Our Orange County Bariatric Surgery Team
Our experienced, multidisciplinary team of experts is committed to helping you reach and maintain your weight loss goals.
David Oliak, MD
BARIATRIC SURGEON
Dr. Oliak is a board certified, fellowship trained, Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic weight loss surgery in Orange County, California. Dr. Oliak's mission is to provide not only quality surgery, but also the support after surgery that will enable his patients to be successful. Since 2002 he has completed more than 2000 laparoscopic weight loss operations and has achieved a track record of excellent patient outcomes. Read more about Dr. Oliak »
Allison Merriman, MMSc, PA-C
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT - CLINICAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Allison is a board certified Physician Assistant who has worked with Dr. Oliak in the field of weight loss surgery for more than 5 years. Allison is passionate about providing the individualized patient care and support that helps our patients to be successful. Allison completed her medical education and training at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. She also holds a bachelors degree in exercise science from Western Washington University.
Alexandra Mark, MS, RD
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Alexandra is a Registered Dietitian and an active member of the American Dietetic Association. Alex helps our patients to establish more healthy eating habits. In addition to one-on-one appointments, she also teaches nutrition classes and healthy cooking classes. Alex earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Columbia University and her Master of Science degree in Dietetics & Nutrition from Florida International University.
Danielle Garcia, Psy.D
PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Danielle Garcia is a California licensed clinical psychologist who completed her doctoral degree in psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology in La Mirada. Dr. Garcia performs psychological evaluations before surgery and provides psychological support after surgery. Her dedication to helping patients through the entire weight loss process makes her an indispensable member of the team. When she is not working, Danielle loves spending time with her family.
Esmeralda Cruz
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Esmeralda is a certified Medical Assistant who graduated in 2009 from Newbridge Collge in Santa Ana. Esmeralda enjoys working in the bariatric surgery field because she enjoys seeing patients lose weight and becoming healthier over time. Esmeralda strives to provide excellent customer service, and is always willing to work hard to learn new things. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising and spending time with her friends and family.
Jennifer Oliak, CPA
PRACTICE DIRECTOR
Jennifer oversees the business side of the Practice. Quality health care and premier customer service are her main priorities, Jennifer is a CPA with 8 years experience in Health Care Management. Prior to her role at the Oliak Center, Jennifer was a VP in Corporate Restructuring at Ernst & Young. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Maryland where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Jennifer has completed coursework toward her MBA at UCLA.
Melanie Santos
OFFICE MANAGER
Melanie ensures that patients proceed through the bariatric surgery process efficiently and with excellent customer service. She has worked with Dr. Oliak for more than 4 years, and has extensive knowledge regarding insurance approvals and protocols. She is always willing to put in extra effort to help patients to be able to obtain surgery. Melanie holds a Bachelors of Science degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine.
Emily Vigneault
SURGERY COORDINATOR
Emily oversees the preoperative process, from obtaining labs and tests to scheduling preoperative office visits and surgery. Her goal is to make the entire preoperative process efficient and smooth for our patients. Emily obtained her Bachelor's degree in human development from California State University Long Beach. Emily plans to one day go back to school to become a Physician Assistant.
Ryan Courville
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Ryan is certified in medical administration and medical billing. She enjoys working in the bariatric field, and is committed to providing excellent customer service. Ryan is always willing to go the extra mile to help. In her spare time she enjoys going to the river, camping, watching movies, and hanging out with her two small dogs.
Marta's story...
I have struggled with weight my entire life! As I got older, the weight wasn’t going anywhere… it was getting worse. I tipped the scale at nearly 300 lbs., wearing size 22/24 jeans and suffering health issues that were caused solely by my obesity. I made the decision to get LAP-BAND® surgery to gain a new healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Oliak and his staff are amazing! They always made me feel very comfortable and provided me with the tools to get my life back. I am 2 years out and nearly 100 lbs. down. I never thought I would ever see a size 14 jean again, not to mention not having to shop in a plus size store. I am forever grateful for Dr. Oliak and his staff.
