Our Staff
In addition to our surgeons, the St. John Weight Loss Center offers a dedicated professional staff to support you through each step along your weight loss journey.
 | 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. | |
 | 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:
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 | Noelle Paguibitin – Office Coordinator
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 | 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:
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 | Martha Tuski, RN, BSN - Bariatric Nurse
Martha is the newest member of the St. John Weight Loss Center team. 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:
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.jpg) | Dawn Vergin – Bariatric Dietitian
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