Our Staff

Liz Kelchak-Steffes, L.Ac, Dipl OM- Owner of LK Acupuncture

Liz is the founder and owner of LK Acupuncture LLC.

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.

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

Tess Hupfer- Office Manager

Tess has been with LK Acupuncture since it opened it’s new location. She has enjoyed making connections with the patients and being a part of our wonderful healing space. She is our Office Manager and dedicated to team LK. Tess is in acupuncture school and is looking forward to being able to help others on a deeper level. She believes self-healing, gratitude, and helping others are the root to a well-balanced lifestyle. She is drawn to the holistic approach of healing because it focuses on all parts of a person, and aims to treat the root cause as well as symptoms. She enjoys being out in nature and spending time with loved ones.

Denise Lukowski- Receptionist

Denise is known for her warm smile. She loves her little dog Lucy! Lucy is everyone’s therapy dog in her home, bringing joy to all those who meet her. Acupuncture has helped Denise with headaches, arthritis, knee pain and stomach issues. For her, acupuncture gets right to the point! She enjoys other holistic practices as well such as Reiki and Craniosacral therapy. She is grateful for her beautiful family and brings laughter wherever she goes.

Leann Shalash- Receptionist

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.

Anna M. Castle, RYT 500-Hour, Ayurveda Health Counselor, Reiki Master

Since 2016, I have dedicated myself to teaching yoga and holistic medicine. My journey began with earning my 200-hour yoga certification and subsequently becoming a Reiki Master in 2017. I furthered my education with a 300-hour yoga and Ayurveda Health Counselor certification from Mount Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda in 2021, followed by Ayurveda Postpartum Doula training at Sacred Windows Studies in 2022. Additionally, I have studied Ayurvedic Health Counseling and Home Remedies at the Ayurvedic Healing Institute and completed The Pathway to Enlightenment program at The Chopra Center. Driven by a deep passion for my work, I consider myself a perpetual student, constantly engaged in ongoing education and training. Currently, I am immersed in a 1000-hour Yoga Therapist Program and pursuing graduate studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, focusing on Acupuncture and Herbs.
For more information, please connect with me on social media or visit my website at www.acastleforhealing.com.

Anna offers Reiki services at LK!