Our Team

Our promise is to provide you with the highest quality of professional and personalized care. We will be your dedicated advocates throughout your Surgical Weight Loss journey. My organized team of clinicians thoughtfully address behavioral, psychological, and emotional aspects of obesity and Bariatric Surgery; and, once you have met my partner Dr. Welle and our team, Laurie, Chrystel, Melanie, Eric, and Danielle, I am confident that you will feel as part of our team.

Scott Welle, DO

Practice Partner
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Welle came to Tucson from from Evanston, IL, after completing a fellowship at the Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery. He specializes in Laparoscopic General and Bariatric Surgery.

Laurie Burns, M.A.

Practice Manager
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

“I have over 25 years of experience working with medical surgical patients. I’ve been in Tucson since 1969, have been married for over 33  years, have 4 daughters and 5 grandchildren. I love my family and I enjoy reading, watching movies, traveling and being outdoors.”

Chrystel Pierce, M.A.

Billing Specialist
Patient Coordinator
General and Bariatric Surgical Services

“I have worked with bariatric patients for almost 4 years. I was born and raised in Tucson. I have a little boy who is my world. Things that I enjoy doing are swimming, hiking, and hanging out with friends.”

Danielle Johnson

Medical Assistant

“I was born and raised in Tucson and come from a big family which I love.  I am new to the medical field, but have always enjoyed jobs working with people, that is why this is the perfect office for me.  I am always here to help answer any questions you may have.  You can count on me to get the job done.  When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family whether it is someone’s special day or just hanging out.  I look forward to working with you in the future.”

Melanie Stegeman

Medical Assistant, Front Office

“I’ve lived in Arizona since I was a child. I’ve been married for 11 years and for most of the time I was a stay at home mom to my two boys and my little girl. I have recently graduated from Carrington College and now I am a Medical Assistant, doing exactly what I love… helping people.”

Melissa Cabral

Surgery Scheduler

Melissa is new to the team. Her bio is coming soon!