About Esperanza Clinical

Dr. Michael Ropacki is an international expert in neurodegenerative diseases, with over 21 years of experience researching neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. He is an accomplished clinical researcher and global leader in central nervous system (CNS) drug development whose career spans more than two decades across academia, industry, and clinical research and care. At Esperanza Clinical he serves as a Principal Investigator where he oversees all sponsored clinical and research care programs, ensuring scientific rigor, adherence to regulatory and ethical standards, and the highest quality of patient care. In this role, Dr. Ropacki directs protocol execution, safety monitoring, data integrity, and study team leadership while also cultivating new trial opportunities and partnerships. His work continues to advance Esperanza Clinical’s mission through scientific communication, stakeholder engagement, and contributions to peer-reviewed research, all while advancing the mission of providing free care to those concerned about or afflicted with neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Ropacki also leads Strategic Global Research & Development, where he serves as President and Principal Scientist, advising pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research organizations on clinical development strategy, study design, regulatory preparedness, and implementation of digital drug development tools. His expertise is frequently sought by major consortia, regulatory agencies, and scientific boards. He has served in prominent advisory roles for the NIH (NIA, NINDS, NICHD), the Innovative Medicines Initiative (EPAD, EPOC), the Critical Path Institute (CAMD), and numerous scientific advisory boards across the digital health, neurotechnology, and CNS therapeutics sectors. Earlier in his career, Dr. Ropacki held senior leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Research & Development and other pharmaceutical companies, where he contributed to global clinical programs in neurodegeneration, neuropsychiatry, and rare disease. At Janssen, he led the CHARIOT-PRO and Brain Health Registry initiatives, advanced cognitive endpoint development, and collaborated closely with regulatory authorities on clinical trial methodology and safety oversight. His research contributions include work on cognitive outcomes in preclinical and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, the development and validation of neuropsychological composites, and the integration of real-world, digital, and biomarker-driven approaches to improve trial precision and readiness. Dr. Ropacki authored or co-authored dozens of published manuscripts and abstracts and was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Dr. Ropacki holds a bachelor’s degree Summa Cum Laude from University of Arizona and a master’s degree and doctorate from Texas Tech University. He completed his internship/residency at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Psychiatry and two post-doctoral fellowships at Brown University School of Medicine and UCLA School of Medicine, Neuropsychiatric Institute. His scientific contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and more than 100 conference presentations and abstracts. He also serves on editorial boards and reviews for high-impact journals such as Nature Scientific Reports, The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science, and The Clinical Neuropsychologist. Dr. Ropacki’s career is distinguished by his commitment to advancing therapies for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, improving clinical trial methodology, and fostering collaborative research across global stakeholders. His leadership, scholarly contributions, and dedication to innovation continue to influence the future of CNS drug development and clinical research worldwide.

