Robert Michaelson, MD, PhD, FACS, FASMBS

Medical Director

Dr. Michaelson is the medical director of Northwest Weight & Wellness Center and has been exclusively focused on Bariatrics since 2006.

Dr. Michaelson is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is past president of the Washington state chapter of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and was honorably retired from the Medical Corps of the United States Navy after 23 years of service. He has been named one of Seattle’s “Top Docs” four times and was named ”Best of Western Washington’s” Best Doctor in 2008.

In 1991, Dr. Michaelson received his PhD in Neuroendocrinology while a member of the faculty at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery training at the University of California San Diego Medical Center in 2000 and went on to complete intense training in advanced laparoscopic surgery at the Texas Endosurgery Institute.

Other Interests:
In his free time, Dr. Michaelson enjoys cooking and activities on the water with his family.

Patient Care Philosophy:
What I find most rewarding is the ability to see my patients lose pounds and gain health. As my patients shed weight, they also have tremendous improvement in other conditions related to their weight—such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. But most importantly, they find the energy to do more and begin to enjoy life again.

Kevin Farrell Montgomery, MD

Surgeon

Dr. Montgomery is a general surgeon with special interest, experience and training in bariatric surgery.

Dr. Montgomery earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in New York and his M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He has specialized in bariatric surgery since 2002. He completed his general surgery training at the University of Washington and practiced general surgery at the Everett Clinic before 2002. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Other interests:
I run an equestrian boarding and training center and ride and show horses.

Patient Care Philosophy:
As a bariatric surgeon, I work with each patient to evaluate their options and select an approach that fits them and optimizes their weight loss success.

Christine M. Kreins, RD, CD

Registered Dietitian

Christine is a Registered Dietitian at Northwest Weight and Wellness Center who has worked in the field of nutrition for over 10 years.

She works in the field of bariatric nutrition where she assesses patients’ nutrition status and provides medical nutrition therapy, counseling and education. She enjoys working with people on their journey to better health and wellness. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a bachelor’s of science in health science and dietetics and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Nevada. Christine is a registered dietitian, certified in the state of Washington. She has completed her Certificate in Adult Weight Management, Levels 1 and 2. She has worked as a clinical dietitian in both the inpatient and outpatient settings at several hospitals in Las Vegas and helped start an outpatient program focused on weight management and diabetes. She also has experience in nutrition support and providing education to patients and caregivers for home tube feedings.

Other Interests:
I enjoying spending time with my daughter, being active working out, playing tennis, swimming and exploring new places. I also enjoy cooking and baking.

Patient Care Philosophy:
At Northwest Weight and Wellness Center, I enjoy being part of the patient’s journey to improved health and wellness.  I acknowledge that each patient has his/her own story, where they come from, and goals for themselves. I have the privilege to be part of that story through being a nutrition resource for them. I enjoy the follow-up care that is so important. I want every patient to meet and exceed goals. I look forward to seeing how people are doing month to month and helping them with their game plan moving forward.

Amanda Davis, BS

Exercise Specialist

Amanda Davis is an Exercise Specialist for Northwest Weight and Wellness Center (NWWC).

Amanda is responsible for fitness intakes and fitness planning for patients at NWWC. Amanda earned her degree from the University of Montana in 2000. She started her professional fitness career in Bellingham, Washington, as the fitness director and group exercise coordinator for three Whatcom County YMCA’s. She has also served as the fitness director and group exercise coordinator for Columbia Athletic Clubs. She opened her own fitness business in 2007 and worked at a Wellness Center in the Mill Creek Towne Center. In 2013, Amanda started working with bariatric patients. She started with NWWC in October 2014. In June 2017, Amanda took on the role of clinic manager. Amanda is a trained instructor of Silver Sneakers I and II; Body Step and Body Pump; AFAA—group fitness; BTS—group power and group step; and YMCA—Prenatal; Mat Science I and II. She is also a personal trainer.

Other Interests:
I enjoy reading, baking, working out, refinishing furniture, and spending time with my family.

Patient Care Philosophy:
At Northwest Weight and Wellness Center, our fitness programs are designed to fit each individual patient’s needs. Regardless of age, fitness experience, and mobility. A fitness program is key to for all of our patients’ health and wellness goals. As a fitness specialist, I’m excited to bring 23 years of fitness experience to all of my patients. Our bodies are made to move. The more you move your body, the longer your body will continue to move for you. Exercise is the body’s way of creating its own feel-good medicine. Not only is exercise therapeutic for the body, it’s also therapeutic for the mind. Helping patients try new activities and understand the power of exercise excites me every day.

Courtney L. Kassow, MPAS, PA-C

Surgical and Clinical Physician Assistant

Courtney is a surgical and clinical Physician Assistant at Northwest Weight and Wellness Center (NWWC).

