531-355-1234Pediatric Weight Management
Lifestyle changes can be difficult to make – and they certainly don’t happen overnight. It takes learning, commitment and support to succeed. That’s why we will be right there with you every step of the way. You can count on our guidance and support to help your child and family build a new, healthier way of living.
Welcome to SPARK
Igniting habits that lead to Strong, Positive, Active, Responsible Kids
This clinic is designed to help your child and family reach personalized, healthy lifestyle goals. We strive to provide you with the tools, resources and support you need.
Ready for a Spark? Contact your child’s primary care provider to request a referral to our clinic.
Our multidisciplinary team will work with you to create a plan specifically for your child and family. We will meet with you monthly to coordinate care and services to help keep you on track.
The key SPARK principles are:
- Strong - Our mission is to help children feel physically and mentally strong by offering support, guidance and education.
- Positive – The benefits of a positive attitude and environment are well documented. We work to foster positivity in children and their families so they can achieve their goals.
- Active – Physical activity is essential to healthy development in children and teens. We provide a safe, fun environment to help kids move more and find activities that work for your lifestyle.
- Responsible – Each family’s responsibility is to help us help their children. We help you set achievable, realistic and agreed-upon goals that easily fit into your family’s lifestyle.
- Kids – We focus on helping children and teens learn new, healthier habits that can last a lifetime.
Weight Management Clinic Areas of Focus - How We Ignite a SPARK
Our clinic providers assess medical conditions your child may have or may develop due to unhealthy weight, such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol or liver conditions. Bariatric surgery may be an option for some children. This requires a medical evaluation by our board certified pediatric surgeon.
Our dietitian will work with your child and family on making healthier food choices and building better eating habits. This involves identifying specific nutrition needs and developing a plan of action.
Our physical therapist will work with your child and family to find ways to increase activity levels and improve strength, balance and flexibility, all of which help promote weight loss and prevent injuries.
Health and weight changes happen over time. The best way to get there is to make subtle changes in diet, exercise and behavior. What may seem like a small change will help put your family on the path to a healthy future. We follow the four principles listed below to help guide real, positive change.
Health and weight changes happen over time. The best way to get there is to make subtle changes in diet, exercise and behavior. What may seem like a small change will help put your family on the path to a healthy future. We follow the four principles listed below to help guide real, positive change.
- We make small, realistic changes.
- We meet your family where you are.
- We set realistic goals.
- We build healthy habits, together
Bariatric Surgery
For some children, bariatric surgery may be an option. This requires a medical evaluation to determine if the child is a candidate for the procedure. Our pediatric weight management team has a board-certified pediatric surgeon experienced in bariatric surgery, and we collaborate with Methodist Hospital Bariatric Clinic.
Refer a Patient
We accept any patient with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Please fax the patient’s demographic information, last office visit note, and any lab results (fasting insulin, fasting lipid profile, Hgb Alc, TSH, CMP/Chem 14 results). We will contact the family to schedule their first visit. Our schedulers make 3 attempts to contact the families. If we are unable to reach them, we will send a letter to the home asking them to contact the clinic to schedule.
Pediatric Weight Management services are available at the following locations
Pediatric Weight Management Team
Scott Cunningham, PT, DP
Physical Therapist
Scott Cunningham, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at the Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinic and Pediatric Weight Management Clinic. He has been a practicing physical therapist for over 25 years and has experience in multiple areas including inpatient, outpatient, workman’s comp, pain management, skilled care, home healthcare, private practice and pediatrics. Scott’s areas of interest are back pain and sports physical therapy emphasizing posture and muscle balance.
“I enjoy working with people one on one and helping them improve their function relating to pain and enjoyment of life,” said Scott. His goal with his patients is to “coach and teach how to safely perform activities that bring them joy.”
Languages
- English
Education
- Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Creighton University
Amanda Margiotta, RD, LMNT
Clinical Dietitian
Amanda Margiotta, RD, LMNT, is a clinical dietitian at the Pediatric Weight Management Clinic.
Certifications
- Registered Dietitian
- Licensed Medical Nutrition Therapist
Languages
- English
Education
- Master of Science in Nutrition Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Michelle Maurer, LIMHP, CPC
Clinical Therapist
Michelle Maurer, LIMHP, CPC, is a clinical therapist at the Pediatric Weight Management Clinic.
Certifications
- Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner
- Certified Professional Counselor
- Board Certified Bariatric Counselor
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Education
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bellevue University
M. Kelly McCarthy, M.D.
Dr. Kelly McCarthy’s philosophy of care is simple. He treats his patients with respect and dignity, just as he would like his loved ones to be treated. In terms of being a pediatrician, Dr. McCarthy said, “I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.” Being fluent in Spanish, Dr. McCarthy can easily communicate with the Spanish-speaking community. “I have a real heart for the Hispanic population, and I am here to serve them through developing trusting relationships and being with them each step of the way in their child’s development.”
El Dr. M. Kelly McCarthy se unió a Boys Town Pediatrics en el 2014. Él habla español y disfruta el poder trabajar con la población Hispana. Es por esto que siempre está queriendo ayudar y servir a esta comunidad. La filosofía de atención médica del Dr. McCarthy es cuidar de los demás de la misma manera que a usted le gustaría que cuidaran de sus seres queridos. Usted puede pedir una consulta con el Dr. McCarthy en la Clínica del Centro.
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Education
- Medical Degree, University of Nebraska College of Medicine
- Pediatric Residency, Naval Medical Center San Diego
Certifications
- Board Certified in Pediatrics
Carly K. Rupiper, APRN
Carly Rupiper, APRN, is a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatric weight management. Request an appointment with Carly Rupiper.
Languages
- English
Education
- Master's Degree, Clarkson College, Omaha, NE