William Sears, MD

Dr. Bill Sears, one of America’s most renowned pediatricians, is the father of eight children, ages 17 to 42 years, author of over 40 books on childcare and Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine.  A pediatrician for over 35 years, he currently lives and practices pediatrics along with his three sons Dr. Bob and Dr. Jim and Dr. Pete in San Clemente, California.  Dr. Sears received his pediatric training at the Harvard Medical School Childrens Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the largest childrens hospital in the world, where he served as Associate Ward Chief of the newborn nursery and Associate Professor of Pediatrics.  In addition to writing many books and scientific articles, Dr. Sears is a medical and parenting consultant to Baby Talk and Parenting Magazines.  Dr. Sears is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a fellow of the Royal College of Pediatricians.

“Dr. Bill” (as his little patients call him) and his wife Martha, who is an R.N., have been guests on over 100 television shows including: “20/20,” “Donahue,” “Good Morning America.” “Oprah Winfrey,” “CBS This Morning,” “CNN,” “Today Show,” “Dateline” and most recently the “Dr. Phil Show” where they are regular guests.  Dr. Bill is the on-line pediatrician for Parenting.com.  Bill and Martha are best known for their Sears Parenting Library published by Little Brown: THE PREGNANCY BOOK, THE BIRTH BOOK, THE BABY BOOK, THE DISCIPLINE BOOK, THE BREASTFEEDING BOOK, THE FUSSY BABY BOOK, THE A.D.D. BOOK, THE FAMILY NUTRITION BOOK, THE PREMATURE BABY BOOK, THE BABY SLEEP BOOK, and THE HEALTHIEST KID IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Their website is www.AskDrSears.com

James Sears, MD

Dr. Jim Sears is a Board Certified Pediatrician and co-host of the 2010 Emmy Award-winning informational talk show The Doctors.
Arguably one the most recognized and trusted pediatricians in the U.S. and around the world (the show is syndicated in 22 countries), Dr. Jim is also the Children’s Health Specialist for AOL Health’s Medical Advisory Board and contributes regularly to AskDrSears.com

Dr. Jim’s wild popularity stems from his ability to connect with people and deliver complicated medical advice in a practical, real-world and useful way. His sense of humor, passion for discovery, and good sportsmanship knows no bounds and he is often called upon on The Doctors to be the resident “guinea pig” – testing and tasting the latest or strangest medical myths and mysteries.

Before joining The Doctors, Dr Jim’s expert advice was sought by Dr. Phil and the PBS series, Help Me Grow. HE IS co-author of The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood (Little, Brown 2006), Father’s First Steps – Twenty-Five Things Every New Father Should Know, (Harvard Common Press 2006). The Premature Baby Book (Little, Brown 2004), The Baby Sleep Book (Little, Brown 2006) and the best selling The Baby Book – Revised Edition (Little, Brown 2003).

Dr. Jim earned his medical degree at St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1996 and completed his pediatric residency at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, Tod Children’s Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio in 1999. During his residency, he received the honor of “emergency medicine resident of the year.”

Dr. Jim frequently travels the country speaking about the importance of good family nutrition. In his entertaining lectures, he shares many of the nutritional changes that keep his family healthy and helped him lose over 40 pounds! He is most passionate about the vital role that nutrition plays in a variety of medical and behavioral problems.

Sean Foy, MA

Sean is an exercise physiologist, behavioral coach, and certified nutrition counselor, and president and founder of Personal Wellness Corporation, a California-based wellness consulting firm that provides health and fitness testing, education seminars, and comprehensive wellness plans to corporations, hospitals, and health facilities. Sean is also the co-creator of the award-winning children’s health and fitness program, LEAN KIDS and LEAN Start. Among numerous citations, he has received the “Nike Go” Top National Health Education Program Award and the California Governor Health Educator of the Year Award. He lives with his family in Placentia, California.  Sean is also the author of the recently released 10-Minute Total Body Breakthrough.  You can visit Sean at 4321fitness.com

Bob Hodgin

Bob is President/CEO and managing partner of The L.E.A.N. Group, LLC which is the parent company that oversees Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. He has been in senior level management and has extensive marketing experience along with unique and valuable experience in the wellness field. Bob also has a deep understanding of health and wellness initiatives and has developed programs for some of the largest retailers in the country, including Albertsons Healthy Living Program and Raley’s Well for Life program, among others. These programs were geared towards educating shoppers on nutrition and healthy living practices and run by the Registered Dietitians on Bob’s team.

