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About Us

About LA Brain

LA Brain is a group of practitioners formed to offer comprehensive care for complex neurologic issues in a timely manner. Our specific clinics allow you to see the correct provider as soon as possible. 

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Dr. Franc is a leading board certified neurologist and brain researcher.  He serves as co-director of the Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Clinic at Saint John's Medical Center.​ Serving the Santa Monica and Los Angeles area, Dr Daniel Franc is dedicated to providing exceptional neurological care and effective personalized treatment.

Also being the director of neurologic care at the Ashe Student Health Center at UCLA and leading multiple research projects at his own clinic, Dr Franc has earned the reputation of being a leader in medical innovation and strong proponent of effective education.

Daniel Franc, MD, PhD
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Dr. Hirsh Kaveeshvar, DO

Dr. Kaveeshvar a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), practices general neurology with fellowship trained specialization in interventional pain management and sports neurology.

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Dr. Kaveeshvar finds the nervous system the most inherently fascinating system in the human body which led him to pursue neurology residency training with the Department of Neurosciences at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.  During training he became interested in interventional and non-interventional pain management as it represented the intersection between the art and science of medicine and became drawn to the challenge and opportunity pain management provided in optimizing a patient’s life.  Subsequently he was accepted into the highly competitive and prestigious anesthesia pain fellowship at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI leading him to become one of the few neurologists in the country to hold dual board certification in both neurology and pain medicine.  

 

Dr. Kaveeshvar received further training at the highly esteemed Kerlan Jobe Center for Sports Neurology where he had mentorship from renowned sports neurologist, Dr. Vernon Williams MD, and had experience treating high level athletes and executives in mild traumatic brain injury/concussion.  He is highly trained in performing interventional pain procedures and always takes his time to help patients understand their diagnosis. He has authored several publications and had multiple medical presentations which have appeared in medical journals.

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When he isn’t wearing his white coat, Dr. Kaveeshvar is either watching or playing basketball, roller hockey, cooking or weight training. In his free time, he can also be found spending time with his friends and family enjoying the outdoors in sunny Southern California.  He is also a die-hard Detroit sports fan as well as a proud alumnus of Michigan State University for both undergraduate and medical degrees.

 

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Medical Training Education:

-  Fellowship in Sports Neurology at Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Center for Sports Neurology in Los Angeles, CA.

-  ACGME accredited fellowship in interventional pain management at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, MI.

-  ACGME accredited residency in neurology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.

-  AOA/ACGME accredited Internship at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.

-  Medical degree in East Lansing, MI

 

Certification:

Dual Neurology and Pain board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

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Sam bio

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Sam Berk, PA
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Sam bio

​

Sam Berk, PA
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Sam bio

​

Sam Berk, PA
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Dr. Franc is a leading board certified neurologist and brain researcher.  He serves as co-director of the Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Clinic at Saint John's Medical Center.​ Serving the Santa Monica and Los Angeles area, Dr Daniel Franc is dedicated to providing exceptional neurological care and effective personalized treatment.

Also being the director of neurologic care at the Ashe Student Health Center at UCLA and leading multiple research projects at his own clinic, Dr Franc has earned the reputation of being a leader in medical innovation and strong proponent of effective education.

Daniel Franc, MD, PhD
hirsh-headshot 2019-09-06 15.38_edited.j
Dr. Hirsh Kaveeshvar, DO

Dr. Kaveeshvar a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), practices general neurology with fellowship trained specialization in interventional pain management and sports neurology.

​

Dr. Kaveeshvar finds the nervous system the most inherently fascinating system in the human body which led him to pursue neurology residency training with the Department of Neurosciences at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.  During training he became interested in interventional and non-interventional pain management as it represented the intersection between the art and science of medicine and became drawn to the challenge and opportunity pain management provided in optimizing a patient’s life.  Subsequently he was accepted into the highly competitive and prestigious anesthesia pain fellowship at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI leading him to become one of the few neurologists in the country to hold dual board certification in both neurology and pain medicine.  

 

Dr. Kaveeshvar received further training at the highly esteemed Kerlan Jobe Center for Sports Neurology where he had mentorship from renowned sports neurologist, Dr. Vernon Williams MD, and had experience treating high level athletes and executives in mild traumatic brain injury/concussion.  He is highly trained in performing interventional pain procedures and always takes his time to help patients understand their diagnosis. He has authored several publications and had multiple medical presentations which have appeared in medical journals.

​

When he isn’t wearing his white coat, Dr. Kaveeshvar is either watching or playing basketball, roller hockey, cooking or weight training. In his free time, he can also be found spending time with his friends and family enjoying the outdoors in sunny Southern California.  He is also a die-hard Detroit sports fan as well as a proud alumnus of Michigan State University for both undergraduate and medical degrees.

 

​

Medical Training Education:

-  Fellowship in Sports Neurology at Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Center for Sports Neurology in Los Angeles, CA.

-  ACGME accredited fellowship in interventional pain management at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, MI.

-  ACGME accredited residency in neurology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.

-  AOA/ACGME accredited Internship at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.