Dr. Susan Ropacki has over 20 years of specialized clinical and research experience in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Susan A. Ropacki is an accomplished clinical scientist, neuropsychologist, and healthcare executive whose career spans leadership in clinical research, rehabilitation medicine, academic instruction, and healthcare quality. As Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza Clinical, she oversees the operational, financial, and strategic direction of a growing clinical research organization while also serving as its Director of Regulatory Affairs. In this capacity, she ensures adherence to FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines, leads the development and execution of clinical trials, and represents the organization through scientific presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Her leadership reflects a rare combination of scientific rigor, operational excellence, and deep commitment to ethical, patient-centered research. In addition to her executive role, Dr. Ropacki serves as the Director of Research for Graduate Medical Education within the Universal Health Services Southwest Healthcare Medical Education Consortium. She oversees all aspects of research operations for multiple residency and fellowship programs, including regulatory compliance, fiscal management, program development, and strategic planning. She collaborates closely with hospital leadership, program directors, and multidisciplinary teams to expand research capacity, support scholarly activity, and operationalize innovative research initiatives across the Southern California region. Dr. Ropacki’s extensive background in rehabilitation medicine includes leadership positions in both public and private healthcare systems. She is a voting member of the Institutional Review Board at Western University of Health Sciences and a competitively selected Surveyor for the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), where she evaluates programs in medical, neurological, and specialty rehabilitation. Her previous roles—including Chief Quality Officer for Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute and Director of multiple inpatient rehabilitation and polytrauma programs demonstrate her long-standing expertise in building, accrediting, and optimizing high-performing clinical programs. Her leadership has directly influenced quality improvement, regulatory readiness, risk mitigation, and strategic service-line development. A respected academic and researcher, Dr. Ropacki currently holds a position as Clinical Associate Professor of Social Medicine and Healthcare Leadership at Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. She also previously held faculty appointments at Stanford University School of Medicine and Loma Linda University, where she taught extensively, mentored doctoral and medical trainees, and led multiple collaborative research initiatives. Her scholarly work includes numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and national presentations focused on Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, rehabilitation outcomes, cognitive reserve, neuroimaging, geriatrics, and neuropsychological assessment. She has served as Principal Investigator, Sub-Investigator or collaborator on a wide range of federally funded and institutionally supported studies, including projects funded by NIDILRR, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Ropacki’s career is distinguished by a blend of scientific rigor, clinical excellence, and executive-level leadership. Her contributions have been recognized through national awards, competitive leadership programs, and invitations to participate in influential committees across rehabilitation medicine and neuropsychology. With expertise that bridges research, regulation, clinical practice, and healthcare administration, she continues to shape high-quality patient care and advance the science across multiple sectors of the healthcare landscape. Dr. Ropacki earned a bachelor’s degree Summa Cum Laude from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Rhode Island. She completed her internship/residency at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in Geriatric Psychiatry and a post-doctoral clinical research fellowship at UCSD Geriatric Psychiatry and Institute for Research on Aging.

Dr. Antonio Mason-Villeda is a medical professional with international clinical training and experience in patient care, clinical research, and healthcare coordination. Originally from Honduras, Dr. Mason-Villeda brings a diverse perspective and a strong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care while supporting individuals and families navigating neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Mason-Villeda earned his medical degree in Medicine and Surgery from the National Autonomous University of Honduras and completed clinical internship training with rotations across multiple specialties, including internal medicine, pediatric surgery, gynecology, and obstetrics. He has experience practicing medicine internationally and continues to apply his medical knowledge and clinical expertise within the field of clinical research. As a Clinical Research Coordinator at Esperanza Clinical, Dr. Mason-Villeda supports sponsored care programs and clinical research initiatives focused on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. He coordinates study visits, assists with clinical assessments, collaborates with research teams and external partners, and helps ensure that each program is conducted with the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Dr. Mason-Villeda is passionate about improving access to innovative care and creating a supportive experience for patients and their caregivers. His empathetic approach helps individuals feel informed, valued, and supported throughout their clinical research journey. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is dedicated to building trust with diverse communities and expanding opportunities for patients to participate in advancements in neurological research. Through his combination of medical training, research experience, and dedication to patient care, Dr. Mason-Villeda continues to contribute to Esperanza Clinical’s mission of advancing research while providing meaningful support to those affected by neurodegenerative diseases.

Erin Jones is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant with a strong foundation in phlebotomy, EKG, and clinical patient care. She brings a unique blend of hands-on medical skill, administrative expertise, and modern marketing experience that supports both healthcare teams and clinical research operations. At Esperanza Clinical, Erin plays a dual role as a Medical Assistant and Social Media & Marketing Coordinator. She supports clinical research studies through patient recruitment, enrollment, specimen collection, vital signs, phlebotomy, elcectrocardiograms, and assisting with exams and lumbar punctures under licensed supervision. She also manages patient scheduling, maintains accurate research documentation, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Erin represents the clinic at community events and manages digital outreach through Facebook and Instagram, helping expand awareness of Esperanza Clinical. Previously, Erin worked at BioTheranostics Inc. in San Diego, where she supported oncology clients, coordinated time-sensitive lab orders, monitored KPIs, and collaborated closely with pathology teams, sales teams, and internal departments. Erin is currently pursuing her nursing degree. Known for her excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and passion for patient care, she is committed to ongoing learning, community outreach, and helping improve healthcare access and research.

