Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend

Karlyn DeBow, RD
Registered Dietitian

Bachelor of Science, Foods and Nutrition, Oregon State University
Dietetic Internship, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Bachelor of Science, Foods and Nutrition, Oregon State University Dietetic Internship, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Karlyn has more than 20 years of experience in the field of nutrition, working with patients both in and out of the hospital setting. She also has six years of experience counseling patients in a clinical setting. Since 1995, she has specialized in critical care and the care of surgical patients. Karlyn became interested in working with patients undergoing weight loss surgery after she was a guest speaker with a local bariatric patient support group.

Erin Tucholke, RD, LD
Registered Dietitian

Bachelor of Science in Natural Health Sciences/Nutrition, Bastyr University
Post Baccalaureate Didactic Program in Dietetics, Oregon State University
Dietetic Internship, Oregon Health & Science University

Erin completed an accredited graduate dietetics program at Oregon State University before embarking on her health care career. She works with senior and disabled patients and also as a dietitian at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Erin has extensive volunteer experience that dates back to 1985. She is food-safety certified with ServSafe, and she knows CPR and first aid.

Sara Hunt, PhD
Psychologist

PhD, Utah State University

Sara worked for six years as a therapist and assessor in various medical and community settings. While completing her doctorate, she developed an interest in working with individuals with special health care needs. Sara recently completed her predoctoral internship in Toronto and is now excited to be a part of the Oregon Bariatric Center team. She performs psychological evaluations, which are required for all patients prior to surgery.

Cindy Hellerstedt
Licensed Practical Nurse

Cindy has been with PeaceHealth for 25 years. Having worked in many areas, including oncology, diabetic care, and general surgery, Cindy brings great nursing experience to the Oregon Bariatric Center. She felt called to serve as a nurse from a young age, and has found tremendous fulfillment caring for patients and families who face difficult health challenges. A compassionate caregiver, Cindy finds her work with bariatric surgery to be very rewarding, as she assists patients in achieving life-changing weight loss goals. She loves seeing her patients do well.

Mary B.W. Halpert, PT
Physical Therapist

Bachelor of Science, Physical Education, University of Oregon
Certificate in Physical Therapy, Columbia University, New York

Mary has been a physical therapist in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, ergonomics, work capacity evaluation and rehabilitation since 1976. She is a certified Pilates instructor. At the Oregon Bariatric Center, Mary helps identify and structure appropriate exercise programs for our clients.

Katie McHaley Certified
Medical Office Assistant

After receiving her CMOA education, Katie cross-trained through many PeaceHealth departments, gaining competencies to work with people from varied backgrounds and challenges. As a vital member of the Bariatric team, she utilizes insight and acumen to compassionately care for our patients and families. She enjoys the variety of her work, getting to assist our surgeons in the office, provide teaching to preoperative patients, and counsel callers needing triage care. Katie most enjoys the opportunity to see patients at every point of their journey through weight loss to better health.

Bridgette Wiley
Patient Coordinator

Bridgette is the Administrative Assistant and Financial Counselor for the Oregon Bariatric Center. She received a Medical Office Administration Certificate from Trend College and then joined PeaceHealth in 1995, handling various office and clinical responsibilities for family practice and dermatology in the Downtown Eugene clinic. Bridgette is much more than our first point of contact. She’s lived the life of the bariatric patient, having undergone successful gastric bypass in April 2004. She’s ready to share her experience with you.