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DR. JUSTIN J. CLARK, MD, FACS, SURGEON
Dr. Justin Clark was born and raised in San Diego, California. He grew up as an avid tennis player and enjoyed golf, hiking, fishing, and camping. In college he played tennis and rowed crew at Oxford University in England. He has traveled extensively throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Dr. Clark now lives in Anchorage and has two beautiful daughters.
Dr. Clark chose to become a surgeon because he finds the operating room to be a sanctuary of sorts. When in the operating room time seems to stop and all the chaos of the outside world fades away. He feels focused, fully immersed, and experiences extreme gratification.
“It is a wonderful feeling to be able to help someone who has chosen to take control of their weight and is motivated to change their life. Every single time I have a patient return after surgery and thank me for giving them their life back, I get to renew my love of bariatric surgery.”
Dr. Clark served with distinction in the United States Air Force. Commissioned as an officer in 2002, he then entered medical training before going Active Duty in 2012. He served as a Major at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson Hospital until 2016, where he was director of bariatric surgery and assistant director of trauma surgery. He participated in missions all over the Pacific theater, including traveling with President Obama to Malaysia as surgical support staff.
Dr. Clark stayed in San Diego for his undergraduate education at the University of California at San Diego where he obtained a B.A. degree in history. He spent his junior year abroad studying at New College, Oxford University in England. After graduating, he spent a year traveling and enjoying time in Europe and Africa. He entered medical school in Chicago at Northwestern University in 2002, and graduated with a medical degree in 2006. He then performed a general surgery residency at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu for five years. He was very fortunate to secure one of the nation’s top fellowship positions at Duke University and spent the next year in intensive training in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery. Upon finishing his fellowship, he entered active duty with the USAF in July 2012. He became Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery in 2014, and was inducted into the American College of Surgeons in 2015. He is also a participating member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Dr. Clark currently serves as Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Providence Alaska Medical Center.
FACS: The FACS designation (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after a surgeon’s name means that the surgeon’s education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have undergone a rigorous evaluation and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College.
"Dr. Clark was great, he never chastised me for being overweight. He was very open and supportive and checked in with me every day after my surgery.” – Russell F.
“Dr. Clark is always positive, uplifting, and encouraging. He’s that go-to person you want by your side to guide you. He’s not pushy, just informed and knowledgeable, and you can trust him right from the start. I was scared, but his confidence made me comfortable.” – Maddie P.
DR. SEAN M. LEE, MD, FACS, SURGEON
Dr. Sean Lee was born and raised in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington. Growing up, he was active in various sports including basketball, golf, tennis, and snow skiing. Dr. Lee attended Cornell University for his undergraduate studies, then went on to the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut where he received his Medical Doctorate. He spent a fifth year at Yale performing research in bone marrow-derived stem cells, with the support of a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Dr. Lee completed his residency in general surgery at Duke University in North Carolina. While there, Dr. Lee decided to focus his clinical work toward bariatric surgery. He was drawn to bariatrics due to its proactive nature. Rather than responding to a severe disease or injury after it occurs as in most surgical specialties, bariatric surgery addresses obesity early in its course and can prevent, improve, or even resolve multiple other diseases related to obesity. Being able to partner with patients to affect a dramatic positive change in their health, and seeing how their lives change for the better was extremely rewarding.
In his final year of residency, Dr. Lee met Dr. Justin Clark when Dr. Clark started his fellowship in Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Duke. The following year, as Dr. Clark moved on to Anchorage, Dr. Lee began his specialty training in the same program at Duke.
In 2016, Dr. Lee became the head of the Center for Obesity and Metabolism at Augusta University, and facilitated the bariatric surgery program’s recognition as an MBSAQIP bariatric surgery Center of Excellence. Dr. Lee was inducted into the American College of Surgeons in 2018.
Dr. Lee has learned that obesity is not a cosmetic problem suffered by those lacking self-control. It is, rather, an increasingly common, potentially lethal disease affecting millions of Americans of all backgrounds, including some of the most disciplined and hard-working people he has known. It is an epidemic with an insidious nature, and one that requires we apply those treatments proven to be safe and effective.
