Meet the Team

Allena Chapman, M.S., RD/LD

Allena Chapman is a registered dietitian originally from Texas and is new to the Tulsa area. She received her bachelor’s degree in genetics from Texas A&M University and her master’s in dietetics and human nutrition from Eastern Michigan University. Allena loves seeing her patients reach their health and nutrition goals and the impact that they can make on their lives. She also strives to help her patients gain confidence in themselves and their everyday choices.

Allena lives in Broken Arrow with her husband, three bulldogs and a cat. She and her husband love traveling and enjoy experiencing different cultures through food. Additionally, running and working out are important hobbies for Allena, as she likes convincing her husband to participate in marathons with her.

Allie Wood, RD/LD, CDCES

Allie Wood is a registered and licensed dietitian holding a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) credential. Allie graduated from the Northeastern State University dietetics program in 2017 and completed her dietetic internship with Iowa State University later that year. She has been practicing as a registered dietitian since 2018 in the clinical setting. She enjoys helping patients to achieve a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that is tailored to each individual and not “one-size-fits-all.” As a dietitian, she wants to help patients better understand their nutrition in a world that can often make it very difficult. Allie has experience in providing medical nutrition therapy for diabetes and diabetes prevention, cardiovascular and kidney disease and many others.

Allie is an Owasso native and is happy to have the opportunity to practice in her hometown community. She currently lives in Claremore with her husband and their three dogs. Outside of work, Allie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and watching baseball with her husband.

Abby Zarate, M.S., RD

Abby Zarate, M.S., RD is a newly registered dietitian from Texas. She has a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences and dietetics from Texas Tech University. She also has a master’s degree in human metabolism and completed her dietetic internship from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Abby loves helping her patients create a better life for themselves through food and nutrition. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and volunteers as the Oklahoma Academy’s Tulsa regional representative.

Abby lives in Broken Arrow with her two dogs Mille and Delilah. During her free time, she likes to explore the greater Tulsa area and be outdoors gardening, hiking or playing outdoor sports. She also enjoys eating and hanging out with friends. She loves to play sports and watch her alma mater, Texas Tech University.

Mo Smith, ACE-CPT

Mo Smith is an exercise specialist for Bailey Medical Center who has worked in the health industry since 2004. Her certifications range from American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, YMCA Certified Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Trainer to Health and Wellness Coach. She is a certified instructor in Pilates, Kickboxing, UJAM, group exercise and silver sneakers programs. Mo is enthusiastic and has a motivating approach to exercise. Mo also helps coordinate many of the program’s exercise events. 

Mo’s lifelong passion for dancing is an important part of her life. She studied at the University of Oklahoma and OCU. Mo is active in her community and a dedicated mother.

Skylar Birdsall, ACE-CPT

Skylar Birdsall is an exercise specialist at Bailey Medical Center and has been a wellness professional since 2013. She is a graduate from Oklahoma State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in health education and promotion emphasizing in exercise science. She is also an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and certified CrossFit Fitness Trainer. Prior to receiving her degree, she was a collegiate cheerleader and dancer. 

Now, she is active in her Owasso community where she is a trainer and helps educate people on creating a healthier lifestyle. Her wellness journey is driven by the motivation to reduce the risk of heart disease, something common in her family.

Frank Gaffney, M.D.

Dr. Gaffney is director of cardiology at Bailey Medical Center. He is an interventional and noninvasive cardiologist with subspecialty expertise in transesophageal echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and coronary angiography.

Dr. Gaffney completed his cardiovascular medicine fellowship at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Dr. Gaffney then remained on staff at Scott & White Memorial Hospital for several years before entering his fellowship in cardiovascular medicine.

He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, and he received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Dr. Gaffney is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology.

Tyler Ellington, D.O.

Dr. Ellington practices general cardiology with an emphasis on echocardiography. He also performs diagnostic procedures including cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography. Dr. Ellington is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the American Medical Association.

He completed an internal medicine residency at University of Texas Health and Sciences Center in San Antonio, Texas. He completed a cardiovascular disease fellowship at Texas A&M Health and Science Center College of Medicine – Scott & White Center in Temple, Texas.

Dr. Ellington earned a medical degree from Oklahoma State University – Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Dr. Ellington is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and echocardiography and is board eligible in nuclear cardiology.

