Our Staff
At Foot & Ankle Specialist, we take immense pride in our dedicated team of professionals, each a specialist in their own right, committed to providing exceptional podiatric care. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, our doctors bring a deep understanding of the complexities of foot and ankle health, ensuring that every patient receives tailored treatment designed to meet their unique needs.
Together, we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where healing and expertise go hand in hand, and we are honored to have such talented individuals as part of our clinic family.
Meet Our Staff
Dr. Aaron Raestas – Owner
Dr. Raestas earned his doctorate in podiatric medicine from Rosalind Franklin University, here in Chicago. He then completed his residency training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey, where he received extensive training in forefoot surgery, rearfoot/ankle reconstruction, and limb salvage. Dr. Raestas is also trained in advanced wound care therapies and certified in total ankle replacement surgery.
Dr. Raestas is currently on staff at Thorek Memorial Hospital, where he performs surgery and is involved in both outpatient and inpatient care.
Dr. Sahjar Eljaua Velez – Associate
Dr. Eljaua Velez earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She completed her residency at Corewell Health in Wayne, Michigan, where her training emphasized trauma, limb salvage, reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery, and elective procedures—including bunions and hammertoe corrections.
She manages a wide range of clinical podiatric conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, flatfoot deformities, neuromas, ingrown toenails, orthotic management and diabetic foot complications. In addition, her surgical expertise includes tendon and ligament repair, flatfoot reconstruction, ankle arthroscopy, diabetic wound care, fracture management, and a variety of forefoot and rearfoot procedures. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive and individualized care to patients of all ages.
Her recent publication includes: Eljaua, S., & Fallat, L. (2023). The Maisonneuve fracture associated with a Weber B fracture. International Foot & Ankle Foundation Journal. https://internationalfootankle.org/journal/index.php/JIFAF/article/view/71/62
Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Eljaua Velez is fluent in both Spanish and English. She currently sees patients at the Chicago Southloop and Garfield Ridge offices as well as the Mundelein office.
Dr. Edward Schulz – Founder of Mundelein Foot and Ankle Center
EDUCATION: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
HONORS: Member of Durlacher Honor Society Graduated Cum Laude
RESIDENCY TRAINING: First year surgical residency Harrison Community Hospital, Mount Clemens, Michigan 48045; 07/01/84 – 06/30/85. Second year surgical residency, surgical reconstruction of the foot and ankle, Harrison Community Hospital, Mount Clemens, Michigan 48045; 07/01/85 – 06/30/86
BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Podiatric Surgery
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association, Illinois Podiatric Medical Association
PUBLICATIONS: Inversion Lateral Ankle Trauma, Differential Diagnosis, Review of the Literature and Prospective Study, Journal of Foot Surgery, May, 1987
HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, 660 North Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL. 60045
Our Mission Is to Provide a Professional & Honest Approach to Health Care
