Meet Your Care Givers

Dr. Carmen Woods  Hollowell

Dr. Carmen Woods Hollowell grew up in Highland Park, IL. She attended Spelman College in Atlanta, GA for her undergraduate studies where she graduated with Honors. She received her Medical Degree from Meharry Medical School in Nashville, TN and did her Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rush-Presbyterian St. Lukes Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, where she received top Honors as a teacher and surgeon. 

Dr. Woods Hollowell is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Lake County Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, American Medical Association and the National Medical Association. She has publications in medical journals in laparoscopic surgery and heads hospital committees where she is now the Vice Chief of Staff for the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

Dr. Woods Hollowell is widely recognized as an expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice offers a wide range of services that address all phases of women’s health, from pre-reproductive care through the childbearing and post-menopausal years. 

Dr. Woods Hollowell is married to Dr. Courtney Hollowell who is the Chairman of the Division of Urology for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System. 

Dr. Carmen has 2 sons (CJ and Carson) and in her spare time she enjoys jewelry making, traveling, gourmet cooking, exercise, any and all things Formula 1. 

Dr. Brian J. Saliba

Dr. Brian Saliba received his medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, IL. He performed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he served as the Administrative Chief during his senior year.

Dr. Saliba received awards in Excellence in Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as, Excellence in Student Teaching. Dr. Saliba received his Undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He went on to obtain a Master of Arts in Medical Sciences at Loyola University Chicago. 

Dr. Saliba’s professional interests include minimally invasive gynecology surgery encompassing hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, along with taking care of patients throughout their pregnancy. 



Outside of work, Dr. Saliba enjoys playing golf, hockey, gardening, biking and cooking with his wife and children. Dr. Saliba is currently seeing patients at The Woods Women’s Group.

Sydney Jakcsy

Sydney graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Ml with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She then completed her Physician Assistant program and Master of Medical Science degree at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Sydney joined The Woods Women's Group in 2015.

Being part of the team at The Woods Women's Group is a great place for Sydney because it allows her to practice medicine and contribute to a group of people dedicated to providing the highest quality care for women. She loves being able to join with women and enhance their wellbeing through compassionate, gentle, and caring gynecologic and obstetric care.

Sydney and her husband have 3 children and a dog. On any given day you could find her with her family at kids activities, watching University of Michigan sports, or baking. She visits Michigan often and would love to talk to you about all of the awesome places you can see while there. Go Blue!

Sarah Coughlin

Sarah obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, followed by her Master of Science in Nursing at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Most recently, she completed her Nurse Practitioner Degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She is board certified as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.

Prior to joining the Woods Women’s Group, Sarah worked as a Nurse in both Labor & Delivery and Postpartum at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. Passionate about Women’s Health, Sarah prides herself on providing collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based care to all her patients. To Sarah, there is nothing more rewarding than creating a safe space for her patients to receive the highest quality care.

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Outside of the workplace, you can find Sarah on a walk with her French Bulldog, Olive, taking an Orange Theory fitness class, or planning her next travel adventure! Sarah recently got married and her and her Husband are on a mission to find the best pizza in the Chicagoland area. Please let her know if you have any recommendations! 

Shawnalee Shaw

Sophie earned her bachelor's degree from Amsterdam University College, a small

international liberal arts program in The Netherlands, where she developed a broad

foundation in the sciences and a global perspective on healthcare. She obtained her

master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Rosalind Franklin University in North

Chicago. She will soon be a Certified Lactation Consultant.



She strives to provide care tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring her patients feel

heard and valued throughout their healthcare journey. This approach aligns with the

goals that animate her work in women’s health, which are to empower women in their

healthcare decisions, reduce gendered health disparities, and advocating for her

patients' needs.

Sophie was born and raised in Colorado, and has lived in Amsterdam, Scotland, and

now Chicago. Being still somewhat new to the city, she tries to spend most weekends

exploring with her husband—enjoying the local theater scene, trying out new

restaurants, or joining a trivia night! She plays volleyball and loves to swim during the

Chicago summers