Headshot of Dr. Angela Crowley, Founder of Willow Rheumatology.

Angela Crowley, MD

founder of Willow Rheumatology and Wellness

I believe in truly listening to my patients, working collaboratively to find the right answers, and never giving up until we achieve the best possible outcomes. I strive to treat each individual with the same compassion and respect I would want for myself or a loved one.

Through my dedication to research and active involvement in the rheumatology community, I stay at the forefront of innovative treatments. At the same time, I recognize the value of alternative therapies and embrace a holistic approach to wellness.

At Willow Rheumatology and Wellness, our goal is to provide a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and supported throughout your healthcare journey. We are committed to providing you with a personalized, efficient, and empowering experience.

“I believe in truly listening to my patients, working collaboratively to find the right answers… ”

and never giving up until we achieve the best possible outcomes. I strive to treat each individual with the same compassion and respect I would want for myself or a loved one.


— DR. ANGELA CROWLEY

More about Dr. Crowley

Headshot of Dr. Angela Crowley, Founder of Willow Rheumatology.
  • MD

    • Texas A&M University College of Medicine

    • Internal Medicine Residency at University of Utah

    • Fellowship in Rheumatology at University of Virginia

    • Additional Training in Rheumatology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand

    • Chair of the Illinois Chapter of the Association of Women in Rheumatology

    • Serves on the Association of Women in Rheumatology Advocacy Committee

    • Serves on the American College of Rheumatology State Council

  • Adjunct Faculty for the LaGrange Family Practice Residency

  • Dr. Crowley loves traveling and spending time with her family!

    • A. Crowley, L. Siegel, H. Jones, D. Webster, E. Moon, T. He, L. Yang, J. Curtis, Bend Ease: A Novel App-Based Digital Measurement Tool for Assessing At-Home Morning Stiffness and Spinal Range of Motion in Axial Spondyloarthritis. Abstract, European League Against Rheumatism, Vienna Austria 2024

    • Crowley AR, et al., The Impact of Baseline BMI and Physical Activity on Upadacitinib Treatment Response: A Post hoc Analysis of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis from the SELECT-AXIS 2 study.  Poster: American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2023

    • Tubb AR, Liokis E, Alford B, Kimpel DL. Catching a break. The American Journal of Medicine. 121(5):357-456, 2008.

    • Crowley AR, Dong J, Clarke A, McHaffie A, Reeves Q, Williams M, Robinson E, Dalbeth N, McQueen, F. Measuring bone erosion and edema in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparison of manual segmentation and RAMRIS methods. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 33(2):364-71, Feb 2011. Peer Review: Ad hoc reviewer for: Journal of Rheumatology

    • June 2024, Principal Investigator, UCB PA0016: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, risankizumab-controlled, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in adult study participants with active psoriatic arthritis

    • April 2024, Principal Investigator, Novartis CAIN457E22101: An open-label, multicenter study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of intravenous secukinumab infusion in adults with giant cell arteritis (GCA) or polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

    • April 2024, Principal Investigator, Novartis CVAY736F12302: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter phase 3 study to evaluate efficacy, safety and tolerability of ianalumab on top of standard-of-care therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SIRIUS-SLE 2)

    • April 2024, Principal Investigator, Horizon HZNP-KRY-409: A Phase 4, Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter Non-inferiority Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) Administered Every 4 Weeks Compared with KRYSTEXXA Administered Every 2 Weeks with Co-administration of Weekly Doses of Methotrexate, Followed by an Open-label Extension, in Participants with Uncontrolled Refractory Gout (FORWARD II)

    • April 2024, Principal Investigator, Novartis CAIN457012302: A randomized, parallel-group, 24 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase 3 study to assess the efficacy and safety of secukinumab compared to placebo in adult patients with active rotator cuff tendinopathy

    • April 2024, Principal Investigator, Acelyrin 23110: A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Izokibep in Subjects with Active Psoriatic Arthritis

    • April 2024, Principal Investigator, GSK 219240: A Phase 4, multicenter, prospective, open-label study describing the efficacy and safety of belimumab administered subcutaneously in adult participants with early systemic lupus erythematosus

    • September 2023, Principal Investigator, Aqtual PRIMA 102: Prospective, Multi-Center, Observational, Whole Blood Specimen Collection Study in Participants with Rheumatoid Arthritis with inadequate response or intolerance to bDMARD or tsDMARD +/- csDMARD Changing Treatment to a bDMARD or tsDMARD Treatment +/- csDMARD)

    • June 2023, Principal Investigator, AbbVie M23-699: A Phase 3 Program to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Subjects with Moderately to Severely Active SLE (SELECT-SLE), 

