Worker and Mental Health Therapist from Birmingham, Alabama, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). Following completion Apryl Jonqueal Stringer, LMSW, a Licensed Master Social of a specialized education and training program in Bariatric Science, she was credentialed as a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).

Apryl earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. Currently, she practices as a Mental Health Therapist with the Birmingham VA Health Care System in Birmingham.

In addition to her work with the Veterans Administation, as a mental health therapist, Apryl works with the MOVE! Program in conjunction with the Weight Management Clinic, where she supports Veterans addressing weight management, behavioral health, lifestyle change, emotional eating, and obesity-related concerns. Her interest in bariatric counseling was further strengthened by her own lived experience as a bariatric patient, having undergone gastric bypass surgery in 2020. This personal and professional experience allows her to better understand the emotional, behavioral, and lifestyle changes involved in long-term weight management.

Apryl views the Veteran population as a unique and vulnerable population deserving of specialized, whole-person care.

Recognizing the need for specialized training in Bariatric Science led her to pursue certification with AABC. She was awarded an academic scholarship for her unique clinical excellence and dedication to bariatric care. Her certification as a BCBC will help advance the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care.

Email: glenda@aabc-certification.org
Website: www.aabc-certification.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aabcorg
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/american-association-of-bariatric-counselors/