We’re pleased to introduce you to
The Neurologic Wellness Institute Team
The Neurologic Wellness Institute employs the largest number of doctors in the world who have received the highest level of training in Functional Neurology / Chiropractic Neurology by passing their Diplomate Examination (DACNB).
All of our doctors have received extensive post-doctorate training as well as have completed our in-house doctor training program. Our doctors represent the leaders in their profession and commonly travel around the world teaching our unique methods.
Lead Clinicians
Dr. George Michalopoulos
DC, DACNB, FABBIR, FABCDD, FABVR
WOOD DALE, IL
Dr. George Michalopoulos has been in practice for 31 years in Addison and Wood Dale and strives to restore his patient’s health in the shortest period of time. He utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach including, brain-based rehabilitation, physical therapy, diet, and education of the patient’s existing problems.
Dr. David Traster
DC, MS, DACNB, FABBIR, FABVR, CCSP, PAK
BOCA RATON, FL
Dr. Traster is a globally recognized expert in the field of neurological rehabilitation. He lectures and consults for doctors of all specialties across the world relating to patients with a variety of neurological disorders. The conditions Dr. Traster works most with are dizziness, dysautonomia, brain injuries/concussions, chronic pain, headaches, walking/balance disorders, movement disorders, cognitive disorders, and developmental disorders.
Dr. Michael Drzewiecki
DC, MS, FABBIR, DACNB, CCSP
WOOD DALE, IL
Dr. Michael Drzewiecki is a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in Functional Neurology. He has a strong passion for helping those who have been “everywhere else” and have seemingly lost hope in their condition. Through the use of groundbreaking clinical neuroscience and outside of the box thinking he has been making huge strides in helping people regain their quality of life.
Dr. Nicholas Schmidlkofer
DC, DACNB
WAUKESHA, WI
Dr. Nick has always had a passion for helping others achieve their goals. In healthcare, goals come in a variety of ways with many individuals having complex diseases. Dr. Nick is dedicated to spending time and understanding each individual patient to holistically treat and meet these individual goals. By utilizing clinical neuroscience and nutrition research, his patients feel empowered and gain more control over their lives.
Dr. Michael McAuliffe
DC, DACNB
CHICAGO, IL
Dr. Michael McAuliffe was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he developed a love for both sports and science. His passion led him to complete an undergraduate degree in biology from Northern Michigan University before moving to Georgia. Here he spent four years at LIFE University completing a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree, serving as President of the Functional Neurology Club, and dedicating thousands of hours of training through The Carrick Institute and issued a board certification from the American Chiropractic Neurology Board in 2019, the highest level of training in functional neurology.
Dr. Rebecca Oliveira
DC, DACNB
BOCA RATON, FL
Dr. Rebecca Oliveira was born and raised in Marietta, GA. She attended the University of Georgia for undergraduate studies where she majored in Biology and participated in their Portuguese Flagship Program. She completed her Doctorate of Chiropractic at Life University, where she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class. During her time at Life, she served as a Student Ambassador and as the president of the Functional Neurology Club.
Dr. Hannah Massey
DC, DACNB
CHICAGO, IL
Dr Hannah Massey is excited to bring her expertise to the Neurological Wellness Institute. One of Hannah’s greatest passions in life is helping people. She strives to create a welcoming atmosphere for her patients where they feel supported and validated along their journey of healing.
Chiropractor, Physical & Massage Therapists
Dr. Jerry A. Iavarone
DC, CCSP, CABCDD
Dr. Jerry Iavarone is a Doctor of Chiropractic with over 30 years experience. Dr. Iavarone treats musculo-skeletal conditions that arise from a variety of reasons. Dr. Jerry emphasizes the importance of the underlying cause of a condition rather than just the symptoms it produces.
Suzeth B.
Licensed Physical Therapist
Suzeth graduated in 2001 with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy and has been working for The Neurologic Wellness Institute since 2005. She loves the family and the friendship that she’s gained over the years from working there and returning patients trust in the company. She loves being able to improve her patient’s quality of life. Suzeth has mostly worked in the outpatient ortho setting and some home health.
Pretzel C.
Licensed Physical Therapist
Pretzel started her career 17 years ago after completing her degree for Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Pretzel’s experience is vast, encompassing many aspects of healthcare including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient settings. Particularly, she enjoys treating areas of interest in musculoskeletal, orthopedics and post-operative physical therapy. Pretzel’s skills in soft tissue mobilization, muscle energy techniques, and being Graston certified make her one of the top choices for physical therapy.
