Meet Our Team


K. Robert Williams, MD, FACS

Bariatric and General Surgeon

Dr. K Robert Williams is the Medical Director of New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery and the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville, Tennessee. Parkwest is Accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

Dr. Williams has performed more than 2,000 bariatric procedures in the past decade. He is a fellowship-trained minimally invasive bariatric surgeon and a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. His expertise includes laparoscopic gastric bypass, gastric banding and revisional procedures. He is also experienced with all aspects of general surgery with an emphasis on the surgical treatment of obesity and reflux.

Dr. Williams grew up in Southwestern Virginia. He attended University of Virginia School of Medicine. As a general surgery resident at Union Memorial Hospital he began performing laparoscopic bariatric surgeries in 2003. Dr. Williams completed a minimally invasive fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh, Pa) in 2006. After finishing his specialized training in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Williams joined Premier Surgical Associates and New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville, TN.

Allix Reeder, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Our New Life Physician Assistant, Allix, is with you throughout your Bariatric journey. You will meet with Allix before and after your surgery. She will work with you to lose weight beforehand and manages your final pre-op visit. Allix will also be in the Operating Room assisting Dr. Williams on your surgery day. 

Morgan Thomas, MS

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Morgan is a Certified Speed Specialist (CSS) through the National Association of Speed and Explosion (NASE), as well as a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). She received her master’s degree through California University of Pennsylvania in Exercise Physiology and Health Promotion/Rehabilitation Sciences, and her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology Exercise Science from East Tennessee State University. She has worked in many areas of exercise science including cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and collegiate strength and conditioning. She joined our Bariatric team 2015.

Chandler Rogers, MS, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian

Chandler is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in helping patients develop and maintain healthy dietary habits. With a deep-rooted passion for nutrition, she believes in fostering healthier relationships with food, encouraging well-rounded dietary choices that support long-term weight loss and overall health.

 

Amanda Burgio

Bariatric Patient Coordinator

Our Bariatric Patient Coordinator, Amanda, is exceptional in patient care. She will ensure that all necessary appointments that are ordered by your insurance company or physician are scheduled in a timely manner. Her primary goal is to make sure you’re satisfied, so please don’t hesitate to let her know if you have a need or request.

Katelynn Fagio

Bariatric Patient Coordinator

Katelyn is one of the first people you will encounter at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery. She makes sure that new patients understand the bariatric process by watching or attending our free Bariatric Informational seminar.

Cydney Vanosdale, RN

Registered Nurse

Cydney earned her BSN in 2010 and her MSN in 2015. She has been working with bariatric patients for more than a decade. She is a Certified Bariatric Nurse and enjoys helping patients achieve a more heatlhy lifestyle.

Ashley Ellis

Office Manager

Ashley has served as the Manager of Premier Surgical’s office at Parkwest Medical Center since 2017. She previously worked as Assistant Manager of Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinic’s Spine office and worked in various roles at Statcare Pulmonary Consultants. She attended East Tennessee State University.

Ashley is passionate about ensuring that our bariatric patients have an excellent experience.  “Safe, healthy and successful weight loss is our number one goal at New Life. If you are having difficulty resolving any issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any member of our staff. Our goal is to exceed your expectations,” says Ashley.