Liz Kelchak-Steffes, L.Ac, Dipl OM- Owner of LK Acupuncture
Liz is the founder and owner of LK Acupuncture LLC.
Liz founded LK Acupuncture in 2015.
She is a Licensed Board Certified Acupuncturist and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine in the state Illinois. Liz Kelchak-Steffes was introduced to acupuncture at the young age of 15 while suffering from migraines. After 4 acupuncture sessions she never had one again. Seeing the benefits acupuncture brought to her and her family Liz knew this would be her dream career. Liz continued to work in the acupuncture field while she achieved her Associates degree in Biology from Purdue; followed by 4 years of Chinese Medical School at Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago where she received her Master’s degree in Science and Oriental medicine.
Liz has trained in Shanghai, China working in Traditional Chinese medical hospitals expanding her education in Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas.
She has over a decade of experience in treating anything from pain, fertility, emotional issues, digestive issues, to internal organ dysfunction. Liz’s mission is to help restore health without the use of drugs or surgery.
Ann Degrassi-Kalkis, L.Ac, Dipl OM-Associate Acupuncturist
Ann Degrassi-Kalkis, L Ac, Dipl OM, is a NCCAOM board certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (includes Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology) who has practiced in the Lincoln-Way area for 16 years.
Ann has always had an interest in natural healing and medicine, so after 20 years on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, she left to pursue her lifelong dream. Ann received her Masters degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Chicago. She has additional training in aromatherapy and psycho-emotional disorders; and has a B.S. in Biology. Ann was an instructor at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and has also taught at various local events in her community. She loves her family, gardening and enjoying the beautiful world surrounding her.
Ann believes that everyone has within them the power to heal and feels strongly that education is as important as treatment to empower the individual while providing the tools to achieve optimum balance.
Pieyling Chiu, L.Ac, Dipl OM-Associate Acupuncturist
Pieyling is a Licensed Board Certified Acupuncturist and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine in Illinois. Her passion for acupuncture began in high school after experiencing an acupuncture treatment for her stiff neck, sparking a lifelong interest in holistic healing.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine and her Master’s degree in Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Tuina from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China. During her studies, she gained extensive clinical experience and witnessed the amazing healing effects of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Her goal is to help others experience these benefits, achieving balance and overall wellness.
In her free time, Pieyling enjoys hiking, baking, and playing tennis and pickleball. She has explored trails in China, Japan, and Germany, finding that doing what she loves refreshes her mind and re-energizes her body.
Katie Condon Beshku, L.Ac, Dipl OM-Associate Acupuncturist
Katie is a Licensed Board Certified Acupuncturist and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Katie obtained her masters degree in Oriental Medicine from National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois. Katie also has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition.
Watching her father work as a chiropractor and mother as a physical therapist has sparked her love for the natural health field from a young age. During college, after seeing a naturopath, and changing her diet, she was able to overcome severe acne and later seeing an acupuncturist helped her to manage digestive autoimmune challenges. It was at that time that sparked her love for Chinese medicine after experiencing the restoration and peace during and after sessions. Over the years she has gotten certifications in western herbal medicine, flower essence therapy, Chinese herbs, and sports injuries. Her goal is to help her patients find more contentment and harmony within their bodies and feel more aligned with the rhythms of their life and their environment.
In her free time she enjoys doing water conservation work at Lake Michigan, gardening, crafting with herbs, and spending time with her husband and two kids.
Emily Schmitt, L.Ac- Associate Acupuncturist
Emily is a licensed board certified acupuncturist and NCCAOM diplomate of Acupuncture. She earned her Master’s Degree in Science of Acupuncture from the Pacific College of Health and Science in Chicago, IL. With a strong foundation in biology and nutrition, Emily began studying Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2018 when she was inspired by the natural healing benefits of acupuncture and wanted to share it with others. She began her career as an acupuncturist working in her Wisconsin hometown in 2024, but is now excited to return to the Chicagoland area to continue providing holistic care.
Emily has experience with a wide variety of conditions including pain relief, women’s health, fertility, GI issues, mental health, and more. She is trained in sports medicine orthopedic acupuncture to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, including injuries and surgery recovery. Emily is passionate about empowering patients to build and sustain healthy habits to support their wellness long term.
Outside of the office, Emily likes to stay active by going hiking, camping, and traveling. She is a plant lover and recently started hydroponic gardening. She also enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
Mary McGrath *BCTMB *LMT *HHP *RMT
Mary is renowned for her compassionate and healing touch. She has completed ADV3, which is the highest level of CST currently offered by the Upledger Institute. She is also a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Health and Fitness Coach with a nutritional focus as well as a Licensed Massage Therapist with Board Certification through NCTMB.
Qualifications: *BCTMB *LMT *HHP *RMT
License Number: State of Illinois Massage Lic 227.003218
Years of Teaching Experience: 23 Years:
List of Associations: One World Reiki, ABMP, NTCMB. AADP
Services Offered:*CranioSacral Therapy, *Therapeutic Massage, *Hot-Stone Massage, *Reiki, *Reflexology, *Acupressure, *Healy Energy Sessions, *Nutritional Guidance
To schedule with Mary call or email: Telephone: (708) 323 7880 Email: marysprogram@gmail.com
Leann Shalash- Office Manager
Leann’s proudest characteristic is her kindness and love for others. She is determined to make every person she encounters feel loved and welcomed. Leann enjoys going on long walks in nature with her puppy, Bentley, who she adores. When she’s not with Bentley, she’s shopping with her three sisters. Acupuncture has helped her from a young age when she started experiencing allergies and anxiety. The results were astonishing to her. She believes the body has the capability to heal itself naturally.
Mandy Murray- Receptionist
Mandy is so excited to be a part of the team at LK Acupuncture! After experiencing severe back pain in 2023, she sought out LK to try acupuncture for the first time. After 3 treatments, her back pain was relieved, and she was captivated by the holistic, natural and therapeutic benefits of Chinese Medicine. Looking to make a change in her career, Mandy felt a calling to Chinese Medicine and enrolled in Pacific College of Health and Science and is on track to receive her Masters of Science in Acupuncture (MSAc) in 2026. Mandy is passionate about passing down holistic health practices to her 4 kids to help them build a strong foundation for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It involves teaching them how to care for themselves in a balanced way, considering all aspects of health: body, mind, and spirit.
Jessica Montez- Receptionist
