Downers Grove Magazine Issues
MAIA Gynecology
After years in a large, private-equity-owned practice, Dr. Karen Wolowick recognized a shift in priorities that no longer aligned with her vision for patient care. The focus had become volume-driven, leaving little time for meaningful connections. Determined to create something different, she opened MAIA Gynecology as an independent practice built around one core principle: putting…
Read MoreDr. Justin LaReau
Hinsdale Orthopaedics A defining moment during his training at the University of Michigan Medical School set Dr. Justin LaReau on the path to orthopedic surgery. Assisting in a complex joint reconstruction, he saw firsthand how surgery could restore mobility and quality of life. “Seeing the patient’s ability to regain mobility and quality of life after…
Read MoreDr. Christina Steil
CSC Steil Dermatology Early in her training, Dr. Christina Steil was drawn to basic science research and initially thought she would pursue a PhD and work primarily in a lab. As she moved through medical school and residency, she realized she would miss working directly with people if she continue with a career dedicated solely…
Read MoreDr. Michael Byun
Chicago Cosmetic Surgery Dr. Michael Byun’s approach to facial rejuvenation is grounded in a deep understanding of anatomy and a commitment to natural-looking results. Trained at Northwestern University Medical School, where he completed an integrated plastic surgery fellowship, he developed a distinct technique known as The Byun Lift—designed to address the limitations he observed in…
Read MoreRising Star
Ellie Banke’s journey from small stage to stadium tour By Valerie Hardy | Photos courtesy of Ellie Banke Downers Grove-based singer-songwriter Ellie Banke has held Ed Sheeran as her “greatest inspiration” since she was 12 years old and saw him open for Taylor Swift at Soldier Field. Banke is about to have a “full circle”…
Read MoreGroove Foundation
In an exclusive recent interview, Hinsdale Magazine Group sat down with legendary musician Steve Jordan. The Rolling Stones drummer opens up about his extensive musical career and his deep commitment to philanthropic work. By Julie Jonlich Steve Jordan loves making music. This philanthropic, legendary drummer with strong musical ties to Chicago says, “Growing up in…
Read MoreGoing for Gold (and Silver and Bronze!)
Four trips to the podium in a fifth Paralympic appearance for Kendall Gretsch By Maureen Callahan Our hometown hero, Kendall Gretsch, has done it again! Since her first appearance in the 2018 Winter Paralympics, Gretsch has been collecting hardware – now eleven medals in total – between the biathlon (winter) and triathlon (summer) events. This…
Read MoreA Real Goal-Getter
Local hockey player Ceci Wielenberg makes the roster for the U18 Women’s National Team By Valerie Hardy When the rest of the students at Downers Grove North returned to school after winter break, junior Cecilia (Ceci) Wielenberg was notably absent – and for good reason. She was in Nova Scotia at the International Ice Hockey…
Read MoreHeart Behind the Humor
Downers Grove South’s Clinnin wins state speech award as he is inspired by his late father By Jeff Vorva Somehow, Nathan Clinnin found some humor in dealing with living without a father. The Downers Grove South sophomore lost his father, Kevin, on Christmas in 2022. Nathan used his experience to come up with an eight-minute…
Read MoreSoft Style, Big Heart
How A Downers Grove Mom Built Little Love Tees By Julia Mazurek Late nights with a newborn can lead to many things: exhaustion, endless scrolling, and sometimes, inspiration. For Gemma Korus, a local mom and longtime public relations professional, one of those sleepless nights turned into the beginning of a brand. Frustrated after unsuccessful searches…
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