“I want my patients to feel that I’m here at every step of the way. This is a life-changing journey. From the very first conversation about the challenges you face – through surgery and follow-up – we are right by your side. We are committed to helping you reach your goals.”

“The ideal patient-doctor relationship is one in which both people are listening and learning. I want my patients to understand the pros and cons of every procedure we are discussing. Together, we’ll find the best path forward. I’ll be with them throughout their journey.”

Vanessa received her Master’s degree in Nursing from Graceland University in 2019. She has been a nurse for 7 years. Her most recent experience has been in internal medicine managing chronic illnesses. Vanessa joined our bariatric family in January 2022. She is excited to be able to share her passion for educating patients to improve their health. By joining our team, Vanessa is no longer be treating patients’ comorbidities. Now, she plays a role in helping to resolve their comorbidities and improve her patients’ quality of life. Vanessa will be managing our medically managed weight loss program. She will also be providing pre-operative education and heading our future support group for patients. She will work side by side with Dr. Cheregi and Kiersten to continue to support and encourage our patients on their weight loss journey.

Jessica Barker received her Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Physical Performance from St. Louis University in 2009 and has been working with weight management patients for 11 years. She is a Registered Dietitian and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics weight management practice group.  Jessica is also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and loves to coach people to enjoy movement and understand all of the long-term benefits of exercise. Jessica has a passion for the power of nutrition and healthy lifestyle changes in transforming our health and how we look, feel, and function each and every day.

Audra Wilson is a Board-Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management, holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Science and Sports Nutrition from Concordia University Chicago and Bachelor’s degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics as well as Education from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Business from Illinois State University. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is an enthusiastic advocate for the power of exercise in health improvement. She has worked with weight management patients, pre-and post-surgical patients, patients struggling with disordered eating/eating disorders, and athletes for the past six years. She is passionate about helping patients to improve their relationship with food and reach all of their health and wellness goals

Christine Komjathy received her Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition from Rush University in 2010. She has over 12 years of experience counseling patients on weight loss. Christine also spent 5 years in a University research setting studying the public perceptions of diets for weight loss. Being a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Academy of Sports Medicine, she also enjoys teaching classes to older adults and adults with disabilities.