Melissa Penn, LCSW, Blessing Bariatric Institute, has been awarded national board certification by the American Association of Bariatric Counselors (AABC). After completing a specialized training and education program in bariatric science, she earned the status of Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC).
The AABC is a not-for-profit professional fellowship association dedicated to the advancement of bariatric science education and to the enhancement of obesity care and treatment.
Melissa earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri. As part of the multidisciplinary care team at the Blessing Bariatric Institute, she provides integrated behavioral healthcare to patients pursuing bariatric surgery as well as medical weight management.
Recognizing the need for specialized training in bariatric science led Melissa to pursue certification with AABC and will advance the use of best practices in the care, treatment, and prevention of obesity and related disorders.