The administrative staff is comprised of the following individuals and functions:
Laurie E. Scudder is a practicing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She provides management oversights of CMSC’s CE Program working closely with the CE Managers and Consultants. Laurie is a clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing and Health Science at George Washington University, having formerly taught at the University of Maryland and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Laurie has served as chairperson of numerous national and regional joint medical and nursing conferences. She is on the editorial board of the Journal for Nurse Practitioners and has held previous editorial positions as contributing editor to Medscape Nurses and as an editorial board member of the Nurse Practitioner Journal.
Tina Trott serves as the Director of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), where she is dedicated to enhancing care and advancing research for individuals affected by multiple sclerosis. With a solid background in event planning and continuing medical education, Tina spearheads initiatives that foster collaboration among healthcare professionals and broaden educational opportunities in the field. Her leadership not only strengthens the community but also drives innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and support ongoing learning in MS care.
Tina began her career as an executive assistant in 2000 with CMSC, where she diligently supported June Halper, CEO, and a small team of four. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to adapt to various challenges allowed her to make significant contributions during those early years. Through hard work and a dedication to professional growth, Tina has now risen to the position of director, where she leads with confidence and vision, inspiring her growing team to achieve their best.
Under her guidance, CMSC has developed innovative programs and events that not only educate but also empower healthcare providers, significantly raising awareness and support for MS care and research. Tina played a vital role in achieving Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education, ensuring that the organization meets the highest standards in delivering quality educational experiences. Her leadership has fostered a collaborative environment that prioritizes professional development and enhances the overall quality of care for patients.
Nurse Practitioner Alternatives
Ellicott City, MD
The CE Committee plans, oversees, and evaluates all educational activities that are conducted by the CMSC throughout the year. As an ACCME-accredited provider of continuing medical education for physicians and co-provider for continuing nursing and pharmacy education, this interprofessional committee ensures adherence to the rules and regulations of ACCME, ANCC, and ACPE, and includes the following functions:
Dr. Ford is Professor of Neurology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he serves as Director of the MS Specialty Clinic, Assistant Dean for Research, and Medical Director of the Pharmacy Department. Corey is a past president of the CMSC, oversees the CE Committee, and frequently serves as faculty during the annual meeting, CMSC regional meetings, and web based programs.
Dr. Bainbridge serves as a Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Department of Neurology in the School of Medicine. Dr. Bainbridge is a frequent lecturer on topics of neurological and pharmacological interest including multiple sclerosis.
Ms. Bobryk received her physical therapy degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and her master’s degree in neuro-dysfunction from the University of Florida. She was an integral member of the team that established the Orlando Health MS Comprehensive Care Center in Orlando, FL where she provided rehab services for persons living with MS for over 25 years. Currently, she cares for individuals with neurological conditions at Yampa Valley Medical Center, a part of UCHealth in Steamboat Springs, CO. She has been an MS Certified Specialist (MSCS) since 2004, as well as an Assistive Technology Professional, assisting individuals obtain complex rehab technology. Patty’s service to the MS community includes Co-Chair of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists, a member of the National MS Society’s (NMSS) Healthcare Provider Council Mountain West, past Treasurer for the Executive Committee of the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC) and past member of the NMSS Medical Advisory Committee. She received the “ARTY” award for excellence in MS rehabilitation care from the CMSC in 2018, as well as the distinction as a Giant of Multiple Sclerosis in Rehabilitation in 2023.
Dr. Foley is Professor of Psychology at Yeshiva University, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and Director of Neuropsychology & Psychosocial Research at Holy Name Medical Center MS Center. Dr. Foley is Co- Chair of the MS/MHP. He also frequently serves as faculty for CMSC programming.
Dr. Miller is a member of the Professional Staff at the Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research and is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Miller oversees the development of educational programs related to mental health in MS patients and their families, and reviews and approves sessions for which social work credit is offered.
Ms. Ross is a board-certified neuroscience nurse and the Neuroscience Program Coordinator at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL. She is a Past President of the IOMSN and has been an invited speaker at national and international meetings and conferences and has been very active in neuroscience clinical research for over 20 years. She is Co-Chair of the CMSC Abstract Review Committee.
Ms. Carrasco graduated from The College of Charleston in 1993 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She continued her education earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at The Medical University of South Carolina in 1995. Her professional experience prior to joining Orlando Health’s Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center (MSCCC) in 2007, included inpatient and outpatient experience at Orlando Health’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center (BIRC). At BIRC, she gained extensive knowledge in evaluation and treatment of neurologically impaired individuals including a focus on cognitive rehabilitation. She began practicing at Orlando Health MS Center in August of 2007 and earned her MS Certified Specialist shortly after joining. She is active in the MS community through speaking engagements educating healthcare professionals and clients. She is a member of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists and has served as faculty many times at the CMSC since 2012.
