The Northfield Patient Care Team

At Forward Focus, you’ll receive exceptional care and personalized treatment from every member of our team. You’ll feel the difference each time you walk through our doors, welcomed with a warm hello and made to feel like you’re part of the family.

Our doctors are widely respected for both their clinical and interpersonal skills, and our registered nurses take the time to genuinely get to know each patient. All of our staff are committed to providing you with a medically focused, hands-on experience that contributes to your optimal health.

Doctor

Steven H. Wolfman, D.O.

Dr. Steven Wolfman is an experienced and dedicated board-certified Internal Medicine physician with over 25 years of clinical expertise. He is excited to bring his extensive knowledge and diagnostic skills to Forward Focus Concierge Medicine and values building strong, trusting partnerships with his patients. He appreciates the opportunity to take all the time necessary to listen to patients’ concerns, and his warm, personable style creates a comfortable, open atmosphere leading to long-term, trusting relationships. Without gatekeepers, phone trees, and long wait times, patients will have access to Dr. Wolfman at Forward Focus via phone or text and be able to schedule appointments immediately when necessary.

Dr. Wolfman entered college intending to become a pharmacist. He always knew he wanted to be in the healthcare field. One summer, at the University of Iowa, he needed a summer job and found a position in the hospital blood bank, soon realizing he loved the medical setting and changed his major to medical technology. He went to medical school after graduation, where he knew he could make a bigger difference in people’s lives as their doctor. Dr. Wolfman has always believed that medicine goes beyond just prescribing treatments, and he gives patients the opportunity to share their struggles, fears, and concerns. His goal is to get to the root of what is bothering the patient and to determine strategies and an individualized treatment plan that works within a person’s lifestyle. An expert diagnostician, he educates patients on treatment options and utilizes the relationships he has built over decades to recommend specialists and action plans. Patients find Dr. Wolfman to be approachable, caring, and supportive, and appreciate his clinical judgment in providing practical, honest guidance through their healthcare journeys.

Dr. Wolfman is an involved father of two daughters with his wife, Zhanna. He loves to entertain, listen to music, watch sports, and travel. You will often find him in the backyard honing his grilling skills on the smoker or wood-burning oven. He maintains an active lifestyle, prioritizing exercise and walking his dogs (including his 5th Afghan Hound!) multiple times a day. Open and friendly, Dr. Wolfman is happy to trade personal experiences in the exam room as he learns more about a patient’s family, home, stresses, and lifestyle in developing a two-way, collaborative relationship. Patients are always amazed at some of the advice they get during their visits, such as how best to kill a wasp nest or fix their various household items.

Dr. Wolfman graduated from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine – Midwestern University and completed his residency at Lutheran General Hospital. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and is a Certified Medical Technologist. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership roles in various healthcare settings such as private practice, hospitals, and nursing homes. Additionally, he is currently on staff at NorthShore University Health System, Advocate Lutheran General, and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

Lane Phillips, M.D.

Dr. Phillips is thrilled to be joining Forward Focus Concierge Medicine and to begin creating long-lasting, close relationships with patients. Primary care is where her heart is, and she values the opportunity to provide excellent diagnostic and clinical medical care alongside emotional support and compassion. Warm and extroverted, Dr. Phillips enjoys talking to patients and taking the time to understand what matters most to them, exploring the full spectrum of issues that can impact physical health and wellness.

Board-certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Phillips works with all adult patients and has extensive training in women’s health, including peri- and postmenopausal care, hormonal issues, birth control, and women’s wellness. When complex medical issues occur, she views herself as an interpreter and guide, making sure that patients clearly understand their options and serving as a conduit to expert medical specialists when the need arises.  Her passion for medicine comes from a love of science and a love of people, and she is thankful for a career that is intellectually and emotionally stimulating.

As someone who has struggled personally with anxiety, Dr. Phillips has a special interest in mental health and the interplay between emotions and physical health. She encourages patients to develop healthy coping skills to manage their own stress, working with patients to identify activities and lifestyle changes that might be beneficial. When appropriate, she offers resources and referrals for therapy and psychiatric care. Wellness and preventive health are an important part of her care strategy. Her philosophy of ‘body positivity’ empowers patients to feel good about their bodies and to feel comfortable in raising any concerns without embarrassment.

Raised in New York City, Dr. Phillips has grown to appreciate the friendliness of the Midwest, which matches her down-to-earth personality. In her spare time, she finds pleasure in gardening, working out, and listening to music. She encourages her patients to also find healthy routines that fit within their lifestyle and that they enjoy. Her two cats keep her entertained, and you can often find her in the kitchen preparing meals for friends and family. She finds a healthy sense of humor integral to a happy life and enjoys sharing a laugh with her patients.

Dr. Phillips (previously known as Lane Phillips Gillenwater) received her medical degree from Albany Medical College and completed her residency at Northwestern McGaw Family Medicine at Lake Forest Hospital, where she served as chief resident. At Lake Forest Hospital, she recently served as the medical director of Transitional Care Management, where she facilitated post-hospital follow-up for medically complex patients. She also spent several years as a hospitalist and primary care physician, managing the care of both inpatients and outpatients with various acuities, conditions, and backgrounds. Prior to becoming a physician, she managed the cancer genetics lab at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Phillips has admitting privileges at Highland Park and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospitals.