Ashley McKoy, PA-C

Ashley received her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa as a physician assistant after completing a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology/biomedical sciences from University of Oklahoma. She began her career as an emergency department technician. Ashley maintains her certification with the National Commission of Certified Physician Assistants.

Brian Worley, M.D.

Brian Worley, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine and sleep medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians and a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He currently practices Pulmonary & Critical Care and has done so since 1997. Prior to joining Utica Park Clinic, he practiced independently at Hillcrest Hospital South since 2010.

Dr. Worley served in the U.S. Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment as a Senior Medical Officer and was the medical director of Respiratory Therapy & Intensive Care Service in Tuzla Valley, Bosnia in 1997 & 1998. He received seven military awards before being honorably discharged in 2000.

Dr. Worley earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City in 1990. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency and Pulmonary & Critical Care fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX in 1991, 1993 and 1997 respectively. 

Dr. Worley’s personal interests include photography, traveling and cycling.

Jenny Wood, Ph.D.

Jenny Sheader Wood, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, health services psychologist is a native of Hartlepool, England. Dr. Wood immigrated to Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1987. She is a three time graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in counseling, and a doctoral degree in counseling psychology. Dr. Wood completed a pre-doctoral internship at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas in 2005.

Dr. Wood is a licensed health services psychologist in the state of Oklahoma. She has provided outpatient psychological services in a variety of settings and is trained to work with a number of issues and concerns. Special interests include: eating disorders, optimizing human potential, psychological health and wellness and women’s issues. Dr. Wood moved to Owasso in 2006 and began private practice and collaborations with the Bariatric Team at Bailey Medical Center. Dr. Wood also serves as adjunct faculty at OSU Tulsa and enjoys being involved in patient care, teaching, mentoring and research.

Leslie Riley, Psy.D.

Dr. Leslie Riley is a health service psychologist in private practice at New Leaf Institute, PLLC, in Owasso and Tulsa. Prior to establishing New Leaf Institute, PLLC, in Tulsa, she was in private practice in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she provided bariatric pre-surgical psychological assessments, therapeutic assessments, ADHD assessments for adults, and individual and couples therapy. She received her master’s degree in child study from Tufts University and her master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from the University of Denver. Her internship and postdoctoral training focused on solution-oriented cognitive behavioral therapy in college counseling centers and at Kaiser Permanente in Denver, Colorado. Her other training settings included a pediatric neurorehabilitation institute, elementary schools, and a children’s residential treatment center. Her research experience includes alcohol use in college students and children’s adjustment to divorce. 

She has specialized expertise in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and stress and anger management using empirically validated treatments, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She has presented on various topics at regional conferences and provides corporate trainings on effective communication and clinician continuing education training in ACT. She provides health and wellness related lectures to pre- and post-surgical bariatric patients upon request. She has been featured as a mental health expert on several television programs for healthy living. In addition to providing bariatric pre-surgical psychological evaluations, she provides individual therapy to adults (18+) and couples therapy.

Brandon Varnell, M.D.

A Tulsa area native, Dr. Brandon Varnell received his bachelor’s degree in biology from University of Central Oklahoma in 1998 and his medical degree from the OU College of Medicine in 2002. After medical school, Dr. Varnell completed his residency at the University of Missouri- Kansas City Department of Surgery. 

Dr. Varnell completed a fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center that focused on minimally invasive surgery and advanced laparoscopy techniques. His special interests are the treatment of patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), laparoscopic colon surgery and bariatric surgery. Dr. Varnell is the bariatric surgical director for Bailey Medical Center and specializes in bariatrics. 

Christopher Cole, D.O.

A native of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Dr. Christopher Cole graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, where he majored in chemistry. He earned his medical degree in 1993 from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa. 

Dr. Cole completed a traditional internship and residency at Tulsa Regional Medical Center and was active in the practice of family medicine for eight years. He served two years as chief of aviation medicine at Reynolds Army Community Hospital at Fort Sill. Dr. Cole joined Surgical Associates in 2005 and is active in all aspects of bariatric surgery. 

