Meet the Staff

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.

Kenneth V. Massie, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian Kenneth V. Massie has been in practice for more than twenty years, specializing in critical care, diabetes, and weight management. Kenneth earned his master of science degree from C.W. Post College on Long Island and his bachelor of science degree in nutrition from SUNY Oneonta.

Moira Farrell, RD

Moira Farrell is a Registered Dietitian and is certified in Adult Weight Management. Moira has been in practice for 10 years and specializes in the treatment of Eating Disorders and Bariatrics.

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.

Kathy Takacs

Administrative Specialist Kathleen Takacs has worked at Mather Hospital for 13 years. Kathleen has many years of administrative experience. Her organizational and interpersonal skills are an important part of the Bariatric Center’s environment.

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.

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Meet Dr. Ahmad

Dr. Arif Ahmad is a board-certified surgeon with Fellowship training in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, including Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Ahmad was named One of America's Top Surgeons by Consumer Research Council.

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