In 2017, Dr. Lee moved to Anchorage to join Dr. Clark as a partner-owner of Anchorage Bariatrics. His current goal is to work with the team at Anchorage Bariatrics to bring the highest quality bariatric and minimally invasive surgical care to the people of Alaska.
“I was very nervous and a little bit emotional, but my first visit with Dr. Lee was amazing. He was very informative. Every time I have seen a doctor for weight issues, I always felt like I was in trouble or was being judged. This time, I didn’t feel that at all. It was finally my choice to get help and everyone at Anchorage Bariatrics made me feel comfortable.” – Cara H.
“When we made our initial appointment to see Dr. Lee, we just absolutely fell in love with him and the staff.” – Tim C.
“Dr. Lee is fantastic! I like his personality and I like the way he breaks things down for you. He is very detailed, so there was no point in the process where I didn’t understand things. He is very comforting to talk to and very welcoming.” – Jennifer D.
DR. KEVIN SIGLEY, DO, SURGEON
Dr. Kevin Sigley was born and raised in Seattle, WA. He grew up immersed in the Pacific Northwest, playing competitive soccer throughout childhood, skiing in the Cascades, and enjoying the outdoors with his close-knit family. He completed his undergraduate studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, where he played four years of collegiate soccer.
He first traveled to Alaska in 2013 to volunteer on the Iditarod at the Skwentna checkpoint, and fell in love with the state. He later met his wife, an Anchorage local, and enjoyed performing his medical school clerkships in Anchorage. He earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Pacific Northwest University, in Yakima, WA, where he was inducted into the Sigma Sigma Phi honor society for his academic achievements. During medical school, he used his passion for running and volunteering to organize a charitable community run and health fair to benefit local organizations.
After completing his general surgery residency at Beaumont Health in Detroit, MI, Dr. Sigley completed a rigorous fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. In his fellowship year, he lectured at state and national conferences, and played a vital role in patient care in one of the busiest comprehensive bariatric centers in New York. In 2024, he became certified by the American Board of Surgery, and moved back to Anchorage to practice bariatric and general surgery.
Dr. Sigley partners with patients to take a holistic, compassionate and individualized approach to weight management using a variety of treatment modalities, including medications and surgery. During surgical training, he was initially drawn to the field of bariatric surgery due to the high technical aptitude required, as well as the durable and rewarding life-changing outcomes. Dr. Sigley is passionate about supporting Alaskans on their health journey, and thrilled to be part of the team at Anchorage Bariatrics.
DR. JOHNNA KOHL, MD, NON-SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Johnna Kohl was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Dakota. Dr. Kohl obtained her medical degree at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
In 1999, Dr. Kohl moved to Alaska to begin the Alaska Family Medicine Residency. She completed the three-year program and graduated in 2002. Dr. Kohl has been board certified in Family Medicine since 2002. She is also a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Kohl joined the Anchorage Bariatrics team in 2021. Dr. Kohl is the Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program Medical Director. Her job is to oversee and maintain the non-surgical weight loss program at Anchorage Bariatrics.
In her spare time, Dr. Kohl enjoys running, skiing, and spending time exploring Alaska with her husband and children. She is excited about joining Anchorage Bariatrics and looking forward to helping make a difference in patients’ lives.
“The positive encouragement from the staff at Anchorage Bariatrics motivates me to stay on track and it is comforting to know that they truly want me to be successful.” – Patrick J.
DR. VAL KROZEL, MD
Dr. Val Krozel was born in Anchorage, the third daughter to a military family. She was raised in Texas and attended medical school at the University of Texas, Houston. She later completed a residency in Family Medicine in Anchorage at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency Program, in 2002. That same year, she moved her family to Wrangell, AK to experience the Southeast and work in a truly Alaskan rural medicine practice.
In 2004, Dr. Krozel moved back to the south-central region and began working at Providence Matanuska Healthcare where she stayed until 2015. Dr. Krozel worked at several clinics in MatSu from 2015 to 2025 as a family doctor and continued to offer full scope family medicine services, including delivering babies. In 2023, Dr. Krozel also became the Director of Student Health and Counseling for the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
Her passion for bariatric and obesity medicine is personal and professional. She brings a holistic approach to medicine, looking at the whole person and seeks to be a partner in each patient’s health and wellness journey.