JoeBob Kirk, D.O., Development Director

Joebob Kirk has dedicated his practice to bariatric medicine and surgery since 2002. He has been involved in more than 2,000 weight loss surgeries. He is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He is a 1994 graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. He completed his residency in general surgery in 1999 at Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

When not directly involved in the care of his patients, Dr. Kirk’s favorite hobbies include boating, riding his motorcycle, and playing farmer. He is a loyal OSU fan and Cowboys supporter. He and his wife Susan reside in the Tulsa area.

Catherine Gaffney, D.O.

Dr. Catherine Gaffney graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1996. She completed her internship and residency programs at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas in 1997 and 1999, respectively. She has helped thousands of patients and understands the specific needs of our patients.

Dr. Gaffney enjoys exercising and spending time with her family. She is very active in her children’s school activities and sports.

Chika Okwufulueze, APRN, FNP-BC

Chika Okwufulueze, APRN, FNP-BC enjoys being a part of a team that brings total transformation to individuals’ lives has been a lifelong dream of hers. “Bariatrics is one field of medicine that changes lives and the results are undeniably obvious,” she says. “When a patient goes through the bariatric program successfully, everyone who previously knew him or her notices the transformation”.

Her previous medical experiences include over 18 cumulative years of nursing in medical-surgical units, intensive care units, emergency rooms and maternal child health at OSU Medical Center in Tulsa and overseas.

Chika coaches her patients and helps them understand that getting healthy and staying healthy takes work, practice, consistency and perseverance. Eating healthier meals, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy emotional and psychological well-being are part of her wholesome approach to health care management. “I will equip you with the tools and resources necessary to empower you to reach your healthcare goals while working with you every step of the way,” she says.

Chika earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing science at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 2015. She received a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri in 2018. She is a member of the Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society of Nursing.

Chika’s personal interests include watching professional soccer and the Discovery Channel. She also enjoys singing, dancing to Zumba and afro beats, volunteering at her church and the Special Olympics, and spending time with her family and friends.

Brooke Hunt, APRN-CNP

Brooke Hunt, APRN-CNP, has been a healthcare professional in northeast Oklahoma since 2003.

Brooke decided she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field when she was 16 years old. One of her relatives had a life-changing procedure and Brooke helped with the post-surgical care. “My grandmother always wanted me around when she was recovering from surgery,” she says. “I knew that if I could take care of her, I could take care of anyone.”

Brooke cares for patients at The Center for Bariatrics at Bailey Medical Center in Owasso. She is passionate about helping people make positive changes in their health. “It’s important to understand what a patient’s personal objectives are,” she says. “I want to help them choose obtainable goals and get them where they want to be.”

One of Brooke’s favorite aspects of her job is getting to teach her patients how to properly manage their health complications. “I am always reminding people that while not all diseases are curable, most can be managed with the right tools, proper education and a positive mindset,” she says. “I love advocating for my patients and watching them become successful managers of their health and well-being.”

Brooke graduated from Rogers State University in 2003 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic Technology and Nursing. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Northeastern State University in 2008. She earned a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama in 2015.

Brooke’s personal interests include spending time with family, exercise classes and traveling.

Kryston Salsman, APRN-CNP

Kryston Salsman, DNP, APRN-CNP, specializes in bariatric surgery at The Center for Bariatrics at Bailey Medical Center. Before Kryston joined the bariatric medical team, she practiced family medicine and home health care.

Kryston decided to pursue a career in medicine after seeing the impact her mother had as a nurse. “My mom would often take my siblings and me to nursing homes and hospitals to visit patients,” she said. “At a young age, I learned the importance of compassion in health care. That stayed with me and is why I became a nurse practitioner.”

When teaching her patients how to become, and stay healthy, Kryston encourages them to eat right and stay active. “It is important for families to do this on an individual and collective basis,” she said. “In addition to eating well and exercising, it’s important to keep up with routine check-ups, vaccinations and screening exams.”

Kryston’s goal when caring for others is to approach patients in a holistic manner that coincides with their health needs and concerns. She takes a special interest in obesity medicine and health promotion.

Kryston received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in 2010. She earned a Master of Science degree in nursing from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 2014. She earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from Oklahoma City University in 2019.

Outside of work, Kryston enjoys music, car shows, hiking, yoga and spending time with her family and rescue dogs. She especially enjoys watching her son play guitar.

Kim Allen, MLS, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager

Kim joined the bariatrics team as a clinical nurse manager in April 2023. She began working for Bailey Medical Center in 2008 where she spent time caring for patients as a registered nurse in the surgery department, and most recently provides training and education to staff as a clinical educator.

