Your Bariatric Surgery Team

Sajida Ahad MD, FACS
Medical Director, Bariatric Surgery Clinic
Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Sajida Ahad, is a board certified general surgeon with fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery, including foregut and bariatric surgery. She completed her general surgery training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and fellowship training at the University of Washington in Seattle. She is also one of a few surgeons in the United States who is board certified in obesity medicine, allowing to offer patients a holistic, multifaceted approach to the treatment of obesity. She has been performing bariatric surgery since 2008. Read more about Dr. Ahad.

Amanda McDonagh, PA-C

Amanda is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Dubuque. She enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, outdoor activities and animals. Read more about Amanda.

Ali Flatjord, RN
Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator

Ali has been a Registered Nurse since 2008. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Ali’s career has included medical-surgical care, critical care (ICU), Cardiac Cath Lab, and nurse management. Ali is also a wife and mother and enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events, reading, and camping.

Peyton Helle, RN

Peyton received her BSN from Allen College in Waterloo, Iowa. Prior to joining Mercy's Bariatric Surgery Clinic, she worked in inpatient medical-surgical care. In her spare time, Peyton enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and going to the lake in the summer. 

Barb Cooper, RN, CBN
MBSCR Quality & Outcomes Coordinator

Barb is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals living with obesity. In her role, Barb works closely with the bariatric care team to improve how care is delivered, making sure patients receive coordinated, supportive treatment before, during, and after surgery. She has helped Mercy’s bariatric program achieve and maintain national accreditations, which reflect a commitment to high-quality, safe care. Barb helps shape national standards for bariatric care and nursing through her work with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, ensuring patients benefit from the highest level of expertise and best practices.

Anna Kelly, CMA (AMMA)

Anna attended Cerritos College in Southern California and earned her associates degree from Kirkwood Community College. With more than 17 years of healthcare experience, Anna has been with Mercy since 2015. In her spare time, Anna enjoys sewing, gardening and being crafty.

Carolyn Gladson, MS, RDN, LD

Carolyn has been practicing as a Registered and Licensed Dietitian since 2013. She earned her BS in Health and Exercise Science at Wake Forest University and went on to complete her Masters in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, along with her dietetic internship, at Columbia University. As an inpatient clinical dietitian, Carolyn is looking forward to providing patients with supportive post-operative care as they continue their journey to improved health and wellness.

Tresa DeBrower, RDN, LD
Outpatient Dietician

Tresa graduated from Iowa State University with a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She completed an internship at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. She is a registered, licensed dietitian and is a certified diabetes care and education specialist. She has more than 15 years of experience helping people manage their diabetes. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family, friends, her dog (Luna) and two cats (Navi, Zoey). Tresa is excited about being a part of the Mercy bariatric team and helping people live a healthier lifestyle.

Linda Mitchel, RDN, LD

Linda graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics and completed her internship through Iowa State as well. With more than 28 years of experience as a dietitian, Linda has worked with all ages in a variety of settings. She enjoys getting to know her bariatric patients and assisting them on their journey to reach their health goals. In her spare time, Linda enjoys spending time with her family and their dog - a Springerdoole named Sully. She also enjoys hiking, gardening, traveling and cooking.

Luke Hansen, PsyD

Luke Hansen received his doctor of psychology degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Chicago, and completed his post-doctorate experience at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in 2001. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in health psychology, including behavioral pain management. He also has interests in Sport Psychology and provides consultation regarding athletic performance and rebounding from injuries. 

Kellie Corkery, LISW, CADC
Senior Counselor

Kellie attended the University of Northern Iowa, completing her undergrad in 2002 and received her graduate degree in 2010. She also has her Certification in Addictions and Drug Counseling (CADC). With more than ten years of experience as a counselor, Kellie has been with Mercy Cedar Rapids since 2018. Kellie has a clinical interest in helping those struggling with binge eating. Kellie takes an addictions/biological perspective in treatment, in addition to standard CBT and DBT treatment protocols, which is unique to her treatment approach.

In her spare time, Kellie enjoys spending time with her family and loves Pilates.