Meet Our Team
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Karissa McCallum
Acupuncturist, Childbirth Doula [email protected] Karissa started Chinese Medicine School without ever receiving acupuncture (WHAT?!) because she loved how the medicine addresses both physical and emotional health as well as nutrition. When she stared school she suffered from amenorrhea (lack of menstruation). Through the use of acupuncture, herbs and dietary therapy, her cycles returned and regulated. Now, in addition to being a licensed acupuncturist & herbalist, essential oil educator and DONA certified doula, Karissa is a mom of three. Karissa has a passion for working with families. She offers expertise and support in women’s health and infertility; maintaining a healthy pregnancy; labor support; postpartum support; and pediatric treatments. She also specializes in treating chronic neck and shoulder tension; headaches and migraines; and pain. Ms. McCallum has a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University where she majored in Human Development and Psychological Services and a Master's degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine - Chicago. |
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Brian Pendergast
Acupuncturist Brian received his Doctor of Acupuncture degree from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the United States Air Force Academy. Brian’s acupuncture style has been influenced through continuing education in the following: neuroscience and electroacupuncture, orthopedics, sports medicine, and medical acupuncture. Dr. Pendergast has also received certification in Holographic Memory Resolution which is a mind-body technique to facilitate the healing of trauma. Brian loves what he does, and the highest honor for him is to see and hear patients tell him how the quality of their life has improved after their acupuncture sessions. |
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Jill Rodriguez
Massage Therapist [email protected] As a lifelong athlete and fitness professional Jill has immense respect for, and extensive knowledge of how the body moves, feels and heals. For over 30 years she has been a professional fitness trainer in Chicago and online, and has coached and trained private clients from all walks of life to move their bodies with ease and increased strength and flexibility. While she's witnessed great improvements and goals achieved, she has also witnessed the breaking down of bodies due to life stress, over working and an unwillingness to or misunderstanding around rest and recovery. In 2018 Jill decided to make a career shift and completed the advanced massage therapy program at The Soma Institute in Chicago. Her clinical training can provide relief from conditions such as chronic headaches, neck, mid and low back pain, tight hips, glutes, sciatica, problem knees, ankles and feet, pre and post surgery, and pre and post natal as well as relaxation for your entire body. With Jill, you can trust that your wishes and needs will be considered and addressed in each session! |
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Michael Sassack
Acupuncturist [email protected] Michael first became interested in holistic health while studying medicine in China. When visiting rural communities that utilize acupuncture in everyday medicine he observed first-hand its astounding effects on pain management and general well-being. Michael specializes in the treatment of many conditions including pain, asthma and allergies, and infertility. He also has extensive training in facial and cosmetic acupuncture, which is utilized in the treatment of skin issues related to the aging process, allergies, bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, ptosis, stroke recovery, TMJ, and/or multiple sclerosis. Mr. Sassack holds an undergrad degree from Kalamazoo College in biology, and a Master's degree from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago where he studied acupuncture. Michael is married to childbirth doula Jasmine Sassack. Together they have six kids and reside in Barrington, IL. |
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Jasmine Sassack
Childbirth Doula [email protected] Jasmine has a passion for helping clients navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days of parenthood. She is a ProDoula-trained labor doula, and a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator. Jasmine is also the founder of The Birth Zone, a company dedicated to providing mindfulness tools for use during labor. She is the host of the popular podcast, The Birth Zone, where she leads short meditations for use during pregnancy and labor. Jasmine is a mom, avid reader, and spends her "free time" fostering dogs. |