    • June 2023, Principal Investigator, AbbVie M23-700: A Phase 3b/4 Randomized, Double-Blind, Double Dummy, Active Comparator-Controlled Study, Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib Versus Adalimumab in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis on a Stable Background of MTX and who had an Inadequate Response or Intolerance to a Single TNF Inhibitor (SELECT- SWITCH), 

    • May 2023, Principal Investigator, Setpoint RESET-RA SPM-020: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Using the SetPoint System for Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis: The RESET-RA Study

    • April 2023, Principal Investigator, Acelyrin 22014: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Phase 2b/3Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Izokibep in Subjects with Active Psoriatic Arthritis,

    • November 2022, Principal Investigator, Eli Lilly J1A-MC-KDAF: A Phase 2b, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate Peresolimab in Adult Participants with Moderately-to Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • February 2022, Principal Investigator, Janssen CNTO1959PSA4002: A Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Guselkumab Administered Subcutaneously in Bio-naive Participants with Active Psoriatic Arthritis Axial Disease, (STAR) 

    • May 2021, Principal Investigator, Amgen CC-10004-PSA-013: A Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Apremilast in Subjects With Early, Oligoarticular, Moderately Active Psoriatic Arthritis Despite Initial Stable Treatment with Either NSAIDs or <1 Conventional Synthetic DMARD, (FOREMOST) 

    • May 2021, Principal Investigator, CORRONA BIO-100 Biorepository

    • March 2021, Principal Investigator, Sun Pharma TILD-19-07: A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Demonstrate the Efficacy and Safety of tildrakizumab in Anti-TNF Experienced Subjects with Active Psoriatic Arthritis I (INSPIRE I)

    • July 2020, Principal Investigator, Eli Lilly I4V-MC-JAJD: A Randomized, Controlled Pragmatic Phase 3b/4 Study of Baricitinib in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA-Branch)

    • April 2020, Principal Investigator, CORRONA RA-100 POWER: Patient Outcomes: Real World Evidence in Rheumatoid Arthritis (POWER), (patient experience with JAK inhibitors) 

    • October 2019, Principal Investigator, AbbVie M16-011: A Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Study Comparing Risankizumab to Placebo in Subjects with Active Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Who Have a History of Inadequate Response to or Intolerance to at Least One Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug Therapy (DMARD) (KEEPsAKE1) 

    • October 2019, Principal Investigator, AbbVie M19-130: A Study to Investigate the Safety and Efficacy of ABBV-105 and Upadacitinib Given Alone or in Combination in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLEek), 

    • April 2019, Principal Investigator, CorEvitas PSA/SpA: CorEvitas Psoriatic and Spondyloarthritis registry

    • April 2019, Principal Investigator, CorEvitas RA: Consortium of Rheumatology Research in North America

Philosophy of Care

As a rheumatologist, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges individuals face when living with autoimmune diseases. The complexities of the healthcare system, coupled with the physical and emotional toll of chronic illness, can make the journey to wellness feel overwhelming. That's why I founded Willow Rheumatology and Wellness – to provide a different kind of care experience.

I believe in a patient-centered approach that prioritizes compassion, efficiency, and innovation. I'm dedicated to listening deeply to your concerns, exploring all possible avenues for diagnosis and treatment, and never giving up until we find the right answers for you. I believe in treating the "whole person," not just the disease, and am committed to supporting you in all aspects of your health journey.

Above all, I believe in treating every patient with the same kindness, respect, and dedication that I would expect for myself. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take control of your health.

At Willow Rheumatology and Wellness, we offer you a partnership built on trust, a commitment to your well-being, and a path towards a fulfilling life, even in the face of chronic illness.

Meet Our Team

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Meet Our Team ·

Headshot of Huyen Rago, Nurse Practitioner of Willow Rheaumatology.

Huyen Rago, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner

  • Huyen earned her Undergraduate Degree in Health Science at Benedictine University followed by a second Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University.

    She worked several years as a registered nurse, specializing in physiatry, cardiology, neurology, and intermediate intensive care before returning to school to study for an advanced degree. She completed a Master's Degree in Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University and is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

    Huyen lives in Wheaton with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and cooking

Headshot of Vanessa Cloud, Nurse Practitioner of WIllow Rheumatology

Vanessa C., DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner

  • Vanessa earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rush University.

    She previously worked as a bedside nurse in the surgical ICU and served as a clinical instructor at Rush University Medical Center before joining Dr. Crowley in 2021.

    Vanessa lives in the western suburbs with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and working out.

An aged couple performing yoga on the park.