Maria C. Garrido Amadeo, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). Following completion of specialized education and training in Bariatric Science, she was credentialed as a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).

Following her undergraduate education in psychology, she attended the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers University in New Jersey, where she obtained her PsyD in Clinical Psychology in 1988.

For nearly 20 years, she was an independent practitioner in Providence, Rhode Island, where she worked with a mainly Spanish-speaking population while affiliated with the University of Rhode Island as an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department.

From 2007 to the present, she has served on the faculty of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (SBBS) at Ponce Health Sciences University (Ponce and San Juan, Puerto Rico), where she has been a full professor since 2015. Dr. Garrido teaches advanced assessment courses, supervises psychology interns, and directs doctoral dissertations in various assessment and health psychology topics.

Recognizing the need for specialized training in Bariatric Science led her to pursue certification with AABC. She was awarded an academic scholarship for her clinical and academic 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, treatment, and prevention of obesity and related disorders.

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/

Malak Alshqairat, BASc, a Clinical Nutritionist based in Amman, Jordan, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). Following completion of a specialized education and training program in Bariatric Science, she was credentialed as a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).

She earned her Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from The Hashemite University. Malak currently practices at the Specialized Gastrointestinal, Liver, Pancreatic, and Bariatric Surgery Center (SGBC Clinic), where she provides comprehensive nutrition care for individuals with obesity. Her clinical expertise includes pre- and postoperative nutritional assessment and counseling for bariatric surgery patients, long-term postoperative follow-up, behavioral and lifestyle counseling, and nutritional guidance for patients receiving anti-obesity pharmacotherapy.

In addition to obesity management, Malak provides nutrition care for patients undergoing major gastrointestinal and oncologic surgeries, including gastrectomy, colorectal surgery, and pancreatic surgery. She has also earned the SCOPE Certification from the World Obesity Federation, further strengthening her expertise in obesity management and evidence-based 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 clinical excellence and dedication to bariatric care. Her certification as a BCBC reflects her commitment to advancing evidence-based care and supporting the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care, treatment, and prevention of obesity and related disorders.

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/

Lindsey Ivester, LPC/MHSP, a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation, has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). Following completion of specialized education and training program in Bariatric Science, she was credentialed as a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).

Lindsey earned her Master of Science degree in mental health counseling at Lee University. Subsequently, she was certified as a Mandatory Pre-Screening Agent through the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Her mental health clinical experience includes working with diverse populations with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders, and justice-involved individuals. She also has over 22 years of experience in the human services field in various roles, including forensic interviewing related to childhood sexual abuse. She has received post-graduate specialized training for Exposure Response Prevention therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder. Currently, she practices as the Outpatient Counselor at Chota Community Health Services.

Recognizing the need for specialized training in Bariatric Science led her to pursue certification with AABC. Her certification as a BCBC will help advance the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care and treatment of obesities and related disorders.

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/

Alicia Payton LMSW, CAM II, a licensed social worker from Atlanta, Georgia has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). Following the successful completion of a specialized education and training program in Bariatric Science, she has earned the credential of Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).

She is a proud graduate of the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work at Clark Atlanta University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her post-graduate training includes Certification as an Anger Management Specialist (CAMS).

Alicia is the proprietor of Touching Lives Today, LLC, where she provides compassionate and faith-based private counseling. A veteran of the U.S. Army she offers Christian counseling to individuals who have experienced childhood sexual trauma, depression, and anxiety. Alicia continues to actively advocate for veterans by assisting with disability claims.

To provide best practices, she recognized the need for specialized training in Bariatric Science, and pursued AABC Board Certification. In light of her specialized training and clinical experience AABC awarded her with a fellowship scholarship. Her certification as a BCBC will help fulfill the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care, treatment, and prevention of obesity and related disorders.

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/

Dr. Brigid Zarbock, PsyD, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Illinois, and a member of PsyPact (Interjurisdictional Practice of Psychology in Participating States) has been awarded National Board Certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). After completing a specialized training and education program in bariatric science, she was recently credentialed as a Board Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).

Dr. Zarbock completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Lewis University and her graduate and doctoral degrees at Roosevelt University. She completed her advanced postdoctoral training at the Illinois Institute of Technology, specializing in student health. Dr. Zarbock is a Member of the Health Psychology and Addiction divisions of the American Psychological Association, Obesity Society, Obesity Coalition, and a Community and Independent Practice committee member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

In her current practice (www.hpathcounseling.com), she conducts the requisite pre-surgical evaluations as well as pre and post-surgical counseling. In addition she offers clinical support to patients challenged by addiction, disordered eating, size stigma, chronic medical conditions, stress management, and life transitions.

Recognizing the need for specialized training in Bariatric Science led to her training and certification with AABC. AABC awarded Dr. Zarbock with an academic scholarship. Her unique professional training and clinical experience will help fulfill the AABC global mission of providing best practices in the care, treatment, and prevention of obesity and related disorders.

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/