Introducing Our Office Staff
I am extremely proud to intorduce to you the best staff I have ever had the privilege to work with. Many of these individuals have been with me since the inception of this practice in 1998. Dedicated and hardworking, diligent, and attentive to every detail, they understand that our mission is to serve you, the patient, and to put your safety, needs and concerns above all else. I believe that when you first contact our office, you should have the opportunity to place a face to the voice. I would like ot introduce you to some of these individuals.
Ruth A. Verspoor, C.M.A. – Practice Administrator
Ruth has over thirty years experience managing medical practices. She joined my practice as Practice Adminstrator when I opened this practice in 1998. Ruth wholeheartedly shares my vision in creating a practice where the patient comes first, and all our staff share that vision. It is Ruth’s responsibility to make certain that all aspects of this organization run smoothly, efficiently and safely. She is responsible to supervise the accreditation and management of our office-based surgical facility.
Even though she keeps very busy managing our organization, Ruth very much enjoys direct patient contact and frequently enjoys taking patient telephone inquiries when Maryellen is with another patient. On consultation days Ruth is often found in the hallway greeting patients. Ruth is here to make sure that every aspect of your experience with this practice is an extremely positive and rewarding one. You may reach Ruth by email at rverspoor@epsteinplasticsurgery.com
Maryellen Ponzini – Surgical patient Coordinator
I have been Dr. Epstein Surgical Patient Coordinator since 2010. Having worked in the medical field for many years, I started out as a reception service specialist and was promoted to Surgical Patient Coordinator. As Surgical Patient Coordinator, I am the person who will be your host: greeting you during your initial telephone call or email inquiry, assisting you in scheduling a surgery date, guiding you through any tests or consultations you may require until your surgery day. I am available to you to answer your many questions and concerns, and serve as a liason between you and Dr. Epstein and the other staff members. If you live out of town, I will assist you in finding comfortable local accommodations and anything else that you may require while you are here. I believe in providing concierge service to our patients.
It is my job to be there for the patient as often as is needed. I will listen carefully and provide you with specific educational materials that will help you make an informed decision. Once you make the decision to go ahead with the surgery, I am there to guide you through the process both before and after surgery. It is always my pleasure to assist each and every one of our patients in anyway possible to make every cosmetic journey a memorable one. Please feel free at anytime to contact me at mponzini@epsteinplasticsurgery.com
Irene Maher – Aesthetician
Irene has been with me since 1998. Initially, she was my medical assistant, functioning in that capacity for several years. Through that time Irene developed a keen interest in skin care and subsequently obtained formal training as an aesthetician. She has been in that role for several years now. She offers a multitude of services to both men and women. If you like, she will be happy to see you for a complimentary skin care evaluation where she will assess your skin and make recommendations for topical products and skin care treatments to improve the quality and appearance of your facial skin. Irene works very closely with both myself and Dr. Rafal (dermatology). If Irene may be of service to you or you have questions about skin care, please feel free to contact her at imaher@epsteinplasticsurgery.com
MaryAnn Abrams, L.P.N. – Licensed Practical Nurse
MaryAnn has been with me since 2010. MaryAnn came to us with experience working with other plastic surgeons which was very helpful. She assists with patients on consultation days as well as supervises the ordering of our medical supplies. She also helps out on surgery days as well, providing integral logistical support to our surgical team. MaryAnn maintains telephone contact with our patients after surgery, answering questions and giving support.
Samantha Schrof, C.M.A. – Certified Medical Assistant
“Sam” has been with me since 2010. She came to me from an orthopedic practice, however, Sam took to plastic surgery readily and loves it. She is a tireless, no-nensense worker, helping me out on long consultation days with boundless energy. She is also a whiz at the computer, and has evolved to be the “instructor” for the new electronic medical record software for our new staff.
Donna LaSalla – Front Desk manager
Donna joined us in 2001. A former police officer at Brookhaven National Laboratories, she is an expert marksman (score 398 our of 400 on the “bulls eye”). She had no experience in aesthetic surgery or medicine when she came to us but was eager to learn and is now quite knowledgeable, expecially when it comes to skin care. She is always willing to go the extra mile for our patients and do whatever she can to aaccommodate their needs. She manages a staff of five reception service specialists.
Rhea Gessner – Reception Service Specialist
Rhea joined us in 2003. Rhea is high-spirited, admirable, and has been such a valuble employee for over nine years and always makes time for her work. She is a mother of three, enjoys going on the boat, and always presents our patients and office with a smile everyday!
Laurie Connolly – Reception Service Specialist
Laurie has been with us since 2001. Always giving the office a good laugh, Laurie is a friendly and remarkable asset to our staff. Laurie is learning new skills and techniques with the latest technology and she always delievers top-knotch quality service that the patients always seem to pick up on!
Lindsay Distelkamp – Reception Service Specialist
Lindsay has been with us since 1999! She is loyal and efficent, hardworking and meticulous. She also handles all requests for protected health information. Also a “jack of all trades”, she can fix almost anything in a pinch! A grandmother who also loves cats and it is rumored that she has a tool kit at home most men would die to own!
Debra Francavilla – Reception Service Specialist
Debra joined our team in 2012. She has extensive experience as a reception service experience from other medical practices, but also manages an entertainment company with her husband, supplying celebrity lookalikes to parties and events (her husband is John Travolta’s “alter-ego). She is never without a big smile on her face! It is an absolutle pleasure to have Debra on our team!
