Dr. Griffin is a board-certified family and obesity medicine physician with specialized experience in non-surgical bariatric medicine. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Northern Michigan University before earning her Doctor of Medicine from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She then went on to complete her residency in family medicine with Racine Family Practice, which is affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin Racine. Dr. Griffin also completed a fellowship in obesity medicine.
Prior to joining UP Health System, she was a practicing physician with the United States Air Force, based in Colorado, Germany and Japan. She also works with the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
“I have lived all over the world, and the Upper Peninsula is the best place to live. My job gives me the opportunity to be invited into people’s lives—people that I would never get to interact with and help unless I was a doctor. I’m so grateful for that.”
Outside of work, Dr. Griffin enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, gardening, reading, quilting, and spending time with her family, including her twin daughters.
Michelle Lexmond is a certified physician assistant who has specialized in pre- and post-bariatric surgery care, as well as non-surgical medical weight loss, with UP Health System – Marquette since 2007. She received her Bachelor of Science in Physiology from San Francisco State University before furthering her education at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, where she received her Master of Health Professions in the Physician Assistant Program.
Following her formal education, Michelle gained experience in the areas of primary care, surgery (general, orthopedic and plastic), internal medicine, gynecology and urgent/emergent care before settling into her current role.
“I’m committed to treating my patients and coworkers with respect and integrity. It is incredibly inspiring to witness the transformation of our patients who regain their health and wellness after weight loss.”
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys being with her family, gardening, hiking, exercise and Lake Superior. She also regularly volunteers at the local homeless shelter, providing medical assessments and health education to individuals in need.
Sara Kocha is a physician assistant with specialized experience in non-surgical bariatric medicine. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Grand Valley State University before earning her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Following her formal education, Sara gained clinical experience in the areas of urology and hand surgery. Sara is a native of Marquette, Michigan and her interests outside of work include mountain biking, skiing and hiking with her husband and two children.
“Weight loss is a personal journey and I am committed to supporting them every step of the way. My goal is to help create a personalized plan that is tailored to their individual need and help them achieve that goal.”
Sabrina Helmer is a certified registered dietitian nutritionist with the UP Bariatric Institute. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Following graduation, she worked as a food and nutrition assistant for Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI, before returning to school at Western Michigan University, where she earned a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. In her role, Sabrina helps patients with program development, health and wellness counseling, and education, and designs individualized plans to help patients achieve nutrition and weight loss goals, manage chronic diseases and enhance personal wellness.
Dr. Kemmeter received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and his Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He is an Assistant Professor of Surgery for Michigan State College of Human Medicine and previously served as the Associate Program Director of the GRMERC-MSU General Surgery residency program. Dr. Kemmeter is the chair of the Community/Independent Practice committee of the ASMBS and is on the executive committee of the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative. He also previously served as the medical director of Bariatric Surgery at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Along with performing vertical sleeve gastrectomy, roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and bariatric revision surgery, he also performs other advanced laparoscopic procedures.
Dr. Nagle received his Bachelor of Science as well as his Doctor of Medicine from North Dakota State University. Following his medical education, he completed his residency training with the Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center through Michigan State University (MSU), where he is now a member of the faculty. He is also a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Dr. Nagle is married with two children. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, running, scuba diving, skiing, and many other
hobbies. He is a commercial pilot and donates time to Wings of Mercy, which provides free air transportation to patients who need treatment at distant medical facilities
Matt grew up in Denver, Colorado, and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1985. He graduated from Calvin College in 1989 and attended Western Michigan University (WMU) for his education and training as a physician assistant. Matt also completed his surgical residency through WMU and Butterworth Hospital. His master’s degree was obtained through the University of Nebraska.
After working in neurosurgery for nine years and vascular surgery for one year, he transitioned to bariatric surgery, joining Dr. Kemmeter and Dr. Nagle in 2003. Matt has been married to his wife, Julie, since 1990. They have three children.
Todd has been working in bariatric surgery with Dr. Paul Kemmeter since July of 2002. He was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and graduated from Calvin College in 1986. He received his physician assistant degree from Western Michigan University in 1998.
He is married with five children and enjoys camping and sailing.