Dr. Blaine Nease was born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Southern Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH where he earned his Bachelor and Medical Degrees. He completed his residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL where he received extensive advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgical training. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a member of The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Nease has served on the Bariatric Review Committee for the Surgical Review Corporation as one of its founding members. This committee is responsible for setting national standards for Centers of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery.

Tabitha is a local graduate of Marshall University, earning her degree in 2003 with a bachelors in Nursing and a minor in Biology. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education. It was in nursing school where she became interested in bariatric surgery. Her experience began on the Bariatric Unit at Cabell Huntington Hospital as a staff nurse. Since joining our program in 2005, Tabitha has earned her distinct accreditation as a Certified Bariatric Nurse. In addition, Tabitha is a current member of The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the National Association of Bariatric Nurses, and the Obesity Action Coalition.

Marsha earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics and as well completed her Dietetic Internship here at Marshall University. She is a Registered Dietitian, licensed by the state of WV and certified by the Commission of Dietetic Registration where she also received her Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management. Marsha is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the Weight Management Practice Group of the Association. She has been an Associate Member of The American Society for Bariatric Surgery since 2003 and has worked in bariatric nutrition at Cabell Huntington Hospital since 2002.

Jackie received her education at Rio Grande College in Ohio.  She brings over a decade of experience in the medical field which has included such responsibilities as patient registration and scheduling to billing and office management for a busy medical practice.  After having weight loss surgery in 2005, Jackie was motivated to apply her skills and personal experience in guiding others through our program.

"I'm not only the Insurance Coordinator, but I am also a patient.  Dr. Nease was remarkable throughout the entire process and he continues to show such compassion and genuine concern over my overall success and well-being. I now get to share my passion and experience firsthand with our patients here at our program while helping them deal with the multiple levels of insurance approval.  I truly do understand the importance of making the process go as smoothly as possible."

Jackie Stanley    

Ronna has been with Cabell Huntington Hospital since 1997 where she began as a Patient Care Assistant. Wanting to further her education in the medical field, she pursued and received her LPN degree and started working in the Bariatric Unit of the hospital. As her interest and passion grew for this very unique field of medicine, Ronna went on to complete her Bariatric Care Nursing Training in 2007 when it was first offered at the hospital. She is a current member of the Obesity Action Coalition.

"Since 2004, I have enjoyed taking care of the bariatric patients here at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Now that I am part of the team, it's great to follow them throughout the whole process. I love going to work every day and interacting with all of our patients and the bariatric team."

With vast experience working with the public, Vicki is the perfect choice to be your point of first contact. She will answer any non-clinical questions and always direct you accordingly. Vicki is a graduate of Marshall University with an Associates Degree in General Business and a Bachelors in Healthcare Management.

"I love my job and our patients and as the first person most of our patients will speak to, I feel responsible for setting the tone for a successful experience. It is always my goal to make the patients time with us as easy and as pleasant as possible. It gives me great joy to see the difference they are making in their lives."

Charlotte is a graduate of Marshall University with an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Medical Secretary and with over 20 years experience working in the medical field, Charlotte is a definite asset to our program. She will speak more in depth with you about our program and register you for our informational seminar. Charlotte will stay right with you until it's time for insurance approval.

"I know first hand what patients experience because I am a patient myself. Having weight loss surgery in 2009, I am still a work in progress. I grow more and more confident as I continue to see positive results and there's no better feeling than that feeling of SUCCESS! I get great satisfaction from helping our patients succeed with their personal goals and together we will live a healthier, more rewarding life!"