Our Team
Janina Locascio, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Janina Locascio is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in spine surgery and musculoskeletal oncology. She began her academic and athletic journey at DePaul University, where she played NCAA Division I soccer while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. She went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago before completing her Physician Assistant training at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL.
Since 2019, Janina has worked alongside Dr. Colman, assisting in surgery and providing comprehensive clinical care. She is dedicated to ensuring patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options, and she strives to create a welcoming, supportive environment for discussing complex medical concerns.
Outside of her professional role, Janina enjoys staying active through Pilates and yoga, walking her adorable toy poodle, Scotch, and spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends. She also finds relaxation and creativity through crocheting, singing and playing piano.
Alexis James, RN
Registered Nurse Practitioner
Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Alexis is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse specializing in orthopedic spine care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University Bloomington, then went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing at Rush University—one of the top nursing programs in the country.
Alexis began her nursing career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where she gained valuable experience caring for critically ill children and supporting their families. With a background in both movement science and clinical nursing, she brings a well-rounded, thoughtful approach to her current role.
At Northwestern, Alexis works closely with Dr. Matthew Colman and a multidisciplinary team of providers to care for patients undergoing spine surgery. She plays a key role in guiding patients through the surgical journey, offering pre-operative education, post-operative support, and long-term recovery planning for individuals with spinal disorders, injuries, and complex surgical needs.
Alexis is passionate about patient advocacy and truly believes in the importance of holistic, personalized care. Her goal is to make every patient feel heard, supported, and comfortable throughout their journey.
Outside of work, Alexis loves staying active with her Cavalier Spaniel, Birdie, spending time with friends and family, finding new coffee shops, and unwinding with a good book.
Jenna Niemi
Occupational Therapist
Jenna graduated from The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and then continued her education to include an associates degree in occupational therapy.
She has worked in the healthcare system for over seven years and prides herself in patient-centered care. In addition to her clinical background, Jenna has taken on a growing number of administrative responsibilities in her current role. These include managing patient scheduling, coordinating communications between departments, maintaining accurate medical records, supporting billing and insurance processes, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask help her keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
In her free time, you can find Jenna reading, scrapbooking, or attending her weekly dance class. She also enjoys spending time with her cat, Gilbert and her nieces and nephews who adoringly call her JJ.