Dr. Hersh joined the faculty at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in August 2015 where she also serves as Assistant Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and directs the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Health and Wellness Program at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. She completed a neuroimmunology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research through a National MS Society Sylvia Lawry Award. She also earned a master’s degree in clinical research through the Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP) at Case Western Reserve University. She completed her adult neurology residency training at Cleveland Clinic and graduated medical school with honors from Nova Southeastern University-College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her BS degree in microbiology and neurobiology at University of Florida, graduating summa cum laude, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
A patient advocate and proponent of shared decision making, Dr. Hersh specializes in MS and related neuroimmunological disorders. She is particularly interested in real-world evidence, outcomes-based research and comparative effectiveness studies. She serves as the principal investigator of multiple investigator-initiated studies and clinical trials investigating the effects of disease modifying therapies and wellness interventions on clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes. She is the lead investigator of the Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions program at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and serves on the study steering committee for the PCORI-funded DELIVER-MS clinical trial. Dr. Hersh is a frequent lecturer on multiple sclerosis and related disorders topics at national and international meetings and has authored more than 100 publications, including peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, invited reviews, editorials, abstracts, and book chapters. Currently, she is Chair of the Healthcare Advisory Council for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Chair of the National MS Society’s regional Healthcare Provider Council, serves on the Board of Governors of the Consortium of MS Centers as President Elect and Co-Chair of the Abstract Review Committee, and serves on numerous steering committees, expert panels, and advisory boards in her field of expertise.
Mr. Kramer works as a certified physician assistant at the Vanderbilt MS Center. He has worked in the field of neuroimmunology for the past 22 years. Caring for neurological patients is a true passion of his, and he has participated in dozens of clinical research trials, published in several neurology journals, and has presented at national conferences. He is the co-director of the IV infusion clinic at the Vanderbilt MS Center.
Ms. Layton has been working with MS patients since 1987. She joined UAB in 1978 and in 1987 began working with the Multiple Sclerosis population at the Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama. With a chief research interest in the treatment of MS, she served as the coordinator on numerous therapeutic clinical drug trials. She retired from UAB in 2014 and continues to work as a Multiple Sclerosis Nurse Consultant. She has a Volunteer position at the UAB MS Center where she is a mentor in the nurses’ role in management of patients with MS. Ms. Layton is a certified clinical research coordinator (CCRC) as well as a multiple sclerosis certified nurse (MSCN). Ms. Layton is a member of a number of professional societies and organizations, including the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and the International Organization of MS Nurses. Ms. Layton has been a member of the IOMSN since 1998, previously served as Secretary and Treasurer, and continues to serve on several committees. She has served on the Healthcare Advisory Committee for the NMSS Alabama/Mississippi Chapter and remains active with that Chapter.
Dr. Lee-Wilk is the Program Manager of Neuropsychology at the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is the primary neuropsychology liaison at the VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence-East and serves as co-chair of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Mental Health Providers Special Interest Group. Dr. Lee-Wilk received her doctoral degree from the University of Maryland College Park in clinical psychology and her undergraduate degree from UCLA.
Ms. Pagnotta works at Neurology Associates and the MS Center of Greater Orlando. Patricia received her MSN at University of Maryland and completed certificate for NP at University of Central Florida. She actively participates in the care of MS patients to include research for which she has been a PI and Sub PI. She has been published in Multiple Sclerosis, lectured throughout the United States to both Peers and Patients, actively participates in the IOMSN and is currently the Secretary and Regional Membership Liaison.
Dr. Titcomb is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Dietetics and Nutrition and Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he studies the relationship between diet and diet-related comorbidities with neurodegenerative conditions including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’ disease and related dementias.
Dr. Wallin is the Director of the VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence based at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland. His research and writing have focused on MS, neuroepidemiology, and neuroinfections. Through funding from the National MS Society, VA Merit Review system and NIH, he has used large population cohorts to address clinical and epidemiological problems and has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He is active in seeing patients and teaching neurology to medical students and residents and holds academic appointments as Associate Professor of Neurology at George Washington University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Wallin chairs the US MS Prevalence Project funded by the National MS Society and serves as a neurology consultant to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study Group funded by the Gates Foundation.
Dr. Wilken received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at Georgetown University Medical Center and the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC. He is Assistant Professor of Neurology at Georgetown University Medical Center and a co-founder of Neuropsychology Associative of Fairfax (where he is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Director of Research). He is also the Executive Director of Washington Neuropsychology Research Group. He serves as President of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, and he is on the Clinical Advisory Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For over 15 years, Dr. Wilken has been conducting research studies involving the impact of disease modifying agents and adjunctive medications on cognitive functioning in people with MS. He also conducts research validating computerized testing and screening batteries for use in the neurologist’s office. He presents his research at scientific conferences worldwide, has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and lectures on MS (to physicians and MS patients) both domestically and internationally. At his practice, Dr. Wilken specializes in the neuropsychological assessment of MS patients. He works closely with many of the MS specialty clinics/programs in the Washington, DC area.