Melisa Cato, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to advancing patient-centered care through education, advocacy, and behavioral health support. For the past three years, she has served as a clinical social worker in the Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery programs, providing comprehensive psychosocial assessments, patient education, and therapeutic support to individuals pursuing treatment for obesity, sustainable health outcomes and improved quality of life. 

Ms Cato earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from California State University, Sacramento with a health concentration, and subsequently obtained her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. Throughout her career, she has been committed to providing compassionate care while empowering individuals with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to navigate complex health journeys and adopt meaningful lifestyle changes. 

As a panel participant, Ms. Cato brings a behavioral health perspective to the treatment of obesity, emphasizing the importance of addressing the psychological, social, and emotional factors that influence long-term success. She is passionate about patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing education that supports individuals throughout their weight management journey.