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Staff at the John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Meet Our Team


Our multispecialty team includes the following staff to support patients in their care: Administrative Coordinator, Outreach Education Coordinator, Physical Therapist, Recreation Therapist and Social Worker.


Tiffany Malone

Director
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Tiffany is the Director of the John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center and has been with the program since 2014. She oversees the development of program curriculum and facilitation of activities and education to promote cognitive, physical, social, and emotional wellness for people living with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. She has a Masters of Social Work and is an MS Specialist and has partnered with various MS organizations to provide education to people living with multiple sclerosis across the globe.

Tiffany Malone

Director
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Tiffany is the Director of the John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center and has been with the program since 2014. She oversees the development of program curriculum and facilitation of activities and education to promote cognitive, physical, social, and emotional wellness for people living with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. She has a Masters of Social Work and is an MS Specialist and has partnered with various MS organizations to provide education to people living with multiple sclerosis across the globe.


Brian Hutchinson

Program Manager
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Brian Hutchinson is the Program Manager of the John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center (MSAC) at Dignity Health Neurological Institute. Brian oversees outcomes measurement and the exercise components of the Center’s wellness programs, as well as advocacy efforts around day wellness programs for people living with MS.

Brian Hutchinson

Program Manager
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Brian Hutchinson is the Program Manager of the John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center (MSAC) at Dignity Health Neurological Institute. Brian oversees outcomes measurement and the exercise components of the Center’s wellness programs, as well as advocacy efforts around day wellness programs for people living with MS.


Lacey Sayre

Outreach Education Coordinator
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Lacey joined the MSAC staff in April 2017 as an Administrative Assistant, after previously volunteering in 2016. Over the years, she has had an opportunity for professional growth and is now the Outreach Education Coordinator. Within this role, Lacey facilitates the cognitive stimulation program, networks with medical professionals and builds relationships with community partners. She also manages the in-person and virtual education programs provided for the MS community. 

Lacey Sayre

Outreach Education Coordinator
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Lacey joined the MSAC staff in April 2017 as an Administrative Assistant, after previously volunteering in 2016. Over the years, she has had an opportunity for professional growth and is now the Outreach Education Coordinator. Within this role, Lacey facilitates the cognitive stimulation program, networks with medical professionals and builds relationships with community partners. She also manages the in-person and virtual education programs provided for the MS community. 


Susan Harcos

Certified Recreational Therapist
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Susan joined the MSAC staff in August 2021 as a Certified Recreational Therapist, after previously volunteering since 2018. In her role, she focuses on improving the mental health and physical well-being of individuals living with MS by using leisure activities as therapeutic tools. In addition to her work as a Recreational Therapist, Susan also assists in the gym with exercise routines and manages community integration opportunities for MSAC members.

Susan Harcos

Certified Recreational Therapist
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Susan joined the MSAC staff in August 2021 as a Certified Recreational Therapist, after previously volunteering since 2018. In her role, she focuses on improving the mental health and physical well-being of individuals living with MS by using leisure activities as therapeutic tools. In addition to her work as a Recreational Therapist, Susan also assists in the gym with exercise routines and manages community integration opportunities for MSAC members.


Nate Opiana

Exercise Specialist
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Nate joined MSAC in 2025 as the Administrative Coordinator. He has worked for Dignity Health since 2022 with experience working in clinical and hospital settings. Most recently, he had the opportunity to move positions into the Exercise Specialist role with his background in Kinesiology. He will be assisting members in the gym and helping guide them to their fitness goals.

Nate Opiana

Exercise Specialist
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Nate joined MSAC in 2025 as the Administrative Coordinator. He has worked for Dignity Health since 2022 with experience working in clinical and hospital settings. Most recently, he had the opportunity to move positions into the Exercise Specialist role with his background in Kinesiology. He will be assisting members in the gym and helping guide them to their fitness goals.


Sofia Rogado BSN, MSCN

Nurse Navigator
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Sofie is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience. She became the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program Lead Nurse at the Dignity Health MS Clinic under Dr. John Schafer in 2013, focusing on the care and education of MS patients. As the MSAC nurse navigator, she educates patients on disease management and helps members navigate the healthcare system. Sofie's philosophy is that better understanding of a diagnosis empowers patients and families to maintain health and improve quality of life.

Sofia Rogado BSN, MSCN

Nurse Navigator
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Sofie is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience. She became the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program Lead Nurse at the Dignity Health MS Clinic under Dr. John Schafer in 2013, focusing on the care and education of MS patients. As the MSAC nurse navigator, she educates patients on disease management and helps members navigate the healthcare system. Sofie's philosophy is that better understanding of a diagnosis empowers patients and families to maintain health and improve quality of life.


Melissa Watkins

Administrative Coordinator
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Melissa Joined MSAC in 2025 as the Administrative Coordinator. With over 13 years in the medical field, Melissa brings a diverse and well-rounded clinical background spanning multi-specialty clinics, pediatrics, rheumatology, endocrinology, dermatology, urgent care, and internal medicine departments which has allowed Melissa to develop an individualized approach grounded in compassion, adaptability, and a deep understanding of complex medical needs across all stages of life. Melissa is grateful to be a part of the MSAC team, and is committed to delivering high-quality care while fostering meaningful connections with members, and colleagues. She is looking forward to building new relationships and becoming actively involved in the MS community, supporting members and families through education, collaboration, and dedicated care. 

Melissa Watkins

Administrative Coordinator
John A. Schafer MD, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center

Melissa Joined MSAC in 2025 as the Administrative Coordinator. With over 13 years in the medical field, Melissa brings a diverse and well-rounded clinical background spanning multi-specialty clinics, pediatrics, rheumatology, endocrinology, dermatology, urgent care, and internal medicine departments which has allowed Melissa to develop an individualized approach grounded in compassion, adaptability, and a deep understanding of complex medical needs across all stages of life. Melissa is grateful to be a part of the MSAC team, and is committed to delivering high-quality care while fostering meaningful connections with members, and colleagues. She is looking forward to building new relationships and becoming actively involved in the MS community, supporting members and families through education, collaboration, and dedicated care. 

 


Thank you for supporting the John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center!