Dr. Krozel is the proud mom of four children.
“From the minute you walk in, everyone is great. They make you feel welcome – no fat shaming, so understanding, empathetic – with these kinds of people, it all just falls into place.” – Karen P.
TIMOTHY HARRELSON, JR., MPAS, PA-C, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Tim Harrelson is a board certified Physician Assistant (PA) born in Charlotte, NC, and raised in the Carolinas and Florida. He avidly participated in team sports and outdoor activities. At the age of 18 he joined the United States Air Force (USAF), where he trained at the Presidio of Monterey, CA, and then served at the National Security Agency. In 1999, he started his medical journey by attending the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physician Assistant program. In 2001, he was commissioned in the USAF and then completed his Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2002, also from the University of Nebraska. He completed his formal training in 2011, by graduating from the General Surgery and Trauma Fellowship through the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium.
As a PA, Tim has served in Texas, North Carolina, Japan, Afghanistan, South Korea and Alaska. He spent 2008 in Afghanistan, serving as a medical officer on the Zabul Province Provincial Reconstruction Team. From 2011 through 2012, he served as the officer in charge of general and orthopedic surgery at Osan AB, South Korea. He left Korea for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska, and served as the officer in charge of General Surgery and Wound Care until August 2015. While at JBER he often worked with Dr. Clark, assisting in the operating room for his bariatric and general surgery cases. Both he and Dr. Clark also worked together on the trauma service at Providence Alaska Medical Center.
Through the course of his career, PA Harrelson has been recognized for his service and achievement. In 2002, he was recognized as the Air Combat Command Physician Assistant of the year. The Veteran’s Caucus of the America Academy of Physician Assistants awarded him PA of the Year in 2008. He was also awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan.
Tim comes to Anchorage Bariatrics very excited to, once again, join Dr. Clark and the Anchorage Bariatrics team.
“Tim, the physician assistant, was wonderful. He made sure everything was in order, and counseled me as to what was going to happen. He is super-positive and I felt comfortable talking to him. He answered detailed questions about my procedure and what to expect. He checked on me after surgery in the hospital and I worked with him again post-op. Like everyone else at Anchorage Bariatrics, he truly cared about me and was there when I needed him.” – Sherri R.
SHEA PRESTEGARD, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Shea Prestegard is a lifelong Alaskan, born and raised in Anchorage. She graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a Bachelors in Health Science, then received a Masters degree from the University of Washington MEDEX Physician Assistant Program in 2020.
Prior to PA school, Shea worked as a medical assistant in a family medicine office. She is passionate about caring for patients and providing tools to improve overall quality of life. Bariatric medicine sparks her interest due to its preventative nature of other disease processes.
When not at work, Shea enjoys spending time at her cabin on Big Lake with friends and family. She loves adventuring and appreciates any amount of time she can be outdoors. Shea downhill skis when time allows and thoroughly enjoys a home cooked meal and movie with her husband.
“When we made our initial appointment to see Dr. Lee, we just absolutely fell in love with him and the staff.” – Tim C.
KATELYN STEARNS, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Katelyn Stearns was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She received her Bachelors of Science in Biology at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Prior to going into medicine, Katelyn worked in fisheries and as a wildland firefighter/EMT.
Katelyn worked as a medical scribe in neurosurgery for three years before attending PA school. She obtained her Master of Clinical Health Sciences from the University of Washington’s MEDEX Physician Assistant Program in 2021. While completing her primary care rotation, Katelyn had the opportunity to work with the Sunrise Weight Loss Program which sparked her interest in bariatric medicine. Prior to bariatrics she worked in orthopedic surgery.
Katelyn currently lives with her husband and dog, Finley. Katelyn’s pastimes include hiking, biking, running, snowboarding, traveling, baking, and spending time with family.
