Who We Are
We are committed to helping all impacted by Facial Paralysis and Bell's Palsy.
Our Mission & Vision.
What makes us different?
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Board of Directors
Babak Azizzadeh, MD, F.A.C.S
Founder, Facial Paralysis and Bells Palsy Foundation
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who is deeply committed to the treatment of individuals with facial paralysis and Bells palsy. He is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
A graduate of UCLA School of Medicine and a former Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Azizzadeh is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCLA School of Medicine, and is a facial reanimation surgeon at the House Clinic Center for Facial Nerve Function. He is also an attending surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is currently the Director of the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles, CA.
Lisa McKinley, Executive Director
After first meeting Dr. Azizzadeh as a patient in 2007, Lisa soon found that they shared a common desire to bring awareness to the many unique challenges and concerns of those living with facial paralysis, and in 2009 our foundation was established. A graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, with a background in business management, Lisa is glad to give of her time and talents to this cause that has become a life passion.
Jacqueline Diels, Board Member
Jacqueline Diels is a leading authority on non-surgical neuromuscular retraining (NMR), a therapeutic approach to the treatment of facial paralysis. She received her degree in occupational therapy at the University of Wisconsin in 1985, and began her work there in 1986, dedicating her practice exclusively to the treatment of persons with facial paralysis. Jackie lectures extensively to patients, physicians and therapists, and has authored book chapters and articles.
Mary Jo Buttafuoco, Board Member
Mary Jo Buttafuoco is also a founding board member of our foundation. Mary Jo has shared her story of triumph over a life-threatening facial injury countless times in the media, and with our support group members. She has encouraged countless others, and has brought awareness to the needs and concerns of others with facial paralysis.