Our Team

Our team is made up of people who are passionate about helping people just like you achieve your weight and life goals.  We understand each journey is an individual one and we take the time to really get to know you and create the best plan for you. From your initial information session to surgery and on with our lifetime of support we are always here to answer your questions and cheer you on.

Dr. Kenneth Mitchell
Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Mitchell is the medical director of our Bariatric & Metabolic Services program. He is a board certified general surgeon who has performed more than 1,500 bariatric surgeries since 1997. Dr. Mitchell is a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). 

Dr. Mitchell is committed to:

• Helping obese patients achieve their weight and life goals
• Resolving the serious medical issues associated with obesity
• Providing a lifetime of support to his patients

Dr. Mitchell lives in Charleston with his wife Dawn and three daughters Bailey, Sophia and Olivia.  He enjoys the outdoors, golf, music, photography and helping his patients transform their lives.

“The purpose of our bariatric surgery program is not to make people smaller, it’s to make people healthier,” says Dr. Mitchell.

Dr. Johnny Weeks
Metabolic Program

Dr. Weeks is board certified in family medicine and bariatric medicine and is an associate member of the American College of OB/GYN. He received a bachelor's from North Carolina State University and a medical degree from the University of North Carolina. He completed his residencies at the Greenville Hospital System and the Medical University of South Carolina.
 
Dr. Week's special interests are in preventive medicine, women's health and weight loss. He lives in West Ashley with his wife and two children.

Molly McBrayer, MSN, RN-BC, CNOR, NE-BC
Clinical Manager, Bariatric and Metabolic Services

Molly is passionate about quality in healthcare and improving patient outcomes. Molly, a registered nurse for more than 22 years, has practiced in a variety of settings related to the operating room. Always having a focus on education with the hospital staff, physicians and patients, she strives to help others increase their full potential through knowledge and experience. You will meet Molly during the patient education classes and support group.

Some of the most enjoyable aspects of Molly’s life include her husband and son. Traveling, cooking, gardening, exercising and reading as well as attending school and teaching are some of Molly’s favorite activities.

Rebecca Rand, LCSW, LISW-CP
Clinical Therapist

Rebecca is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years experience providing psychotherapy. She specializes in bariatric behavioral health. Rebecca currently provides behavioral health assessments for patients considering surgery and offers counseling for patients after surgery. Rebecca also provides psychotherapy services for patients requesting individual and couples counseling at Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

Suzanne E. Livengood, PA-C, MPAS
Physician Assistant

Suzanne is a nationally board certified physician assistant. She received her bachelor's degree in biology at the University of South Carolina Honors College, a bachelor's degree in physician assistant studies from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and her master's degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska. Prior to becoming a PA, Suzanne taught secondary science in Charleston County. She has practiced as a PA in the Charleston area since her graduation from MUSC. Suzanne enjoys singing, dancing, and enjoying time with family, friends and her Labrador, Lilly.

Alexis Ratowsky, RD
Registered Dietitian

Alexis is a registered dietitian for the Roper St. Francis Bariatric & Metabolic Services program. She holds a certificate in adult weight management through the American Dietetic Association, completed her dietetic internship at New York University, and earned her bachelor's in dietetics at the University of Georgia. Before joining the bariatric team, she worked as a clinical dietitian for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. Alexis is a nutrition writer for House Calls magazine.

Alexis first gained an appreciation for food as a means for promoting health and wellness while spending much of her childhood in Ecuador. Alexis enjoys cooking, staying active, being outdoors, traveling, and sharing her passion in nutrition to help individuals enhance their health and fulfill their potential.

Debbie Olin, RN
Office Nurse

Debbie is a board certified registered nurse. After receiving her associate's degree in nursing from San Bernardino Valley College in California, Debbie moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and worked on a medical surgical unit. Soon thereafter, Debbie was blessed to be able to stay home to raise two beautiful daughters. She returned to nursing in 2003 at Roper St. Francis Heathcare and is now an active member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the National Association of Bariatric Nursing (NABN). Her passion for bariatrics grew while caring for and educating bariatric patients as a floor nurse. She finds great satisfaction following each patient’s journey to a healthier lifestyle and is proud to be involved in such an important part of their life.

Debbie lives in Meggett with her husband Bob. She enjoys cooking, gardening, staying active, and time with family and friends.

Rebecca Ard
Bariatric Program Specialist

Rebecca’s primary role is to assist each patient in understanding their treatment options and the resources available. She helps patients with understanding insurance coverage and the clinical requirements for surgery. Rebecca serves as a liaison between every patient and those providers taking care of them. With a true passion for helping others, Rebecca gets to know each patient personally and coaches them along their journey. Her favorite part of working with the bariatric program is witnessing the positive changes in life this program provides. While weight loss surgery improves health, it also improves the quality of life. The happiness that exists in each patient’s life and in their smile, is rewarding to Rebecca and she feels blessed to take part in such a wonderful experience.

Rebecca lives in Charleston with her husband Chris and their Labrador, Drake. She enjoys photography, baseball, traveling and time spent with family and friends.