in the Lake Houston area is its dual-care model, combining traditional medicine and chiropractic care under one roof. Their goal is to become a one-stop location for patients seeking sick care, regenerative joint injections, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation for joint and muscle dysfunction.
One standout philosophy? They refuse to use cortisone or steroid injections. According to Dr. Dawn, research has shown these can dehydrate joints and potentially worsen arthritis. Instead, Bear Paw Medical focuses on regenerative injections that support the body’s natural ability to heal—without added damage.
Their rehabilitation approach is just as intentional. Rather than treating injuries as isolated issues, the team looks at how the entire body moves, identifying root causes and designing full-body solutions.
When the Work Truly Matters
One of Dr. Dawn’s most powerful moments involves a 12-week-old baby she treated—so impactful, in fact, that she’ll be presenting the case at a national chiropractic conference this March.
The infant had been sleeping only 45 minutes at a time, despite her parent doing everything right: tongue-tie revisions, physical therapy, and lactation support. After a thorough evaluation and gentle, instrument-assisted chiropractic adjustments, the baby relaxed immediately. That very night, she slept three hours. Within three days, she was sleeping seven hours. At three weeks, she slept twelve.
“The real difference,” Dr. Dawn says, “wasn’t just sleep. It was development—and parents finally getting quality rest. That’s life-changing.”
Another patient arrived at the clinic using a cane and holding onto her husband for balance. She tearfully asked, “I just want to feel normal.” By her third visit, she was driving independently and active in church again.
For Dr. Dawn, success isn’t about chasing pain relief—it’s about restoring function so people can fully return to their lives.
Supporting Local, Always
Growing up in a small town in northern Idaho, Dr. Dawn was raised on the idea of support local. That belief runs deep, especially now as a business owner. She’s an active member—and board member—of Kingwood Business Women, where she serves as Member Director, ensuring members feel seen and heard.
She loves that Kingwood and the greater Lake Houston area are filled with small, locally owned businesses. “The Kingwood bubble is real,” she laughs, “we all like to support our businesses here rather than drive into Houston” (amen!).
One of Bear Paw Medical’s newest collaborations is with Sarai Hurt of Hurt Wellness, a massage therapist with 18 years of experience and specialized training in craniosacral and somatic release. Sarai works out of the Bear Paw office as a separate but important entity, complementing chiropractic care by preparing the body for healing.
Balance (or Something Like It)
When asked about balance, Dr. Dawn laughs. “That’s a silly word.” Instead, she focuses on doing the best she can—keeping work at work when possible and prioritizing time with her family.
She’s quick to credit her mother-in-law for making their daily life possible, helping with school pickups and activity drop-offs. “I truly couldn’t do it without her.”
Their family has learned, over time, how to communicate openly. Her kids speak up when they need more time with her, and she’s learned to share when she needs time to be Dr. Dawn. It’s not perfect—but it works!
Lake Houston Favorites
Dr. Dawn shares that just this past summer she and her husband found a gem in Kingwood. While they knew of it, the restaurant hit them as particularly special while their kids were out of town with their biological mother for a month…Three B’s! “With sports and good food and drinks, everyone there is always in a good mood. The servers are amazing and I just love going there.” Dr. Dawn also loves walking East End Park at dusk and occasionally paddleboarding from River Grove Park up to Sharky’s.
With celiac disease affecting her husband and middle child, dining out requires care. Go-to local spots include Three B’s, Skeeters, and Hacienda Los Arcos at Kingwood Docks. And when schedules allow them to venture out of the bubble, inSPIRE Rock Climbing is a favorite.
Advice for Other Moms
Dr. Dawn describes herself as a “jump in and see” kind of person—but she’s learned a lot along the way. Her biggest advice for aspiring business owners? Manage expectations for the first two years and make sure you have enough capital to get through the tough seasons.
She also encourages moms to get involved wherever they can. Join a gym. Talk to other parents. Bring snacks. Say hello. “Being yourself,” she says, “is always the best way to draw people in.”
Dreaming Bigger
If resources were unlimited, Dr. Dawn and her husband dream of opening a multi-purpose facility—combining a gym or rock-climbing space with expanded medical and counseling services. Their vision centers on supporting kids who may need extra emotional or financial support, creating a true community hub for healing and growth.
Just for Fun
If she could have one superpower? Teleportation. To get to her kids instantly, skip Houston traffic for date nights, and sneak away to Idaho to see family and mountains whenever she needs a reset.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Dawn wants readers to know she’s deeply committed to expanding awareness of medical services in the Lake Houston area and believes strongly in helping the community grow through local commerce.
“I know it’s hard to be a mom in our area. We feel secluded from the resources of living in one of the largest cities in the country, but the great news is there are so many wonderful people in our bubble that have the resources you need. Resources like My Mommy Village is an amazing place to start (thanks, Dr. Dawn!), and if readers have friends who would benefit from learning more about the area contact me.”
Connect with Dr. Dawn
To learn more about Bear Paw Medical, visit bearpawmedical.com or follow along on Instagram @bearpawmedicaltx.
