Meet Our Talented Contributors

Greg Garcia

Greg Garcia

Contributor

Meet Greg

Greg Garcia is a successful Bariatric patient. Professionally, he is a disease surveillance nurse and has extensive experience working in many diverse healthcare settings including: Acute Care, Bariatric Nursing, Correctional Health, Quality Management, Utilization Management and Public Health. Greg is a member of both chapters of the Arizona and national Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). He is a board member on the Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Advisory Board for the state of Arizona. 

More About Greg

Greg is an active member of the HAI Prevention Strategies, HAI Surveillance and HAI Long Term Care committees for Arizona State Department of Health Services. In addition, he is also a member of the Division Disease Control Committee for Maricopa County Department of Public Health. He has previously been a member of the Inpatient Satisfaction Team and served on the Bariatric Care Path Process Improvement Board for a “Center of Excellence” Bariatric Program.

“Greg brings a “been there, done that” view to the bariatric community. His background with the bariatric patient goes back many years when both his mother and aunt had bariatric surgery – they have also remained successful since 1985. He has a strong desire to give back to the bariatric community and is committed to being a patient advocate. Greg’s personal insight, experience and enthusiasm have proven to be an asset when reaching out to help other patients succeed with their weight-loss and life-changing journey.

Colleen Cook

Colleen Cook

Contributor

Meet Colleen

Colleen Cook is a successful weight loss surgery patient from 1995. She is the President of Bariatric Support Centers International, a company that provides education and support services for weight loss surgery patients and the professionals who serve them. She is a also the founder and former chair of the National Support Group Network an Integrated Health Committee of the American Society for Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery. Colleen has also served on the National Advisory Board for the Walk From Obesity.

More About Colleen

In 2009 she was named “Bariatric Professional of the Year” by the Bariatric Care Network, headquartered in Atlanta, GA. She currently serves on the Membership Committee for the Obesity Action Coalition. Colleen is a sought after speaker for both bariatric patient events and professional conferences. She is the former host of the radio show, “Obesity’s Surgical Solution”. She is the author of the internationally acclaimed, bariatric best seller, The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients book, workbook and educational program. The Success Habits resources are used in bariatric facilities throughout the world, helping patients learn and live these important principles for a lifetime of success.

Mimi Tran

Mimi Tran

Contributor

Meet Mimi

Mimi Tran has been working as a professional makeup artist for over 9 years. She is a self-taught artist that started as a Business Manager for Benefit Cosmetics and is currently a Makeup Artist for CHANEL. She has also worked for other cosmetics lines such as Laura Mercier and Chantecaille. In addition to her makeup background, Mimi has a degree in Fine Arts from University of MD and occasionally creates pieces or art with various mediums for local art collectors.

More About Mimi

Mimi was quick to discover her passion for makeup artistry because it led her to meet and be surrounded by interesting people, while still being able to be artistically creative. Her artistic vision, impeccable application, and style has been well received by her clients, which has included celebrities, actors, musicians, models, and diplomats. Yet, she is most sought-after by her local clientele who know that her touch will make them look and feel their best for any occasion. Mimi gained her reputation and clientele mainly by word-of-mouth and is nationally recognized after being featured in Instyle Magazine December 2010 issue.

“Many have told me that I live my life with a ‘happy-go-lucky’ mentality, and believe I bring that positive energy into my work. I always try to do my best work on every person. Not only because I would want the same done for me, but also because maybe they were put in front of me for a reason. I’ve seen how my work has helped individuals feel better about themselves, build confidence, bring joy, and even make them see a side of themselves they never could have imagined. So I know its more than just makeup. As an artist, everybody’s face is like my canvas and I’m showcasing my best work always.”

Mimi Tran
Makeup Artist
makeupbymimitran.com

Walen & Assoc Board Bios