About Our Team

Meet Dr. Clark and His Team of Experts

At the Center for Weight Loss Success, we know that you require support throughout your program. You will find our staff warm and compassionate and ready to answer any questions you might have. What can be better than helping individuals achieve their weight loss and fitness goals? If you have questions, we have answers. Our team looks forward to guiding you every step of the way.

Thomas W. Clark, MS, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Virgina Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Thomas W. Clark graduated from Davidson College and The Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also one of the rare bariatric surgeons also certified by the American Board of Bariatric Medicine as a bariatric physician. Dr. Clark is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American Medical Association.  Dr. C lark is the Bariatric Program Medical Director at the Sentara CarePlex.

Dr. Clark has chosen to dedicate his career to helping people live their dreams by successfully losing weight and keeping it off. Dr. Clark is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the USA and has performed nearly 4000 weight loss surgery procedures since 1994. Dr. Clark is also an experienced bariatrician who helps people understand their underlying metabolic problems and successfully overcome them in order to lose weight. He provides lectures regarding surgical and non-surgical weight loss and is a regular contributor to publications, newsletters, blogs and is a contributing author for the book Game Changers ©2010.

Cat Williamson, Office Manager

Cat Williamson was born and raised in Hampton Roads. She feels blessed that lives close to the Ocean as well as the Mountains since she enjoys taking weekend trips with her Hubby. Cat has worked in a medical setting for more than 20 years and started working for Dr. Clark as his Surgical Coordinator over ten years ago.  Due to her longevity here at CFWLS, she has “well rounded” knowledge in each program (medical or surgical) that Dr. Clark’s Center for Weight Loss Success offers. Cat, as the Office Manager ensures that daily structure is handled with a balance of professionalism and excitement for each of our Patient’s weight loss journey. She feels rewarded each time a Patient or Client peeks into her office to share yet another milestone toward their new life!
 

Dawn Olson, LWMC, CPT, Education & Fitness Coordinator

Although her initial career was in Finance, Dawn’s passion for health & fitness motivated her to re-direct her energy toward helping others reach their goal toward a strong & healthy life. Counseling patients and teaching Weight Management University™ classes in lifestyle modification and nutrition keeps her smiling. “This is far more than a job, it’s an opportunity to help people learn and make positive changes in their health. Each day brings a new reward!”

Dawn is a certified personal trainer and worked at Totally Fit in Poquoson and at the Shellbank and ACC fitness centers at Joint Base Langley-Eustis before joining us in 2009. She also holds certifications in Exercise & the Older Adult, Aquatic Exercise, Chronic Diseases and Disabilities, Facilitated Stretching, Fitness Therapy and Lifestyle & Weight Management.

 

Cat Keller, Retail/Sales Manager

Cat Keller has a wealth of experience in marketing, emarketing, advertising and customer service and manages our Weight Loss Nutritional Store.  She is always planning something fun and exciting. special events, discounts, giveaways - it's never a dull moment.  She is happy to help you with questions you may have regarding our products or services.  Cat is a graduate of William & Mary, where she studied Government/Pre-Law and minored in Marketing. She is currently studying e-marketing through UVA.  "My ultimate goal here at Center for Weight Loss Success is to help our clients be successful in their weight loss. We all know how wonderful it is to win a long fought battle. The battle against weight gain, and the poor health it eventually brings is, I believe, one of the most important to win because it brings with it the biggest pay off of all...a longer, healthier life. That is what motivates me to come to work everyday, it's the opportunity to help a client acheive a renewed zest for life." 

Penny Burns, BSN

Penny Burns graduated from Loretto Heights College, Denver, Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1975. She has over 37 years experience in patient care as well as extensive leadership, management and wellness education experience. After graduating from college, she served in the United States Air Force on active duty for 12 years and another 12 years in the Reserves. She was stationed in many places throughout her military career, including ten years overseas. Penny was the Health Promotions Coordinator for three Air Force bases and has over five years of experience in hospital and clinic Staff Education and Development, as well as over two decades in Women's Health.

Following her military career, Penny focused on helping others achieve their wellness and fitness goals while working with a community based program as a consultant at a local fitness center, and in patient care at a local hospital.  Penny continues her career of helping people attain their health goals as a member of our team since December of 2008.

Dani Colley, Medical Assistant

Dani has been working as Dr. Clark’s Medical Assistant for over 10 years.  Her area of expertise is with the surgical patients.  She works closely with Dr. Clark and is always just a phone call away to answer your questions or just lend an encouraging word! 

Dani presents the weekly pre-surgical orientation class and makes sure every patient is prepared for this first big step in their life changing weight loss journey.  She also facilitates the monthly Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meetings, as well as run the clinic side of the office.   Dani sees patients for their first visit of the Weight Management University for Weight Loss Surgery™, helping the patients to transition from the surgical experience to the WMU program to aid in their long term success.

Dani has over 30 years of experience in the medical field and you can find her in her spare time volunteering at an equine rescue or riding her favorite rescue horse.
 

Ashley Gay-Jones, Medical Receptionist

Ashley is often the first person you’ll see when you walk into The Center for Weight Loss Success.  Besides offering everyone an enthusiastic welcome, she assists in preparing Dr. Clark and our Clinicians for the day, answering the phone, and scheduling medical and surgical appointments.  She’s always excited to share our wonderful weight loss services, or to lend a hand in any way.   Ashley is currently in the process of pursuing her nursing degree.

Starkisha Fox, Medical Receptionist

Starkisha is a wonderfully helpful and organized person whom you will meet at the Center for Weight Loss Success, or talk to on the phone. She assists in many aspects of keeping the Center operating smoothly.  Starkisha answers the phone, greets patients, schedules appointments and prepares records for the clinicians and trainers.  She enjoys assisting Dr. Clark with regard to medication administration and recording.  Starkisha is excited about the recent opportunity to continue her education in pursuit of nursing. 

Tina Dawson, Assistant Retail Manager/Front Office

With over 15 years of experience in IT, Finance, and Healthcare fields, Tina has served the healthcare industry in such roles as Project Manager, Practice Manager, Physician Recruitment and assisted with electronic medical record (EMR) conversions. She attended the University of Maryland in both Asia and Europe majoring in Computer Science and is fascinated with learning new technologies.

Tina enjoys educating our clients on our products and programs and "celebrating their successes and milestones...one pound at a time!".  Don't be surprised if she gives you a hug!
For fitness and fun, she likes to "slog" (slow jog) races and has completed 3 half marathons since joining CFWLS.  "Come out and join me for the next one.  Believe in yourself and you CAN do it!"




Additional Experts Affiliated with Dr. Clark’s Center for Weight Loss Success Program:


Dawn Reese, PhD

Dr. Reese earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the Ohio State University. She completed her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and her Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology at the University of Mississippi. Dr. Reese assists with the behavior modification portion of our program by providing clinical and practical expertise. She is also available for individual consultation.

For more information on weight loss in Virginia, please schedule your FREE individualized consultation by calling (757) 873-1880 today!