Jennifer Savill, Certified Physician Assistant, is a graduate of Elida High School. She obtained a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Wright State University and a Master’s of Science in Biomedical Studies from The Medical College of Ohio, in Toledo. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (OAPA). Her Prior experience is in emergency medicine, family medicine and occupational medicine. Her role in the Weight Management Program includes evaluating patients for the medical and surgical management of weight loss. She joined our practice in September 2016.

What Jennifer does to LivWell:

Dr. Bowersock is a general and minimally invasive/ robotic surgeon who obtained bariatric surgical training during general surgery residency at Mount Carmel Health System, Columbus, Ohio. He has been instrumental in advancing the robotic surgery program at St. Rita’s. He earned his medical degree from Wright State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science at the University of Cincinnati. His interests include bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, trauma and the full range of general surgery. He serves as an Intuitive Surgical da Vinci General and Colorectal Surgical Proctor, educating surgeons throughout the country on general surgery with minimally invasive robotic techniques. He is St. Rita’s General Surgery Division Chief and Assistant Trauma Medical Director. He is also a volunteer faculty member for the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Bowersock’s role on the team:

He evaluates patients for surgical weight loss, performs operations robotically and follows patients through their weight loss journey. Hear him speak at an information seminar: https://mylivwell.org/getting-started/register-for-a-seminar

What Dr. Bowersock does to LivWell:
“I exercise with my kids at home and run with my wife.”

Dr. Pere is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Anti-Aging Medicine, and joined the Physicians Incorporated practice in March, 2012. She graduated from the Catholic University School of Medicine in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 1987. She attended the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston, where she completed her Family Practice Internship in 1992, and went on to finish her Residency in 1994. Dr. Pere is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Board of Family Practice, and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She is fluent in conversational Spanish, and treats patients ranging from adolescents through adults.

Dr. Pere’s role on the team:

She offers a physician-guided alternative approach for weight loss. The Ideal Protein plan has proven results when utilized by the right patient. Patients will have guidance and accountability through weekly interaction with a health coach guided by Dr. Pere.

What Dr. Pere does to LivWell:
“To stay healthy and happy I exercise most days of the week, eat 3 meals a day with 1 snack and smile as much as I can.”

Dr. Samantha Cain is a graduate of Wayne State University Bachelor of Science – Psychology with honors degree. She completed her Clinical PhD at University of Toledo and began practicing at Mercy Health Psychiatric Associates in August 2019. Dr. Cain provides individual and group counseling focusing on behavior changes and mindful eating to manage food addiction. She provides evaluations for those seeking bariatric surgery.

Dr. Cain’s role on the team:

She evaluates patients for surgery through counseling and behavior therapy.

What Dr. Cain does to LivWell:
“I like to live well by spending quality time with my family, reading suspense novels, and traveling internationally.”

Dr. Dadfar is a psychologist who has been practicing in the Lima area and on the medical staff of St. Rita’s Medical Center since 1987. He provides general and psychological counseling for individuals, couples, and families. His specialty is in the treatment of addiction and addictive diseases. He has provided psychological evaluation for bariatric surgery candidates for the past 18 years. He has also provided ongoing psychological counseling for individuals who are continuing their weight-loss journey.

Dr. Dadfar’s role on the team:

He evaluates patients for surgery through administering testing and interviewing. He helps patients with their psychological needs.

What Dr. Dadfar does to LivWell:
“I love to garden and can’t wait until I start this season! I love traveling, I walk frequently, and I am careful about what I eat.”

Joyce is a veteran of the operating room at St. Rita’s Medical Center, having been part of the Open Heart team for 10 years. She started at St. Rita’s in the operating room 25 years ago and has since obtained nursing degrees from Lima Technical College and Bowling Green State University. She spent two years as the Program Coordinator for Cornerstone Research before joining the St. Rita’s Weight Management team.

Joyce’s role on the team:

She will help patients meet weight loss goals by answering any questions regarding the services offered here at the Weight Management Center during the weight loss journey. She helps and guides patients with determining insurance coverage. She sees her role as an advocate for patients to reach their goals in our program."

What Joyce does to LivWell:
“I love to spend time outdoors with my family. My favorite vacation spot is the beach and my back yard during the summer. I love flowers and gardening. I practice yoga to be healthy.”

Becky has been a Registered Dietitian for over 15 years in a clinical and outpatient setting. She has worked with a variety of patients to help them achieve their weight loss goals. She earned a B.S. in Dietetics from Bowling Green State University. She completed the Accredited Dietetic Internship Program at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. She is a Licensed Dietitian (LD) in the state of Ohio and Registered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the national Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Becky has also obtained a Certificate of Training in Weight Management.

Becky’s role on the team:

As the Registered dietitian at the Weight Management Center at St. Rita’s, she provides nutritional advice and educational support as patients lose weight. She explores food intake trends and offers sound nutritional advice. She provides individual and group education on calories, good and bad fats, appropriate serving sizes, how to read labels on all types of food products, and other nutritional topics. Additionally, Becky helps run the support groups.

What Becky does to LivWell:
“I live well by enjoying an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise, experimenting with new foods and recipes and adventures with my family!”

As our new Fitness Coordinator Caitlyn Stoner has helped hundreds of people like you achieve their fitness goals. From working with professional athletes in world renowned fitness facilities, to coaching everyday clients through an app. With a host of qualifications including her USAW and CPT, she is driven by passion to help you succeed. Caitlyn is originally from Mount Gilead, OH but has recently moved back to the Saint Mary’s area from Houston, TX with her husband Seth. Caitlyn went to Urbana University and played softball while receiving her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. After graduation Caitlyn and her husband move to Columbus and worked at The Ohio State University as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, working with various sports such as Men’s Volleyball, Men’s Swimming, Softball, Women’s Ice Hockey, and Men’s Soccer.

Caitlyn and her husband decided to take an adventure and move out to Houston, Texas for a couple of years. There she found a facility that allowed her to train children, college athletes, professional athletes, and general population adults. She also got to work alongside doctors and physical therapists to learn more about the rehabilitation process, and how she can help them get back to a healthy state through strength and conditioning.

Caitlyn has a vast background in fitness with her experiences the last 9 years from yoga to CrossFit, HIIT training, Pre/Post pregnancy training, Rehabilitation training, and of course Strength Conditioning.

For her this is more than just a training program, she genuinely wants to help you create lasting changes to your life. She wants to help show you the methods to achieve your success because it is possible, and you don’t have to give up the things you love to do so. No matter where you are in your journey or what you’ve tried before, Caitlyn is determined to become the ignition you need to fuel your mind and body.

I received my training for my CMA at Apollo Career Center in 2014 and received my certification in September of 2014. I worked at Primary Care Associates from 2014 - 2016 and began working for the Weight Management Center in November of 2016.

The way that I "Live Well" is that I try to walk as much as possible each day with work, taking the stairs whenever possible, parking farther out from wherever I am going (grocery store, work, appointments, etc.) I also enjoy walking outside in the warmer months.