Exercise Staff
Maria Lijoi, MA, RD Exercise Specialist and Registered Dietitian
Qualifications: Maria is a registered dietitian and exercise specialist. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 and completed the dietetic program at Wayne State University, where she also finished her Master’s in Nutrition. In addition to working at the St. John Weight Loss Institute, Maria has experience in clinical dietetics, cardiac rehabilitation, and personal training at a health club. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association.
Her role at the St. John Weight Loss Institute is to train adult and pediatric patients on safe and effective exercise techniques as well as, provide patients with sound nutritional advice and education. She also offers individual personal training as desired.
Philosophy: Maria’s main belief is that it is never too late to make improvements in your life. Everyday is a good day to make small changes—eventually they will add up to equal one big success. A determined mind, good and consistent habits, and surrounding support are essential to weight loss and long-term health.
John Silveri, A.C.S.M. Exercise Specialist
Qualifications: John is a Professional Member in the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and certified as an ACSM Exercise Specialist. He graduated from the University of Central Michigan in 2002 with a major in health fitness and minor in nutrition. In addition, John is currently working in the Cardiac Rehabilitation department at St. John Hospital & Medical Center and helps assist with exercise training with the Preventive Cardiology Department.
John’s role at the St. John Weight Loss Institute is to train adult and pediatric patients on safe and effective exercise techniques as well as, lead groups on topics that include sound exercise advise and education. He also offers individual personal training as desired.
Philosophy: John believes that change occurs in many stages. While doing these changes you should have fun and enjoy yourself. Exercise and diet are key factors to losing weight; however, weight loss needs to start with lifestyle changes. In addition, being around positive support groups will help you with accomplishing your changes, one stage at a time.
Debbie Brown, Exercise Specialist
Qualifications: Debbie is an exercise physiologist working at the Moross site of the St. John Weight Loss Institute. She also works for St. John Hospital supervising exercise and pharmacological stress testing. She has previous experience working in cardiac and pulmonary Rehabilitation as well as personal training. Debbie is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Rehabilitation with a minor in Nutrition.
Philosophy: Debbie believes that the dedication to stay healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important, yet difficult commitments a person chooses to make. Talking about losing weight and getting healthy is easy; taking the action to do something about it is the challenge. Beginning gradually and making minor lifestyle changes and building self-confidence are crucial to program success. Once you start to see results and have small successes behind you, you will have the confidence needed to take on bigger challenges. With proper education and training, you too can be healthy for life.