My passion is people experiencing PRISTINE health! I am a native New Yorker, now a North Carolinian :) Raised on Long Island, a Harvard University graduate, with a background in schizophrenia research. I am a traditionally trained Medical Doctor obtaining my medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. I have been in the field of medicine for 20 years in the areas of primary care and mental health. I co-own a mental health practice with my husband, called The Neil Group, where we offer individual, family & group therapy as well as medication management – in office and via telehealth for all things mental health.

I have always been intrigued by our amazingly designed bodies. Over 10 years ago, I had an epiphany and I asked myself, “why am I eating animals?”. Then I researched the health benefits of not consuming animal flesh, and I stopped eating animals immediately and completely and haven’t turned back ;) I am an energetic and motivating physician, and my patients endearingly refer to me as “Dr. Joyful”. I understand clearly that the way our bodies are designed to operate is impeded by many of the lifestyle choices that are made. I became certified in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University because, while I thoroughly enjoyed medical school, there was minimal training in nutrition. Now, I am better able to help my patients see the benefits of a plant-powered way of eating. We offer Wellness at our practice in order to provide patients another way of addressing their general health and mental health concerns. We offer one-on-one wellness consultations, as well as groups to help hold people accountable to their goals. We offer very individualized care and are optimistic about the journey towards achieving Pristine Health.

I have been working with families for over 25 years. In addition to being a coach, I am a childbirth educator and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Nutrition is an essential part of perinatal health. I am available for virtual coaching sessions and in-person sessions in the eastern part of North Carolina.

Our multi-disciplinary team at DiabesityMD is led by our medical director Dr. Blair who has over 15 years of experience in healthcare. Dr. Blair received her Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins and her MD from St. George’s University School of Medicine. She is board certified in both Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine, is fellowship trained in Diabetology and completed Harvard’s certification in Culinary Coaching.

I am a Holistic Health Practitioner with a Master of Nutrition degree from NC State and am Triple Board Certified in: Holistic Nutrition®, Lifestyle Medicine and as a National Health & Wellness Coach. The latter credential ultimately helps facilitate the behavioral/lifestyle changes my clients are seeking. Being diagnosed with Celiac Disease as a child in 1986, food and health have been a big part of my life. This was the impetus for my work to help others attempt to live their healthiest and best lives through food and nutrition.

I worked in the food service industry for more than 20 years. I’ve worked in restaurants, as a nutritional consultant, catering, a five-star hotel and owned the first gluten free bakery in my area. My husband is a Chef with a degree from Louisiana Culinary Institute. We frequently work together with clients to combine our two skills in hopes of helping our clients more efficiently and effectively incorporate long lasting life changes for overall health.

I typically have clients come to me after they have tried most, or all of the Allopathic avenues presented to them, with little to no avail. Working with a client’s current medical team to best serve them is my preference. Between my areas of expertise, and that of their existing team, the hope is to work together to give the client back their power to live their highest and best life, despite whatever their medical diagnosis may be.

I practiced primary care and emergency medicine as a PA for over 30 years. It became progressively disheartening to see the growing emphasis on use of prescription drugs for almost every issue. While these medications are beneficial when used appropriately, many patients have forgotten about their own ability to optimally care for their bodies through healthy diet and lifestyle choices, which can frequently prevent the need for drugs. Enjoying a Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet for several years has improved my life in every way and I relish preparing and eating food more than ever before. I want the same for all patients who hope for a better life and desire this knowledge. I now use my NC Medical Board license to empower patients to achieve their own health goals through coaching and, if desired, adjunctive therapy with professional clinical hypnosis. I help individuals struggling with health issues and/or barriers to self-care discover new paths to healing and wholeness through positive, supportive, and nonjudgmental guidance.