Dr. Deneb Bates, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in cognitive vitality who provides a holistic approach to the care of people living with Multiple Sclerosis. She specializes in natural treatment options for improving wellness, such as nutrition and botanical medicine, and believes in empowering patients to take positive actions for their own health and wellbeing. Dr. Bates received a Bachelor of Science from The Evergreen State College in biochemistry and ethnobotany, and received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, the premier medical school offering a four-year naturopathic medical education.  
 
She has additional post-graduate training in women's health, midwifery, allergy, and immunology. With her background and training as an ethnobotanist, physician-scientist, and chef, Dr. Bates strongly believes in a comprehensive approach to health that includes using “food as medicine.

Stavra Romas, MD, BCBA is a board-certified neurologist and behavior analyst specializing in the evaluation and treatment of cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis. She serves as the Cognitive Division DIrector at IMSMP. Dr. Romas holds a BA from Princeton University, attended medical school at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and earned her BCBA certificate at Penn State University. She completed a behavioral neurology fellowship at Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, CPMC, where she also served as an assistant professor of clinical neurology.  
 
After working with Dr. Sadiq from 2002-2010, Dr. Romas worked at a school affiliated with Columbia Teacher’s college to study behavioral treatment for children with autism. She returned to IMSMP in 2023 to help MS patients understand and navigate cognitive changes. Her current work combines neuropsychological testing and medical best practices to make nervous system diseases more manageable.

Yadira LaMazza, BA, MSW, recently celebrated her 20th year at the International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice, where she is the Director of Social Work Services. Yadira received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Manhattan College with a concentration in Sociology, and a Master’s in Social Work with a clinical concentration from Fordham University.  
 
Yadira initiated the Center’s first women’s MS support group in 2006, and it has been successfully running for 18 years! She also leads the newly diagnosed and gay men's support groups, and specializes in providing counseling and guidance related to all aspects of living with MS.

James McKee, RN began his career in nursing as an oncology nurse with a specialty in chemotherapy administration. After 20 years as an oncology nurse, James transitioned his IV expertise to managing and treating patients with multiple sclerosis.  
 
James has been a committed Nurse Manager of the infusion suite at the IMSMP for 15 years and continually provides excellent patient care, as does his team of highly credentialed infusion nurses. 

Whitney Pope, RN joined the IMSMP team in 2014. She holds a BSN from SUNY Downstate and is also certified as a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse (MSCN). 
 
Whitney leads a team of nine registered nurses who provide detailed and nuanced care for people with MS. She has experience presenting at large MS conferences, and specializes in compassionate patient education.

Jaclyn Spechler OTR/L is the occupational therapist and Senior Manager for Rehabilitation Services at the IMSMP. She holds a BA in Psychology from Bucknell University and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Jaclyn started her occupational therapy journey at an inpatient psychiatric unit and then moved on to geriatric and neurologic care at a skilled nursing facility before coming to the IMSMP. Jaclyn is certified as an assistive technology practitioner (ATP) as well as a certified neuro specialist (CNS). 

Jaclyn is passionate about helping her patients achieve their optimal potential when it comes to performing everyday functions as independently as possible!

Julia Roe, RD is a registered dietitian/CPT specializing in multiple sclerosis management. She completed her Masters degree in Dietetics at New York University, and joined IMSMP in April 2023. 

She strives to provide compassionate, evidence-based nutrition education to patients with an emphasis on integrating all aspects that influence health to serve patients as whole and nuanced individuals. 

Carina Sobel PT, DPT works in the Rehabilitation Department at the IMSMP as a physical therapist. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Ithaca College and has since built a diverse clinical background. She has experience in outpatient orthopedics, geriatric care in a skilled nursing facility and specialized neurological and MS-focused rehabilitation.

Carina enjoys her work as a physical therapist and finds it deeply rewarding to help patients regain autonomy and actively participate in life on their own terms.

Sareena Sathe PT, DPT is a physical therapist in the Rehabilitation Department at the IMSMP. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Sareena has experience in outpatient orthopedics where she helped patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics recover from injuries. She is passionate about professional development and earned the title of Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT). She has also done extensive coursework in vestibular rehabilitation. 

Sareena enjoys empowering patients to regain confidence in their mobility and find joy through movement.