Our Surgeons
Our Staff
Mather Hospital Northwell Health Center of Excellence Staff
Seema Ahmad, MA
Seema Ahmad directs the Bariatric program with Dr. Ahmad’s practice. Seema has a master's in psychology and runs the support groups as well as overall directs the office affairs. 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 three times per month 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.
Zeba Ahmad, Ed.M.
Zeba Ahmad joined the practice in 2005 and facilitates the Adolescent Support Group at Dr. Ahmad’s office. She has a Masters’ degree in Psychology from Harvard University and is studying close relationships, lifespan development and health psychology. Currently she is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology and is also a lecturer at Hunter College in New York City.
The group welcomes people between the ages of 17 and 30 who are having or who have had Bariatric surgery with Dr. Ahmad, and it meets monthly to discuss issues related to surgery.
These include preparing for surgery, what the hospital experience is like, and lifestyle modification including energy balance. We also address past weight-related experiences, finding support and strengthening relationships, and what to expect after surgery.
One of our greatest assets is our post-op patients, who generously and honestly answer questions from pre-ops. We have a vibrant online and text-based community, to which we welcome you! Questions about the group can be sent to [javascript protected email address]
Physician Assistants
Ryan Fuellbier, PA
Ryan is a registered Physician Assistant in the state of New York and Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Ryan has worked with Dr. Ahmad and the Bariatric Center of Excellence since 2018. Ryan works closely with Dr. Ahmad in the evaluation and treatment of surgical patients and assists with laparoscopic and robotic procedures. Ryan is especially passionate about counseling his patients on the benefits of physical activity and exercise on overall health. Ryan graduated from Touro College’s school of Health Sciences with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies.
Kristen Dismore, PA
Kristen is a registered Physician Assistant in the state of New York and Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Kristen has worked with Dr. Ahmad and the Bariatric Center of Excellence since 2020. Kristen’s skills are utilized in surgery assisting with laparoscopic and robotic procedures. Kristin loves helping patients reach their lifestyle goals so they can live healthier and happier lives. Kristen received her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from Stonybrook and her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies from New York Institute of Technology.
Nurse Practitioner
Heidi N. Schrader, AGPCNP-C, RNFA
Heidi, is a Nurse Practitioner. She has 8 years of surgical experience as a nurse in the operating room. Heidi graduated with adult-geriatric primary care nurse practitioner from Adelphi University in 2019. She then obtained her board certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In Jan 2022, Heidi received the surgical first assist certification.
She started working with Dr. Ahmad and his team in June of 2022. Most recently, Heidi is currently attending Hofstra University and will be receiving her post Masters certificate of acute care nurse Practitioner.
Nursing Staff
Janet Domke, RN BSN
Janet has been a Registered Nurse since 2005. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Stony Brook University and has completed courses in Holistic nursing. She joined the Bariatrics team at John T. Mather Memorial hospital in 2014 and is currently studying for her CBN (Certification in Bariatric Nursing). Janet’s clinical expertise and attention to detail helps ensure patients are safe for surgery. Janet also facilitates support and is a reliable resource.
Nutritionists
Nicole Drepaniotis, MBA, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CDN
Nicole is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who has been practicing in the clinical and outpatient settings for the past 15 years, specializing in Bariatrics and Weight Management. Nicole coordinates the Medical Weight Management Program and holds a certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management and is an ACE Certified Health Coach. Nicole received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition from Columbia University
Daphne Baldwin Kornrich, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CDN
Daphne has been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in a wide variety of clinical and outpatient settings. Daphne received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Queens College, completed a Dietetic Internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital, and has her Master’s Degree in Health Science from SUNY Stony Brook. Daphne currently works in the Bariatric and Medical Weight Management Programs. Daphne has completed the Certificate of Training Program in Adult Weight Management and is an ACE Certified Health Coach.
Helaine Krasner, MS, RDN, CSOWM, CDN
Helaine is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to helping patients achieve their health and weight loss goals through simple behavior changes. She completed her undergraduate nutrition education at Queens College and received her dietetic internship training and postgraduate nutrition degree from Stony Brook University. Most recently she obtained board certification as a specialist in obesity and weight management. In addition to working directly with Mather patients, Helaine appreciates any opportunity to educate others on nutrition topics and the value of practicing healthy habits.
Barbara Broggelwirth, MS, RDN, CDN
Barbara Broggelwirth is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for Mather Hospital’s Bariatric Center of Excellence. Barbara earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Queens College, completed a Dietetic Internship at Stony Brook University, received her master’s degree in health science from Stony Brook University and is an ACE Certified Behavior Change Specialist. In addition to supporting our bariatric surgery patients, Barbara also educates community members through Mather’s Medical Weight Management Program. Helping others find wellness through balanced nutrition, physical fitness, and a healthy lifestyle is central to Barbara’s work.
Erin Caraher, RDN, CDN
Erin is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for health and wellness. She has a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from CUNY Queens College and completed her dietetic internship at Long Island University Post. She is pursuing her Masters at Stony Brook University. Erin is devoted to providing individualized counseling that can help people in their weight loss journey.
Danielle Johnson, RDN, CDN
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who promotes A healthy relationship with food and exercise to provide life long health and happiness for our patients. Danielle earned her Bachelor’s and Advanced Certificate in Dietetic Internship from LIU Post, and became a dietitian in 2018. Her first job as a dietitian was at Dr Ahmad’s Bariatric Center of Excellence where she has continued to work. She obtained her 200HR yoga teacher certification in 2020 and utilizes her skills in mindfulness in 1:1 counseling and class education with patients. Danielle will be graduating from Stonybrook in 2021 with a Master’s Degree in Integrative Nutrition and plans to apply for her Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition at Rutgers.
Michelle Murdolo, MS, RDN, CDN
Michelle is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist currently working to guide patients through their Bariatric Surgery and Weight Management journey. She comes from a background of eating disorders and disordered eating and emphasizes body positivity and health at every size principles. Michelle completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Adelphi University and completed her Masters Degree in Nutrition at Hunter College.
Billing
Angie Galgan
Angie, a graduate of Dowling College, holds a BS in Accounting and is currently working as the Appeals Manager in our billing department 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 appeals process and frequently attends our support groups.
Bariatric Administration Staff
Lucia Bush, MBA
Lucia Bush, MBA, is Assistant Director for the Bariatric Center of Excellence and oversees the Bariatric Insurance Verification team. She joined the team in 2013. In addition to speaking five languages, Lucia brings with her more than 16 years of experience in healthcare, of which she has held a managerial position for over 10 years. Lucia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Languages and has earned her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. She has successfully initiated the startup of several healthcare facilities and private practices.
Aimee Ferrantino
Aimee joined the Bariatric team in early 2010, coming to the Bariatric Department with a BS in Biology and a passion for helping people. She is currently the Bariatric Center of Excellence Program Data Analyst and works collaboratively with the hospital and Dr. Ahmad’s office to ensure that the highest standards of care are met through all levels of patient treatment.
