California Neurosurgical Institute
At the California Neurosurgical Institute, we are committed to delivering world-class care to patients throughout the communities of Northern Los Angeles County and adjacent areas. Our neurosurgeons bring the highest level of expertise, compassion, and personalized care to our local neighborhoods.
California Neurosurgical Institute was founded in 2002 by Dr. Mark Liker after graduating from the neurosurgery residency training program at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles County Medical Center, one of the preeminent neurosurgery training programs in the country. Our centers were established to address local hospitals’ growing need for superior neurosurgical services. Our neurosurgeons are routinely recognized through national and local awards and experts in their field. From the start, our practice was built on a mission to provide exceptional surgical outcomes FOR the community and IN the community for both the most simple and complex cases, even those believed to be too high-risk by other providers in the field.
At the California Neurosurgical Institute, our compassionate team combines world-class expertise and a team approach to care. Our team consists of highly skilled neurosurgeons who provide comprehensive care for brain and spine conditions, prioritizing conservative, non-surgical options when possible. Surgery is always a last resort, but, when necessary, we excel in restorative procedures such as disc replacement and endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures. When surgery is necessary, our patients receive the most advanced, state-of-the-art methods, and we are honored to be known for achieving superior outcomes. Our dedication to staying at the leading edge in the latest advances in neurosurgery allows patients throughout our referral area to have access to world-class treatments and care close to home. Navigating the health care landscape has become more and more complex for our patients and for our staff. We are proud that our PAs (physician assistants) are the backbone of our practice. Between them and our expert office staff, they allow us to do what we do best, focus our time on patient care, thereby reducing time and energy in administrative tasks.
Our neurosurgeons bring advanced training, board certifications, and the latest minimally invasive techniques to every case. With experience in trauma care and highly specialized procedures such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Endoscopic Transnasal Brain Tumor removal, and Corrective Spinal Deformity surgery, typically available only at major academic centers, our team is trusted to provide the highest level of care in local hospitals.
We treat every patient with the care and concern they deserve. Our compassionate, responsive office staff goes the extra mile, often forming long-term relationships with patients and their families. Many of our team members have been with us for close to two decades, embodying the values of superior care and personal connection.
We take pride in offering the highest standard of care right in our community hospitals. Most of our patients are referred by local physicians and our large cohort of past patients who experienced excellent care. Patients no longer need to travel to major cities for top-tier neurosurgical care. We bring this level of care to you.
Our greatest satisfaction comes from seeing patients who were once debilitated regain their functionality and quality of life. We believe in treating each patient like a member of our extended family, and we are committed to helping our patients live happier, more productive, comfortable lives.
Founder and senior partner at California Neurosurgical Institute
Dr. Liker is a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine and neurosurgeon with a vast range of expertise. He has been treating brain and spine patients for over 20 years. His specialties include complex open, endoscopic, and minimally invasive spine surgery, brain surgery, neuromodulation, functional neurosurgery, stereotactic neurosurgery, and radiosurgery. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 1% of neurosurgeons in Los Angeles, Dr. Liker brings the highest level of care to his patients. He has received numerous awards and recognitions in Neurosurgery including Castle Connolly America's Top Doctors (2016-2021), Southern California Super Doctors (2013-2022, 2024).
Partner at California Neurosurgical Institute and chair of surgery at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital (2024-2026)
Dr. Lobo is a board-certified and dual fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in spine surgery and brain tumor surgery. His expertise spans the full spectrum of neurosurgery, with a focus on brain and skull base tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, and degenerative spinal disease. His commitment to excellence in patient care earned him awards like the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Health Care Hero Award (2019), Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors (2024), Los Angeles Times Top Doctors (2024), Southern California Rising Stars (2019-2021), and Southern California Super Doctors (2024).
Board-eligible neurosurgeon
Dr. Ladner brings cutting-edge expertise in both open and minimally invasive brain and spine surgery. With advanced training from Vanderbilt University and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Dr. Ladner focuses on using personalized, technology-driven approaches to enhance recovery and optimize surgical outcomes. His philosophy is to minimize unnecessary procedures and tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs.
Board-certified physician assistant
Maureen Aoys is a board-certified physician assistant with a diverse background in Cosmetic/Plastic surgery, Laparoscopic Gastric Banding, and Neurosurgery. With a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Ms. Aoys brings extensive experience and a passion for patient care. She is dedicated to assisting in surgeries and providing comprehensive care to patients at both our Encino and Valencia locations.
Board-certified physician assistant
Amanda Navarro is a board-certified physician assistant who joined California Neurosurgical Institute in 2021. She graduated with a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MMSPAS) from Dominican University in River Forest, IL, and is a member of the Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants and California Academy of Physician Assistants. She has experience in primary care and emergency medicine. As a PA, Amanda prioritizes connecting with each patient and providing optimal care.
Board-certified physician assistant
Khiara Scolari is a board-certified physician assistant with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, NY. She joined California Neurosurgical Institute in 2024 and was previously a PA in the Department of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. Khiara’s objective is to apply her energetic and curious disposition to providing high-quality, effective, and thoughtful patient care.
At California Neurosurgical Institute, we believe that world-class care should not only be available at large academic hospitals in major cities.
At California Neurosurgical Institute, we are committed to delivering world-class neurological care to patients in Valencia and Encino and nearby local communities.
Our providers are recognized for their technical expertise, advanced training, and commitment to treating each patient with compassionate, personalized care.
At California Neurosurgical Institute, we are at the forefront of advancing neurosurgical care through cutting-edge technology, innovative treatments, and a commitment to research and education.