Kim entered health care in 1990 as an LPN. She then went on to receive an associate degree in nursing from Butler Community College, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University and a master’s degree in healthcare law from the University of Oklahoma in May 2023.

At the center of Kim’s philosophy for her nursing career and life has been the importance of building relationships and meeting the needs of each person and patient as a unique individual. “Making someone feel special, listened to and cared for can be one of the most therapeutic things I can do, even when I can’t make them feel better,” she said. 

Outside of work, she is an avid Oklahoma State University fan, cook and baker. She also loves spending time with her husband, three daughters, two sons-in-law, extended family, volunteering with local FFA Chapters and other agricultural youth programs. 

Mandy Stults, RN, BSN

Mandy joined the staff in 2022 as the clinical reviewer RN. She was born and raised in Oklahoma and has been serving as a nurse in her community for almost 20 years. Mandy received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Oklahoma and is a Sooner fan through and through. She is excited and honored to be a part of the Bailey Bariatrics team. Mandy loves traveling and camping in Oklahoma with her husband and two children. When she is not serving patients, she enjoys her garden, surrounded by her chickens and ducks.

Lisa Blackwell, Financial Counselor

Lisa has been employed with Bailey Medical Center since 2008 and as a bariatric financial counselor since 2010. She works closely with patients to help determine the required amount to pay the facility at the time of service. Financial counselors are responsible for informing patients of their financial obligations, securing payment, verifying insurance and assisting patients with payment arrangements. Lisa is married with 2 children and enjoys spending time with her family, shopping and being outdoors.

Joy Oliva, Financial Counselor

Joy has been with Bailey Medical Center since 2006 working as a patient access, financial and scheduling manager. Joy has worked in health care since 1990. She is very passionate and strives every day to treat our patients with exceptional care. She joined the bariatric team in January 2023 as a financial counselor, and she is also the main hospital scheduler for all hospital-related testing and surgeries for bariatric patients. Joy moved to Owasso in 1989 from Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, but she is originally from Cleveland, Ohio.  She has three children and three grandchildren and loves to spend time with family and friends. Joy loves the great outdoors, and enjoys swimming, fishing, camping and riding trails on her UTV.

Debbie Kirkendoll, Financial Counselor

Debbie started in 2017 and has worked in a number of different positions in bariatrics. Debbie is typically at the front desk or discussing insurance requirements with patients. Debbie has spent a long career in patient care in the optical and medical field. She loves spending family time with her husband, their son and family. Debbie enjoys doing crafts, reading and working on word puzzles with her husband.

Cathy Warden, Financial Counselor

Cathy has been at Bailey Medical Center since 2012 in a variety of departments. She has been working in the medical field in different capacities for 50 years. Since 2015, she has exclusively verified insurance for patient surgery. Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. She has become an expert at working through various insurance plans to verify surgical benefits for our patients.

Cathy is happily married to her spouse of 40+ years. She loves to read, play games on her iPad and spend weekends in Branson with her husband.

Janice Franco, Financial Counselor

Janice joined the bariatric team in 2021 and has been with Bailey Medical Center since 2006. She has extensive knowledge of health care and is an expert in the insurance submission process and a dedicated patient advocate. Janice enjoys spending time with her husband of over 40 years, her family and grandchildren.

Russell Vieaux, Bariatric Liaison

Russell joined the team at Bailey Medical Center and the Center for Bariatrics in 2013 and began working as a bariatric navigator where he assisted patients through the bariatric program right up to surgery. In his current position as the bariatric liaison, Russell manages bariatric seminars and works directly with each new patient entering the program. Russell has extensive experience in assisting and teaching others to navigate through obstacles and his energetic personality helps drive patients to be successful.

He is married with three children and nine grandchildren and spends his time golfing, fly fishing and reading.

Ashley Watts, Patient Access Representative

Ashley joined the team in 2024 and has two years of patient care experience. She loves getting to connect with the patients at check in and trying to make their scheduling experience as easy as it could be. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, friends and family as well as reading and going on walks with her three-legged dog named Kenny.

Chelsey Bozworth, Patient Access

Chelsey joined the team in 2019 with over 7 years of administrative experience. She is very organized and a great resource for our patients. However, what she really loves is getting to know our patients and hearing their stories.

