For weight loss surgery and the path to weight loss to be successful, the entire team is important. At New York Bariatric Group, we have a team of talented and caring office staff ready to help you in any way we can. Whether we are answering questions about the new weight loss balloon options, working with your insurance to figure out coverage, or scheduling a nutrition consultation, you will feel supported and encouraged throughout your journey.
PA's and NP's
Donna Franco, RPA
Physician Assistant
Donna Franco is an expert in the field of bariatric surgery. She leads a team of physician assistants at the New York Bariatric Group. Prior to working at New York Bariatric Group, she worked with various surgeons in multiple fields of surgery in a hospital setting. She has worked with bariatric patients for the past 20 years and feels fortunate to be able to assist patients on their weight loss journey. Patients are likely to meet Donna during both the pre-op and post-op process as she provides guidance towards achieving their weight loss goals.
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Eva Pilchman
PA-C, MS
Eva Pilchman has been with the practice since 2012. She received her Bachelor of Science in diagnostic genetic sciences from the University of Connecticut and Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies from Hofstra University.
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Kelly Emmert
PA
Kelly is a native of Texas, received her Bachelor's of Science from Austin College in Sherman, Texas in 2011. She subsequently obtained her Masters of Physician Assistant studies from New York Institute of Technology in 2015.
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Sarah Kennedy-Etheridge
PA-C, MHS
Sarah joined NYBG in 2019 after receiving her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Quinnipiac University. Prior to becoming a board-certified Physician Assistant, Sarah received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science Studies from Quinnipiac University in 2017.
Sharon Meltzer
PA-C, RD
Sharon completed her undergraduate education at Syracuse University earning a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition/Dietetics and worked in clinical nutrition for seven years. Sharon completed her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Pace University – Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program and started practicing bariatric and general surgery with Ballem Surgical in 2013.
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Eden Bessaleli
MSPAS, PA-C
Eden Bessaleli is a board-certified physician assistant who received her Master's of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro College of Health Sciences. After completing her surgical rotation at NYBG in 2019, Eden discovered her profound interest in laparoscopic surgery and in helping others achieve their weight loss goals. This interest led Eden to return to NYBG in 2020 for an extended advanced training clinical rotation, where she continued to train with and learn from the doctors and PAs at NYBG. After earning her master's degree, Eden returned to NYBG full-time to be part of the team - where she is assisting in surgery and seeing patients in the office for pre- and post-op care.
Emily Meyer
MSPAS, PA-C
Emily is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in bariatric surgery. She completed her Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). Before starting PA school, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biobehavioral Health from The Pennsylvania State University.
Tess Foxen
PA-C
Tess Foxen is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in Bariatric Surgery. she received her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. As a Connecticut native, Tess is excited to serve her local community and provide the highest quality of patient care throughout your weight loss journey.
Alaa Barbour
PA-C, MSPAS
Alaa Barbour is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in bariatric surgery and medical weight loss management. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Saint Elizabeth University. Before starting PA school, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Anthropology at Saint Peter's University. After completing her general surgery and her elective bariatric surgery rotation, Alaa discovered her interest in laparoscopic procedures. She grew an even stronger interest in health and wellness. Alaa is ready to work closely with patients pre-operatively and post-operatively to help her patients attain their personal weight loss and health goals through dietary counseling, nutritional education, and support.
Kesi Penny
PA-C
Born and Raised in NJ, Kesi Penny received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the College of Saint Elizabeth in 2016. She returned to Saint Elizabeth University to receive her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021. She has been practicing with NYBG since July of 2022. Kesi’s favorite aspect of the job are the transformations. “The best part of the job is discussing the activities that our patients can get back to doing as a result of their transformations, thing most people take for granted.” She is excited to continue her career with NYBG and assist in many more transformations.
Cassandra Burba
PA-C, MPAS
Cassandra Burba is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in plastic surgery. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Biology at Virginia Tech before receiving her Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies at South University, Richmond campus. Prior to joining NYBG she worked in burn and reconstructive surgery in her home state of Virginia.
Dana Chan
PA-C
Dana, born and raised in Queens, NY, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in 2021. Prior to becoming a PA, she attended St. John’s University and received her Bachelor of Science in Toxicology. Before joining NYBG in 2022, Dana worked in vascular surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital. She is excited to work closely with patients and make a positive impact on their lives.
John Milici
PA-C, MS
John Milici is a board-certified physician assistant. He attended Touro College where he completed a dual degree program obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Prior to becoming a physician assistant, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Seton Hall University. During clinical rotations, he developed a special interest in minimally invasive surgical procedures. He previously worked in Hematology and Oncology where health and wellness was an important aspect of patient care. He looks forward to working with a diverse group of patients and supporting them in their weight loss journey at New York Bariatric Group.
Michelle Valencia
PA-C
Michelle Valencia is a board-certified Physician Assistant who received her Master's of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Stony Brook University in 2022. Before starting PA school, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Montclair State University in 2018.
Nicole Rogucki
APRN-RNFA, CNL, CNOR
Nicole Rogucki became a Registered Nurse in 1999, holds a certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification and has over 20 years of experience in surgery. In 2007, she received her Masters of Science in Nursing and her Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. She also completed a Post Master’s certificate from Sacred Heart University as a Family Nurse Practitioner and received First Assist NIFA certification in 2018. Nicole has been practicing with New York Bariatric Group since 2002. She loves assisting in surgery and has a passion for the surgical aspect of care. Her goal is to help improve health and longevity.
April Phelps
PA-C, MS
April Phelps is a board-certified physician assistant who received her Masters of Science and Bachelors of Science from Springfield College in Massachusetts. Born and raised in Connecticut, April is passionate about helping people achieve their weight loss goals and excited to see patients along their journey.
Carol Habib
PA-C, MSPAS
Carol is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She completed her Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Mercy College in 2023. Before starting PA school, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Hofstra University.
Madison DiMattei
PA-C, MSPAS
Madison received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Hofstra University. She loves being a part of such a transformative journey for the patients and hopes to help everyone achieve their health goals.
Alyssa J. Ramirez
PA-C, MSPAS
Alyssa J. Ramirez is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in bariatric surgery and medical weight loss management. She received her Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Kean University, being part of the first inaugural class of 2024. Before starting PA school, she received her Bachelor's Degree in biomedicine from Kean University in 2021. She looks forward to educating her patients and helping them reach their weight loss goals and improving their overall health.
Carmen Ford
NP
Carmen Ford is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner for over 30 years and has been specializing in bariatrics since 2005. Carmen’s career in nursing started after receiving her Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing at the University of Florida in 1985. She subsequently moved to New Jersey and obtained her Masters of Science Degree in Nursing at Seton Hall University in 1993. She is board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. For the past 19 years, Carmen’s focus has been in guiding her patients on their weight loss journey. Carmen has three adult daughters and enjoys playing tennis and pickleball.
