Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center Team
At NYU Langone’s Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, we know that having multiple sclerosis (MS) affects more than just your physical wellbeing. It impacts many facets of your life, including how well you get around, your ability to remain in the workforce, and your mental outlook.
That’s why every affected person and his or her family meet with specialists who can address the different challenges of living with multiple sclerosis. These specialists include our neurologists, psychologists, and urologists, as well as the following members of our care team.
Neuropsychologist
Leigh E. Charvet, PhD
Dr. Charvet is a clinical neuropsychologist and director of MS research. She received her doctorate from Vanderbilt University and completed an internship at VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven Campus, and Yale Epilepsy Program, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Stony Brook Medicine. Her primary research activities focus on cognitive changes associated with MS in both adults and children, along with cognitive remediation and other approaches to improve functioning and prevent decline. Her recent research includes a program for remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to alleviate MS symptoms of fatigue, cognitive slowing, and motor deficits. Learn more about Dr. Charvet.
Nurse Practitioner
Carrie Lyn Sammarco, DrNP, FNP-C, MSCN
Dr. Sammarco received her doctor of nursing practice degree from the Columbia University School of Nursing. She joined the MS Comprehensive Care Center team in 2010. Dr. Sammarco specializes in the management of highly complex MS symptoms and has a special interest in incorporating mindfulness techniques into her practice.
Registered Nurses
Lisa Laing, MSCN, BSN, RN
Ms. Laing is a registered nurse certified in the care of people with MS. She is the senior nurse clinician and has 18 years of experience and expertise in providing education and symptom management strategies.
Cara Desanctis, MSCN, BSN, RN
Ms. Desanctis is an MS-certified nurse. She works with doctors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, and our research team to ensure all of our patients’ care needs are met. She also provides education regarding medications, diagnosis, and symptom management.
Judith Minetti, MSCN, RN
Ms. Minetti is a senior, MS-certified staff nurse who has been working with patients with MS for 10 years. She educates patients and families about MS and its treatment, in addition to symptom management. Her goal is to address the needs of each patient and to promote the highest quality of life.
Jennifer Abate, BSN, RN
Ms. Abate focuses on education and counseling of patients, especially those who are newly diagnosed. She helps empower patients and reminds them that the disease does not define who they are. Before joining the MS Comprehensive Care Center, Ms. Abate worked in emergency and intensive care nursing.
Occupational Therapist
Dori Goldman, MS, OTR/L, MSCS
Ms. Goldman is a licensed occupational therapist with certification as an MS specialist. Ms. Goldman creates patient-centered, individualized treatment sessions that emphasize improving the person’s functional independence during everyday activities.
Social Worker
Julia Lafauci, LCSW
Ms. Lafauci is a licensed clinical social worker. She provides counseling and supportive services for patients and helps connect them with resources in the community.
Contact Us
For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 646-501-7500.