Courtney earned her B.S. degree in Cardiopulmonary Science followed by her M.S. degree in Physician Assistant Studies, both at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Since graduating in 2005, she has worked in a variety of surgical specialty practices. She has over 8 years of experience in bariatric surgery. Courtney is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Other interests:
I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, long walks, and exploring new areas. I also love reading, music and spending time with family and friends.

Patient Care Philosophy:
Even before attending college for my undergraduate education, I have always felt a calling to be in healthcare and to take care of others. I enjoy connecting with my patients and providing a source of comfort, especially in a surgical setting. I feel rewarded in my practice as a PA when I see my patients become healthier while building the patient and provider relationship.

Devorah Alana Chock, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Chock is a bariatric surgeon, board certified in general surgery, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons.

Dr. Chock earned a master’s of science degree in cell and molecular physiology. She graduated Georgetown University School of Medicine with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Dr. Chock went on to complete her general surgery residency at the University of California, San Diego, followed by additional fellowship training in advanced laparoscopy at the Texas Endosurgery Institute in San Antonio. Dr. Chock has worked in the field of minimally invasive surgery and given talks on topics within her field both nationally and internationally. She has trained other surgeons and residents in the field of minimally invasive surgery while on faculty at the University of California, San Diego, Medical Center and was director of the university’s Hernia Center. Dr. Chock is also board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.

She has a special interest in the physiology of obesity and how that physiology impacts obesity’s causes and cure. Dr. Chock’s areas of research include natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and the exploration of new procedures and safety for bariatric surgery.

Outside Interests:
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets, yoga, photography and gardening.

Philosophy of Care:
As a physician, I find it extremely rewarding to help my patients transform their lives in such a positive way.  We have a full spectrum of resources to aid our patients realize the full potential of their health.  I am privileged to play a role in this journey.

Ginny George, ARNP

Registered Nurse Practitioner

Ginny George is a registered nurse practitioner who specializes in both preoperative and postoperative bariatric surgery care.

Ginny earned a bachelor’s of science in India and completed her master’s degree in nursing at the University of South Florida, Tampa. Ginny comes to us from the Bariatric and Metabolic Health Center at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She has worked as a registered nurse for eight years in various in-patient hospital settings, including time spent caring for patients on the surgical floor after their procedures.

Before she was with Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Ginny provided two years of surgical care in the bariatric unit at the Venice Regional Bayfront Health Hospital. She is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has been a member of the American Nurses Association since 2012.

Outside interests:
In my leisure time, I enjoy jogging, working out, listening to music, cooking and traveling. I like to see and explore new places. The more people I meet, the more I learn about life and living.

Patient Care Philosophy:
What excites me most is to be able to successfully help my patients achieve an active and better life.

Laura Andromalos MS, RD, CD, CDE

Nutrition Program Manager

Laura is the Nutrition Program Manager at Northwest Weight and Wellness Center (NWWC), a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Diabetes Educator.

Laura graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in nutritional sciences, completed her dietetic internship at Mayo Clinic Florida, and received an M.S. in health communication from Boston University. She has been working in the field of bariatric surgery since 2009. Prior to moving to Seattle, she was the Bariatric Nutrition Manager at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Laura has received Level 1 and 2 Certificates in Adult Weight Management from the Commission on Dietetic Registration and was appointed as a subject matter expert for the Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM) exam. She has presented at conferences around the world and has published articles in scientific journals and consumer-focused magazines. In 2014, she was awarded the Susan T. Borra Fellowship in Nutrition Communication.

Her clinical interests include diabetes management, food psychology, evidence-based practice guidelines and health literacy. Laura has completed research in preoperative diets and patient education materials … and she speaks Spanish.

Other interests:
When I’m not working, you can find me on the flying trapeze rig. I also love traveling the world with my husband, learning about wine, and doing video chats (in Spanish!) with my nephew.

Philosophy of care:
I love working in the world of diabetes and weight management because I am able to support people as they vastly improve their quality of life. Change is never easy, especially when working against decades of habits. I encourage people to tune into their true motivation for change so we can use that when times are tough.

Lance E. Briggs, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Lance is the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Northwest Weight and Wellness Center (NWWC).

Originally from Oregon, Lance moved to North Dakota to achieve his Master of Science in Nursing from the University of North Dakota. As a registered nurse, he served as the Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor of a 126-bed hospital in Houston, Texas, from 2016-2018. He is excited to return to the Pacific Northwest and serve our patients as a psychiatric healthcare provider.

Lance’s clinical interests include bariatric psychiatry, addiction pathology and behavioral treatments, psychotropic medication management, mood disorders, personality disorder, eating disorders, and learning and cognitive disorders. His research interests include pharmacokinetic (medication absorption) alterations from bariatric surgery and their impact on psychiatric prescriptive management.

Other interests:
When he’s not busy at work, you can find him bicycling, traveling, and playing his guitar.

Patient Care Philosophy:
I feel we are all searching for similar elements in life, such as peace, belonging and fulfillment. I love being part of a team that helps people develop the skills to find these elements and enable them to reach their health goals.