Serina

Receptionist

I am happy to announce that I am the newest addition to the SALSA team; I look forward to meeting new and existing patients and hearing about your experiences. I come from 6+ years of varied customer care, office and medical background. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and taking my son to one of the best places ever… Disneyland!

Angela

Patient Care Coordinator

angela@salsa.md

I come to SALSA with 14 + years medical experience. I started my medical career in non-surgical Bariatric medicine, and then moved on to ambulatory services at Shriner’s Hospital for Children of Northern California. I also spent time in the OR as a scrub tech. I have always liked computers and enjoy learning how to use new technologies. I am married with 3 beautiful boys with my older boys being identical twins; so needless to say they are a ton of fun. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family as my husband and I are very involved with our kid’s sports and activities.

Deanna Karlstad, ANP-BC

Nurse Practitioner

dkarlstad@salsa.md

Deanna graduated from the University of California at Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology. She then took advantage of an outstanding opportunity to complete her nursing education at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. There, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and began to work full-time as a registered nurse at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for three years on a surgical floor, specializing in the care of some of the most complicated surgical issues, including the care of transplant, vascular, and trauma patients.

Deanna completed the Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Nurse Practitioner program, and returned to California to expand her experience into the area of Internal Medicine, where she practiced for four years.

Deanna is currently a member of the California Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

You will have the opportunity to see Deanna in the OR, the hospital wards, clinic, and even here at support group. She is obviously a valued addition to our staff.

Lisa, Esq.

lisa@salsa.md

As Director of Business and Legal Affairs for SALSA, Lisa has facilitated the practice expansion of SALSA and support division for bariatric surgery candidates (WOW). With a deep understanding of the profound experiences obese people endure, Lisa's knowledge, professionalism, and empathy are the perfect formula for directing the outstanding services that SALSA aims to provide.

Lisa's compassion is driven by her sincere care for patients and her concern for individuals who are overcoming extreme obstacles. Throughout Lisa's personal growth and development as a professional businesswoman, Lisa has constantly volunteered her services either as a child advocate for abused children, by facilitating the legal issues surrounding adoption of foster care children, or as a mentor as a Big Sister.

Lisa's amazing business sense makes her the capable woman that she is; but, Lisa's kindness catapults her into a category all her own.

Dina

Practice Administrator

dina@salsa.md

As Practice Administrator, Dina brings her broad knowledge and compassion for patient care to SALSA. She is an active member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Further, she is integral in helping patients at all levels of their care. While most of her work is concentrated in the pre-operative processing of patients, her true joy is watching the post-operative course of the SALSA patient.

Dina has extensive experience in medical office administration and management. She has worked in many diverse medical office settings over the past 16 years.

Sveta

Medical Billing Specialist

sveta@salsa.md

Sveta has been a patient advocate and medical billing specialist for over 7 years. Sveta is happily married for 11 years and has three boys. She enjoys camping with her family and friends and loves to watch and enjoy her boys basketball games.

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