Meet the Team

Our Team Includes Experienced Specialists In:

Administration

Elizabeth Ellevog, MS

received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Sociology from Simmons College in Boston and her Master of Science in Health Systems Management from Rush University in Chicago. Elizabeth has 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, working at large academic medical centers. Prior to joining The Craniofacial Center, she was at the University of Chicago where she managed the Craniofacial/Cleft and Lip Palate program for seven years. In Elizabeth's current position, she directs the daily clinical operations, and manages the strategic and financial planning for the Craniofacial Center.

Audiology

Gabrielle Cager, AuD, CCC-A

Gabrielle is originally from New Orleans, LA. She received her Masters of Arts degree from Louisiana State University of Florida. She has practiced Audiology in variety of settings from hospitals to private practice. Prior to joining the CFC team, she worked for seven years at Children Hospital in New Orleans and was a member of their Craniofacial/Cleft Lip and Palate Team. Her specialty area is Pediatric Audiology which includes diagnostic audiological ecaluations and hearing aids fittings. She is nationally known for her work with osseointegrated bone-anchored hearing processors.

Anaplastology/Facial Prosthetics

Eduardo Arias, BFA, CCA

Eduardo Arias is a clinical anaplastologist and ocularist in the Craniofacial Center at UI Health. Mr. Arias combines both artistic skills and medical knowledge to specialize in facial and ocular prosthetics. He concentrates in the incorporation of 3D digital technology in craniofacial restoration, surgical planning in maxillofacial surgery, and manufacturing of 3D printed medical appliances and models. Mr. Arias also developed an apparatus and procedure that predicts and assists fat-grafting techniques applied to facial asymmetry, acquired disfigurements, and congenital deformities.

Craniofacial Surgery

David Morris, MD

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery

Dr. David Morris is an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System. After graduating from Northwestern University Medical School, he completed residencies in both general surgery and plastic surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and at the University of Illinois at Chicago, respectively. Dr. Morris subsequently completed a craniofacial surgery fellowship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. His clinical interest lies with providing care for patients with developmental or acquired deformities of the craniofacial region. In addition he has interest in the aesthetic improvement of those patients with facial disharmony due to asymmetry or disproportionately prominent jaw or cheekbones. Prior to his medical training, Dr. Morris studied fine arts at Washington University in St. Louis and continues making use of his artistic talents through painting and drawing. His medical illustrations have been published in numerous surgical journals.

Pravin K. Patel, MDl

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery, Medical Director

For more than two decades I have been caring for children with deformities that involve the skull and facial bones (craniofacial and maxillofacial surgery). This includes children with abnormal development of the skull as a result of craniosynostosis (fused skull joints or sutures), abnormal position of the orbits of the eye (hyperteleorbitism), malpositioned jaws (overgrowth and undergrowth of the upper and lower jaw bones), conditions such as hemifacial microsomia, treacher collins and other syndromes, children born with facial clefts (cleft lip and palate). Thus I have many years of experience in caring for children and young adults with congenital birth defects.

Working closely with neurosurgery, otolaryngology and ophthalmology, our patients have access to a well experienced multidisciplinary surgical team. We have the ability to provide comprehensive and coordinated approach to care, with a multidisciplinary professional staff from diagnosis to surgical treatment. The team includes audiology, speech/language pathology, psychology, orthodontics and prosthodontics.

I have significant experience with using 3D cameras and 3D radiologic imaging data capture and in the development of computer guided treatment planning, virtual surgical simulation and intra-operative guidance. This allows me to provide the precision surgery by more precise intraoperative surgery, minimizing complications, faster recovery and improved outcomes.

Julia Corcoran, MD, MHPE, FACS, FAAP

Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Birthmarks, Cleft Lip and Palate, Congenital Breast Surgery, Otoplasty and Ear, Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Dr. Corcoran has focused her career on providing care for children and families with reconstructive needs. She cares for patients and families on their journeys with cleft lip and palate, from birth to facial maturity in the late teenage years. She also provides a full range of pediatric reconstructive services, including care for birthmarks, vascular lesions, breast surgery to balance asymmetric breasts, top surgery, correction of oversized breasts (female macromastia and male gynecomastia), trauma, burns, and scarring. She is able to provide care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults up to age 25. She has been board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. Prior to joining the Craniofacial Center, Dr. Corcoran practiced at the Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital (2001 - 2016) and the Cincinnati Children's Hospital (1996-2000). When not caring for her patients, you might find her bicycling along Lake Michigan or spending time with her husband and daughters.