Bob has over 25 years of experience with some of the largest grocery, food and consumer product companies in the nation, where he held numerous senior management positions. With this experience, he understands the drivers behind the food industry and the powerful influence it has on our nation’s health. However, during his time in the food and consumer products industry and like so many of his colleagues, Bob never realized the dangers that existed with the products being consumed. Even when Bob served as Vice President for Coca-Cola – where he managed both Sales and Marketing for a half-billion dollar division, the idea that high-fructose corn syrup in soft drinks could have such a detrimental effect on our nation’s health was not even imaginable. He earned his B.S. Degree in Marketing from San Diego State University.

Mark Harris, DDS, JD

Dr. Harris is an active partner of The LEAN Group, LLC and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who also holds a law degree. Dr. Harris has a passion for health and has been a major force in helping to bring LEAN to children and families around the world.

Dr. Harris is an accomplished surgeon who also has served as the President of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, and is also an attorney who is a trained mediator.  Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Water Dog, a company that uses patented “green” technology to remove undesirable elements in water.  Dr. Harris earned his Degree of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from the Mayo Clinic, his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri, his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law, his Degree in Alternative Dispute Mediator from St. Olaf College, and finally, his Bachelor of Engineering from the New Mexico State University.

Dominique Hodgin, MA, NE

Dominique has been with Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. since its inception in 2007 and as a Certified L.E.A.N. Coach has taught L.E.A.N. Program courses in a variety of settings, including schools and healthcare facilities. As the Executive Director of Education, Dominique oversees the L.E.A.N. Coach training and certification courses, works closely with Dr. Sears in the development of new L.E.A.N. programs and provides continued support to Certified L.E.A.N. Coaches.

Prior to working with L.E.A.N., she was with two leading pharmaceutical companies in the areas of cardiovascular medicine, cholesterol management, diabetes, mental health, and allergies. During her pharmaceutical career, she worked closely with physicians, residents, and diabetic educators in a variety of settings including health maintenance organizations (HMO’s) and teaching hospitals.

Dominique holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside, and a Masters of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver. She has taught in both elementary and middle school and has had extensive experience working with school districts and curriculum. She also attended Bauman College for Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts where she received her designation as a Certified Nutrition Educator. She is also a member of National Association of Nutrition Professionals.

Allison Slade, CNT

Allison became a Certified L.E.A.N. Coach in 2008 and shortly thereafter joined Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. Programs. She assists with training L.E.A.N. Coach Candidates, curriculum development and supporting Certified L.E.A.N. Coaches. Allison holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from Colorado Christian University, Denver, Colorado. Prior to her career as a Nutritionist, she worked in corporate human resources where she developed and implemented policies and procedures. She was also responsible for hiring, training and orienting new personnel.

Allison received her Master Nutrition Therapist Certification from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colorado in 2002. Upon receiving her nutrition certification, she founded Nourishing Within, LLC which offers one-on-one and family nutrition counseling. She is passionate about educating individuals and families on how their relationship with food and lifestyle practices impact their physical and mental health, behavior, as well as their connection with self.

Melody Gylling

Melody Gylling joined the L.E.A.N. Team in 2009 as the Marketing and Education Manager. Originally from Montana, Melody obtained her BS Grace College, Winona Lake, IN, where she studied Communication, Psychology, Business and Marketing. Melody brought with her extensive experience in large event planning, marketing, publication editing and customer service. She is also a member of the National Association of Professional Women. In her free time, Melody volunteers her time as a Family Readiness Coordinator for the Colorado National Guard and teaches children regularly at local church. Melody’s passion for improving the lives of America’s youth both physically and mentally, inspires her work with the L.E.A.N. Coaches and program development.

Amy Quinn

Amy Quinn is a Certified L.E.A.N. Trainer as well as a credentialed elementary school teacher and tutor. In 2004, after the birth of her daughter, Caitlin, she had the privilege of meeting Dr. Jim Sears.  His advice changed the health of her entire family.  Amy was so inspired that she became a “Mom on a Nutrition Mission” and began to teach classes in her community based on Dr. Sears’ advice.   In 2008, she became a member of the first graduating class of Certified LEAN coaches and adores teaching the LEAN series of courses.  Amy is thrilled to be a part of the Dr. Sears LEAN Program team by inspiring new coaches around the nation and beyond.