Meet the amazing staff at the Hilger Face Center and learn about their passion for individualized approaches and patient care.
Samantha, RN – Aesthetic Nurse Specialist
Samantha is a licensed registered nurse with five years of clinical experience and a specialized focus in aesthetic medicine. She began her career in cardiology at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, where she built a strong foundation in critical thinking, patient safety, and attention to detail, skills that continue to shape her approach to aesthetic care today.
Her transition into aesthetics was driven by a lifelong passion for skincare and facial artistry. She received advanced training under renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jenna Van Beck, gaining expertise in facial anatomy, precise injection techniques, and individualized patient assessment. That mentorship instilled in her a commitment to natural, harmonious results and the highest standards of safety and ethics.
Now part of the team at Hilger Face Center, Samantha specializes in non-surgical treatments including Botox Cosmetic and Xeomin. She is known for her gentle touch, compassionate nature, and dedication to building genuine relationships with her patients — taking the time to understand each person's unique goals and ensuring every experience is positive, personalized, and results-driven.
"Samantha Orfali, RN has been very helpful, kind, and considerate during my post-operative recovery. She deserves commendation for her ability as a nurse care coordinator."
March 2026
Emma Kranz, RN - Care Coordinator
Emma Kranz brings eight years of nursing experience to the Hilger Face Center, where she works directly alongside Dr. Jeffrey Mella as his dedicated Care Coordinator. With a background spanning clinic, hospital, and health system settings, Emma has developed an intuitive understanding of what patients need before they need it. Her ability to anticipate, organize, and execute with precision makes her an indispensable part of the surgical team, ensuring every patient feels informed, supported, and cared for from consultation through recovery.
What sets Emma apart is her commitment to the details that others overlook, a quality that shows up just as much in her personal life as it does at work. Whether she's refining a clinical workflow, tending to her garden, or exploring somewhere new, Emma brings the same care and intentionality to everything she does. Emma is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict, she stays active through pickleball, pilates, and a genuine love of the outdoors, often with her black lab Tucker by her side.
That same energy and attentiveness she brings to her adventures comes back into the clinic every day, reflected in the thoughtful, patient-centered care that defines her work at the Hilger Face Center.
Elizabeth Koop, RN
Elizabeth is a Registered Nurse with more than 21 years of nursing experience. She joined the Hilger Face Center in 2019 after having worked as an RN on the Neuroscience Unit at the University of Minnesota Medical Center for 15 years. She has a specialized focus in facial plastics, reconstruction and facial nerve disorders. As the care coordinator for Dr. Lyford-Pike, she is dedicated to guiding patients through their treatment journey with compassion, expertise, and personalized support.
Elizabeth also serves as a nurse injector, providing Botox treatments for patients with synkinesis and other facial nerve conditions. She is passionate about helping patients achieve improved function, comfort, and confidence through innovative, patient-centered care.
Outside of work, Elizabeth is a proud mother of three. She enjoys supporting her children’s activities and embraces her roles as both a hockey mom and a dance mom, bringing the same energy, dedication, and enthusiasm to her family life that she brings to her patients every day.
Sarah Vasquez, RN — Care Coordinator
Sarah brings 18 years of nursing experience to her role, the majority of which has been spent specializing in ENT and Facial Plastics. As Dr. Hilger's dedicated RN, she combines deep clinical expertise with a genuine passion for patient care which shows in everything she does.
What Sarah values most is the human side of healthcare: connecting with patients, building lasting relationships, and being trusted with their wellbeing. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, catching up with friends, shopping, traveling, and hosting gatherings.