Providers
At Dermatology Associates we take pride in providing the most advanced and comprehensive dermatologic care available. In addition to the treatment of general dermatology, our providers are available for dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic treatment options with Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, Radiesse, Voluma, and other injectable products. Laser treatment options are also available.
Our physicians and physician assistants are board-certified and have undergone extensive training to provide highly skilled and comprehensive dermatologic treatment. In addition, our providers belong to numerous dermatology and related professional societies.
Vivek Iyengar, MD
Vivek Iyengar, MD started his practice in 2003. He is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who specializes in skin cancer management and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Iyengar completed his undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University and obtained his medical degree at the University of Miami. He completed his dermatology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident.
Dr. Iyengar had a unique fellowship training experience in completing a Mohs, laser, and cosmetic surgery fellowship in Boston, Massachusetts under the direction of faculty from Boston, Yale, Dartmouth, and Harvard Universities.
Dr. Iyengar has lectured nationally and published numerous journal articles and book chapters in the fields of Mohs, laser surgery, and cosmetic surgery.
Manuel Mesirow, MD
Manuel Mesirow, MD is a graduate of the University of Michigan medical school. He completed his dermatologic training at the University of Chicago in 1980. Before relocating his practice to Tinley Park, Dr. Mesirow was in private practice in Flossmoor for over 20 years. Dr. Mesirow is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology as well as the Chicago Dermatologic Society.
He has been a member of Advocate South Suburban hospital for many years and is available to treat general dermatology patients at our Tinley Park location.
Tia M. Pyle, MD
Tia M. Pyle, MD is a dermatologist who completed her medical training in the Philadelphia area at Cooper University Hospital after graduating from Drexel University College of Medicine. After obtaining her undergraduate degree at DePauw University, she left her home state of Indiana to pursue her medical training and has now returned closer to home with her husband and two boys to practice dermatology.
Dr. Pyle’s interests are broad as a general dermatologist and range from skin cancer screening, surveillance, and surgical treatment to the treatment of common inflammatory conditions of the skin including acne, rosacea, psoriasis and extending to skin conditions in children such as atopic dermatitis, common skin infections and rashes of childhood. She has a genuine interest in her patients’ overall well being and comfortably in their skin extending from infancy to the golden years.
Dr. Pyle also enjoys enhancing men’s and women’s outward display of their beauty with cosmetic approaches and by teaching daily skin care maintenance regimens. She has contributed to dermatological journals and resources such as The Treatment of Skin Disease and participated in legislative advocacy on part of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Being new to the area, she hopes to learn about the resources offered in the suburbs of Chicago and plans to continue to serve her community by providing education and advocacy on behalf of skin care and skin cancer prevention as well as by proving skin cancer screenings as she has in the past at baseball fields, police stations, fire stations, and community outreach events. She will be practicing at both the Tinley Park and Palos Heights locations and is happy to address your dermatological needs.
Ralph Fiore, DO
Dr. Ralph Fiore II is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in medical and surgical Dermatology with an emphasis on the detection and treatment of premalignant and malignant conditions of the skin.
A Chicago native, Dr. Fiore received his undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine form Aurora University, as well as his Bachelor of Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. While working as a Physician Assistant, Dr. Fiore returned to Midwestern University to earn his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
During his training he was awarded the Department of Family Medicine Award for Academic Excellence and the Dr. Lowell Goldberg Memorial Scholarship for Clinical Excellence. Dr. Fiore completed his Rotating Internship at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, and his Dermatology Residency at Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine / Largo Medical Center in Largo, Florida. Throughout his training, Dr. Fiore authored medical articles that were published in well-known Dermatological Journals as well as presented at national conferences.
Dr. Fiore is a Fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, were he currently serves on the Board of Trustees as an executive, currently holding the position of vice president.
When not at work, Dr. Fiore enjoys traveling with his family, and spending time on the golf course with his kids.
Michelle Ovando
Michelle Ovando, PA-C, joined our staff in 2005 as a board-certified physician assistant. Michelle completed her education at Rutgers University of Medicine in New Jersey and received specialized dermatology training under Dr. Joseph Eastern in Newark, New Jersey.
Michelle finds joy in providing dermatology care to men, women and children of all ages. She specializes in skin surgery and both general and cosmetic dermatology including Botox, Voluma and Juvederm.