-  Medical degree in East Lansing, MI

 

Certification:

Dual Neurology and Pain board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

sam-headshot 2019-09-06 15.22_edited.jpg

Sam bio

​

Sam Berk, PA
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Sam bio

​

Sam Berk, PA

2811 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 800  Santa Monica, CA 90403

30200 Agoura Road, Ste 200  Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Tel: 310-341-2611

Fax: 310-957-2346

The Team

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Daniel Franc, MD, PhD

Dr. Daniel Franc is delighted to combine his lifelong interest in neuroscience with love of caring for patients with neurological conditions.  He is a board certified neurologist and has been conducting brain research projects since 2003.   His neuroscience research was focused on applying functional and advanced MRI techniques for clinical applications including mood disorders and memory loss.

Dr. Franc underwent neurology training at the University of California, Los Angeles, and doctoral and medical school training at the University of Minnesota.  He is a native of Missouri and Iowa.

Dr. Franc’s clinical focus is on using a holistic approach for treating patients with brain trauma, memory loss conditions, head pain, and other neurological conditions.  He serves as co-director of the Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Clinic at Saint John's Medical Center. He has served as director of neurologic care at the Ashe Student Health Center at UCLA and has taught medical students, residents and undergraduate researchers.

He enjoys spending time supporting his three children’s sports and artistic endeavors, cycling in the Santa Monica mountains, sailing and travel throughout his adopted home of California.

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Lisbet is originally from Denmark but has spent the last 20 years in America living in Oregon, Minnesota and now California. She has worked in the headquarters of Target, Hannah Anderson among other firms. 

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When a friend's daughter experienced dramatic improvement in her depression symptoms after undergoing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Lisbet was intrigued and resolved to offer this medication-free treatment to more patients in need. She directs the Agoura Hills office to help and guide patients through TMS treatments and to find other treatments including mindfulness meditation. 

 

Lisbet enjoys helping others take an important step forward toward their hopes and dreams.

 

She spends her free time with her 3 kids and enjoys dressage and equestrian sports. 

Lisbet Franc
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Heather Trattner, MMS PA-C 

Heather Trattner is a board certified physician assistant at our Santa Monica and Agoura Hills locations. Her passion for neurology and neuroscience developed from her personal experience of having multiple family members suffer from chronic neurological conditions. She believes that the best patient outcomes stem from having a healthcare provider that listens, demonstrates patience, compassion and can apply an individualized holistic approach to patient care. 

 

Heather underwent her medical training at Saint Louis University where she obtained her Master of Medical Science and is currently a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Prior to that she obtained her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Biology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas. She is a Southern California native and is happy to practice medicine in her home state. 

 

When she is not at the clinic she enjoys hiking, riding her peloton bike, playing with her two rescue dogs, and spending time with her fiance and family.

Elisabeth is our Office Manager and TMS Technician in our Agoura Hills location. She is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in child development. Her future endeavors include a master's degree in speech-language pathology, as she hopes to become a pediatric speech therapist. Elisabeth was an undergraduate intern at a speech therapy clinic, where she grew passionate about gaining more experience in a healthcare atmosphere to set her up for success in her career. She is always seeking to expand her knowledge to provide the highest level of patient care possible. 

 

Outside of the practice, you can find Elisabeth enjoying the beach, trying new restaurants in LA, or playing with her cat. 

Elisabeth Heen- Office Manager and TMS Technician, Agoura Hills 
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Melissa is our Office Manager and TMS Technician in our Santa Monica location. She recently graduated from CSU Channel Islands with a degree in Health Sciences and would like to continue her education obtaining a Masters degree in Health Business Management. With a strong background in management, Melissa has over 7 years of experience in a healthcare setting. She has enjoyed working in healthcare while creating a safe and efficient environment for our patients. Prior to working with Los Angeles Brain Science Project, she was working in a Dermatology clinic and wanted to change paths pursuing knowledge in Neurology. 

 

Outside of the clinic, Melissa likes to go hiking and travel to new places with her close friends, further her education, volunteer as a crisis counselor and continue to write her first memoir. 

Melissa Lamica - Officer Manager and TMS Technician, Santa Monica
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Monica is one of our Research Assistants and TMS Technicians for our offices at Santa Monica and Agoura Hills. She obtained his medical degree from the Juarez University of the State of Durango (Durango, Mexico). Her background includes working with patients of multiple sociocultural backgrounds as a general practitioner in Mexico. She has an interest in pursuing a medical residency to become a specialist in California. Monica has a strong determination to make an impact on people’s lives through research. Always passionate about neurophysiology and medical education, she is eagerly seeking to expand her understanding of the brain through neuroscience research.

 

On her free time, Monica enjoys trying different types of food with her family, reading about behavioral sciences and running in the countless trails found in Los Angeles.

Monica Lucero, MD - TMS Technician and Research Assistant

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Tina is one of our clinical research assistants and TMS technicians in our Santa Monica and Agoura Hills location. A recent graduate with a degree in Sociology and Cognitive science from the University of California, Los Angeles, Tina hopes to matriculate into a medical doctorate program. Prior to working for Los Angeles Brain Science Project, Tina worked as a medical scribe at Urgent Care and a tutor for a non-profit entity with various government agencies in an effort to improve our communities. She is bilingual in Farsi and English and has experience in translating services to patients in clinical settings. With a diverse background of clinical experience, she hopes to integrate research advancements in neuroscience and the treatment of neurological conditions into improving patient care. 

 

Outside of the clinic, Tina enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family, and exploring new restaurants in Los Angeles. 

Tina Faghihi- TMS Technician and Research Assistant

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