“To anyone who’s thinking about bariatric surgery, I can tell you that at Anchorage Bariatrics, the support you get from the first phone call until today, is amazing! If I ever call and need to talk, someone will always be there for me.” – Karen P
KAMI HOWLETT, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Kami Howlett is a certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) who is a lifelong Alaskan. Kami was born in Petersburg, Alaska and raised in Anchorage and Eagle River. She graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences in 1996 and from the University of Washington MEDEX Physician Assistant training program with a bachelor’s degree in Health Services and physician assistant certification in 2002. Kami is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is licensed by the Alaska State Medical Board to practice medicine in the state of Alaska.
Through her work as a Physician Assistant, Kami has specialized in aesthetic procedures. She has primarily worked within the specialties of plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, ENT, and head and neck surgery. Kami began her career in aesthetic procedures in 2004 and has extensive experience with cosmetic injections. Kami is highly skilled in the injection of neuromodulators and is known for her gentleness, precision, and excellent outcomes. She is also experienced in light-based laser therapies such as Intense Pulsed Light and in assisting in cosmetic facial plastic surgeries.
In her free time, Kami loves to work out by lifting weights and doing cardio conditioning. She also enjoys getting out and about in her newly converted campervan, traveling (especially to Mexico), volunteering, and reading non-fiction. She also loves drinking iced mochas as they bring her great joy!
Quinsey Jorgenson-Delacruz PA-C
Quinsey Jorgenson-Delacruz is a board certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) and is a lifelong Alaskan. She graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a Bachelor of Arts in Science and a minor in Psychology. She went on to receive a Masters degree from the University of Washington MEDEX Physician Assistant Program in 2023.
Prior to PA school, Quinsey worked as a medical scribe in the emergency department at Providence Alaska Medical Center for 4 years and then as a medical assistant at Neuroversion pain clinic for one year. She is passionate about her patients’ health and well-being and believes that, with caring support and determination, endless possibilities can be achieved.
Quinsey lives in Anchorage with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and many chickens. She enjoys hiking, fishing, exploring, spending time with family, and making the most of the beautiful Alaskan summers.
“I’m grateful for all of the support from Anchorage Bariatrics.” – Dennis R.
DR. SETH BRICKLIN, Psy. D, M.B.A. LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Seth Bricklin has been in the mental health field since 1996. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology and master's in business administration from Widener University in Chester, PA. He is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise and training in the treatment of a multitude of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, chronic pain, and substance abuse. From 2005 to 2016, Dr. Bricklin was the Director of Mental Health at a non-public school serving developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed students residing throughout L.A. County. He has been conducting forensic evaluations of federal employees for over fifteen years and is an expert in how physical injuries and work-related stress contribute to and interact with psychological disorders.
Dr. Bricklin enjoys supervising and training new therapists, which he has done throughout his career. He has taught undergraduate psychology and lectured on a variety of topics including the treatment of substance abuse in adolescents, motivational interviewing, basic counseling skills, supervision, ethics, the integration of services to developmentally delayed and mentally ill clients, and personality assessment. He is trained in several evidence-based practices and utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and mindfulness therapies to target his clients' goals. Dr. Bricklin is excited to join the Anchorage Bariatrics' team.
“All the staff were on my team – from front desk staff, to dietitian and psychologist, they were all very encouraging and helpful. I was very impressed with the psychological care.” – Sherri R.
DR. ERICA L. COADY, PH.D, LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Erica Coady was born and raised in Alaska. She received her undergraduate degrees from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. She then attended graduate school at Seattle Pacific University in Washington where she graduated with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Coady completed a neuropsychology internship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. After her internship, she completed a two year clinical neuropsychology post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and the David Geffen School of Medicine, where she served as Chief Fellow of Neuropsychology. Her graduate studies and early work focused on a broad array of neurological and psychological disorders. Her extensive training meets the rigorous Houston Conference guidelines outlined by the American Psychological Association for training neuropsychologists.
Dr. Coady is also board-certified and a diplomate in clinical neuropsychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP-CN). She is a member of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, the International Neuropsychological Society, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the American Psychological Association, and the Alaska Psychological Association.