Madison (Madi) Montero is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Outreach Coordinator at Esperanza Clinical. In her role, she assists with patient recruitment, enrollment, study visits, and community outreach while helping participants feel informed and supported throughout the research process. Her clinical responsibilities include obtaining vital signs, performing EKGs and phlebotomy, collecting specimens, assisting with specialized procedures, and maintaining accurate clinical documentation. She works closely with physicians, research staff, patients, and regulatory teams to support high-quality patient care and research excellence. Madison earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon and completed her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant training through AUMT Institute. She plans to pursue Physician Assistant (PA) school and is passionate about expanding access to compassionate, patient-centered care while advancing research for individuals affected by neurodegenerative disease.

Jane Smith is a registered nurse with more than three decades of clinical experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care across hospitals, outpatient, and specialty healthcare settings. Jane earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Diego State University in 1989. Her background includes roles in outpatient clinics, infusion centers, hospital-based care, and home health and hospice nursing. She has supported patients across a wide range of healthcare needs and stages of life. She has worked as a chemotherapy nurse at an outpatient oncology infusion center, administering chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments, hydration therapy, and educating patients throughout their treatment journey. Jane’s earlier nursing experience includes pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care, and charge nurse responsibilities at UC San Diego Medical Center, where she cared for critically ill pediatric patients and supported multidisciplinary healthcare teams. With a strong commitment to communication, education, teamwork, and safe healthcare practices, Jane combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion for every patient she serves. Her broad nursing background allows her to provide thoughtful, skilled care while supporting advancements in clinical research and patient health. At Esperanza Clinical, Jane supports clinical research operations as a Registered Nurse, providing patient assessments, clinical support, laboratory coordination, IV medication administration, and ensuring patients receive attentive, high-quality care throughout their experience. Her clinical knowledge and patient-focused approach help create safe and compassionate care for individuals participating in research programs and providing support to their caregivers.

Patricia Courville has over 20 years of nursing and 12 years of research experience. She is well versed in healthcare operation and is dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient. She is a highly skilled healthcare and clinical operations professional with extensive experience in clinical research, organizational leadership, and direct patient care. Beginning her career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, she developed a strong foundation in compassionate, detail-oriented clinical practice before moving into roles that expanded her impact across entire organizations. Patricia has served as Director of Operations for multiple companies, where she oversaw clinical trial activities, ensured compliance with ICH-GCP and regulatory guidelines, streamlined workflows, and led cross-functional teams with a focus on quality, efficiency, and patient engagement. Her background also includes work as an Operations Consultant, helping organizations improve processes, adopt new technologies, and implement effective change-management strategies. In earlier clinical roles—including as an LVN and TMS Program Director—she provided hands-on patient assessment, treatment support, education, care coordination, and research. Her combined experience in clinical settings and operational leadership makes her uniquely effective at bridging patient needs with organizational goals. Known for her adaptability, strong communication skills, and commitment to high standards, Patricia brings professionalism and integrity to every environment she serves. Patricia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University, as well as an Associate of Science degree in nursing from Copper Mountain College.

