Meet Our Team

Dr. Andrew Kiper
Dr. Andrew KiperClinic Director / Chiropractic Physician / MDT Specialist
Dr. Andrew Kiper (founder and owner of Lakeside Spine & Wellness) 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

Dr. Samuel Pare
Dr. Samuel PareChiropractic Physician / Cert MDT
Dr. Samuel Pare grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan before attending the University of Colorado in Boulder where he studied Integrative Physiology. Growing up a science nerd he always knew that he wanted to pursue healthcare, but was unsure of the trajectory he wanted to take. He received his Masters in Physiology from the University of Michigan where he realized a traditional job in Western Medicine was not for him. There, he found that he advocates for a more whole-health approach, instilling the need for lifestyle changes over medications and surgery.

He decided to attend The National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois for his Doctor of Chiropractic degree where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. While in his clinical rotation, he worked with Lakeside Spine and Wellness as a Chiropractic Assistant and Rehab Specialist. Since graduating in April 2018, he worked downtown in the Loop. His focus there was in educating his patient-base of business professionals and weekend warriors on effective self-care to reduce pain and increase performance.

Dr. Pare has obtained extensive continuing education and post-graduate work, such as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) which he is fully certified in. Additionally, he received continuing education in Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) both of which focus on proper joint function, mobility, and core stability. He also obtained a Masters Degree in Functional Medicine and Human Nutrition from the University of Western States.

His passion for health lies in educating patients on the steps needed to ensure a pain-free and functional life, without the need for continuous chiropractic care week in and week out. He values the ability of his patients to be independent and focuses on giving them the proper knowledge-base to avoid the need for long term care.

Dr. Pare enjoys exercising, biking, yoga, climbing, and shuffleboard. He loves to cook and explore the Chicago culinary scene with friends and family. On the weekends, he tries to get out of the city as much as possible to enjoy camping, hiking, and boating around the Midwest.

Dr. Ivette Mendez
Dr. Ivette Mendez Chiropractic Physician / MDT Specialist
Dr. Ivette Mendez is a Chicago native. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. During her time at UIC, Dr. Mendez assisted with research concerning the impact of physical activity on the brain health of Latinos and participated in various on-campus organizations that promoted preventative care.

Her appreciation for preventative care continued after her mother experienced relief with Chiropractic treatment for joint pain due to an autoimmune disease. This health challenge sparked a passion for conservative care that led Dr. Mendez to pursue a doctoral degree in Chiropractic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences.

During her doctoral education, Dr. Mendez spent a year in the Functional Medicine branch of a multidisciplinary clinic in downtown Chicago where she spent over 1000+ hours with patients learning Functional Medicine. In addition, Dr. Mendez attended advanced post graduate coursework including McKenzie Therapy (MDT), acupuncture, dry needling, functional medicine, and clinical nutrition. One on one clinical experiences with patients, incredible mentors, and countless hours of continuing education have prepared Dr. Mendez to tackle a wide variety of health concerns.

The ability to move the body freely and be active is one of the most important markers of overall health. Her goal is to educate and empower patients to feel well-equipped to manage any and all health obstacles life may throw their way. Dr. Mendez is bilingual and uses that skill to serve both the Spanish and English speaking communities in the Chicagoland area.

In her spare time, Dr. Mendez enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new fitness classes, exploring new restaurants, and taking her pup out for long walks.

Ken Cook
Ken CookLicensed Massage Therapist
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.
Fusing several modalities during his sessions with patients, such as TMJD, Sports Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial and Swedish massage; Ken and the doctor’s create unique and individualized treatment plans for each patient’s needs.

When Ken is not working with his amazing team at Lakeside, he loves to spend his free time with his wife and their dog either relaxing at home, playing at the beach, working out, making music with friends and watching or playing basketball or volleyball.

Clayton Hess
Clayton HessClinic Manager / Billing Supervisor
Clayton has worked in the finance and insurance industry for the past 10 years. After being misdiagnosed and put through many rounds of expensive and unsuccessful therapy, Clayton made the decision to transition to healthcare and join a team that puts patient outcomes first.
With his prior experience, he is able to successfully help patients navigate the often confusing insurance plans and medical billing process.

Clayton is happy to be a part of the Lakeside Spine & Wellness team, and is excited to help patients on their healing and wellness journey!

Clay Conner
Clay ConnerPatient Care Coordinator
Clay Conner moved to Chicago from southern Michigan. He has always had a strong interest in health and fitness, and is excited to join the team at Lakeside.Clay’s other passions include music and acting. He is constantly keeping up with the latest fitness, artistic and health trends, and he loves sharing his knowledge with others.

Clay is extremely excited to help patients get the care and guidance they need and to be a part of the Lakeside Spine and Wellness family!

Metta LaKind
Metta LaKindPatient Care Coordinator
Metta LaKind has been immersed in the healing world for the last ten years. She is a Reiki Master Teacher and Certified Lifeline Practitioner, and is passionate about helping people to reprogram their subconscious minds.

Her hobbies include Kundalini Yoga, performance art, and studying metaphysics. She is thrilled to be a part of the team to help patients receive the best care possible.

Schedule an appointment online or call us today
Lakeside Spine & Wellness