Dr. Coady is thrilled to have returned to Alaska. She enjoys working with adult patients with a variety of neurological and psychological concerns. She believes all individuals are doing their best to succeed in life with the tools they have available to them. She is honored to be a part of the caring, dedicated team at Anchorage Bariatrics. In her spare time, Dr. Coady enjoys hiking, trail running, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
"Changing my habits was a struggle, but once I started to get out and do more with my new life, it felt amazing and worth the challenge.” – Jennifer D.
DR. SANDRA MITCHELL, PH.D., LICENSED CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Mitchell earned her Ph.D. from the neuropsychology training program at the University of Florida. She completed her predoctoral internship at the Connecticut VA and post-doctoral neuropsychology residency at the New Mexico VA.
After completing her residency, Dr. Mitchell came to Alaska to start a neuropsychology service with an Anchorage neurology practice. In 2017, she joined Providence Medical Group with her friend and colleague, Dr. Erica Coady. After spending 2024 with a neuropsychology group practice where she received training in autism assessment, she has reunited with Dr. Coady at Psychology Services of Alaska.

Dr. Mitchell specializes in adult neuropsychology. She uses a therapeutic approach to assessment and feedback that emphasizes education and support to patients and families, in addition to explaining test results and diagnoses. Dr. Mitchell’s clinical experience includes evaluation of patients with traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment and dementia, cerebrovascular disease and stroke, ADHD and other developmental disorders, a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis), pre- and post-surgical evaluations (e.g., brain tumor, seizures, deep brain stimulation, bariatric evaluations, spinal cord stimulators), epilepsy, normal cognitive aging, as well as the effects of mood and personality on cognitive function.
After Dr. Mitchell and her husband Dan moved to Alaska, they were thrilled when their adult children also chose to call Alaska home. In her spare time, Dr. Mitchell enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, camping, traveling, and enjoying the beauty of Alaska.
“Dr. Clark and his staff are available for guidance. If I get stuck, I can call their office and someone will talk with me and help figure out solutions. It’s a wonderful team, they all ‘get it’ and are very supportive and empathetic.” – Joni J.
KRISTA HOBSON, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER
Krista Hobson, APRN was born in Blackfoot, Idaho and moved to Alaska when she was 7 years old. She graduated from Palmer High School in Palmer, Alaska and then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science at UAA (University of Alaska Anchorage). She worked as a registered nurse at Alaska Regional Hospital on the Medical/Oncology floor for five years and the Cardiac floor for three years. During the same period, she also worked as a SANE (Sex Assault Nurse Examiner) through the Municipality of Anchorage and then Providence Alaska Medical Center. In 2013, she ventured to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center to help create and build the Mat-Su Forensic Nursing Services program that assisted survivors of sexual assault and strangulation through the assessment, treatment, and documentation of injuries.
Krista also attended Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing. She became an ANCC certified Family Nurse Practitioner in 2018 started providing patient care at All Season’s Family Health Care where she quickly learned that while treating the body, she must also treat the mind. Thus, she returned to Frontier Nursing University in Versailles, Kentucky and obtained her Post Graduate Certificate by ANCC to be a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has previously provided mental healthcare to children and adolescents at Ptarmigan Connections in Wasilla, AK and is excited to help people of all ages at Psychology Services of Alaska.
In her spare time, Krista enjoys skiing, hiking, painting, reading mystery novels, hunting, fishing, and exploring Alaska and the rest of the world. She has a wonderful spouse, two grown boys, an amazing daughter in-law, a beautiful granddaughter, and her favorite Corgi, Leeloo.
“From the moment I first arrived at the Anchorage Bariatrics office, I felt like I had entered a giant, welcoming support facility. The entire office staff is fantastic; you can tell immediately that they genuinely care about every person who walks in. I always felt like people were staring at me, pointing fingers, and whispering behind my back. It was the exact opposite at Anchorage Bariatrics.” – Patrick J.
PAUL GAINES, JR M.Ed. LCSW, LPC-S.
Paul Gaines was born in Newport, RI and moved to Alaska in 2014. Paul received a Master of Education with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, for Licensure, from Bridgewater State College, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut with a focus on substance use and mental health in veteran populations. Paul’s therapeutic preferences are Gestalt and Rational Emotive Therapy. Other evidence-based therapeutic interventions Paul uses include, but are not limited to, EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and DBT.