Trina Brucato
Trina Brucato, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant. She is a health professional who first joined our staff in 1996 as a registered nurse. Wanting to become more involved in dermatology patient care she took a leave of absence in 2008 to pursue her physician assistant certification. She completed her physician assistant training and graduated with a masters degree in 2010 from Midwestern University. She then returned to Dermatology Associates and began practicing as a physician assistant under Dr. Mesirow and Dr. Iyengar. Trina’s area of interest is providing general dermatology care to men, women and children of all ages.
Mary Kate Mineman
Mary Kate Mineman is a board-certified physician assistant who received her specialized dermatology training here at our practice under Dr. Vivek Iyengar.
Mary Kate received her master’s in physician assistant studies through Marist College in New York and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA) and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA).
Prior to joining Dermatology Associates, Mary Kate worked in an emergency department where she developed a solid foundation of medicine and a further passion for helping others. Her top priority is to provide high quality, patient centered care to both children and adults.
Mary Kate enjoys teaching patients skin care regimens that will help them put their best face forward. Her interests are broad and range from skin cancer screening, and hands on procedures such as biopsies and injections, to the treatment of common dermatological conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
Outside of providing dermatology care to children and adults, Mary Kate finds joy in playing and coaching volleyball as well as spending time with her newly adopted puppy named Bosley.
Jennifer Dudak
Jennifer Dudak is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology.
She received her degree through Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Illinois Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (IL SDPA).
Prior to obtaining her degree, Jennifer served as a Medical Laboratory Technician in the United States Air Force. While serving, she was awarded the Achievement Medal given to those for outstanding or meritorious service.
Jennifer has been practicing dermatology in and around the southwest suburbs since 2003.
Her focus is in general dermatology skin conditions with special interest in acne, warts, psoriasis, eczema and full body skin exams.
Jennifer’s goal is to provide both children and adults’ comprehensive dermatologic care.
When she is not practicing, Jennifer enjoys reading fiction, cooking and spending time with her family and dog Lily Beans.
Neha Vagadia, PA-C
Neha Vagadia, PA-C is a board certified Physician Assistant who specializes in dermatology. She received her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Northwestern University. Neha is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA), and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA). She has prior experience in urgent care, where she developed a passion in delivering high quality, patient centered care. Neha specializes in general dermatology, her focus includes acne, warts, psoriasis, eczema, and comprehensive full-body skin exams. Beyond the clinic, she enjoys painting, indulging in a good read, and embracing the outdoors. Neha is committed to providing high-quality healthcare and fostering a positive patient experience.
Support Staff
Donna Erickson-Hyland, Practice Manager and Compliance Officer
Donna is the Practice Manager for Dermatology Associates. She brings over 10 years of extensive experience in medical practice management, human resource management and patient advocacy. She shares the providers’ passion in delivering the highest standards of patient care and applies that passion along with her experience to the day-to-day operations at Dermatology Associates. Donna is an active member of ADAM and Chicago Women Leaders Group.
In her spare time, Donna enjoys preparing meals for those in need, volunteering through the USO and spending time with her growing family.
Alexis Fischl, Licensed Esthetician
Alexis Fischl is a licensed esthetician who received her training through Paul Mitchell School. After receiving her license, she attended the National Laser Institute where she became certified in laser therapies, IPL (intense pulsed light therapy) and micro needling.
Alexis’s passion for skin care began with her own skin story. As with many young adults, Alexis struggled with acne and tried different therapies including various face washes and creams to improve the look and health of her skin. With seeing little change in her skin’s overall health, she sought the care of Michelle Ovando PA-C, a physician assistant here at Dermatology Associates. After seeking her professional care Alexis’s skin began to clear and her confidence grew. Realizing the impact that healthy skin had on her she decided to pursue a career as an esthetician to help others improve the health of their skin and gain confidence too.
Alexis joined Dermatology Associates in 2018 and offers the following services at our Tinley Park location:
- Custom facials
- Chemical peels
- Laser Hair removal
- Tattoo removal
- Carbon peel laser
- Q switch
- Pharos
- Photodynamic therapy
- For a free consultation with Alexis or to receive more info
Lisbeth Afre, Licensed Aesthetician
Lisbeth Afre is a licensed Aesthetician with 25 years of experience in the industry. Her passion for beauty began as a Makeup Artist. She soon learned makeup would be only as good as the skin beneath it. That’s where her journey began. She attended Pivot Point International in 1999 and followed her training with The Dermal Institute and the Conservatory of Esthetics. Throughout her career she has sought out new ways to improve her skills and stay up to date on the latest advancements in skin care technology and technique by regularly attending industry conferences and training sessions. Her passion for excellence has led her to become an expert in various treatments related to anti-aging, acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation and melasma. She specializes in advanced skin care treatments, including chemical peels, microneedling, laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing.
