Meet Kristine Tohtz of Serenity Family Wellness in West Loop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Tohtz.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a former dancer. Once of my colleagues introduced me to chiropractic while dancing and I loved it. While attending college my advisor tried to talk me out of going to chiropractic school stating that it was a “quack” profession and pushed me to apply to Osteopathic school – which I did. However, after staying summers at school to keep my jobs, I did not want to commit to more education at that time and I got a job in a major pharmaceutical company in a QA lab. After 2 years of working there, I decided I wanted to go back to school and still had my heart set on Chiropractic. Therefore, I enrolled at the National University of Health Sciences. Half way through school I began studying Acupuncture as well and realized I loved that healing art as much as Chiropractic Medicine. I now hold dual degrees in Chiropractic Medicine and Acupuncture which I use together with functional medicine to help best heal my patients. My practice has grown from a solo venture, to a partnership and now I am the director of the clinic where we have another physician that works with us helping to round out conditions that we treat. My specialty is in fertility, pregnancy and pediatrics. My associate’s specialty is in functional medicine and nutrition and male and female health. I love what I do and look forward to going to work each day.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In any small business, there have been struggles and bumps in the road, most of which have been learning experiences on what not to do in the future. Thankfully nothing has destroyed the business.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We specialize in comprehensive care for the entire family – from infants and children to older adults. However – we offer extensive treatment options in the office to help best care for our patients. Acupuncture and Chiropractic care, comprehensive blood work, laboratory testing, escharotic therapy – an alternative treatment for HPV and cervical dysplasia, dietary counseling and weight loss, myofascial release (instrument assisted or manual), Mercier Therapy (an externally based uterine abdominal massage for pelvic pain, abnormal periods and fertility challenges), and McKenzie Therapy – a movement based physical therapy allowing patient to help treat their own joint pain.

I am most proud of the cohesion of our team and our shared goal in making the patient’s health our paramount concern – we take 30-60 minutes with our patients. Our hands on time spent face to face with patients combined with our combined accumulated knowledge and caring attitude sets us apart from other clinics. We do not have a “cookie cutter” approach to any condition – you can guarantee that your treatment will be based on your complaints and concerns.

What were you like growing up?
I was always very good at school and also rather sociable. I grew up dancing from 6-20 years old. I grew up in Chicago and went to Public school for both primary and high school. I was raised in my father’s childhood home living with both of my parents, my older brother and numerous pets through the years. I have always been a hard worker having jobs from the time I was 10 years old – babysitting, retail jobs, tutoring to name a few before college.

Pricing:

• Average first time visit can range from $150-$300 without laboratory testing.
• We do offer a discount program for uninsured or under insured patients called ChiroHealth USA, which gives 25% off treatments done in the office.

Contact Info:

• Address: 641 W Grand Ave, Storefront
  Chicago, IL 60654
• Website: www.serenity-family.com
• Phone: 312-898-6327
• Email: drkris@serenity-family.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenityfamilywellness/

Image Credit:
REP3 photography

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.