Michael B. Kraft, M.D.

Dr. Michael Kraft is excited to join Forward Focus Concierge Medicine, where he can provide thoughtful, highly personalized medical care and develop long-term, close relationships with patients. In seven years with Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Kraft developed a reputation for being thorough, kind, and empathetic, with excellent diagnostic skills. A creative problem solver, he values having the time to dig deeper and understand what truly matters to each patient. Working together, they create a care plan tailored to the patient’s wellness goals that fits within their everyday life.

Dr. Kraft is passionate about partnering with patients to manage chronic conditions through a personalized, evidence-based approach. When more serious medical concerns arise, he provides clear explanations and guidance on translating test results and recommendations from specialists so patients can feel confident in understanding their options and making informed decisions. He interacts closely with other providers to ensure that each patient is receiving optimal care.

With a strong focus on lifestyle medicine, integrative therapies, and thoughtful medication management, Dr. Kraft empowers individuals to take control of their health and achieve lasting well-being. He incorporates elements of nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management to enhance overall wellness. He’s also deeply interested in technology and healthcare innovation, staying up to date on the latest health and wellness technology, including wearables like Garmin or Apple Watches that track fitness, heart rate, and sleep. He helps patients make sense of their health data to drive meaningful improvements.

Personable, easygoing, and engaging, Dr. Kraft practices what he preaches and shares personal experiences with his patients, whether swapping healthy recipes, discussing fitness plans, or sharing cute stories about his very spoiled Cavapoo, Luna.  He lives on the North Shore with his wife, and you can often find them experimenting in the kitchen with homemade pizza concoctions or roasting their own coffee. An exercise buff himself, Dr. Kraft enjoys running, biking in the Skokie Lagoon, and exploring the outdoors. His myriad of hobbies also includes 3D printing and playing a variety of board games.   

An Illinois native, Dr. Kraft earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan and his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame. He completed his residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (Lake Forest), where he also served as Chief Resident. He holds hospital privileges at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Highland Park Hospital and was a Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Kraft is honored to build lasting relationships with his patients at Forward Focus, bringing a compassionate approach to healthcare and supporting patients throughout their lives in becoming their healthiest selves.

Patient Care Team

Nancy Beidleman Nancy Beidleman Practice Manager

Nancy Beidleman
Practice Manager

Nancy Beidleman has an extensive background in healthcare office administration in the Chiropractic and Veterinary healthcare settings. She is well-prepared to assist with the communication and coordination of your care. She studied Biology at Loyola University of Chicago and has always been interested in all things relating to personal health. She owned and operated a family restaurant for 22 years and has a passion for customer service and the culinary arts. In her free time, she enjoys learning new culinary techniques and spending time with her family and pets.

Mai Lu Mai Lu BSN, Registered Nurse

Mai Lu
BSN, Registered Nurse

Mai Lu is an avid learner and team player who brings over 6 years of healthcare experience to the Forward Focus - Northfield family, working most recently in Family Medicine. She is committed to providing individualized, quality healthcare and patient advocacy. Her warm personality allows her to create a comfortable and trusting atmosphere for patients and their loved ones in hopes of building close, long-lasting relationships with them. On her days off, she enjoys spending time with family/friends, taking her dog and 2 cats out to picnics when possible, doing some calligraphy/watercolor, traveling, etc.

Stephanie Hvostik Stephanie Hvostik BSN, Registered Nurse

Stephanie Hvostik
BSN, Registered Nurse

Stephanie Hvostik brings many years of nursing experience to Forward Focus, having worked in different areas such as the ICU, GI Lab, etc. She is an empathetic person with good attention to detail, which will be helpful to our patients. She enjoys playing pickleball, going to concerts, and traveling with family and friends. She has three children in college.

Renee Gagerman Renee Gagerman Patient Services

Renee Gagerman
Patient Services

Renee is excited to be joining our practice, where patients’ health needs take top priority. Her welcoming and nurturing presence makes her a great addition to our team. She brings many years of experience working in a specialist medical office, which has prepared her well to meet the needs of our patients. She is committed to taking the extra time with patients to make sure their questions are answered in an efficient & caring manner. In her free time, she enjoys running, cycling, hanging out with friends on her balcony, watching the sunset, and discovering neighborhood eateries with her kids.

Michelle Williams, Patient Services Michelle Williams Patient Services

Michelle Williams
Patient Services

Michelle has a strong background in healthcare, having worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in both nursing homes and doctors' offices. She also has 8 years of experience in clinical and patient care settings, as well as leadership experience from her time as an assistant manager at a medical practice. Helping people is truly her passion. She loves creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients, making sure they feel comfortable and well cared for. Patient care is always her top priority, and she strives to go above and beyond to ensure every patient has a positive experience. She has an outgoing personality and enjoys building relationships with both patients and colleagues. Outside of work, she loves cooking, yoga, and spending quality time with her family.