About Us

Our Team

The Facial Paralysis Treatment Center is the first interdisciplinary team of health care providers offering state-of-the-art tools and expertise to comprehensively treat individuals suffering with facial paralysis and Bell's Palsy in Minnesota and beyond.

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Facial Paralysis Center Team

Sofia Lyford-Pike, MD

Sofia Lyford-Pike, MD

Dr. Lyford-Pike is a highly accomplished and skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She treats acute trauma patients and performs advanced procedures to restore the form and function of the head and neck, focusing on regaining patients’ facial expression. In addition to performing surgeries, Dr. Lyford-Pike is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Facial Plastic Surgery within the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Minnesota.

EDUCATION

  • University of Maryland, College Park, Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and Physiology
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Medical Doctor
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Residency
  • Dr. Peter Hilger M.D., University of Minnesota, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATION

  • American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • American Board of Otolaryngology
  • MOC in Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Recertification
  • MOC in Otolaryngology
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Elizabeth Koop, RN

Elizabeth Koop, RN

Elizabeth grew up in Eagan, MN, and graduated from St. Catherine University with a degree in nursing. She worked at the University of Minnesota Medical Center for 15 years on the Neuroscience unit, specializing in Neurology, Neurosurgery and ENT. In 2019, Elizabeth decided to pursue the clinic side of nursing when Dr. Lyford-Pike approached her about needing a nurse. Elizabeth joined the team and became the RN Care Coordinator for Dr. Lyford-Pike and the clinic manager of the Hilger Face Center. In August of 2022, Elizabeth stepped down from the role of clinic manager at the Hilger Face Center in order to devote more of her time and attention to patient care. Elizabeth is married with three kids and loves to spend time with family and friends and attending her kids’ many sporting events and activities.

Meredith Adams, MD

Meredith Adams, MD

Dr. Adams primary clinical interest is the surgical and medical management disorders of hearing, balance, and facial movement. She is an associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

EDUCATION

  • University of Michigan School of Medicine, Medical Doctor degree
  • University of Michigan School of Medicine, Residency
  • University of Michigan (Fellowship, Otology, Neurotology, & Skull Base Surgery)

Danielle Schneeman, SLP

Danielle Schneeman, SLP

Marquette University, MS CCC-SLP 2006

Specialties/Treatments: Facial nerve paralysis and complex swallowing disorders 

Danielle Schneeman is a Speech Language Pathologist with 15 years of clinical experience who has worked across multiple settings, with adults and children, evaluating and treating speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing deficits. She has been working with facial paralysis patients since 2020. A strong believer in collaboration, engagement, and participation, Danielle strives to create a positive learning environment to meet patient-centered goals and maximize functional outcomes.

Tina Huang, MD

Tina Huang, MD

Dr. Huang is an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat), Neurotologist, and an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

EDUCATION:

  • Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • University of Minnesota (Otolaryngology)
  • New York University (Neurotology)