Dr. Jamie Valentine Ropacki is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with more than two decades of experience providing compassionate, efficient, and comprehensive care across a wide range of clinical environments. Since beginning his career in 2002, he has cultivated expertise in caring for patients of all ages—from neonates to geriatric populations—and has earned a reputation for adaptability, integrity, and thoughtful leadership. His professional interests span emergency medicine, urgent care, telehealth, outpatient primary care, and clinical research, with a consistent focus on delivering high-quality medical care even within resource-limited settings. Since 2024, Dr. Ropacki has served as both Sub-Investigator and Medical Director at Esperanza Clinical in Murrieta, California, where he oversees the medical aspects of clinical research and care in neurodegenerative diseases. In this role he ensures patient safety, regulatory compliance, and ethical research conduct, contributing to the advancement of medical science through rigorous study oversight. Beyond his clinical duties, Dr. Ropacki is committed to medical education and the mentorship of future healthcare providers. He has served as an adjunct clinical educator for medical, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner students from several universities, offering his time on a volunteer basis. His service on hospital committees—including leadership within a dedicated pain management committee—demonstrates his dedication to improving system-level care and addressing complex patient populations with empathy and evidence-based practices. Dr. Ropacki earned his medical degree from New York Medical College, followed by completion of a rigorous Emergency Medicine residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Riverside University Health System. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Arizona with a major in Molecular and Cellular Biology and minors in Chemistry and Spanish, he brings strong scientific training and Spanish fluency to his work with diverse patient populations. Through every role, he remains committed to the evolving practice of medicine and to delivering exemplary patient-centered care across all clinical settings.

Robert Steele, MD, MBA, FACEP is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with a distinguished career spanning clinical care, medical leadership, education, and clinical research. With a strong foundation in emergency medicine and a commitment to advancing healthcare, Dr. Steele brings extensive experience in evaluating complex medical conditions, improving patient outcomes, and supporting evidence-based approaches to patient care. Dr. Steele earned his Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his Emergency Medicine residency training at St. John Hospital and Medical Center. He further expanded his expertise in healthcare leadership and administration by earning a Master of Business Administration from La Sierra University School of Business. His combination of clinical training and business leadership provides a unique perspective on the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. Throughout his career, Dr. Steele has held numerous roles in emergency medicine, physician leadership, and healthcare education. His clinical background includes caring for patients in fast-paced emergency care settings, where he has developed expertise in acute medical conditions, critical decision-making, and coordinating multidisciplinary care. He has also been involved in mentoring and educating healthcare professionals, helping to support the next generation of clinicians through teaching and clinical guidance. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Steele has contributed to medical research and scientific advancement through publications, presentations, and participation in clinical investigations. His research interests have included emergency medicine, trauma care, cardiovascular emergencies, and improving diagnostic and treatment approaches to enhance patient outcomes. Through his work, he continues to support the development of new knowledge and innovations that strengthen healthcare delivery. Dr. Steele’s approach to medicine is centered on compassion, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence. He believes in combining clinical expertise with research-driven practices to provide patients with the highest standard of care. His experience across patient care, leadership, and research allows him to contribute meaningfully to clinical research programs focused on improving health and quality of life.

Luis Guada, MD is a board-certified neurologist with advanced fellowship training in vascular neurology and neuroendovascular surgery. He brings extensive expertise in stroke care, interventional neurology, clinical research, and innovative approaches to improving outcomes for patients with neurological disorders. Dr. Guada earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Universidad de Carabobo School of Medicine in Venezuela before completing his postgraduate medical training in the United States. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and Neurology residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, followed by specialized fellowship training in Stroke Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Neuroendovascular Surgery at the University of Miami. During his neuroendovascular fellowship, Dr. Guada was recognized with the Best Fellow Teacher Award for his commitment to medical education and mentorship. Throughout his career, Dr. Guada has focused on advancing the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease, particularly acute ischemic stroke, intracranial aneurysms, and complex neurovascular conditions. His clinical experience includes emergency stroke evaluation, tele-stroke care, mechanical thrombectomy, endovascular procedures, and multidisciplinary collaboration to provide timely, evidence-based treatment. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Guada has a strong background in neurological research and clinical trials. He has served as a principal and co-investigator in translational research involving stroke recovery, stem cell therapies, neuroimaging, and innovative endovascular techniques. His research contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and collaborations focused on advancing neurological care and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Guada has also contributed to medical education through clinical instruction and academic teaching roles, training medical students, residents, and fellows in neurology and stroke care. His dedication to education reflects his commitment to developing future healthcare professionals and promoting excellence in clinical practice. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Guada combines advanced neurological expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. He remains dedicated to expanding access to cutting-edge neurological care and supporting research that brings new hope and improved therapies to patients and families affected by neurological conditions.