Seema Ahmad, MA

Seema Ahmad coordinates the Bariatric program with Dr. Ahmad's practice. Seema establishes a collaborative environment and lends a personal touch to the program. To set patients' short- and long-term goals, Seema teaches them to recognize their own eating and exercise habits, and helps them make the behavioral modifications that prepare them for future physiological and psychological changes.

Seema also runs the program's Support Group, which meets twice monthly to discuss personal experiences and ensure reasonable expectations from the surgery. Seema regularly refreshes and updates her knowledge of the latest developments in the Bariatric field by attending ASMBS (American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) courses focused on behavioral health. She views Bariatric surgery as both a "gift and a tool" that is a key to a new start.

AnnaMarie Braslow, RN, BS, CCRN, EMBA

As Bariatric Program Coordinator, AnnaMarie has an extraordinary capacity for empathy, and has provided compassionate care to bariatric patients during her years of nursing at Mather. In fact, AnnaMarie herself is a patient of Dr. Ahmad, having successfully undergone gastric bypass surgery in 2007. "There are no words to describe the compassionate care I received as a patient. I'm honored to be part of this team."

Linda Folken, MS, RD, CDN, CNSD

Linda Folken is a Registered Dietitian certified in Nutrition Support and Adult Weight Management. Linda has been in practice for more than 25 years, specializing in Critical Care and Bariatrics. In addition, she is an Adjunct Professor at Suffolk County Community College.

Sandi Mihalik

Sandi Mihalik works directly with the Bariatric Center to confirm insurance approval for each patient. Her 15 years of hospital/insurance experience allow her to comprehensively address questions and concerns regarding bariatric program coverage.

Carmen Fortugno

Carmen Fortugno has been part of the Mather Hospital team for six years. Carmen specializes in verifying insurance for surgical procedures. She joined the Bariatric Department in April of 2008 and is a welcome addition to the patient support staff.

Barbara Costa

Barbara Costa joined Mather's Bariatric Center of Excellence in September 2008, having been employed at Mather for more than eight years. Barbara brings many years of experience in medical transcription, as well as insurance verification expertise. Barbara received her degree in medical secretarial science from SUNY Farmingdale.

Angie Galgan

Angie graduate of Dowling College holds a BS in Accounting, currently working as our Billing Manager since December 2009.Angie's work experience comes from working in Banking for ten years, and a collection supervisor for thirteen years. Angie oversees all phases of the billing and appeal status, sometimes she even covers the front desk, and frequently attends our support groups.

Cassy Folken

Cassy graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She is currently on the path to receiving her Executive MBA from St. Joseph's College. Cassy became an asset to the organization when she joined the team in December 2010 as the Physician Coordinator.

Nicole Zimmerman

Nicole graduated from SUNY Albany where she studied English and theatre arts. Nicole is a patient of Dr. Ahmad's. She had her lap band procedure in August of 2009, and has since lost over 110lbs. Nicole sits at the front desk and always has a positive attitude adding to the friendly atmosphere.

Alyssa D'Andria

Alyssa has been part of the team for three years. Her expert billing experience plays a major role in our program. She is responsible for billing out, posting, and connecting with various insurances.