Lee Alkureishi, MD

Dr Lee Alkureishi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children Chicago, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center. He specializes in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, including microvascular reconstruction, orthognathic and reconstructive jaw surgery, and osseointegrated implant surgery. Dr Alkureishi works with the multidisciplinary team at the Craniofacial Center to provide state-of-the-art care for patients with cancer, complex wounds and traumatic defects.

Dr Alkureishi attended the University of Glasgow Medical School in his home country of Scotland, graduating with an additional bachelor’s degree in Anatomical Sciences. He went on to complete his basic surgical training in Glasgow, and obtained Membership of the Royal College Surgeons (MRCS) before completing the remainder of his training in the United States. He completed an integrated residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Chicago, before going on to fellowship in Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery at Northshore University and Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago.

Dr Alkureishi has lectured at National and International meetings on a variety of Plastic Surgery topics. He has published several original articles in peer-reviewed publications, and has authored or co-authored several book chapters on topics including craniofacial microsomia, genioplasty, sentinel node biopsy for head and neck cancer, tissue expansion, management of congenital nevi, and secondary breast reconstruction. Dr Alkureishi is an active teacher of residents and medical students, both at University of Illinois Medical Center and at Shriners Hospital for Children.

Digital Imaging

Linping Zhao, PhD

Dr. Linping Zhao received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University in 2003 with his biomechanical study on the temporomandibular joint and orthognathic surgery. Since then, he has been one of pioneer engineers who are working closely with surgeons and clinicians in a team, and has been dedicated himself to bridge the state of art technology and routine clinical practices. Dr. Zhao joined the Craniofacial Center in 2007. He is specialized in medical image analysis, virtual surgery simulation and surgical planning, numerical modeling and simulation including finite element analysis, oro-motor functional assessment, biomaterial evaluation, as well as additive manufacturing including 3D printing. His research interests extend from surgical simulation via VR/AR environment, biomechanics, anthropometric analysis, clinical outcomes, to tissue engineering. He is a member of multiple engineering and medical professional societies including American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), the International Society of Maxillofacial Rehabilitation (ISMR), and Advanced Digital Technology in Head and Neck Reconstruction (ADT) as well as American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME).

Maxillofacial Prosthetics

David J. Reisberg, DDS

Dr. David Reisberg received his dental degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1977. He went on to receive a specialty certificate in Prosthodontics from Tufts University in Boston and one in Maxillofacial Prosthetics from The University of Chicago. He has been Director of the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Clinic at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System since 1981. In 1998, he was named Medical Director of The Craniofacial Center, a position he held until 2010. He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and is president-elect of that organization. He is past president of the International Society for Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and the Illinois Association for Cleft/Craniofacial Teams and the current president of Ameriface, a national organization that supports people with facial differences. Dr. Reisberg is certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. He has lectured nationally and internationally and is recognized as an authority on the application of osseointegrated implants for craniofacial rehabilitation.

At The Craniofacial Center, Dr. Reisberg specializes in the fabrication of oral and facial prostheses for infants, children and adults born with conditions such as cleft lip and palate and ectodermal dysplasia; who have undergone surgery to treat head and neck cancer; or who have suffered craniofacial trauma. He has extensive experience in the placement and restoration of dental implants and often works with The Center’s surgical team to rehabilitate areas of the oral cavity and face. He makes use of the newest digital technology in planning, designing, and fabricating these prosthetic replacements. The goals of all of his treatment efforts are directed toward achieving normal function and appearance and an overall improved quality of life for each patient.

Neurosurgery

Dimitrios Nikas, MD

Dr. Dmitrios Nikas received his medical degree from the University of Athens before internship and residency at Dartmouth University. He then went on to his specialty training Pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and in Boston at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. At The Craniofacial Center, he specializes in the care of children with birth deformities of the skull. He believes in caring for the child and the family as one unit with the emphasis of achieving the best outcome for every child. In addition to English, Dr. Nikas speaks his native Greek as well as Korean and Lithuanian.