Paul enjoys building programs to improve staff and consumer retention. Paul was the Associate Dean of Students before changing careers to become a full time psychotherapist in 2011. Paul is a former firefighter and EMT, stepping away from EMS in 2025 after ten years to focus on providing trauma-informed care for veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and current military personnel.
Paul relocated to Anchorage from Fairbanks in April 2025.
ERIKA VAN CALCAR, MS, RDN, LD, REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Erika Van Calcar was born and raised in Port Angeles, Washington, where she grew up hiking in the Olympic Mountains. After becoming a dietitian in 2003, she worked in her new field in a variety of capacities, including at a community hospital, with an organization that provided services to prenatal and postpartum women and their families, for her own business and as a caregiver in a group home for developmentally disabled adults. She has lived in Alaska for three years and most recently worked with children at a behavioral health hospital.
Erika became a dietitian because she has a passion for food and for helping people. “I am fascinated by how tightly woven together food and emotions are which, I think, is one of the main reasons why people struggle so much when it comes to changing how they eat. I think that’s one of the reasons why I am so excited to be a part of the team at Anchorage Bariatrics. I have the opportunity to help people move from where they are in their health and relationship with and understanding of food to where they want to be.”
Erika has traveled to Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, England, Canada and Mexico. She loves learning about other people, cultures and food. When she’s not working, she loves walking and hiking with her three dogs, reading and trying desperately to learn to crochet.
“The real kicker was the day I had to carry around my nine-month old granddaughter and I was not able to do it. That’s when I found Anchorage Bariatrics and began the New Directions diet plan guided by clinical dietitian, Erika Van Calcar. I’ve lost 103 pounds! Being successful feels so good! I’m doing things I haven’t done in over a decade and I feel 30 years younger!” – Kat H.
“Anchorage Bariatrics is always responsive, their monthly support group helps immensely, the staff dietitian is great – they’re all just there for you.” – Dorothy S.
SOLEIL THIELE, REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Soleil Thiele was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, California. After graduating high school, she moved to London, England, to pursue a degree in sports rehabilitation. However, she began to realize that this career path was not meant for her. Luckily, during her time in England, she found her true passion, nutrition.
She left London and moved to San Jose, California to attend San Jose State University where she obtained her degree in Nutritional Science (Dietetics) in 2019. A few months after graduating, Soleil and her boyfriend drove over 3,000 miles to Palmer, Alaska, where she now resides.

While living in Alaska, Soleil completed her dietetic internship, passed the RD board exam, and officially became a Registered Dietitian. She is excited about the opportunity to use her knowledge of nutrition to help individuals overcome their struggles around food and achieve their health goals!
Soleil has successfully completed Monash University's online training course: The Low FODMAP Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Soleil has gained the knowledge that enables her to more effectively and confidently manage patients presenting with IBS.
In her spare time, Soleil enjoys going to the gym, hiking, crocheting, spending time with her boyfriend and cat, and cooking up some tasty food in her kitchen.
“The entire staff is wonderful! They get to know you on a personal level.” – Jennifer D.
STACI KLOSTER, RDN, LD, IFNCP
Staci Kloster is a born and bred Alaskan originally from Juneau and she currently resides in Eagle River. Staci graduated from the University of Alaska in Anchorage with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. Upon graduating, she completed a 1200-hour dietetic internship in Anchorage. After completing her internship, Staci finished the last step to becoming a registered dietitian which was to pass her RD exam.
Prior to joining the team at Anchorage Bariatrics, Staci worked as a nutrition coach providing support and accountability for her clients by helping them improve their overall relationship and mindset with food. She is excited to bring her passion and knowledge to Anchorage Bariatrics and continue assisting clients in improving their overall health through nutrition.
Although food and nutrition have long been a passion of hers, it was not until Staci was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2007 that she truly knew she wanted a career in nutrition. This was when she realized that food was more than just food and that everyone has their own journey and relationship with the foods they eat.

