Health Specialists & Staff   

Bob Wright, M.A.T.
Bob is the Director of Education.  His goal is to provide guests with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions on personal health habits.  His expertise includes nutrition, weight loss management and disease prevention.  Bob has been educating Guests at Hilton Head Health weight loss spa for over 20 years and holds a Master's degree in Health Education from the University of South Carolina.

Beth Leermakers, Ph.D., CLC
Dr. Leermakers is Hilton Head Health's Wellness Counselor.  She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Florida, preceded by a B.S. in Psychology from Duke University.  She is a Certified Lifestyle Counselor in Weight and Stress Management.  With more than 15 years of experience in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of obesity, Dr. Leermakers specializes in motivating individuals to change behaviors, thoughts and feelings that affect eating and exercise.

Cathryn E. Matthes, C.E.C
Chef Cathryn is the Executive Chef here at Hilton Head Health.  Cathryn "Chef C" Matthes is a Certified Executive Chef, speaker and author specializing in the use of natural foods for optimum wellness.  "Chef C" worked at Hilton Head Health from Jan '99 to Nov '04.  She has recently returned and will be bringing her vision for a new menu and dining experience as we undergo upcoming kitchen and dining room renovations.  Her philosophy is simple: When we nourish the mind, body and spirit with conscious lifestyle and nutrition choices, everyday becomes a celebration of optimum health. 

Adam Martin, B.S., ACSM Health Fitness Specialist®
Adam is the Hilton Head Health Fitness Director, responsible for Lifetime Fitness and the Internship Program. Adam provides education, weight and health assessment and programming, as well as individualized fitness training.  He also co-facilitates the intensive week-long specialty program, Next Level Fitness.  Adam graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in Exercise Physiology/Biomechanics and is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health Fitness Specialist.

Jessica Lynn B.S., ACSM Health Fitness Specialist®
Jessica is the Hilton Head Health Director of Program Development.  With a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the Honors College of Ball State University, Jessica is a certified Health Fitness Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine and is also certified in Mat and Reformer Pilates, as well as a Functional Training Specialist.  

John Schmitz, M.H.S.A.
John is the Owner and President of Hilton Head Health and has provided leadership for the organization’s development as a serious weight loss destination. He has also been successful in his personal efforts with weight loss and lifestyle modification and serves as an inspiration to many guests. John has held various national and international positions with private and publicly traded healthcare companies and holds a Master’s of Health Service Administration from Arizona State University.

Guest Facilitators & Speakers 

Nancy Boothby, RD
With a degree in Dietetics from the University of Dayton, Nancy has an extensive background in nutrition consulting and eating disorders.  Nancy has provided her services in a variety of settings- hospitals, residential facilities, out-patient facilities and large weight loss companies, such as Nutri/System and LA Weight Loss.  Nancy is available for individual Nutrition Consultations.

Melissa Petitto, RD
Celebrity Chef Melissa Petitto is Hilton Head Health's featured speaker.  Chef Melissa graduated from the prestigious Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.  With her passion for nutrition and healthy cooking Chef Melissa has forged a career as a Registered Dietitian and Chef to the stars, working with Lucy Liu, Blythe Danner and Gwyneth Paltrow, to name a few.  Chef Melissa will be providing Cooking Demonstrations and is available for private Chef Consultations.

Chef Marvis Hinson
Chef Hinson is a Certified Culinary Educator from the American Culinary Federation, Inc.  As Program Director for the Culinary Institute of Savannah Technical College for more than 25 years, she provides an excellent experience of food selection and handling skills, practical menu suggestions and cooking techniques for new and 'seasoned' home chefs alike.  Chef Hinson has won numerous awards in the areas of service, Educator of the Year, and food competitions through local, regional, and national organizations.

Johanna Smith-Ellis, M.Ed, C.A.S.
Johanna Smith-Ellis is a Certified School Psychologist and Counselor in private practice and has taught a wide range of psychology courses at the college level for 15 years.  Johanna has practiced in a variety of settings including schools, mental health facilities, residential treatment programs and outpatient addiction services.  Her special interests include depression and anxiety, alcoholism, and both attention and eating disorders.

Elizabeth Huggins, MESS, RD, LD/N, CDE
Elizabeth is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Exercise Physiologist.  Her specialties include nutritional counseling, diabetes education and clinical exercise prescription.  Elizabeth provides regular presentations for Hilton Head Health Guests and is available for Individual Consultations.

Roger Sargent, Ph.D.
Roger is a retired professor from the University of South Carolina, School of Public Health in the Department of Health Promotion and Education.  He holds a Ph.D. in Biology and has completed post-doctoral studies in nutrition.  He has been a consultant for Hilton Head Health weight loss spa since 1983.  Roger is a well-published author in the field of Health Promotion.

Marion O'Neill, Ph.D. ABPP
Dr. O'Neill, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, specializes in adult, marital and family therapy.  One of her roles is to help guests recognize defeating thought patterns keeping them from success.  She is available for Individual Consultations.  In addition to her therapy practice, Dr. O'Neill has a life long love and appreciation for the benefits of regular exercise.  On any given day you may find her rollerblading, biking or kayaking.