Nursing

Roberto Flores, Jr., RN

Sonya Ameczua, RN

Advanced Practice Nursing

Gina Romero, APRN

Ocular Prosthetics

Eduardo Arias, BFA

Pediatric Ophthalmology

Mehmet Mocan, MD

Children with craniofacial problems have a higher prevalence of eye, eyelid and orbital problems and thus need regular follow-up. My function as part of the CFC team is to ensure the proper visual development of children with craniofacial problems, through regular evaluation and monitoring their visual function, looking for any eye related issues in this patient population including but not limited to corneal problems, compressive optic neuropathy, strabismus and amblyopia.

Orthodontics

Mark Runge, MD

Dr. Runge has over 30 years of experience working with cleft palate and craniofacial patients. He received his Orthodontic specialty training at UIC in 1987 which included rotations through the CFC and is happy to return to the place where his orthodontic career began.

During his years in private practice, Dr. Runge has been involved in hospital based cleft care in a variety of settings. His work here at the CFC includes providing pre-surgical orthodontic care for patients who require reconstructive surgery which is provided by the surgeons at the CFC. In 2016, he joined the Craniofacial team at Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago.

Dr. Runge is interested in researching the surgical outcomes of facial reconstruction cases that are planned using 3D virtual treatment planning software. He is also interested in evaluating the success of jaw advancement surgery to improve the airway in patients who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Neil Warshawsky, MD

Dr. Warshawsky is a Chicago native. He received all of his college training from the University of Illinois where he earned 5 college degrees culminating in his Orthodontic Certificate. Today he divides his time among the 3 pillars that support his practice. Dr. Warshawsky leads a world class staff at Get It Straight Orthodontics. With 4 locations spread across the city and suburbs, it is a very high energy, dynamic practice that concentrates on delivering customized orthodontic solutions in comfortable, inviting atmospheres. High end cosmetic efficiency is the focus of this patient driven practice. The practice is completely designed to utilize today's most advanced technologies to make sure every patient's objectives are met and every question is answered.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Warshawsky is an Associate Professor of Orthodontics at The Craniofacial Center at the University of Illinois Health Center. With over 18 years of Cleft Palate Team experience and a vast knowledge of 3D imaging, he manages the majority of the craniofacial cleft palate orthodontic cases. Dr. Warshawsky feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to practice Orthodontics and enjoys the ability to give back at The Center, a place that "makes a difference where it matters most."

Dr. Warshawsky also lectures to audiences around the world on a number of subjects including building clear aligners, lingual orthodontics, and the use of fixed skeletal anchorage for more efficient mechanics. He is also an accomplished researcher with over 16 articles published and several current clinical trials. Outside of work, Dr. Warshawsky is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts Troop 156 in Glenview, Illinois. When he is not working he may be found at home with his high school sweetheart, one of their 3 kids, or fishing at their family cabin in the Northern woods of Wisconsin.

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Miriam Redleaf, MD

Dr. Miriam Redleaf has specialty training in otolaryngology and neuro-otology. Her practice has concentrated primarily on medical and surgical problems of the ear and skull base since 1991. At The Craniofacial Center, Dr. Redleaf focuses on treatment of ear disease and has worked extensively with the hearing impaired. She strongly endorses the multidisciplinary approach to complex conditions, like Craniofacial problems.

Jeffrey Yu, MD

Dr. Jeffrey Yu is a assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Illinois in Chicago. He completed his residency in otolaryngology at the University of Alberta in Canada and his clinical fellowship in Otology and Neurotology at the University of Virginia. His clinical and research interests include outcomes in patients with congenital aural atresia and auditory and language outcomes in children with complex cranial facial syndromes. I am an expert in the assessment and management of hearing loss which is one of the most common problems in children with cranial facial disorders. My goal is to provide our patients with individualized solutions to improve hearing and communication. This may involve hearing aids or reconstructive surgery of the external or middle ear or surgery for an implantable auditory device.

