Meet the Bariatric Surgery Team
Becky Roberts, RN, BS
Bariatric Program Coordinator
Becky has been working closely with the bariatric surgery patients at North Colorado Medical Center since 2001 and has worked in her present position of Bariatric Program Coordinator since 2003. In her role, Becky participates in many different aspects of service delivery. One of her responsibilities is to ensure that there is continuity of care for patients before, during and after their stay at the medical center. Long before patients arrive to the hospital for their surgeries, Becky has been reviewing their pre-operative testing and screening in the clinic, and has participated in the pre-operative education they receive. She focuses on prevention of health problems associated with surgery and teaches patients how they can help prevent complications. In addition, Becky is the support person patients and their family members go to for any special needs they may have especially while they are in the hospital. She has many responsibilities associated with training and education for the nurses who care for our patients.
Becky received her nursing education in Denver at Front Range Community College, and also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Regis University. Her nursing experience includes acute and chronic renal dialysis, intensive care, and cardiac care.
Thomas Barr, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Thomas has worked in the behavioral health field for many years. His experience as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, as well as more than 20 years as a clinical psychologist have enabled him to develop many strengths and specialties. He has expertise in pain management and behavioral medicine, and has provided teaching and guidance in the hospital setting in the areas of medical grand rounds and medical intern training. His techniques have been implemented in hospital burn, oncology, child psychology and hand surgery units. Thomas has 29 years of experience using clinical hypnosis in a wide range of problem areas. He has particular skill in the areas of anxiety and depression, chemical dependency, pain management, eating disorders, and adjustment disorders/life transition. In 2007, Dr. Barr was selected to present a 90 minute training workshop at the annual conference of The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
Steve Toth, MS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Steve is a Physician Assistant who comes to us from Phoenix, Ariz. After completing his undergraduate work at the University of Arizona, Steve earned a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the Arizona School of Health Sciences. He brings with him both compassion and excellent patient care. He is certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and holds a certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Steve's responsibilities include assisting Dr. Johnell in surgery, as well as seeing patients in both the hospital and the office settings.
Carol Runge, LPN
Practice Manager
Carol joined the Bariatric Surgery Team in March of 2004. Carol is our office manager and assures the smooth operation of daily patient care. She is usually the nurse patients see first in the office when they come in for their initial consultations. Carol fields all patient calls to the office regarding medical concerns and/or problems after patients go home from the hospital. Carol is a Nebraska native and attended the Licensed Practical Nurse program at Nebraska Western Community College in Scottsbluff, Neb. She has 28 years of experience in the health care field in the areas of ICU, renal dialysis, radiology, family practice and Donor Services with the American Red Cross.
Gina Fiore, RD
Registered Clinical Dietitian
Gina has been working in the field of Dietetics for over 14 years. She joined the Bariatric Surgery Team in June of 2006. Gina's responsibilities are centered on the nutritional care and guidance patients receive. Her main roles include conducting nutritional evaluations, providing nutrition education for patients in the preoperative class and the after care classes, along with being a valuable resource if questions and concerns come up after surgery.
Gina graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts, in Dietetics in 1997 and completed her Dietetic Internship at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. in 1998. She is also certified in Adult Weight Management by the Commission On Dietetic Registration. She has worked in numerous areas of dietetics throughout the years which include: Long term care, Acute hospital care specializing in critical care and enteral and parenteral (TPN) support, nutrition counseling, adult and adolescent weight management and works closely with the University of Northern Colorado's dietetic internship program. Gina was nominated for Young Dietitian Of The Year in 2001 by the North Colorado Dietetics Association.
Roxie Garza, MA
Medical Assistant
Roxie attended College America in Ft. Collins, receiving her Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Medical Specialties in 2003. She has been working with Dr. Johnell since 2004.
Along with Dr. Johnell and his physician assistants, Roxie provides pre and post-op care for patients in the office. She helps keep things moving on schedule by greeting patients, updating vital signs and medical information, and assisting with the many physical exams and band adjustments in the office. Roxie is also responsible for coordinating the preparation of supplies for pre-op teaching classes and completing disability forms. She also enters all first patient contact info into a data base program, and makes courtesy benefit calls to patients insurance companies to see if it is a covered benefit.
Linda Crespin, RMA
Registered Medical Assistant
Linda attended IBMC in Fort Collins, receiving her Registered Medical Assistant certificate in 2001. She joined the Bariatric Surgery Team in July 2003.
Linda is the primary staff member responsible for keeping patients' clinic visits moving smoothly. She assists Dr. Johnell, the nurse practitioner and physician's assistant with all aspects of patients' care in the clinic setting. She also frequently helps with the insurance authorization process and other administrative duties necessary to keep a busy practice running efficiently.
Vanessa Vahling, BA
Insurance Specialist
Vanessa grew up in Germany and moved to Colorado in 1996 to attend University of Northern Colorado. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from UNC. An employee of North Colorado Medical Center since 2000, Vanessa joined the bariatric team in 2007.
Angela Green
Business Office Specialist I
Angela is our front office representative and is the first person patients meet in the clinic. She is responsible for communicating with patients from first contact to scheduling appointments for consultations, and visits. Angela is in charge of reservations for information sessions and aftercare activities. In addition to her patient contact responsibilities, she oversees the operations of the front office, and assists with billing and insurance duties. Angela attended Watterson College Pacific in California, receiving her Medical Assistant certificate in 1992. She joined our team in January 2007.
