A COMMUNITY in which all people achieve MAXIMAL BRAIN HEALTH POTENTIAL

Joy Dejong-lago, phd

Dr. DeJong-Lago is a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, as well as other neurologically and psychiatrically-based conditions, which impact cognitive functioning in adults.

Dr DeJong-Lago completed her PhD in Psychology at the Fuller Graduate School with degrees in Theology and Psychology.

Dr DeJong-Lago provides patient care at the University of Colorado Health System, Neurology in Fort Collins, CO. As a board member of our organization, Dr DeJong-Lago has been instrumental in the development of educational programs for the MS Brain Health Program.

Sara SChaefer, np

I provide a holistic and patient-centered approach to care, addressing the patient’s overall neurological and physical well-being. I rely on evidence-based medical care to guide myself and the patient to their optimum level of health.I chose this profession because Neurology is a fascinating ever-changing field of medicine. Multiple Sclerosis is disease filled with many new and advancing treatments giving hope for better long term outcomes for patients. That is both exciting and challenging.

Debby Gavato

Debby Gavato is the Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Fort Collins, CO. She oversees the religious formation and education for children from preschool through high school. Her responsibilities include overseeing curriculum, recruiting and training catechists, leading retreats, and supporting community service and social events. Prior to working for the Church, Debby worked for the National MS Society as a development specialist in Northern Colorado. Her primary responsibility was to build relationships and teams to support Bike MS and Walk MS, two of the largest fundraising events of the society. Debby also helped bring awareness of MS to the community through involvement in various city Chambers of Commerce, built volunteer event committees and established a community board of directors. Debby’s diverse background includes work as a CPA with Ernst and Young and other smaller public accounting firms, health club sales and wellness manager, certifications in personal training and group fitness, and director of many event committees over the years. Her life is centered around her deep faith in God, her husband of 31 years and three beautiful children and their new spouses.

shannon hake

Shannon was diagnosed with MS in 2001. She is very involved with patient groups in Northern Colorado, finding it important to maintain a connection with others who also have MS. She was instrumental in the development of the Brain Health Program from the early stages. She enjoyed her career working with people who have developmental disabilities until she could no longer manage full time. Now, when she is able, she creates large metal sculptures in her shop.  

AUGUSTO MIRAVALLE, MD FAAN

Dr. Miravalle is the Chief of the MS and Neuroimmunology Division and Associate Professor of Neurology at Rush University, Chicago. Dr. Miravalle is a board-certified neurologist who sub-specializes in Multiple Sclerosis.

Dr. Miravalle received his Medical Degree from the University of La Plata, Argentina.  He completed his Neurology Residency training at Loyola University, Chicago where he served as Chief Resident of Education.  He subsequently completed a Neuroimmunology Fellowship at Harvard University in Boston and a Fellowship in Medical Education at the University of Rochester, New York. Dr. Miravalle is the recipient of the 2012 American Neurological Association Medical Education Fellowship Award, 2015 American Academy of Neurology Research in Education Award, and 2015 American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Faculty Education Innovation Award.

Dr. Miravalle has been involved in both clinical and science based research in the field of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology.  He is a member of many professional societies and advisory boards.  He is frequently invited as speaker at national and international meetings.  He has published numerous scientific articles and serves as a consultant to various scientific organizations.

Brett fling, phd

Dr. Fling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science and serves as the Director of the Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Laboratory at Colorado State University.

His research is designed to understand the contributions of the brain’s structural and functional neural networks to everyday movements.

Dr Fling’s laboratory utilizes a range of neuroimaging techniques including functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess neuroanatomy and neurophysiologic function.

CAROL BARCLAY, PT

Carol Barclay, is a Physical Therapist and owner of Advanced Spine Physical Therapy. Carol completed training as a Physiotherapist in Aberdeen, Scotland in Feb 1971 receiving best student award of her graduating year.

Carol returned to South Africa, her homeland and worked for 2 years treating conditions varying from postoperative rehabilitation following general surgeries, organ transplants and following open heart and lung surgeries as well as general orthopaedic and neurological conditions including Parkinson’s Disease, MS and Stroke patients.

Carol worked at numerous prestigious institutions including The London Hospital in Whitechapel and The Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital in Edinburgh. In 1975 on her return to South Africa, she presented a paper at the Jubilee celebrations of the South African Physiotherapy Association on the treatment of scoliosis. She founded her own physiotherapy practice, which she successfully operated until 1990. During that time, she presented a paper at the South African Medical Association, Orthopaedic Congress on rehabilitation of the shoulder. Carol was the first Physiotherapist to be invited to speak at this international congress.

Carol is the founder of Advanced Spine Physical Therapy and The Advanced Balance Institute.