Sparrow Weight Management Center Staff

Manager

Kathy Kacynski, MS, RN is a registered nurse with over twenty five years of health care experience in a variety of settings. In 1985 she received a master's degree from the University of Michigan. She has a personal passion for weight management as she has struggled to maintain a healthy weight her entire life. Kathy's hobbies include walking, golf, gardening, reading and spending time with her pets.

Medical Director

Anthony Meier, MD has been involved with the Sparrow Weight Management Center since it's inception in 1989. He has a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Michigan State University and attended medical school at Michigan State University (1979-1983) before completing a residency in internal medicine. He has been a full time practicing physician in internal medicine for the past 21 years.

Staff Physician

Karen Klefstad, MD is a board certified internist. She has previously worked at Health Central and has had a long-term interest in weight management. She is married to Dr. Edward Swisher and has a 17 year-old son Jordan, a 5-year old daughter Kristen, and two dogs.

Physician Assistant

Catherine Nehil, PA-C has been part of the Sparrow Weight Management team since 1999. In addition to her work with Sparrow Weight Management Center, she is a full time practicing PA with Sparrow Family Health Center. Prior to her 1995 graduation from Western Michigan University's Physician Assistant program, Catherine was a registered nurse for 10 years, working in the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. In her free time, Catherine enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her three children.

Bariatric Case Manager

Cathy Homan, RN joined the Sparrow Weight Management Center in January of 2000 as a clinic nurse. She has been part of the Sparrow Health System since 1990 as a Nurse Line triage nurse and health educator. Cathy graduated from the University of Iowa in 1980 with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Prior nursing experiences include: family practice, internal medicine, oral surgery, quality assurance and utilization review. In her free time, Cathy enjoys cooking, reading, golfing and spending time with her husband, two sons and various pets.

Registered Nurses

Martha W. Bristor, PhD, RN, LMFT received her degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Michigan State University. She has been employed by Sparrow Health System for 22 years, the last seven at Sparrow Weight Management Center. Prior clinical nursing experience includes The Heart Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, Sparrow's Mother Baby Maternity Unit, and Nurseline.

Mary Fox, RN has been part of the Sparrow Weight Management Center team since 2000. Mary has been a registered nurse for 25 years, and also works with the Sparrow Pediatric After Hours Clinic and Community Health Education Department. In her limited spare time she enjoys traveling, biking and spending time with her husband and four sons.

Glenna Miller, RN, BA has worked as a nurse in the administrative, clinical and nursing education settings at Sparrow Health System for 23 years. For the past nine years she has served on the multi-disciplinary team at the Sparrow Weight Management Center. Glenna enjoys tennis, golf, quilt making, being with her grandchildren, and traveling with her husband.

Linda Nemecek, RN has been employed by Sparrow Health System since 1979 and has held several positions. She has been a nurse clinician, a nurse manager, and is now a Performance Improvement Manager. Since 1995, she has worked on a part-time basis with the Weight Management Center as a clinic nurse.

Bonnie Russian - Bonnie came to us from a background in obstetrics.  She has a bachelors of science degree from U of D Mercy.  Bonnie is a graduate of our Optifast program.  She also had gastric bypass surgery in 2002.  she loves the U.P., especially Drummond Island.  Her favorite part of being here is working with so many talented people who have innovative and exciting ideas to help people realize their goals.

Behaviorists

Patricia B. Fitzner, MSW, ACSW received her master's degree in Social Work from Michigan State University and has 30 years of work experience in Social Welfare, Corrections and Private Practice. She completed the OPTIFAST program and looks forward to working with patients from not only a clinical understanding of weight management but a personal one as well. Pat is retired from full time employment and is in pursuit of traveling to all 50 capitals with her husband.

Richard P. Lieske, MA, M.Div has worked at the Sparrow Weight Management Center as a behaviorist since July 1996. His background in education, journalism, ordained ministry, and counseling psychology give him a rich and varied background from which to offer assistance and support to program participants. At the center, Rich does intake interviews and assessments, works with the Sparrow Fit Families program for children and teens and their families, works with the Personalized Track participants, offers individual consultations for support of lifestyle change efforts, and leads various treatment groups and support sessions. He plans to complete doctoral studies in clinical psychology and specialize in health psychology, researching effective treatments that combine sensitivity to family dynamics, motivational readiness, effective coping strategies, and spiritual awareness.

Eunice McCants, MSW earned a masters degree in social work from Michigan State University.  Her mission in life is helping others, using communication skills coupled with education and life experiences, to create healing.  After retirement, Eunice furthered her passion for helping others by volunteering and organizing a Toastmasters program at Jackson prison teaching inmates communication and leadership skills.  The volunteer commitment lead to a substance abuse counselor position. This program was extremely successful.  All of her hard work paid off.  In her leisure time, Eunice enjoys gourmet cooking, reading, traveling, and socializing with family and friends.

Dietitians

Carrie Crandall, RD has a bachelor of science degree from Eastern Michigan University. She has nine years of experience in many different medical arenas including long-term care, home care, dialysis, and diabetes care. Carrie has also worked as a clinical dietitian in both in-patient and out-patient settings.

Louise Whitney, MS, RD has a BS degree from the University of Colorado in Biology and Chemistry and a MS degree in Human Nutrition from Colorado State University. She is a registered dietitian with over twenty years experience in dietetics and has worked extensively in public health and as a clinical dietitian with a focus on weight management, cardiology and diabetes. She also teaches Human Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles at Lansing Community College. Louise enjoys spending time with her three sons, gardening, walking and when she's lucky, scuba diving!

Todra Haske - Toddy has a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University, a Master's degree in Nutrition from California State University, Northridge, and a Master's degree in Wellness Management from Ball State University.  She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association.  She likes to be active but also likes to read a good book.

Exercise Specialists

Brooke Kosanic, BA graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of arts degree in Science. She majored in Kinesiology with specialties in Fitness Leadership and Health Promotion. Brooke's hobbies include sports (especially rugby), food and animals.

Tim Nolan, BS holds a bachelor of science degree from Grand Valley State University with an emphasis in physical education, fitness, and wellness. He is also certified through the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer. His years of experience within the fitness industry has allowed him to assist a wide array of individuals, ranging from competitive athletes to those with physical restrictions. Tim is truly passionate about helping others understand and receive the invaluable benefits of a healthy lifestyle. A favorite saying of his is, "A healthy lifestyle is the best preventative medicine against our most common ailments."

Katie Hubbard - Katie earned her master's degree from Ball State University in Clinical Exercise Physiology.  She is also a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  Katie loves working with youths and older adults alike and she loves helping patients train for athletic events such as a 5K.  In the summer, you might find her enjoying a round at the golf course or with an ice cream cone in her hand.

Bariatric Surgery Specialist

Karie Bacon received two associate's degrees in Business from Lansing Community College. In her free time she enjoys helping her husband with his construction business, gardening, swimming, and spending time with her family.

Office Manager

Susan Grosnickle received an associate's degree in Business from Baker college and has worked at the Sparrow Weight Management Center since 1990. In her free time, Susan enjoys bowling, reading and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Receptionist

Emily Embry-Childress Certified in Medical Administration, currently L.C.C. student, and 15 years of customer service experience. Married mother of four.

Coanne Knuth - Coanne has been in a medical/office setting for eight years with pre med assist classes taken at Lansing Community College.  She has over 30 years in customer service.  Coanne is a licensed cosmetologist who enjoys cutting a little hair, swimming, cooking, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.