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 goal has always been to help his patients safely achieve the best weight loss results possible. He achieves industry-leading patient outcomes by focusing on meticulous surgery, patient education, follow-up, and support. Read more about Dr. Oliak »
Allison Merriman, MMSc, PA-C
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT - CLINICAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Allison is a board certified Physician Assistant who completed her medical education and training at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. She has been in practice since 2002. Allison also holds a bachelors degree in exercise science from Western Washington University. She has been involved with weight loss surgery for many years. Allison has completed and published research in the field of bariatrics and is an active member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
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.
Alexandra Mark, MS, RD
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Alex earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Columbia University. She later enrolled at Florida International University where she received a Master of Science degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. Alexandra is a Registered Dietitian, an active member of the American Dietetic Association, the California Dietetic Association, and The Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Practice Group. She is an avid runner and enjoys competing in local races.
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 obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine. She has been in the medical field since 2005 and has extensive knowledge regarding insurance approvals and protocols. She is always willing to answer your questions as she guides you through the entire process to surgery. Melanie is passionate about health and nutrition and is continuing her education in this field. She currently hosts a healthy cooking class as part of our support group program.
Emily Vigneault
SURGERY COORDINATOR
Emily obtained her Bachelor's degree in human development from California State University Long Beach. Emily has always wanted to work in the medical field. She currently is applying to medical schools to become a physician assistant. 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.
Esmeralda Cruz
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Esmeralda is a certified Medical Assistant who graduated in 2009 from Newbridge Collge in Santa Ana. She enjoys working at the Oliak Center for Weight Loss, and is always willing to learn new things to further her career. Esmeralda strives to provide excellent customer service. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising and spending time with her friends and family.
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.
Lisa's story...
Hi my name is Lisa. I weighed 244 pounds. I had high blood pressure and was a borderline diabetic. I was depressed and struggling with my weight for 16 years. I felt like I was losing control of my life and needed to do something about it. That is when I decided to get the LAP-BAND®.
It’s been 2 years now, and it’s the best decision I have ever made. I am off my medication and I feel great! I am more outgoing and have the energy that I lacked for so many years. With the great support of Dr. Oliak, Allison and the staff, the LAP-BAND® was the tool I needed to get control of my life again.
