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 passion is to help patients suffering with any type of pain find lasting resolution and teach them ways to prevent future occurrences through prevention!

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, as well as food sensitivity testing and supplement counseling/education.

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, 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

Joni Gatz is happy to be a part of the Lakeside team, assisting Dr. Kiper in helping as many patients as he can live a pain-free life!  In her spare time, she presents Brain Health Education programs to the elderly at Chicago Senior Centers and retirement communities throughout the Chicagoland area.

She has worked in the medical arena for over 12 years for both Northwestern Medical School and Rush University Medical Group. Having degrees in both education and theater management affords Joni the comfort of teaching and managing a practice. Since 2001, she has been taking various gerontology classes to provide continuing certification and to keep her own brain healthy.

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.

Brian Vear is a third year chiropractic student at National University of Health Sciences. He is currently interning at the Salvation Army clinic in Chicago and will be graduating in April of 2019. Brian received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Hillsdale College in Michigan. While at National, Brian has studied various techniques and therapies including acupuncture, Motion Palpation, McKenzie Diagnosis and Therapy, and Global Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention. In his free time Brian loves spending time with his wife of 2 years, camping, and playing the occasional videogame. Brian believes that combining centuries old practices with modern healing techniques will not only treat symptoms, but fix the root cause. Brian is excited to be a part of the Lakeside Spine & Wellness team and cannot wait to help you meet your health goals!

Lily Wirth is a 2015 graduate of the New School for Massage & Bodywork in River North. She maintains an active practice at The Spa at Palmer House in downtown Chicago and is thrilled to be joining the Lakeside Spine & Wellness team! Utilizing Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, and myofascial release therapies, she has helped clients relieve back pain, neck pain, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, sciatica, general stress and tension, and more. Lily believes in the body’s ability to heal itself through a combination of movement therapy and massage, and enjoys working with anyone who’s work requires repetitive movement or holding patterns, athletes, dancers, parents with small children, body-workers, and other health professionals. When she’s not doing bodywork, Lily is a freelance classical singer and enjoys a good road trip and nesting in her home in Albany Park Chicago.

After attaining a Master degree and working in government for several years, Brandon repurposed his life and studied Massage Therapy at Cortiva Institute – Chicago School of Massage Therapy and then Structural Therapy at Chicago College of Healing Arts, and has since completed a Master of Oriental Medicine.  He specializes in a very specific therapeutic integrative type of myofascial release deep tissue massage to find and skillfully relieve the deepest source of pain and roots of stress in your body.  Brandon believes massage is a source of harmony for the mind and body, and works to create this balance with his clients.