Goodbye, Chicago! (A hard-won list of service providers and health-practitioners)
This is my "Goodbye, Chicago” gift; a hard-won list of favorite practitioners & service providers, gained over 18 years. I'm picky/particular, so these are not offered lightly. I'm devastated that I have to re-create this list in Los Angeles, but hope this benefits Chicago pals.
ACUPUNCTURE
Lincoln Square Acupuncture--My favorite community acupuncture spot; expect a roomful of folks reclining on chairs stuck with needles, with white noise & gentle music playing. David’s an expert at doing quiet consultations, even in a “public” space. And, there is a private room if you need individualized attention. Sliding scale, starting at $25/visit. https://www.squarenergy.com/
Essential Acupuncture Chicago
Leigh Stein—is one of two women at this women-centric practice, they do a lot with internal organs, digestion, fertility. Super comfy space and individualized attention. She did an amazing grief point for me that released energy and let me move on from some serious stuckness. http://www.essentialchicago.org
PHYSICAL THERAPY/CHIROPRACTIC
Michael A. Pontarelli at Windy City Wellness
Discovering Mike 10 years ago saved my bod. He’s helped me recover from various ailments, plantar fasciitis, sprained ankle etc. he is a kinesiologist and appears sporty but is a true "healer" in every other sense. He uses modalities like acupuncture, massage (sometimes covered by insurance, and stretching/diet in his holistic approach). http://www.windycityhealth.com/
MASSAGE
Jason Borecki also at Windy City Wellness—meaning you can sometimes get referred to him for a short therapeutic massage to complement chiro treatment. I once came out of a relaxation massage wearing my dress inside out & backwards because I was just that relaxed, ENOUGH SAID. https://www.beingbodyaware.com/
Jana Robinson Cheffings, Bloom Yoga—She’s great with musculoskeletal stuff i.e., carpal tunnel, tendonitis. Gentle yet skilled at getting all the bodily jankiness worked out. Love her, she’s brought me back from the brink many times. http://bloomyogastudio.com/…/bloom-c…/jana-robison-cheffings
Patty Oria, Bloom Yoga Studio—Uses a Feldenkrais approach which is really gentle & unique and is about creating better body movement in the long term. http://www.bloomyogastudio.com/a…/bloom-community/patty-oria
DOG SERVICES
Rover-Time Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
I am devastated to leave this service behind. My dog received regular walkers, who he adored. They take photos, have an online check in to let you know when the walk is complete, and are insured. So responsible, so great. Can’t praise them, or trust them, enough. Plus they do all these community engagement projects and events. Adore. Adore! https://www.rover-time.com/
Dog Training by Kiki Yablon
When our normally gentle dog started barking at a few pooches in the neighborhood, Kiki did a home visit/walk to help us figure out what was going on and how to discourage this behavior. Her approach is compassionate, behavioral/clicker-based, and "force free" (ie no weird/scary collars). She gave us common sense behavior-based advice and it helped a ton. https://kikiyablondogtraining.com/
VETERINARIAN
Brett Andrew Grossman, Illinois Medical Veterinary District, gave our dog next-level care. He took his time at our appointments, advising us on prescription food, preventive care, supplements, activities, and lifestyle stuff to keep our pooch healthy. He was also available for some home visits if emergencies arose! And was quick to respond, while offering sound advice a few times when Cody ate something weird and we were in a panic. https://medicaldistrictvet.com/
HAIR
Stylist, Becca at Maxine Salon—She specializes in cutting underlayers that add volume. Her cuts grow out beautifully. http://maxinesalon.com/staff_becca_panos/
Color, Yvette T Bentley at Edit Salon has given me natural looking balayage highlights for years. An expert color matcher and beautiful person. http://editsalons.com/
THERAPIST
Megan Greene, cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT), good with coaching clients through real-world scenarios and pattern-breaking, she helped me become unstuck in 2018 (& is conveniently located in the Lula Cafe building). https://www.megangreenecounseling.com/
DENTIST
Jeffrey Kapp DDS I was referred to him by a bunch of Columbia College folks. Located downtown on Michigan Ave, he steers you towards preventative care and doesn’t try to upsell. The crown I’ve gotten from him has lasted, and so has the little “chip” he filled in on my front tooth. He considers himself an artist/sculptor and I love that about him. And he's training his partner in his methods for when he eventually retires. https://www.kappdental.com/
Jeff Stolarz, Whiting, IN. A childhood pal and Chicagoan, Jeff opened his business in my hometown, where he offers cutting-edge services. (Beautiful office with state-of-the-art equipment and Jeff has a kind and gentle (& funny!) chair side manner.) Prices can be lower than Chicago, comparatively. http://www.drstolarz.com/
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN
Mary Kay Barron, at Northwestern.
Technically a nurse practitioner, gyno, but she does it all. She has a blend of Western with Eastern approach (mind-body-cognitive). Offers warm and brisk advice + a fun note: she was personal nurse for Mr. Walgreens until he died. We’ve gone to her for 14 years, I’ve also sent numerous friends/fam to her—everyone loves her. https://www.nm.org/docto…/1952315582/mary-k-barron-gawne-apn
HOUSECLEANERS
Gingerella: Chicago's Green Cleaning Service
A “green” cleaning service; they bring their own supplies, you can schedule by email and they’re insured and pay workers fairly. You can pay by Venmo, after they’re done. http://www.gingerellacleaning.com/
SPAS:
Including because I’ve reviewed a bunch of them. Note: I remain sad that all-woman Thousand Waves Spa closed
-->Peninsula Spa—Relaxation lounge and pool is everything. https://www.peninsula.com/…/wellne…/luxury-hotel-spa-chicago
-->Aire—Baths, essential for winter. https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-chicago
-->King Spa—Co-ed spa in a mall-like environment. Read this fish-out-of-water review by Joel Reese. https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Mag…/April-2014/King-Spa/
-->Kohler (Yeah the faucet company). https://www.americanclubresort.com/spa/kohler-waters-spa