Your Bariatric Surgery Team

Sajida Ahad MD, FACS
Medical Director
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.

Barb Cooper, RN, CBM
MBSCR Quality Coordinator

Barb has been a Registered Nurse since 1990, after receiving her associate degree in nursing from Des Moines Area Community College. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Mercy University, College of Nursing. Barb’s clinical background includes critical care (ICU/Surgical) and emergency medicine for 16 years. Barb transitioned over to clinical medical management, which included care coordination, disease management and population health coordination. She has worked with various insurance industries to develop reporting based on clinical data to drive population health program(s) with the focus on process improvement for excellent patient outcomes. Barb looks forward to working with the bariatric patients as the program designed by the bariatric team is inclusive and comprehensive; the team incorporates a holistic approach for the mind, body and soul. Barb enjoys traveling with her family and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Carolyn Crouch, CMA
Bariatric Clinic CMA

Carolyn received her Associates of Applied Science Degree for Medical Assisting from Kirkwood Community College in May of 2022. She is board certified as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Before joining the Mercy Bariatric Surgery Clinic, she worked in Mercy Family Medicine Clinic. Carolyn has a passion for helping patients achieve their goals on their weight loss journey and is excited to be a part of the Mercy Bariatric Surgery Team.

Kerri Fountain, RN

Kerri has been a registered nurse since 2001, after receiving her associate degree of nursing from Kirkwood Community College. Before joining the bariatric surgery team, she worked in emergency and medical/surgical departments. Kerri is excited to be part of the bariatric surgery team and assist patients on their journey to a happy, healthier lifestyle.

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.

Ronald Ritter, PhD

Ronald Ritter completed his education and training at the University of Houston. He specializes in neuropsychological evaluations, ADHD, phycological evaluations, learning disabilities, individual therapy with adults, developmental with neurological/disabilities and medical conditions. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and International Neuropsychological Society.