Chikako Riester was born and raised in Japan. In 2006, she earned her Bachelor of Nursing from Aomori University of Health and Welfare in Japan before moving to the United States in 2009 to complete her Master of Science in nursing and adult nurse practitioner program at Villanova University. She began her medical career in Tokyo as a nurse on the medical surgery unit at the Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo Hospital. She worked in primary and geriatric care as a newly graduated Nurse Practitioner.

Transitioning into rheumatology, she worked in Maryland for six years before joining Low Country Rheumatology. Chikako is a dedicated member of The American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Rheumatology Nurses Society and the American College of Rheumatology.

In her personal time, Chikako enjoys cooking, travelling, and spending time with her family and friends.