Chiropractic Physician and MDT specialist Dr. Andrew Kiper moved to Chicago in 2001 from Bloomington IL to attend Columbia College. He majored in TV/Film production with a minor in American Sign Language. While working in the film and television industry he began to have neck pain for no apparent reason. After months of chronic pain, headaches and muscle stiffness, he was introduced to Chiropractic medicine. Growing up in a family that relied strictly on traditional Western medicine, he was a bit unsure if Chiropractic or conservative care of any kind would work for him.

After three visits with his new Chiropractic Physician, the pain had completely vanished, and he felt better than ever before! He was immediately drawn to the profession and within a few weeks had decided to quit his job and go back to school to become a Chiropractor himself. His life’s passion is to help patients suffering with any type of pain find lasting resolution and teach them ways to manage future occurrences through prevention and self-care!

Dr. Kiper attended the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard IL for his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. While at National, he served as the University President for the Motion Palpation Institute, teaching students manual therapy and rehab techniques twice a week. He also practiced as a chiropractic intern at The Salvation Army clinic in downtown Chicago.

In addition to his D.C. degree, Dr. Kiper attained his acupuncture license and also received additional advanced post-graduate training in various physical medicine techniques including; McKenzie therapy® (MDT), Motion Palpation Certified, Webster Technique, Graston Therapy and RockTape®.

Dr. Kiper treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, work and sports related injuries for patients of all ages. If it hurts, we can help you fix it for good!

When he’s not treating patients in the clinic you can typically find him racing sailboats out on lake Michigan, snowmobiling up in the north woods of Wisconsin, dining at various restaurants around Chicagoland, biking along the lakefront, and spending time with his friends and family.

Dr. Kiper is excited to serve the vibrant north-side Chicago communities of Andersonville / Ravenswood / Lincoln- Square, with a personalized, evidence-based treatment approach.

“PAIN is the final stage of DYSFUNCTION. Let’s correct the dysfunction together and move forward pain free!”    Dr. Andrew Kiper

Spencer Brauchla is in his final year as a chiropractic student at National University of Health Sciences. He is currently interning at the Salvation Army clinic in downtown Chicago and will be graduating in December of 2019. Spencer received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Indiana University. While at National, Spencer has developed interests in techniques and therapies including Dry Needling, Motion palpation, Developmental Kinesiology, as well as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. Spencer thoroughly enjoys cycling and exploring the Chicagoland area on two wheels with friends. He believes that movement is a key component to a healthy life. Spencer is excited to be a part of the Lakeside team and help you get out of pain and enjoy life to the fullest!

Brenda Hammersmith is excited to join the Lakeside Spine & Wellness team! She brings nearly 20 years of experience in customer service, human resources and retail management with her. Brenda holds a degree in philosophy and psychology from Hillsdale College. In her spare time, Brenda volunteers as a mentor at the Syrian Community Network, and she is a plant-based cook and baker. She enjoys yoga, crossword puzzles and reading nonfiction.

Brenda is looking forward to experiencing and learning more about Dr. Kiper’s specialized treatment approach of teaching his patients self-care and prevention. She is thrilled to be a part of this unique and effective clinic model of patient care.

Birgitta is a Licensed Massage Therapist excited to join the Lakeside team! Originally from Sweden, she graduated from Cortiva School of Massage Therapy in 2010. Birgitta specializes in deep tissue massage and incorporates Swedish massage, joint mobilization, sports massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release techniques into her work. She is also a Holistic Health Coach and believes in a holistic approach to both the environment and to the human healing process. It is her belief that the mind, body and spirit are interconnected. All three components need to be in balance to attain one’s highest physical well-being. In her free time she enjoys skiing, golfing, practicing yoga and bicycling.

Ken Cook, a graduate of Cortiva Chicago School of Massage Therapy, has been a working LMT since 2010. As a former NCAA volleyball player who often received treatment for a few nagging injuries, Ken was naturally drawn to the profession because of his interest in the body and the rehabilitative impact that bodywork can have. He fuses several modalities such as Sports, Trigger Point, Myofascial and Swedish to create a custom experience for each person with whom he works with. After having worked in many different environments, Ken is incredibly excited to join the Lakeside family.

Santee Blakey is a Licensed Massage Therapist who graduated from Cortiva school of massage therapy in 2019. Before becoming a massage therapist, Santee received her bachelors degree in Gender Studies from the University of Chicago. Now her passion is helping the body to heal itself. Her belief is that the body is intuitive and knows what to do, we just need to help it along. When not pursuing continuing education, you can find her on the lakefront meditating or biking. Santee enjoys reading, relaxing music, volunteering, and connecting with friends and family.