Meet Our Team

Daniel M. Herron, MD, Bariatric Surgeon, Medical Director

Dessislava Stefanova, MD, Bariatric Surgeon

Dessislava Stefanova, MD is board certified in general surgery. Her areas of expertise include general surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery. She is also interested in the care of complex surgical patients, such as those with hernias, reflux, or obesity. Dr. Stefanova obtained her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and completed a general surgery residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center.

She then completed an advanced GI MIS/bariatrics fellowship at Mount Sinai Health System. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Stefanova is actively involved in teaching and research and has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and is bilingual in Bulgarian and English.

Judy Summers, PA-C, Director of Bariatric Services
Judy began her 20 years+ career in bariatrics providing clinical care in the inpatient and outpatient setting and as a first assist in the operating room. Her passion in working with the bariatric patients continues as a bariatric director, overseeing program development and obtaining bariatric program accreditation.

Jennifer Sokolowski, RN, BSN, MBA, CBS, Inpatient Bariatric Coordinator
Jennifer has 16 years of experience in Bariatric Surgery. She started her career as an RN and was involved in the direct care of the post op bariatric surgical patient. In 2017, she earned her certification as a Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN).  In 2022, she became the Inpatient Bariatric Coordinator. Her clinical experience enables her to field all areas of patient care promoting communication with the respective surgeons, physician assistants, residents, nurses, and other providers. Her passion for Bariatrics is clear through her compassion, support, and encouragement that she shows to each patient, ensuring positive patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

Danielle Solomon, RD, CDCES, Bariatric Dietitian
As a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Bariatric Dietitian, Danielle has helped thousands of patients reach their weight and wellness goals through dietary and lifestyle changes. She teaches simple strategies for long term weight loss success.

Alison Singer, Bariatric Program Manager
With 15 years of experience in Bariatric surgery, Alison has guided patients through their weight loss journey pre-- and post operatively. She also facilitates the support group and loves to help our bariatric patients succeed.

Kim Libal, Data Registry Manager
Kim has worked with bariatric patients since 2014 as a medical assistant and data registrar. She currently focuses on patient follow-up and is the Data Registry Clinical Reviewer.