At California Neurosurgical Institute, our team of expert neurosurgeons is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care with compassion, precision, and personalized attention. Our providers are recognized for their technical expertise, advanced training, and commitment to treating each patient with compassionate, personalized care.
Founder and senior partner of California Neurosurgical Institute
Dr. Mark Liker is the founder and senior partner of California Neurosurgical Institute, bringing over 20 years of experience and performing 400 to 500 successful surgeries annually. Renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive, endoscopic and open techniques, Dr. Liker specializes in a wide range of spine and brain surgeries, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, functional neurosurgery, and radiosurgery. Some of his most common procedures include artificial disc replacement, microdiscectomies, and minimally invasive spinal fusions.
Dr. Liker’s problem-solving approach to neurosurgery is rooted in his background as a mechanical and aerospace engineer with a degree from Princeton University. This unique perspective allows him to diagnose and treat spine issues with precision, using advanced imaging techniques like SPECT-CT scans to identify the root cause of pain and develop the most effective, least invasive treatment plans.
Dr. Liker’s distinguished career includes numerous accolades, such as being named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 15 consecutive years, being recognized as a Southern California Super Doctor from 2013-2022, and being ranked among the top 1% of neurosurgeons in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. He trained at USC’s Keck Medical Center and Los Angeles County Medical Center, completing a fellowship in complex spine surgery. He continues to pursue advancements in patient care as an assistant professor and faculty member at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and enjoys teaching residents at Keck School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery in deep brain stimulation techniques.
A dedicated academic, Dr. Liker has authored over 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts, edited three journal special editions, and delivered more than 40 national and international presentations on neurosurgical topics.
Board-certified neurosurgeon and partner at California Neurosurgical Institute
Dr. Bjorn Lobo is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in treating brain tumors that arise from the base of the skull and the pituitary gland, as well as minimally invasive treatments for spinal disorders. His practice philosophy is simple: treat every patient as if they were a family member.
Dr. Lobo grew up in Ohio and attended the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, where he completed the rigorous BS/MD program—one of only six programs in the country that accelerated undergraduate and medical school into a combined six-year program. He then completed his residency in Neurological Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, one of the top four hospitals in the country. During his time there, Dr. Lobo also completed a two-year fellowship focused on treating complex brain tumors arising from the base of the skull.
Driven by a passion for technical innovation, Dr. Lobo pursued an additional one-year fellowship in minimally invasive and endoscopic skull base surgery at the prestigious John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica. His commitment to advancing the field of neurosurgery ensures that his patients receive the most cutting-edge care available.
As a partner at California Neurosurgical Institute and 2024 to 2026 chair of surgery at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital, Dr. Lobo is known for his meticulous surgical techniques and compassionate, patient-centered care. His dedication to excellence earned him the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Health Care Hero Award in 2019 and numerous other awards such as California Top Doctors (2024), Los Angeles Magazine Top Doctors 2024, and Castle Connolly Top Doctors (2024). He offers care in both English and Spanish.
Board-eligible neurosurgeon
Dr. Travis Ladner is a board-eligible neurosurgeon with expertise in treating complex brain and spine conditions using open and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Ladner utilizes the latest technology to personalize treatment, minimize unnecessary procedures, and promote faster recovery.
Dr. Ladner earned his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he graduated with the Highest Honors in Neuroscience. During medical school, he was selected as an investigator in the Vanderbilt Medical Scholars Research Program and received multiple grants for his research on cerebrovascular disease.
He completed his neurosurgery residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where he was appointed Chief Resident. During his residency, Dr. Ladner pursued an additional one-year enfolded fellowship in reconstructive and minimally invasive spinal surgery, further enhancing his expertise in advanced spinal techniques, such as corrective surgery for patients who have had failed fusions.
Dr. Ladner’s surgical philosophy is simple: to treat every patient as an individual, spending all the time needed to listen and to understand the nature of their condition fully. He focuses on using the most effective surgical or non-surgical treatments to address each patient’s specific needs. By combining innovative technology with a commitment to compassionate care, Dr. Ladner consistently delivers exceptional patient outcomes.
Board-certified physician assistant
Maureen Aoys is a board-certified physician assistant with a broad range of surgical experience, including Cosmetic/Plastic surgery, Laparoscopic Gastric Banding, and Neurosurgery. She holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, bringing a unique combination of skills to her role. Ms. Aoys is known for her compassionate approach, working closely with patients to provide comprehensive care and support throughout their treatment journey.
Board-certified physician assistant
Amanda Navarro is a board-certified physician assistant and a member of the Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants and California Academy of Physicians Assistants. Prior to joining California Neurosurgical Institute in 2021, she provided care in primary and emergency medicine clinics. She excels in connecting with patients in order to better understand their needs when tailoring a medical plan.
Board-certified physician assistant
Khiara Scolari is a board-certified physician assistant who was recruited to California Neurosurgical Institute in 2024. She obtained her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, NY. She has extensive neurosurgical experience and worked for 4 years in the Department of Neurosurgery at the prestigious Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Khiara provides focused care and thoughtful care to make sure our patients goals are achieved.
At California Neurosurgical Institute, our providers are highly skilled in the latest neurosurgical techniques and deeply committed to compassionate care. We treat each patient like a member of our extended family, ensuring they feel supported and informed at every stage of their treatment. Our team takes great pride in seeing patients who were once told they were too high-risk or complex for surgery regain their function and quality of life after treatment.
I Adore Dr. Mark Liker.
I adore Dr Mark Liker. He does not go straight to the knife but does his best to work in a conservative and considerate manner, going to surgery only when needed. He is very thoughtful and offered me alternative treatments for my back pain.
He is My Hero!
If I had not seen Dr Lobo, I would have been paralyzed today! He is my hero, and I can only say that if you need a Neurosurgeon, there is only one person I can recommend, and that is Dr Lobo!!
I’m So Glad to Be Saved by this Neurosurgical Surgeon.
I suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in November 2023. Dr. Ladner was able to care for me from November 2023 - May 2024. I’m so glad to be saved by this neurosurgical surgeon. He’s the best surgeon I have had. This office is highly recommended. He cares for you even if it’s not your appointment. The whole team is wonderful, and I cannot express it enough!
