St. John Weight Loss

Clara Albert – Patient Insurance Coordinator

Clara Albert is originally from Cleveland, Ohio where she worked at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for 10 years. She began working in the field of bariatric surgery in the area of insurance and billing after moving to Michigan four and a half years ago. She has earned her certification in physician billing from Macomb Community College. She has a special interest in helping pre-bariatric surgery patients compile the information required by their insurance plan.

She says the most rewarding part of her career is seeing patients become happier and healthier after their bariatric surgery. She is married and had her first baby in May 2007.

Sara Bialik- Patient Insurance Coordinator

Sara Bialik has a special interest in bariatric patients and sharing in their successful journey from consultation to surgery. She has an extensive knowledge of insurance plans and requirements that will help patients in the process of preparing for surgery.

Sara came to St. John Weight Loss Center from another bariatric program. She understands the needs and special attention that each patient deserves to fulfill their quest for surgery. She has 15 years experiences in customer service and is an accredited medical biller and coder.

Kim Carpenter, RD, CNSD - Bariatric Dietitian 

Kim has been with the St. John Health System since 2002.  She provides nutrition education to patients both pre and postoperatively.  She enjoys collaborating with the bariatric team to provide high quality care.

Background and Training:

• Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University
  
• Internship completed at Hurley Medical Center
  
• Registered Dietitian through the Commission on Dietetic Registration
  
• Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian through the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

Tawnya Detherage – Patient Insurance Coordinator & Bariatric Patient Advocate

As a successful bariatric surgery patient of eight years, Tawnya Detherage enjoys sharing the honest, everyday achievements and challenges with other patients during every step of their weight loss journey. She enthusiastically welcomes patients during the consultation stage and assists the patient through the surgical clearance process and insurance verification.

Tawnya has been with St. John Health System for seven years. Tawnya has teamed up with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for the past two years as event leader for the Metro Detroit “Walk From Obesity” sponsored by St. John Health.

Background and Training:

• 17 years experience in multiple levels of patient care in the medical field
  
• Certified Medical Assistant
  
• Certified Patient Care Technician
  
• BSCI Certified Support Group Leader & Success Habits Instructor
  
• BSCI Certified Back on Track Program Instructor 
  
• Member of St. John Health Service Excellence Advisory Board

Amy Giuliani, RN - Bariatric Nurse

Amy Giuliani is the newest member of St. John Weight Loss.  A registered nurse since 1998, Amy has been with St. John Health since 2004.  Amy also works contingent in the emergency department along with her role as a bariatric nurse.  Amy had lapband surgery with Dr. Schneider in September 2008 and looks forward to sharing her weight loss journey with patients.

Background and Training:

• Associate's Degree in Nursing at Macomb County Community College

Noelle Paguibitin – Office Coordinator

Noelle has been with St. John Health for five years. She previously worked as a labaratory assistant at St. John Oakland Hospital. Noelle comes to us from her position as Office Coordinator at the St. John Chronic Headache and Migraine Institute where she worked for the past two years. Noelle’s primary role is to assist patients with appointments and help them with scheduling their surgery date.

Monica Sienkowski, RN, BSN - Bariatric Nurse


Monica has  been a registered nurse with St. John Health since 1993, and joined the St. John Weight Loss team in May 2008.  Even though she is a new member of the team, she is very committed and enjoys helping patients improve their health through weight loss.  She has had preoperative and postoperative experience throughout her nursing career.

Background and Training:

• Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Oakland University
  
• 18 years of experience in multiple levels of patient care including urgent care and newborn intensive care settings 

Ria Tosolt – Certified Bariatric Nurse

Ria Tosolt has been a registered nurse with St. John Health since 1999, and joined the St. John Weight Loss Center when the Center opened in 2004. As a nurse specializing in bariatrics, she is committed to helping patients before and after their surgery. Ria will often visit a patient in the hospital to make them more comfortable before they enter the operating room.

Background and Training:

• Nursing Education – Lambton College, Sarnia, ON
  
• Certified Bariatric Nurse through American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
  
• Member of the ASMBS.
  

Martha Tuski, RN, BSN - Bariatric Nurse

Martha has been a member of the St. John Weight Loss team since 2007. Her experience includes assisting with the development of a physician monitored weight loss program in the 1990’s at St. John Providence Hospital. Martha enjoys the challenge of helping patients who are seeking to improve their health through weight loss. A nurse since 1985, she has worked mainly with general surgery and vascular surgery patients.  Martha also volunteers as the 4-H nurse summer camp near Clare, Michigan and as the Oxford High School’s summer band camp nurse.


Background and Training:

• Background and Training: Associate’s Degree in Nursing at Northwestern Michigan Community College in Traverse City, MI
  
• Bachelor’s Degree from Ferris State University

Dawn Vergin, RD, MEd – Bariatric Dietitian


Dawn Vergin has been with St. John Health for over seven years and with the St. John Weight Loss Center since it opened in 2004. Dawn helps patients with the nutrition education needed throughout the surgical process. Dawn enjoys teaching patients about nutrition and lifestyle changes to become a healthier person.

Background and Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from Western Michigan University
  
• Internship completed at Univesity of Michigan Health System
  
• Master’s Degree in Health Education from Wayne State University
  
• Member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.