Our Mission
The mission of The Chiari Care Center is to provide the highest level of care to those suffering from Chiari I Malformation. To educate patients, families and physicians about this disorder and the options available. To conduct research and continue to refine and advance treatment and care of people with Chiari I Malformation. And to provide a dignified and compassionate atmosphere where we build trusting partnerships with patients and their families.
Our Philosophy of Care
At The Chiari Care Center we begin our relationship with each patient by getting to know them. Though the cause of their suffering is our focus, we want to know as much as we can about the whole person. This will not only help us in our approach to treatment, it will also help us to better manage their expectations about the risks and most realistic outcomes following treatment. Through this process of getting to know our patients we carefully listen to them and address their concerns. We also take the time to help patients understand what can often be very confusing clinical information.
Because our Philosophy of Care model places the patient in the center - they become a major part of our care team. Therefore, they need to be well educated, feel comfortable and confident about moving forward with this procedure (if it is needed), and know that they are always in control of their care.
Who We Are
Medical Director of Neurosurgery:
John J. Oró, M.D.
Dr. John J. Oró is a nationally recognized leader in the treatment of Chiari I Malformation. In January 1998, Dr. Oró and Diane Mueller, ND, RN, and launched the IRB approved MU Chiari Malformation Data Bank to track the patients undergoing surgical treatment at the University of Missouri Health Sciences Center, in Columbia Missouri. In 2005, he moved to Aurora, Colorado and founded The Chiari Care Center, located at The Medical Center of Aurora Medical Campus. At TMCA he continues to work to refine in the treatment of this disorder. During his tenure at MU and now at TMCA, he has performed over 400 operations for the Chiari I malformation and related disorders including Syringomyelia and the tethered spinal cord.
As Medical Director of the Neurosurgery Center of Colorado, Dr. Oró's expertise covers a variety of neurological disorders including brain tumors, cerebral aneurysms, and disorders of the spine. His unique dedication to aiding those afflicted with Chiari I Malformation and related disorders has made him one of the most sought after surgeons in the nation by both patients and physicians.
As shown by a research study and patient testimonies, Dr. Oró patients frequently note significant improvement in their symptoms, and for some, the improvement in the quality of their life is dramatic . He has been listed among the Best Doctor's in America since 2001, and listed among America's Top Surgeons in 2007. Dr. Oró has held numerous appointments, serving on boards and committees at the state and national levels.
Currently, Dr. Oró is involved in ongoing research into Chiari I Malformation and Syringomyelia, and continues to present his results and perspectives at national meetings and in published texts and materials. He recently launched a blog for healthcare professionals with the goal of increasing awareness and understanding of these disorders. The site is available athttp://www.chiaritimes.com/.
Nurse Practitioner: The Chiari Care Center
Ruth Taggart, MSN, C-APRN
Ruth graduated Summa Cum Laude from Regis University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Ruth then completed training at the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center (UCDHSC) School of Nursing as an Adult Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Ruth is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner.
As a faculty member at the UCDHSC School of Nursing, she was frequently invited to lecture to graduate students on neurological disorders. Ruth acted as visiting faculty to the UCDHSC School of Pharmacy where she provided didactic instruction on migraine headache, multiple sclerosis, and neurological examinations. She also taught UCDHSC medical students the skills of obtaining a medical history and conducting a neurological examination. Ruth acted as a clinical preceptor for Nurse Practitioner, PharmD. and Medical students.
Currently, Ruth is a Nurse Practitioner at The Neurosurgery Center of Colorado. Her primary focus is the evaluation and care of patients with Chiari Malformation and syringomyelia. Her patient care skills and special interest in education, will help further expand the services provided at the Center.
Spine Clinical Coordinator (TMCA):
Kimberly Sexton, RN, MBA
Kimberly Sexton has been working as a nurse for twenty-seven years. She has extensive experience in critical care including cardiac, trauma, neuro and spine. She left the bedside for ten years and became the Assistant Director of Supply and Distribution in Materiel Management at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center.
In 1995, Kimberly began consulting in hospitals across the US working with facility cost containment measures. She assisted with the implementation of medical-surgical supply standardization and utilization. In 2000, she received her MBA/Technology Management degree.
Kimberly has worked at The Medical Center of Aurora since 2001. She specializes in all aspects of spine disorders and provides preoperative classes to patients before major spine surgery. Kimberly follows their care while hospitalized, and is a liaison with physicians, families and nurses. She has her MSN degree and will graduate in May with her Family Nurse Practitioner degree.
Practice Manager:
Stephanie Shany
Stephanie graduated Cum Laude from Mesa State College with a Bachelor of Science degree, Pre-Medicine emphasis, and two minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Stephanie furthered her education by pursuing a graduate degree in Health Services Administration and Management from Regis University. She is only a thesis away from earning her Masters degree.
Stephanie has held many titles in the medical field including Director of Operations, Manager of Central Functions, and Practice Manager. Each position has developed and defined her expertise in clinic operations. She has experience in profit and not-for-profit environments, expertise in specialty and primary care operations, and additional knowledge of diverse areas including billing, call center functions, organizational growth and expansion, and JCAHO audits.
Currently, Stephanie is the Practice Manager at The Neurosurgery Center of Colorado. Her primary focus is patient and employee satisfaction, and clinic operations. Stephanie’s aptitude for clinic operations will help to ensure smooth and efficient processes, while committing to the highest level of quality care to the patients.
Medical Assistant: Stacey Williams, CMA
As an experienced certified medical assistant, Stacey brings a solid understanding of the medical office environment. Her knowledge of physician and nurse practitioner support needs as well as patient check-in and set-up procedures, allows The Chiari Treatment Center to run smoothly, stay on schedule and provide a comfortable and pleasant patient environment.
Chiari Education Consultant
Diane Mueller, ND, RN, C-FNP
Medical Consultants:Dr. Kim Baker - Neuroradiologist
Dr. Michael Dennington - Otolaryngology
Dr. Lance LaCerte - Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Robert W. Rees-Jones - Endocrinology
Dr. Kevin Smith - Pain Medicine
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