About Helios Neurosurgery
Helios Neurosurgery is a Phoenix neurosurgical practice led by board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Michaela Lee, specializing in complex spine, cerebrovascular, and skull base surgery.
Collaborative Continuity
Team and Administration
At Helios Neurosurgery, true clinical coherence comes from an exceptional team working in seamless alignment. Advanced neurosurgical care is a continuous journey that begins long before you enter the operating room and extends well past your recovery. To deliver a patient experience rooted in calm command and basic human decency, our clinical and administrative operations must be as precise and dependable as our surgical interventions.
We match Dr. Michaela Lee’s technical breadth with an administrative approach that strips away typical healthcare friction. Our practice operates without the detached, bureaucratic coldness often found in traditional specialized clinics. Instead, our leadership team ensures that every scheduling coordinator, medical record transfer, and peer-to-peer referral intake is handled with efficiency, clarity, and genuine respect for your time. We are here to bring order to complex situations, transforming a stressful medical milestone into a structured, trusted path forward.
Meet Dr. Michaela Lee, Phoenix Neurosurgeon
Fellowship-Trained Spine and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon Dedicated to Precision, Partnership, and Patient-Centered Care.
Dr. Michaela Lee is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine, cerebrovascular, and skull base surgery. She completed her neurosurgical residency at The George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she also pursued an enfolded fellowship in complex spine surgery.
To further her expertise, Dr. Lee completed a prestigious Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Fellowship at the Barrow Neurological Institute under the direct mentorship of Dr. Peter Nakaji — one of the most widely respected authorities in neurosurgery. She also heavily utilizes minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques that explicitly support faster, smoother recovery timelines for her patients.
Dr. Lee founded Helios Neurosurgery on a clear principle: Be a good human while treating them. Her clinical philosophy trades performative drama for clear, quiet command, ensuring every patient and referring physician experiences unparalleled technical capability delivered with genuine respect and approachability.
Our Leadership and Administrative Partners
Haley Moore — Physician Assistant
An Arizona native, Haley grew up among the landscapes and close-knit communities of Northern Arizona. Her interest in the brain and spine took hold at the University of Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and discovered the work she wanted to do: helping patients understand their conditions and feel supported through recovery. She went on to Northern Arizona University for a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies, graduating summa cum laude and earning recognition as an AHEC scholar for her care of rural and underserved communities.
Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Haley works alongside Dr. Lee through the full course of surgical care — pre-operative evaluation, the operating room, and post-operative follow-up — and serves as a steady point of contact for patients navigating a complex diagnosis. She brings her neuroscience background directly to the bedside, with a focus on clear communication, restored function, and quality of life.
Outside the practice, Haley spends her time with family and friends, follows motorsports, Formula 1 especially, keeps up with new film releases, and seeks out the Valley’s cafes and restaurants. She’s happiest outdoors: hiking, traveling, and visiting National Parks whenever the chance comes.
Nancy Vargas – Office Administrator
Denessy Portillo — Clinical Assistant
Dennesy Portillo has had the great privilege of working in neurosurgery, helping guide patients through one of the most important times in their lives. This includes welcoming patients into the clinic and preparing them for surgery, coordinating referrals, and ensuring continuity of care.
Her priority is helping each individual feel heard, informed, and supported through clear communication, organization, and close collaboration with our providers. She strives to make every step of the surgical process as comfortable and seamless as possible.
Dennesy believes every patient deserves to feel confident in the care they receive, and she is honored to be part of their journey toward healing and improved quality of life.
Integrated Support for Providers and Families
If you need to verify administrative timelines, update patient files, or coordinate direct communication with our leadership team, please reach out to our office at (602) 456-4355.
For referring providers:
Refer a patient and our clinical team reviews the case promptly coordinating imaging, prioritizing by clinical urgency, and keeping you informed at every step of your patient's care. For urgent cases that need a direct peer-to-peer conversation, call our Phoenix office at (602) 456-4355 or fax your referral to (480) 463-5949
For patients:
If you're seeking an evaluation, a second opinion, or clarity after a diagnosis, request a consultation or give us a call here : 602-456-4355. We'll help you understand what you're facing and what comes next.
Contact Us
Request a Consultation
Mon - Thurs: 8:30AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 8:30AM–1:30PM
Sat - Sun: Closed