After a decade treating patients with end-stage illnesses in the emergency room and witnessing her own father’s stroke from long-standing diabetes, Dr. Parisi founded Maryland Weight Care to focus on prevention through lifestyle change and treatment of metabolic conditions. She believes that prioritizing prevention and metabolic health is the key to a longer, healthier life.

Dr. Parisi earned her Biochemistry degree as a top scholar at Purdue University, attended medical school at Johns Hopkins University, and completed her residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and an active member of the Obesity Medicine Association. She lives in Howard County with her husband and three children and enjoys CrossFit, playing piano and gardening in her free time.

Kara Vielandi is a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in bariatric medicine. She is passionate about helping patients achieve healthier lives through weight management, preventive care, and lifestyle support. She focuses on making the transition to healthier eating and regular exercise approachable, and is enthusiastic about the advancements in weight loss medications that help patients achieve lasting results.

She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and is committed to empowering patients with the tools and guidance they need for long-term success. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her young daughter, husband, and two cats, as well as traveling, reading, and spending time with friends.

Jody began her career at Georgetown University providing health education and nutrition counseling. She then joined the National Institutes of Health, where she created patient centered, science-based nutrition resources and later served as Director of Communications at the Office of Disease Prevention. Inspired to make a more direct impact, she has shifted her focus to weight care—helping patients with evidence-based guidance and personal support.

She believes weight care isn’t about quick fixes but about building confidence, finding balance, and making choices that fit real lives. Outside of work, Jody enjoys family time, exploring new recipes and food trends, and staying active through walking and strength training.

Lashae Sawyer is a medical assistant who enjoys building strong connections with patients and supporting them on their health journeys. She is passionate about learning the human body and strives to help people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. She finds fulfillment in encouraging patients as they work toward their personal goals and celebrating their progress along the way.

Outside of work, Lashae enjoys fashion, creating beautiful nail designs, attending live music events, traveling, and spending time with her beloved cats.