About our practice
Welcome to Long Island Neurosurgical Associates
Long Island Neurosurgical Associates, P.C. (LINA) was incorporated in 1973 and has since grown into one of the most established and respected neurosurgical practices in the New York region. Over the course of its history, 14 neurosurgeons have been part of LINA, reflecting a long legacy of clinical excellence, leadership, and service to the community.
From its earliest years, the group played a central role in expanding neurosurgical services across Long Island, with clinical appointments at major regional hospitals and longstanding involvement in education, training, and professional leadership.
Throughout its history, LINA neurosurgeons have served in prominent leadership roles, including division chiefs and board members at regional and national levels. Every physician who has been part of LINA—past and present—has achieved board certification through the American Board of Neurological Surgery, underscoring the practice’s commitment to the highest standards of neurosurgical care.
LINA physicians have consistently been recognized with academic appointments for their excellence in clinical care, research, and scholarly productivity. The practice has also played a major role in neurosurgical education, with all members past and present extensively involved in the training and mentorship of academic neurosurgical residents.
LINA has been a key contributor to the development of neurosurgical care within what is now Northwell Health. The practice was instrumental in the growth of pediatric neurosurgery on Long Island and has been closely aligned with Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where it continues to serve as the core Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery within the formal structure of the Northwell Health system.
Today, our practice is anchored by a highly specialized and collaborative team:
Dr. Steven Schneider, Dr. Mark Mittler, Dr. Michael Lefkowitz, Dr. Shaun Rodgers, and Dr. Rachel Pruitt, supported by Shanna Baron, FNP, pediatric neurosurgery clinical coordinator, and Yael Horowitz, FNP, specializing in spine care. Our operations are overseen by our longtime practice administrator, Cathy Grimm.
For more than five decades, Long Island Neurosurgical Associates has upheld a tradition of excellence, innovation, and compassionate patient care. Our surgeons are nationally and internationally recognized, and our unified team approach ensures the highest quality outcomes for the children and families we serve.
This website offers an overview of our providers, services, processes, and insurance participation. It is meant to serve as a helpful starting point rather than a comprehensive medical resource. In an era of rapidly evolving information, no website can fully capture every advancement. The entire team at LINA understand that no one wishes to need a neurosurgeon, and we are committed to guiding you and your family with clarity, compassion, and expertise. Throughout your care, please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions—we are here to help at every step whenever possible.
Our Principal Neurosurgeons
Steven Schneider, MD
FAANS, FACS, FAAP
Pediatric, Congenital & Adult
Neurosurgery
Mark Mittler, MD
FAANS, FACS, FAAP
Pediatric & Congenital
Neurosurgery
Michael Lefkowitz, MD
FAANS, FACS
Adult & Pediatric Spinal
Neurosurgery
Shaun Rodgers, MD
FAANS, FACS, FAAP
Pediatric & Adult
Neurosurgery
Rachel Pruitt, MD
Pediatric & Adult
Neurosurgery
Advanced Practitioners
Shanna Baron, RN
MSN, FNP-C, CNRN
Nurse Practitioner &
Clinical Coordinator
Yael Horowitz, RN
MSN, FNP-C
Nurse
Practitioner
Administrator
Cathy Grimm
Practice
Administrator
Optimal care in neurosurgery depends on a cohesive, collaborative team rather than isolated expertise. Each patient benefits from the collective judgment of five neurosurgeons and two nurse practitioners who routinely share responsibility, cross-cover one another’s patients, and confer on complex decisions. This structure allows for real-time second opinions, continuity across settings, and consistent application of best practices, while preserving individualized care. For families, it provides both access and reassurance. While we are very professional in the hospital and office setting, we are also a unified family that depends on each other and enjoys spending time together outside of the work setting.
