A COMMUNITY in which all people achieve MAXIMAL BRAIN HEALTH POTENTIAL
A culture of resourcefulness, endurance,
perseverance, and growth
Who we are
THE Brain Health Center of the Rockies is a non-profit organization built around empowering individuals to achieve maximal brain health.
our primary goal is to provide personalized education on brain health from the front lines of research inspiring individuals to make sustainable changes in their lives.
Meet the Founders
kathy and Augusto
It all started when Kathy and Augusto met back in 2004. At that time, Kathy was a successful international compensation consultant in Chicago working with multi-national companies to monitor, design, and implement programs encouraging global mobility. Augusto just arrived to the US from Argentina to pursue training in Neurology at Loyola University.
Kathy spent her early childhood in Switzerland embracing cultural values of precision and perseverance. Augusto’s background in music combined with his early life in Argentina allowed him to use creativity and resourcefulness to achieve his goals. As a result, they were able to create the most precious life project together: two intelligent and caring sons, Julian and Matias. Their story is filled with wonderful memories, but also many challenges. What kept them going is a simple formula: a shared deep sense of commitment to doing the right thing and doing it well.
The Brain Health Center of the Rockies was founded with an ambitious vision: To Create a Community in Which Everyone Achieve Their Maximal Brain Health Potential. We believe that Kathy and Augusto’s combined values, backgrounds and the wonderful team of collaborators will allow them to fulfill this vision.
meet the board
KATHY KEEFER, PRESIDENT
Kathy started her career in expatriate management working for a large European multi-national. She continued her professional development as a compensation and mobility consultant working with one of the largest international HR firms assisting multi-nationals worldwide with developing sound policies and practices for their global workforce.
Kathy received her degree of Bachelor of Arts from Kalamazoo College with major in International Affairs, with a concentration on Western Europe, and minors in German Literature and Anthropology. Kathy attended foreign studies at Friedrich Alexander Universität, Erlangen, Germany. Upon graduation she enrolled at the University of Strasbourg, France where she received the “Premier” and “Deuxieme” Degrees. She later completed advanced education in International Relations, Economics, and French at North Carolina State University.
Kathy enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.
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.
Whitney Peterson, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN
Dr. Whitney Peterson is a nursing leader with over nineteen years of healthcare experience. Her areas of clinical expertise have included home-based care, mental health, skilled and rehabilitation care, acute care, hospice, and leadership. Outside of her clinical roles, she has experience in academia. Dr. Peterson works full-time in nursing leadership and part-time as an adjunct professor for two universities. Dr. Peterson’s research interests have focused on curriculum development, medication adherence for patients with psychiatric illness, workforce excellence, and caregiver support for chronic illness. She is a member of the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), which supports education for women. In her free time, Dr. Peterson enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with her family, and traveling.
AUGUSTO MIRAVALLE, MD FAAN
Chief, MS and Neuroimmunology Division
Professor of Neurology, Rush University
Dr. Augusto A. Miravalle is a distinguished neurologist and leader in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroimmunology. Serving as Chief of the MS and Neuroimmunology Division at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago since 2023, he brings over 15 years of expertise in clinical care, education, and research. Dr. Miravalle is also a Professor of Neurology in Rush University's Neurological Sciences Department.
After earning his medical degree with highest honors from Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina, Dr. Miravalle completed his neurology residency at Loyola University Medical Center, followed by dual fellowships in MS and neuroimaging research at Harvard University. His clinical and academic career spans leadership roles at institutions such as the University of Colorado, and University of Florida.
Dr. Miravalle's contributions to MS research, education, and patient care have earned him numerous accolades, including election to the “Best Doctors in America” and the prestigious William T. and Janice M. Neely Professorship for Research in MS. He is actively involved in national organizations, including the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Association of America, where he advocates for improved brain health and equity in healthcare.
A dedicated mentor and educator, Dr. Miravalle has designed innovative medical education programs, fostering leadership among neurology trainees and enhancing care models for diverse communities. His research interests include optimizing disease-modifying therapies and advancing brain health in MS patients.
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.
christen kutz, phD PA-C
Dr Kutz has been practicing as a neurology PA since 2000. She graduated from DeSales University with a Physician Assistant degree and Nova Southeastern University with PhD and Doctor of Health Science degrees. Dr Kutz has a particular interest in Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s Disease, memory disorders, headache, and neuroimmunology. Christen is married and has two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family and attending sporting events.