In her spare time, Staci enjoys fishing with her husband or hiking with their two dogs. She also enjoys cooking and growing her own vegetables, especially since getting a greenhouse. Staci may not have the greenest of thumbs, but she finds it very rewarding to watch a plant grow from seed to harvest.
“Every single person at Anchorage Bariatrics is happy, cheerful, and makes me feel welcome. The whole staff is very supportive. There are no clouds of gloom and doom – never. They are always willing to work with me.” – Beth M.
“Making this change is a big deal and you can’t do it alone, so I’m very grateful for the support.” – Teresa C.
LINDSAY WOOD, REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Lindsay Wood was born in Florida and has spent most of her life living in Alaska. She attended college in Texas and got her degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics and then returned to Alaska to complete her dietetic internship through UAA in 2001. Since then, Lindsay has worked with the Alaska WIC program and with the Alaska Native population providing outpatient nutrition counseling before coming to Anchorage Bariatrics.
She enjoys talking with patients about their health and nutrition concerns and helping them work to make beneficial changes for their overall health and wellness. In her spare time, Lindsay loves traveling with her husband, being outside, biking, walking and enjoying her favorite foods and restaurants.
“Making this change is a big deal and you can’t do it alone, so I’m very grateful for the support.” – Teresa C.
administrative staff
KRISTI NAVAL, RN, PRACTICE MANAGER
Kristi Naval is from San Antonio, Texas. However, she moved frequently as part of a military family and lived in places like Central America and the Middle East. At age 18, she joined the US Air Force working in Executive Administration, while earning her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Information Management. Before retiring from the Air Force, she lived in Texas, Florida, Montana, Korea, and finally, Alaska.
After retiring, her plans changed and she returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. Upon successfully completing this goal, she has worked locally in several clinics and hospitals. Kristi is now leading the team at Anchorage Bariatrics as the Practice Manager. In her own words, “I decided to join Anchorage Bariatrics because I wholeheartedly believe in the life changing possibilities bariatric surgery can offer. I was so confident in Dr. Clark that when he asked me to join his team, I could not wait to be a part of that opportunity. I tell patients about my experience as a bariatric patient so they can understand that I do “get it.” I think it helps people relax because going into any doctor’s office can be stressful and intimidating. I love inspiring our patients – I’m here for them and want to help.”
Kristi is married with 3 wonderful children, and 2 awesome dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her motorcycle and quilting.
“The team that assisted me were phenomenal from the beginning, including Kristi.” – Julie A.
“The entire team at Anchorage Bariatrics is just great; they are all there for you. I would recommend them to anyone struggling with obesity.” – Cara H.
TRUDIE GIBSON, ASSISTANT MANAGER
Trudie Gibson is a longtime Alaskan excited to be joining the Anchorage Bariatrics team. Although she has lived in more than five states including Florida, Texas and South Dakota – Trudie has resided in Alaska for over three decades.
She most recently worked as a patient service coordinator at Wisdom Traditions Counseling in Anchorage. Prior to holding that position, she worked with Allied Building Products as administrative manager and studied medical assisting for one year at Alaska Career College. In her own words, “I am so excited about this job. I’m excited to be a part of something brand-new, to see the doors open and watch from the beginning….to watch the patients change their lives.”

Trudie loves photography, the outdoors and animals. She enjoys visiting other states, especially New York, and hopes one day to travel abroad to see other countries.
“The support I get from Anchorage Bariatrics is phenomenal! Having support is important to keep you going when the going gets tough.” – Kat H.
VIRGINIA “GINI” MONCION, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
“If you’re considering a weight loss surgery, don’t be nervous. The Anchorage Bariatrics system is easy to follow; they have a really good program and educate patients very well. Just do everything they say and the weight will disappear. No need to go anywhere else!” – Jabiel C.
KORINNE KELLEY, NEW PATIENT COORDINATOR
“I live over two hours away from Anchorage in the woods, but I sought out the help I needed and it was a life saver. Dr. Clark and his team run an excellent program and support bariatric patients at every stage of the process.” – Dorothy S.
LYNNAYA NARDELA, CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT
“My only regret is that I didn’t do the surgery years sooner.” - Kathleen K.