"When people come in here, it's all about them," Zalesky said of their holistic approach. "We care for the mind, body and spirit."
They do that in a zen-like abode tucked away in an strip mall worlds removed from the bustle of U.S. 30. Soothing teas, calming music and smiling faces greet patients as they make their way through the center where East meets West and spa and clinic collide.
Acupuncture, aromatherapy and Swedish massage are only some of the services offered in hopes of helping the clients reach their optimal health.
"It's all about the balance," Zalesky said.
She doesn't wear a white coat when she sees her patients, but the chiropractic doctor isn't shy about urging the importance of taking care of a person's self.
"Everyone needs to take time to give to self," Zalesky said. "We spend so much time giving to everybody else, we need to take the time to give to self."
That's especially true if you're going through a life transition, she said, which is where Vander Ploeg comes in.
Graduating from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights with degrees in psychology and theology in 2005, Vander Ploeg found herself drawn to helping people realize their dreams.
The field of life coaching took off about 10 years ago, but there's not an official regulatory standard to become a life coach, meaning pretty much anyone can claim the title. There are three internationally recognized accreditation bodies, including the International Coach Federation, where Vander Ploeg is working toward her accreditation. This year she opened birdseyeview, a coaching company in Frankfort that specializes in life balance and career satisfaction, and she coaches people across the country and even someone in England.
In 2003, mother and wife Terri Maxeiner volunteered to be Vander Ploeg's client as she trained at Trinity to become a life coach. In August, she found herself picking up the phone once again when she prepared to head back into the work force after a six-year hiatus at home with her children.
"I know how easily it could've consumed me," Maxeiner said. "Lara was that perfect wisdom to keep things balanced."
Weekly homework assignments to help the lady who tends to overschedule and underestimate how long tasks take, were welcome, Maxeiner said.
"She was kind of like a consultant," Maxeiner added. "She can't give you the skill, but she fine tuned things for me."
Vander Ploeg asks parents who want to grow closer to their children when was the last time they had more than a three-word conversation with their children. When one gentleman who was burned out after 15 years working in sales came to her, she asked him to rate his job in relation to other aspects of his life. Helping some women discover why they keep dating the same guy with a different name is another issue she tackles with her clients.
"What would it take to make that area of your life a 10?" she regularly asks.
After a few sessions of probing questions, introspection and action, her goal is to get her clients there.
"It's kind of like having your own private cheerleader," Maxeiner said.
She assures them they can accomplish what they set out to do.
She works to give them the tools to get there.
And sometimes, every once in a while when they really need to hear it, she'll flat out say, "I'm not going to put up with your crap anymore."
But ultimately, her role as a life coach is to believe.
"Everyone needs someone who believes in them more than themselves," Vander Ploeg said. "I really love being that person."
Duaa Eldeib can be reached at deldeib@dailysouthtown.com or (708) 633-5960.
A to Z Wellness Center, 21032 S. 80th Ave., Frankfort. Phone: (815) 464-0033
