OUR TEAM

Meet Your Support Team

Medical Director

Gloria Hakkarainen, MD, FACOG, FASBP, FABAAM

Dr. Hakkarainen graduated with honors from Wellesley college with a degree in biochemistry and psychobiology. She worked as a research biochemist at Harvard Medical School and received her MD degree from Albany Medical College. After completing her residency training at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, she became board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has an active practice in West Palm Beach.

Pursuing her interest in Bariatric Medicine, Dr. Hakkarainen passed the board examinations of the American Board of Bariatric Medicine in 2004. Dr. Hakkarainen continued her studies becoming Board certified in Anti-Aging Medicine in 2006. She currently is taking specialty classes in Functional Medicine while working as a busy surgeon and devides time between both of her practices. She also makes time to regularly work out, is a proud mother of two, a great wife (according to her husband) and is involved in her community chairing and sitting on numerous boards. In 2008 she’s added writing the ‘Medicine & Miracles’ features for VIVE magazine and has appeared on Lifetime Television and ABC News.She is committed to healthy living and has personally experienced the trials and challenges of weight loss and maintenance- having lost 72 lbs of weight herself.

Dr. Hakkarainen wants all of her patients to look and feel great and , most importantly, be fit and healthy - the best anti-aging medicine available

Program Physician

Samuel Lederman, MD., FACOG

Dr. Lederman graduated from Duke University and received his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and has been in private practice in Palm Beach county specializing in Obstetrics and gynecology since 1993.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Lederman is Medical Director of ALTUS Research, Clinical Instructor at Nova Southeastern Osteopathic College of Medicine and sits on numerous advisory boards and committees

Program Physician

Scott Willis, MD

Dr. Willis is a certified Emergency Room Physician and Bariatric Specialist passing his Board exam in 2007. His interest in improving your health and well being is speciific to reducing your risk of Cardio-Vascular Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Attack and Stroke. Dr. Willis is a tri-athlete and a proponent of healthy lifestyles and proper nutrition

Executive Director

Penny Linch

Penny attended Towson University majoring in Economics and has an extensive background in healthcare operations. She has worked both locally and nationally in the field of physician and surgical facility management.

Group Facilitator/Counselor

Robin Russo , LCSW, CST, CHT

Robin majored in Exercise Science and graduated from Temple University in 1986. She has been involved in fitness and wellness since 1987. Ms. Russo received her Masters in Social Work from Barry University in Miami, is licensed in the state of Florida and has been counseling clients in private practice in PB county since 1999. She is affiliated with the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and is currently a PhD candidate in the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Fitness Director

Stephanie Vernis, MA Ed.

Stephanie Vernis Stephanie graduated from Florida State University in 1993 with a Master's degree in Education. She has over 12 years of experience in fitness, health and wellness. She is certified through ISSA-International Sports Science Association and affiliated with IDEA Health and Fitness Association. Specialty training includes: Pre and Post Natal, Fitness Program Design (all levels) and Pilates.

Stephanie works with our patients to provide them with a fitness evaluation and activity plan for all levels. Whether you are looking to lose weight, gain bone density, improve your energy levels or sculpt your physique…we have a plan for you. First you'll meet in our private fitness studio. There you'll learn your strength, flexibility and cardio levels. Depending on your preference and needs, Stephanie will develop a plan customized just for you. She also coordinates four trainers who specialize in Yoga, Pilates, Active Isolated Stretching and Strength Training.

Registered Dietitian - Nutrition Consultant

Judy Llodra, RD, LD/N

A graduate of Hunter College with a BS in Nutrition and Food Science, she brings over ten years of experience to patients, advising them towards a more healthy and fit lifestyle. She develops individual meal plans for each patient, educating them on specific foods that can relate to their disease, weight and health issues. Judy helps them understand that diet and exercise work closely together to bring patients to goal weight. A former personal trainer, she also understands how patients can successfully transit from balanced LCD and VLCD diets to a regimen containing organic and whole unprocessed foods with an emphasis on vitamin and nutrient replacement.

Registered Dietitian - Nutrition Consultant

Leslie Weir, MA, RD, LD/N

Ms. Weir graduated with a BS in Nutritional Science at the University of Florida and then attended Western Michigan University where she received a Master of Arts in both Dietetics and Holistic Health. She has been the Chief Clinical Dietitian at St. Mary’s Medical Center and brings a unique set of skills to our patients and facility. Leslie teaches nutritional classes in our group sessions as well as counsels patients individually on a variety of diet plans specific to their needs focusing on whole foods and developing good nutrition habits.

Certified Trainer

Eric Holmgren, LMT, NSCA-CPT, PADI, HAS

A Certified trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Agency, Eric is an integral part of our health care team. A specialist in AIS (Active Isolated Stretching) he is often able to accomplish what some trainers cannot, even working with handicapped patients and others with multiple medical conditions. Also a massage therapist, Eric works with patients to achieve flexibility and balance in addition to core training. Eric is also a running and marathon training coach who is co-leading our Walk/Run West Palm Beach, in preparation for the Palm Beach Marathon and Susan Komen 5K.

Muscular Therapist

Rosario Castillo, LMT

“Charo” as her clients and staff know her, is a licensed muscular therapist with an extensive background in lymphatic drainage, muscle rehabilitation and recovery from sports injury. She has been instrumental in helping new patients that start routinely exercising, instructing them about how to care for their body, often allowing them to continue to enjoy the benefits of fitness without the routine muscle “stiffness and soreness” that often sets patients backwards. Charo has a specially designed treatment room incorporating massage, hot rock, and stress/anxiety relief therapy that often yields fantastic results. Charo also performs carefully supervised pregnancy massage for the swelling and edema that can accompany pregnancy, helping patients progress towards a healthy delivery and better outcome for mother and baby.

Patient Education and Care Coordinator

Beth DiLuglio, MS, RD, CNSD, CCN

Beth DiLuglio Beth has an extensive background in nutrition and is a wealth of knowledge. You may recognize her from the many years she’s dedicated to Critical Care and The Cancer Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Beth was also named as a 2007 Nutrition Ambassador Finalist. This National Program recognizes 10 professionals in the field of nutritional sciences who clearly demonstrate an exceptional commitment to clinical nutrition. Beth is passionate about education as she guides, educates and motivates all to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Holistic Health Practitioner

Kimberly LaRue, LMT

Kimberly is a Holistic Health Practitioner and provides CranioSacral Therapy, Guided Imagery and Yoga Instruction for our patients. She works with the Upledger Institute, is a graduate of the Chicago School of Massage and is a student of Suddha Weixler of the New York Yoga Center. CST enhances the body’s natural healing process and has been effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Joan Tirro, AP, CMT

Joan began her "Chinese" education at Princeton, studying Mandarin and continued Chinese language studies at Temple University. Her interest took her as far a field as New Zealand. She studied Chinese Bodywork at the Shanghai Hospital for Sports Medicine and Oriental Medicine Studies at the Guan An Men Hospital, Beijing, China. In 1996, she became a Licensed, Board Certified Acupuncture Physician in Florida.
During her subsequent years of practice she has developed a unique form of treatment which incorporates acupuncture, acupressure and oriental bodywork, each treatment evolving into a custom therapy for that individual patient's needs. Joan works on weight loss with patients by helping to improve a slow metabolism and finding your good balance (Qi) from within.

Team Associates:

Mandy Nixon, Front Desk Coordinator

Michelle Clarke, Medical Assistant