Pediatric Dentistry

Evelina Kratunova, MD

Dr. Evelina Kratunova is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She holds a clinical doctorate in Pediatric Dentistry from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and a specialist fellowship degree in Pediatric Dentistry from the Faculty of Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Kratunova has over 13 years of clinical experience working with children in community, private practice, hospital and University settings. She entered academe by teaching clinical Pediatric Dentistry in Dublin Dental University Hospital. She joined the College of Dentistry at UIC as a full-time faculty with the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor in August 2015 and became part of the UI Health Craniofacial team in November 2015. Her responsibilities include provision of direct patient care, supervising resident and dental student training and education, involvement in scholarly activity, performing basic and clinical research, collaborating with other UIC departments.

Pediatrics

Geisel Collazo, MD

Pediatric General, Pediatric Craniofacial, Asthma, Primary Healthcare for Children

Dr. Geisel Collazo is a General Pediatrician at Mile Square, an Attending Physician at Children's Hospital University of Illinois (CHUI) Outpatient Center and Pediatric Consultant for Craniofacial Center. Dr. Collazo graduated from Medical School at Universidad Central de Venezuela and completed her Pediatrics training at University of Illinois in Chicago. She specializes in primary health care of Children all ages, from newborn to 18 years old. Her clinical interests include skull deformities, pediatric asthma and obesity. Dr. Collazo is board certified in Pediatrics. In addition to English, she speaks fluent Spanish.

Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery

Mimis N. Cohen, MD, FACS, FAAP

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Mimis Cohen is a professor and the chief of the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Cohen is world-renowned for his work in the field of cleft lip and palate surgery. He has published extensively on the topic and lectured throughout the world. Dr. Cohen received his medical degree from the University of Athens, Greece before coming to UIC for special training in General and Plastic Surgery. He is board certified in Plastic Surgery. As a University Professor with extensive clinical and teaching experience, Dr. Cohen is in the forefront of the specialty. He brings to his patients the knowledge and experience of the state of the art procedures, as well as the emerging new techniques in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Cohen is a member and former president of several professional organizations. He has published more than 160 articles in peer reviewed journals and has edited several text books. He has been recognized as one of the best doctor in Chicago for the last 25 years.

David Morris, MD

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery

Pravin K. Patel, MD

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery, Medical Director

Julian Corcoran, MD, MHPE, FACS, FAAP

Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Birthmarks, Cleft Lip and Palate, Congenital Breast Surgery, Otoplasty and Ear, Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Chad Purnell

Dr. Purnell is a craniofacial surgeon and microsurgeon who specializes in repair and reconstruction of the bones and soft tissues of the face. He treats both adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Purnell is a part of the multidisciplinary team for the following conditions and more:

Fractures of the facial bones
Jaw (orthognathic surgery)
Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
Cleft lip and palate
Pierre Robin Sequence/mandibular distraction
Craniosynostosis
Orbital hypertelorism
Craniofacial microsomia
Craniofacial syndromes such as Crouzon, Apert, Pfeiffer, and Treacher
Collins Syndrome
Head and neck cancer reconstruction
Reconstruction after skin cancer (mohs) surgery
Skull reconstruction (cranioplasty)
Treatment of facial injuries-Microsurgery (free flap) reconstruction
Facial reconstruction after trauma
Facial cosmetic surgery
Eyelid surgery
Pediatric plastic surgery
Vascular malformations
Giant congenital nevi

Dr. Purnell graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and trained in plastic surgery at Northwestern University. After completion of his plastic surgery training, he trained in craniofacial surgery at Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington in Seattle. He has authored multiple textbook chapters and scholarly articles on craniofacial topics.

Psychology

Janine Rosenberg, PhD

Janine Rosenberg received her undergraduate degree at the George Washington University in Washington DC and her Master’s degree in General Theoretical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Illinois Institute of Technology in May 2005. Janine joined the team in July 2006. She conducts developmental, cognitive and social-emotional evaluations for children with craniofacial differences and their families. She has also been involved in research assessing the neurobehavioral development in infants with craniosynostosis, and plans to continue with research of children with cleft lip and/or palate and other craniofacial birth defects.

Speech Pathology/Therapy

Stacy Cash, MA, CCC-SLP

Stacy N. Cash is a speech-language pathologist at the Craniofacial Center at UI Health. Ms. Cash has an extensive background in pediatric speech therapy, including work with pediatric clients with autism spectrum disorder and those with medically complex needs. Stacy has practiced speech-language pathology in a variety of settings, including private practice and school-based settings, and is she an active member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).