When I was a college student at UIC, I walked into a restaurant in Greektown and asked for a job. It was the ‘90s, and back then, only men were allowed to work the main dining room. The only spot available to me was on the rooftop deck, where I could serve cocktails and appetizers once it opened in a few weeks. I wasn’t old enough to serve alcohol, didn’t speak Greek, and had zero restaurant experience—but I was eager to learn. And I did.
That job was the beginning of a long love affair with hospitality. Over the years, I worked in other restaurants, soaking up the energy of service, the rhythm of a busy night, and the joy of making someone’s experience just a little bit better. I didn’t know it at the time, but those years shaped how I approach my work today.
Winning Best Chiropractor in Chicago in the Chicago Reader is an incredible honor, and it has me reflecting on what truly sets a practice apart in a city filled with talented providers. Yes, chiropractic care is about adjustments, mobility, and pain relief—but it’s also about how a person feels when they walk through the door.
My time in restaurants taught me that hospitality is about more than service—it’s about care. It’s about anticipating needs, creating a welcoming space, and making sure every person feels seen and valued. That’s the energy I bring to my practice. When someone comes in for an adjustment, they’re not just another appointment on the schedule. They’re a guest in my space, and for that time, their well-being is my only focus.
Winning this award isn’t just about technique or treatment plans—it’s about the experience. It’s about the trust my patients place in me and the relationships we build over time. I’m so grateful to everyone who voted, who walked through my doors, and who let me be part of their journey to feeling better.
Chicago is home to world-class dining, world-class hospitality—and, I hope, world-class chiropractic care. Thank you for this incredible honor. I’ll keep showing up, ready to serve.