Emily Van Buren Mulcahy, Psy.D.
Dr. Mulcahy is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.  Her specialties include stress management, personal development, anxiety disorders, pain management and clinical hypnosis.  Dr. Mulcahy’s goal is to assist guests in making behavior changes that are right for them.  She is available for Individual Consultations.

Carole Sorg, Psy.D.
Dr. Sorg has her doctorate in clinical psychology and has completed post graduate work as a Jungian Analyst.  She specializes in adult, couples and family therapy.  Her presentations include information on eating styles and mindful eating exercises.  Dr. Sorg is available for Individual Consultations.

Alfred Olivetti, Ph.D.
Alfred is the Hilton Head Health athletic footwear consultant.  His expertise lies in foot strike analysis, athletic shoe fitting, and triathlon and marathon training.  Alfred will provide guests with a detailed foot strike evaluation and direction toward shoes that are most appropriate.

Hart Baker
Hart received a BS Degree in Marketing (Professional Golf Management) from Ferris State University located in Big Rapids, Michigan in 1991.  He was elected to PGA of America in 1996, where his desire for teaching grew quickly.  While on internship from college, Hart learned the basics from renowned Golf instructor Tom Tomasello.  Hart was an assistant professional at several premiere golf facilities on the east coast.  In 1998, he was hired as Head Golf Professional at Marion Lake Club in Marion, NC.  While there 10 years he was director of all junior golf programs as well as teaching golfers of all skill levels.  In November of 2007, Hart accepted a position as golf instructor with the PGA Tour Academy located in Hilton Head Island, SC. 

Fitness Specialists & Instructors

Amber Shadwick, B.A., M.S. 
Amber is Fitness Specialist at Hilton Head Health. Amber is responsible for conducting fitness lectures, teaching fitness classes and personal training sessions.  Amber graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Health Promotion. While at the University of Kentucky, Amber was a fitness instructor at the UK Recreation Center, instructed various aerobics classes for the UK Employee Wellness Program as well as served as an aerobic trainer for the UK Women's Gymnastics Team. She is a certified Group Exercise Instructor through the AFAA.

Janey Walker, B.S., M.S.
Janey is a Fitness Specialist at Hilton Head Health. She conducts fitness lectures, teaches fitness classes and is a Personal Trainer.  Janey is especially interested in strength training and exercise motivation.  Janey has a B.S. in Exercise Science & Psychology and an M.S. in Health Education from Mississippi University for Women.  She is certified through AFAA as a Personal Fitness Trainer and has her Group Fitness Instructor certification through ACE.

Linda Lisko, B.S., NETA
Linda has been teaching a variety of classes at Hilton Head Health since 2005.  She is certified through Phi Pilates, WaterFit and National Exercise Trainers Association- which makes her versed in Pilates, water aerobics, group exercise, personal training, and yoga.  She enjoys bike riding and beach walks in her free time. 

Suzanne Brown, B.S., AFPA
Suzanne has been a fitness instructor at Hilton Head Health since 2004.  With a certification in group fitness from the American Fitness Professionals and Associates, Suzanne teaches a variety of classes.  Her favorite classes to teach are Treading and Fitball Aerobics.  In her free time, she enjoys running and traveling.  

Jennifer Ciliento, B.S.
Jennifer has been with Hilton Head Health since 2004.  She is certified through Water Art as a Fundamentals Instructor.  Besides teaching fitness, Jennifer enjoys the beach, gardening and being with her family.

Christine Varano, B.S., AFPA
Chris has been in the fitness field for over 12 years and joined Hilton Head Health in 2005 with certifications in Pilates instruction, group exercise instruction and personal training through the American Fitness Professionals and Associates.  Chris obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University and is currently working on her Masters.  

Cindy Seely, AFAA, AEA
Cindy has been with Hilton Head Health since 1994, Carolina native she has instructed a variety of fitness classes for more than 15 years.  She is certified through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) as an aerobics instructor and personal trainer and through Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) as an aquatics instructor.  Her favorite classes include Fitball Aerobics and water classes. 

Karen Verechia
Karen is a certified and registered yoga alliance instructor through the Asheville Yoga Center.  Originally from New Jersey, Karen has lived on Hilton Head Island for 24 years.  Known for her passionate and inspirational style of teaching, she blends a flow of yoga practice with concise alignment and provides individualized attention with specific exercise modifications.  Continuing her education last year in Costa Rica, she attended a Thai Yoga Certification Retreat.  Karen also teaches a college course at USCB and enjoys sharing the yoga experience with her university students.  She teaches with love, laughter and acceptance, emphasizing breath, alignment and body awareness.  Karen's teaching style is fun, laid-back and challenging, yet accesible to all.

Karen Gardner, M.P.H., ACE, AFAA
Karen has been in the fitness industry for 10 years.  She is certified through the American Council on Exercise, AFAA and YogaFit.  Karen obtained her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from University of Toledo and a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Hawaii.  

Beverly Perfect, B.A., AFAA, NBFE
Certified personal trainer through AFAA and NBFE and certified group fitness instructor through AFAA, Beverly has been working in the fitness industry for 10 years.  Her group fitness certifications include aerobics, weight lifting, kickboxing, interval training, water aerobics, Pilates, yoga, spinning, hip hop dance and belly dancing.  In addition, Beverly is also a certified bicycling instructor and figure skating instructor.  Beverly obtained her B.A. from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio.  In her free time, she enjoys participating in races and triathlons.