Our Staff
In addition to our surgeons, the St. John Providence Weight Loss offers a dedicated professional staff to support you through each step along your weight loss journey.
Clara – Patient Insurance Coordinator
Clara 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- Patient Insurance Coordinator
Sara 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 Providence Weight Loss 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 experience in customer service and is an accredited medical biller and coder.
Jenn- Patient Insurance Coordinator
Originally from Lansing, MI, where she worked at Sparrow Hospital for 4 years, moved to the area in 2010 to join the St. John Providence Weight Loss team as an insurance coordinator. She has taken classes at both Western Michigan Universtiy and Lansing Community College in Business and comes to us with 3 years previous experience at a weight management program/Bariatric Center of Excellence.
Jennifer- Office Coordinator
Jennifer joined St. John Providence Weight Loss Center in 2010. Jennifer has worked in the medical field for 19 years. Her previous work experience includes working in a multi-physician general surgery office where she worked one on one with the bariatric surgeon and his patients for two hospital programs. She is a Certified Medical Coder. Her passion is patient care and helping her patients achieve their ultimate goal of a healthy lifestyle and attitude through our programs. Jennifer is a single mother of 4 beautiful children. “I feel that I have arrived home while working at St. John Providence and am glad to be apart of such a wonderful team.”
Noelle– Office Coordinator
Noelle has been with St. John Providence Health System for many years. She previously worked as a laboratory 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 two years. Noelle’s primary role is to assist patients with appointments and help them with scheduling their surgery date.
Amy, RN - Registered Nurse
Amy began working at St. John Providence Weight Loss in 2008. A registered nurse since 1998, Amy has been with St. John Providence Health System since 2004. Amy had lapband surgery with Dr. Schneider in September 2008 and looks forward to sharing her weight loss journey with patients. Amy has an Associate's Degree in Nursing from Macomb Community College.
Monica, RN, BSN - Registered Nurse
Monica has been a registered nurse with St. John Providence Health System since 1993, and joined the St. John Providence 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. Monica has a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Oakland University and 18 years of experience in multiple levels of patient care including urgent care and newborn intensive care setttings.
Ria, RN, CBN– Certified Bariatric Nurse
Ria has been a registered nurse with St. John Providence Health System since 1999, and joined St. John Providence Weight Loss when it 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. Ria did her nursing education at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario. She is also a Certified Bariatric Nurse through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
Martha, RN, BSN - Registered Nurse
Martha has been a member of the St. John Providence Weight Loss team since 2007. Her experience includes assisting with the development of a physician monitored weight loss program in the 1990’s at 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. Martha obtained her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Northwestern Michigan Community College in Traverse City, MI. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Ferris State University.
Brenda, RN, CEN, TNCC- Registered Nurse
Brenda joined the St. John Providence Weight Loss team in 2010. She has 15 years of experience working in the Emergency Department setting. Brenda is also a Certified Water Aerobic Instructor and Certified Aquatic Arthritis Exercise Instructor.
Amy Pondo, RN, MSN- Registered Nurse
Amy has worked for the St. John Providence Health System since 2004. She has worked in a variety of clinical areas. She attended Oakland University.
Dawn, RD, MEd – Registered Dietitian
Dawn has been with St. John Providence Health System for over seven years and with St. John Providence Weight Loss 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. Dawn obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics from Western Michigan University. She completed her intership through the University of Michigan and got her Master's Degree from Wayne State University. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Kimberly, RD - Registered Dietitian
Kim has been with the St. John Providence 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. Kim received her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University.
Doreen, RD, CNSC- Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician
Doreen joined the St. John Providence Weight Loss team in 2011. She received her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University. She provides personal nutrition consultation and education. She is also a member of the American Dietetic Association. She has extensive experience with providing motivational nutrition education regarding weight management.
Shannon, MS, RD- Registered Dietitian
Shannon joined our team at St. John Providence Weight Loss in 2011 and enjoys working with both pre-and post-op patients. She believes in a comprehensive team approach for the best patient outcomes. Shannon attended Michigan State University and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics as well as a Master's Degree from Central University.
Megan, MS, RD, CDE- Registered Dietitian
Megan joined the St. John Providence Weight Loss team in 2010. She works with both the medical and surgical weight loss teams. Megan works primarily in our Novi office. She has a Master's Degree from Oklahoma State University in Health Care Administration and is a Certified Diabetes Educator. Megan has been helping patients lose weight and/or manage their diabetes since 2003.