Abby
Licensed Physical Therapist
Abby graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Thomas Jefferson University in 2018. Abby found The Neurologic Wellness Institute (NWI) through a friend and has been a part of the team since 2019. She loves the mission of NWI and has a strong passion for functional medicine. Abby has really enjoyed the people and patient’s she has met and loves being a part of the healthcare team at NWI.
Andrea R.
Licensed Massage Therapist
Andrea has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 8 years. She has been with The Neurologic Wellness Institute since 2013. She enjoys massage therapy because it is a more holistic way of healing. She takes the time to get to know her patients so each massage session is focused for the individual and their problem areas.
Executive Office
Dr. Kelsey Brenner
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DC, DACNB, FABBIR
Dr. Brenner’s passion for brain health began at a very young age. Several of her family members, including her twin sister, have been affected by conditions impacting the brain and she herself experienced multiple concussions while playing soccer through college. These experiences gave her a personal understanding of how a brain injury can affect one’s body, emotions, and cognition.
Dr. Christie Drzewiecki
DIRECTOR OF NEUROFEEDBACK
DC, CFMP
Dr. Christie Drzewiecki was born and raised in Flint, Michigan and is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Health Science. Following her undergraduate degree, she developed a strong passion for studying nutrition and the role in plays in allowing the body to obtain optimal health both physically and mentally.
Gina R.
DIRECTOR OF BILLING
Gina is happily married and has 2 small children. She enjoys walking and doing yoga and of course loves spending time with her family and friends. She has been with Dr. George and the amazing NWI team for over 20 years. It fascinates her to see how they have helped so many people overcome debilitating illnesses. These joyous life changing results makes it easy to come to work every day. She is very proud to see the office is making a difference and reaches patients from all over the world.
Mary N.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
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Mary has been a part of the NWI family and has worked with Dr. George for over 15 years. She has been a key component in many aspects of the clinic from managing, training, scheduling, to patient care coordinator and front office operations. Her dedication and motivation to work hard is due to the miracles she sees our patients experience on a daily basis and her love of patient interaction. Outside of work, she enjoys being a mother to her two wonderful college kids, enjoys traveling, going to the movies, loves the beach and outdoor activities.
Dayna V.
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR
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Dayna has enjoyed being the first point of contact at the front desk for 5 years. Being a part of this team, seeing the patients get better, handling their scheduling, insurance, and billing questions and concerns is very satisfying for her. Outside of the office she spends time with her two children, her family, her friends, and enjoys an occasional round of golf!
Emily S.
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Elizabeth
HUMAN RESOURCES
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Elizabeth is a Senior Professional in Human Resources. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. Her expertise includes employee relations, payroll, recruitment, retention and many other areas of HR.
She is passionate about building strategies and initiatives focused on solving business and people challenges. Her comprehensive background in HR management has resulted in strong and trusting relationships with her team. When Elizabeth isn’t working, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with her family and friends
neuro-Rehabilitation Therapists
Kristen D.
NEURO-REHABILITATION THERAPIST
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Kristen is proud to have been a member of this team since 2013. Kristen most enjoys building relationships with the patients receiving services. She finds assisting them along their journey to be quite rewarding. Kristen was inspired to become a member of the team, after witnessing the great services provided to herself and her family. In addition, she is a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader. She enjoys sharing the joy of laughter, as it promotes health and wellness. Kristen is a proud mother of two and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Celina O.
NEURO-REHABILITATION THERAPIST
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Celina has been working at NWI since November of 2013. Working at NWI has been an enjoyable experience to her because she likes the evolving environment it provides. In working together with all the doctors she has learned how to provide the different effective treatment protocols that are available for the patient. Working at NWI has also taught her that compassion and understanding are the basis for providing good quality services. Wanting and seeing a patients progress motivates her to strive to do her best everyday. Outside of work Celina enjoys to spend time with her family and friends. She’s a movie fanatic and enjoys going to concerts.
Claire B.
NEURO-REHABILITATION THERAPIST
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Claire has been a member of the team for 10 years. She is a proud mother of two wonderful teenagers.
When Claire isn’t working, she enjoys watching her TV shows, exploring new restaurants, traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Claire is proficient in all areas of patient care and is dedicated to assisting the doctors with their unique therapies. She believes that being compassionate with each patient and sharing your positive vibe is really important. She enjoys seeing patients realize the wonderful healing benefits of Functional Neurology.
“Challenges make life interesting and overcoming these challenges is what makes life meaningful.”
Christina M.
NEURO-REHABILITATION THERAPIST
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Christina has been working at NWI since 2014. She is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and also helps administer the neurofeedback program. She loves interacting with patients and learning new treatments while working with the doctors. She has also worked at ATI Physical Therapy and skilled nursing facilities as a PTA. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and friends and exploring Chicago.
Find out if The Neurologic Wellness Institute is perfect for you.