Chelsey enjoys playing with her two children and two puppies and spending time with her friends and family. She is also a cheer coach, soccer mom and enjoys building things with her husband.

Jessica Austin, Patient Access

Jessica joined the team in 2022, bringing with her nearly 20 years of direct patient care experience. Her big smile and friendly attitude resonate with patients at check-in. Jessica is also a metabolic management navigator, helping patients stay organized through our non-surgical program. Jessica is an artist and enjoys traveling, hunting and camping with her husband.

Brooke Hildreth, RMA

Brooke has been a registered medical assistant for 8 years. She has a wide range of experience from urgent care to family practice. Brooke truly enjoys getting to know patients and giving them excellent care.

When she is not working, Brooke is raising her daughter, and enjoys sports and going to the movies.

Amanda Freeman, RMA

Amanda joined the Bailey Bariatric team in 2019. She has been a registered medical assistant for over 5 years with a background in primary care. Amanda is a great resource for patients and will assist you with lab results and other clinical information. She is excited to help people make a change in their lifestyle and ultimately meet their life goals.

Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and two girls.

Mariah Stacey, RMA

Mariah joined Bailey Bariatrics in 2021 and fit right in with our team. She is excited to take care of patients and be a part of your bariatric journey. Mariah is very detail-oriented and will contact you regarding labs and other medical questions.

Mariah enjoys being a musician and ranching with her husband and two daughters.

Bariatric Navigators

The bariatric navigators will help guide you through this journey. They will assist you in the scheduling process, verify your benefits, package your information to submit to insurance and answer most questions surrounding the pre-surgery program. The bariatric navigator is designed to assist each patient as they work through the pre-surgery preparation experience. Your role is to complete the appointments, consultations, testing and support groups to make sure you have properly prepared yourself for surgery and have a plan for post-op follow-up.

Dawn Lesicka, Bariatric Navigator Supervisor

Dawn has been at Bailey Medical Center since 2007 in a variety of departments. She has been working in hospitals since 1990 and exclusively in bariatrics since 2010. She is a seasoned expert at navigating the scheduling process and assisting you through your journey. Dawn moved from San Diego, CA to Owasso in 2003 with her husband and two kids.

Tonya Cowan, Bariatric Navigator

Tonya joined the team in 2018. She has seven years of experience in the medical field with a focus on building relationships with patients and families. Tonya moved to Oklahoma in 2007 but is originally from South Dakota. Tonya was married in 2002 and spends her free time with her three kids and two dogs.

Stacie Burns, Post-Op Navigator

Stacie joined the bariatrics team in 2021 as a post-op liaison but is no stranger to the program. As a former bariatrics patient, she feels blessed to be on the other side and give back to our patients. Stacie has over 20 years of experience in project management, accounting and technology. she is highly organized and motivated to help guide our post-op patients. Stacie enjoys shopping, Zumba and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest blessings call her Gigi. 

Tiffany Schrick, Post-Op Navigator

Tiffany joined the bariatric team as a navigator in 2016 and has been in the medical field for over 10 years. Her entire career has been focused on developing relationships with patients and identifying solutions. She enjoys crafting, volunteering at her local church, being outdoors and spending time with her husband and daughter. 

Jen Shadbolt, Bariatric Navigator

Jen came to Bailey in 2016 and has served in several different roles in patient care. She has been in health care since 2005 and uses this experience to help her patients manage the pre-surgery process. She joined Bailey Bariatrics to help patients meet their goals and improve their quality of life for themselves and their families.  

Jen loves watching movies, traveling and attending church with her children and husband.

Casey Scott, MMP Navigator

Casey joined the Bailey Bariatric team in 2023. She has 6 years of prior experience working in bariatrics. Casey’s passion for her patients and friendly demeanor help make her patients feel comfortable and confident in what can seem like a difficult and trying time in their lives. Being an Oklahoma native, in 2018 she moved from Texas where she ran and operated a horse boarding facility but decided to move back to the great state of Oklahoma and pursue her love of working with bariatric patients. As a navigator, her goal is to have her patients meet their goals and be confident and successful.

When she is not working, Casey enjoys trying to keep up with her young son and puppy who likes to keep her on her toes. Some of her other interests include tending to her houseplants, road trips and cooking.