Key Personnel
Lois Morris, ESC Practice Manager
Since 1974, Lois Morris has seen The Eye Specialists Center grow from a two-exam room office on Cicero Avenue to the 4- location practice of today. She has watched Dr. Ben Ticho grow from an 8-year old doing office chores to a confident doctor and surgeon. Prior to serving as Practice Manager, she has been an optician, optical manager, ophthalmic technician, and billed insurance.
Born and raised in Evergreen Park, Lois graduated from Evergreen Park High School, where she met Howard, her husband of 45 years. They have three sons and two granddaughters, living in Arizona and California.
Away from work, Lois is also an active participant in community service groups, including the PADS project for the homeless. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Evergreen Park, where she anchors several committee groups. A passionate seamstress and quilter (but don’t ask her to do torn pockets!), she loves sharing her work with others.
We would like to thank Lois for 36 years of excellent service.
Pat Sorrentino, Billing Manager
Pat has been with ESC for 12 years, and has billed insurance for patients for much longer than that.
Pat has been married 46 years, has a son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren.
Nancy Humble, Reception Manager
Nancy has been with ESC for 17 years, since ESC’s inception. Nancy and her experienced staff of ten are the first voices you hear on the phone, and the first people you see when you enter ESC.
Nancy has been married 43 years, has two children, and six grandchildren.
Barbara Imler-Hogensen, Supervisor of Technicians
Barbara joined The Eye Specialists Center in 2004 and has been an ophthalmic technician for 14 years. She is a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Professions in Ophthalmology. Barbara's academic background includes both a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Anthropology and a post graduate certificate in Museum Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also earned a secondary education teaching certificate in History and Social Science from St. Xavier University.
Sharon L. Sikora-Giers, Ophthalmic Tech
Sharon has been an ophthalmic tech for 31 years after having graduating from Triton College in River Grove, IL with an Associate of Science degree in Optometric. She is also a nationally board certified COA.
Sharon has a pleasant disposition, and works exceptionally well with children and seniors.
During canning season, she may bring in peaches, pickles, or homemade salsa from Sharon’s Kitchen.
Debbie Clausius, Research Co-Ordinator
Debbie coordinates the Research Studies conducted here at ESC in conjunction with the Jaeb Center/PEDIG Group in Tampa, FL. The Research Studies typically involve finding better treatments for children, and have her working extensively with patients, doctors, staff, and the Jaeb Center/PEDIG Group.
Debbie began work with Dr. Karl Ticho and Leonard Kut 24 years ago as an Optician and Ophthalmic Technician.
Debbie has an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences from Moraine Valley College in Palos Hills IL, and has attended numerous classes, conventions, and continuing education classes in her field. In addition to her involvement in Research Studies she continues to work as an Optician and Ophthalmic Technician, and works very well with children and their parents.
She has been married to Rich for 15 years and they have two children, Alex and Irina. She is involved in many of the children’s activities at St. George in Tinley Park, and also supervises an adult volleyball league. Debbie and her family belong to the Nomad Ski Club and are avid skiers.
Mary Ann Greenan, Physician Credentialing
Mary Ann has been with The Eye Specialists Center since 2002. She has provided several services for ESC. Her job duties have included front desk reception, surgery scheduling, billing and collections, and she became the credentialing coordinator in 2005. She is responsible for daily correspondence, and communication with hospital personnel. She works very closely with our eleven doctors contracting insurance, obtaining privileges at hospitals and surgery centers in two states. She was chosen for this position because of her medical experience, organization, and administrative skills.
Mary Ann was born and raised in Evergreen Park and graduated from St. Bernadette School and Evergreen Park High School. She attended Morraine Valley and Bryman National Education Center where she earned her Medical Assistant Degree.
Pam Farinella, Surgery Co-Ordinator
Pam came to ESC nearly six years ago to work at the front desk and became Surgery Coordinator three and a half years ago.
Herding kittens on a cattle drive might be easier than scheduling all the surgical procedures for our five surgeons, while also scheduling MRI/CT scans, reserving OR space and times at the various facilities our five surgeons require, and obtaining referrals to other specialists.
A large part of her job is explaining and reassuring our patients about the process and expectations of elective surgery. As Pam says, “Having had my own cataract eye surgeries by Dr. Buka and Dr. Ben Ticho gives me a unique perspective that can put most patients at ease and helps me understand their concerns."
Pam was born and raised in Chicago, and received her formal education from Fenger High School and Triton College.
She has traveled extensively around the world in a former position and lived in Tampa and Annapolis.
Her outside activities have included snow and water skiing, snowmobiling and biking.
Pam’s volunteer work has included recreational aid for emotionally disturbed children and as reading tutor for junior high students identified as at risk for ultimately dropping out.