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!”

Abe earned a Bachelor of Science in Strength and Conditioning and an Associate of Arts in Personal Training at the University of Findlay, Findlay, OH. He is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) since 2011. He runs the St. Rita’s fitness center for employees and weight management patients. In addition to his education and internship experience, he has been personal training since 2008 as an independent contractor and a fitness facility employee. His experience includes a great deal of time working with obese, elderly, and sedentary individuals. He has worked with clientele of all fitness levels, from physically disabled to athletes. He describes a very valuable part of his experience is his personal one: prior to becoming a personal trainer, he says he was obese and sedentary. Through research and trial and error, he worked himself back into the shape and maintained his weight. This gives him an advantage relating to our patients.

Abe’s role on the team:

As the Exercise Physiologist/Fitness Coordinator, he welcomes and orients clients to the fitness center. He instructs patients on proper use of equipment and exercise form as he introduces them to their fitness plan. He provides instruction, support, and encouragement because fitness is an essential key to life-long weight management.

What Abe does to LivWell:
“To live well, I make sure to get regular exercise, stay active with my family and get plenty of sleep!”

Ashly is a Certified Medical Assistant, who graduated from the University of Northwestern Ohio in March of 2016. She worked for St. Mary's Oncology/American Cancer Society for 8 months before joining the weight management center team.

Ashly Saffle’s role on the team:

Ashly sits at the front desk, answering and making the many phone calls to prospective patients, established patients and insurance companies. She checks patients in and out of the office. As a medical assistant, she takes vital signs and reviews each patient's history. She is excited to be a part of every patient's journey. She sees her role as being a supportive person to every patient that walks in the door

What Ashly Saffle does to LivWell:
“Spending time with my family whether it's walking or taking my child to the play ground to play its nice to be able to get outside it always seems to relieve stress and make you feel better.”

Tammie is an Insurance Specialist who graduated from University of Northwestern in 1991. She has worked at St. Ritas since 1989 in the Emergency room and several areas in the hospital prior to her joining the Weight Management team in Dec 2014.

Tammie Nickles role on the team:

Tammie calls every Insurance company and checks all benefits and criteria prior to patients enrolling in our program. When the patient has completed the criteria she then pre-certs every patient prior to surgery. On occasion you may see her at the front desk checking patients in and out of the office.
Tammie is excited to see your transition thru your weight loss journey.

What Tammie does to LivWell:
Tammie loves spending time with her family. In the summer she enjoys being at the racetrack watching her kids race and going to the park. Her favorite quote is “Believe you can and you are half way there”

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.