Liz takes a personalized approach to skincare, understanding that each patient’s skin is unique and requires individualized attention. Her goal is not only to treat her patients but also educate them on how to maintain healthy glowing skin. Skin care can be a journey and she is committed to supporting her patients every step of the way.
Charles Hall, Lead Pharmacy Technician
Charles Hall, CPhT is our lead pharmacy technician in our Prescription Help Desk Department.
Charles grew up locally graduating from Tinley Park High School where he also played football and received the Outstanding Lineman Award.
Knowing he wanted to pursue a career helping others, following high school, Charles obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology through Capella University. It was after shadowing a local pharmacist and seeing the impact they had on patients that Charles developed an interest in pharmaceutical patient care. Charles obtained his certification and worked as a pharmacy technician for 5 years before joining our team in 2019. Here, he applies all his skills in assisting our patients with their dermatological prescriptions. His services include, convenient onsite prescription processing, explaining prescription coverage, overcoming coverage obstacles such as prior authorizations, reiterating and explaining provider’s medication instructions, as well as researching the best financial options so patients do not spend more than they have to on medications they need.
Charles’s passion for helping others expands beyond patient care. He is an avid volunteer in the community and can often be found lending a hand at the local food pantry. When he is not helping others, Charles enjoys reading and spending time with his wife and family.
If you are a patient and in need of a dermatology prescription refill or have questions regarding an existing medication, please contact our office at 708.444.8300 and select option 3 to be connected to our Prescription Help Desk.
Holly Cravens, Billing Manager
Holly grew up locally graduating from Lincoln Way High School before attending Harrington Institute. She has worked in dermatology for the past 16 years primarily focusing on billing and coding during that time. Holly joined Dermatology Associates’ insurance verification team in 2020 where her knowledge and experience proved to be an asset to the practice and its patients. Recognizing her skills, Holly was promoted to billing manager where she has continued to lead and contribute to the success of the practice.
Holly has a special interest in interior design and home improvements. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, painting and creating cards.
Stephanie Melendez, Triage Specialist
Stephanie was raised in the south suburbs of Chicago before moving locally to Tinley Park to raise her family. She brings 15 years of diverse healthcare experience to her role. Stephanie began her career in hospice care before transitioning to Labor & Delivery. In both fields, she discovered her passion for working with vulnerable populations and the need for compassionate care and support in healthcare.
Upon relocating to Tinley Park, Stephanie became intrigued by the field of dermatology, Mohs surgery and the work of Dr. Iyengar. She worked alongside him and other providers for several years before transitioning to an administrative role, where she focuses on the patient support that is needed after our patients leave the office.
Outside of work, Stephanie is deeply passionate about mental health and dedicated to mentoring women and mothers as they balance their mental health with family life. She actively advocates for better support and access to mental health resources in schools and the healthcare system. Stephanie is also involved in the local community, including the Tinley Park Bulldogs organization, where both her children play lacrosse. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting, or curling up with a good book.
Cody Bonoma, Scribe Floor Supervisor and Training Coordinator
Cody is a local high school graduate from Lincoln Way East, He obtained his bachelors degree in biology from Drake University in 2016. Shortly after he joined Dermatology Associates as a medical scribe and proved to be exceptional. Cody continued to excel in his role becoming a relied upon trainer for new and existing staff. In 2021 Cody was promoted to assistant scribe supervisor. After continuing to grow in his position and revamping the training program Cody was elevated in 2023 to training supervisor and finally in 2024 was given the title of scribe floor supervisor and training coordinator.
When not working Cody enjoys traveling, staying active and spending time with family and friends.
Karina Menez, Scribe Floor Supervisor and OSHA Compliance Officer
Karina Menez was born and raised in Chicago. She attended Chicago Military Academy-Bronzeville where she excelled and learned to be a leader. Karina went on to obtain her associate’s degree in science through Malcom X College and soon after joined Dermatology Associates as a scribe. Karina has a passion for dermatology and patient care. She learned quickly as a scribe and proved to be a strong, reliable team member. With her exceptional skills and ability to lead she was promoted to floor supervisor and OSHA compliance officer. Outside of the practice Karina enjoys staying active, spending time with her two fur babies and her family in Chicago and Mexico.