PHD Founder, Dr. Ashley Lucas
PhD in Sports Nutrition and Chronic Disease Registered Dietitian
Dr. Ashley Lucas is the owner, founder and advisory consultant for PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition. She has over 15 years of education in the field of nutrition and metabolism. In her mid 20s, she retired from her professional ballet career. While understanding the importance nutrition played on her own sport performance, she went on to earn her PhD in Sports Nutrition and Chronic Disease from Virginia Tech. Her research throughout her six-year post-graduate doctoral training, focused on energy metabolism and the Female Athlete Triad. She was awarded the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarship and completed her dietetic internship at The Ohio State University. She passed the national examination registering her as a dietitian offering expert food, wellness and nutrition services. Dr. Lucas is a nationally renowned speaker, columnist, and leading expert in the field of weight management and behavior change.
Through a scientific method that focuses not only on the metabolic consequences of fat gain, but also on the behavioral and psychological aspects, she created and continues to innovate the PHD Approach which has helped thousands of people nationwide achieve their peak wellness once and for all.
Advisory Board
Dr. Doug Lucas
DO, Chief Science Officer, Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellow in Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine
Dr. Doug Lucas is a double board certified physician and holds the status of fellow in anti-aging and metabolic medicine. He is the founder of Optimal Bone Health MD and Optimal Human Health MD, his two parallel platforms created with patient expectations and outcomes in mind.
His subspecialty training exposed him to the tremendous impact of obesity and related diseases such as diabetes on his patients. This in combination with his own struggle with weight maintenance led him to create and grow the role of Chief Science Officer within the PHD organization.
As a pioneer in the fields of anti-aging, osteoporosis and comprehensive telehealth solutions, Dr. Doug launched his nationwide telehealth practice to see patients in 2020. He created a platform that allowed him and other providers to see patients the way they felt they deserved to be seen.
Prior to Optimal Bone Health MD Dr. Doug practiced in the traditional medical model. He completed his orthopedic surgery training at Stanford University and began a traditional orthopedic surgery practice in Durango, CO. He treated osteoporotic fractures and supported his PA to launch a hospital and insurance-based program for osteoporosis. After seven years of disappointment with the system in which Dr. Doug found himself, he left the traditional medical model and pursued additional training. It was then that he received his second board certification in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine as well as achieved the status of Fellow in Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine before fulfilling his vision by launching Optimal Human Health MD (OHH).
Dr. Brooke Feinerman
MA, PhD in Clinical Psychology & Somatic Psychology
After graduating from Pepperdine University with a masters degree in clinical psychology, Dr. Feinerman earned a doctorate from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she specialized in somatic studies—the investigation of the connection between mind and body. Her interest in mind-body wellness subsequently led her to complete two certificate trainings from Harvard University’s Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, as well as becoming a certified yoga instructor. She also holds a graduate degree from New York University in Communications, which has helped inform her understanding of systems of communication in various domains of life. In addition, she is a member of The Institute of Coaching, at McLean/Harvard Medical School, which provides on-going seminars, education and research on coaching and well-being. She has presented her research at conferences both nationally and internationally. Dr. Feinerman performs multiple roles within the PHD organization. She elevates our Certified PHD Consultant and Coach education with additional behavioral health training. She coaches our PHD Team herself to support their well-being so that they can best support yours. She also provides coaching to PHD clients when needed. We know that the majority of the PHD Journey is psychological and Dr. Feinerman brings her expert perspectives and tools to the PHD program.
Our People
Behind every client transformation is a hardworking, caring team of people
Our mission is to create positive change in people’s lives. To empower people to step up and take action in improving their health and overall quality of life. To make the overwhelming, daunting, and overcomplicated “task” of dropping weight and maintaining it clear, simple, efficient, and effective. To provide a sense of hope and allow people to let go of shame, fear, guilt, and unworthiness. To create an avenue for people to achieve, embrace, experience and LIVE in PEAK state.
We're made with grit
The drive, stamina, and fortitude to push through any challenge or obstacle until success is achieved.
We care to our core
People with passion can make the impossible happen.
We have vulnerable hearts that create trustworthy actions
Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage... It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.
We're radically open minded
Open-minded people embrace being wrong, are free of illusions, don’t mind what people think of them, and question everything even themselves.
Drama? No thank you
Venting is your ego’s way of avoiding self-reflection.
Our Leadership Team
Jenn Walgren
Director of Operations and Leadership
Jenn spent a considerable amount of time in Lake Mary, Florida where she served alongside a team to protect National Security through background investigations. She grew professionally as a servant leader and eventually traded the sunny skies and lakes of Florida for a more seasonal adventure in Lake Norman, North Carolina. She always enjoyed running, but the fitness bug really hit her in NC and she began training for Spartan races, mud races, and obstacle course races. She earned several Tri-fectas and overpowered her fear of heights by pushing beyond what she thought was possible. Jenn’s passion for leadership and service expanded to the healthcare industry, where she continued to positively impact people’s lives through dentistry that was aimed at providing care to those in need. Her next servant leadership calling brought her to PHD Weight Loss, where she loves making a difference in people’s lives and focusing on helping them learn healthy habits for life. She thrives on seeing our team and our clients succeed and loves seeing people grow.
Rachel Neal
Director of Quality Control
Rachel grew up in Denver, Colorado and attended Colorado State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science with a concentration in Health Promotion. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Durango, Colorado where she began her career with PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition. When PHD decided to expand to the Carolinas, she quickly followed and moved to Asheville, North Carolina to help open up our doors. Rachel has had the opportunity to open and grow our Asheville, NC team, Greenville, SC team, Charlotte, NC team and now currently our Lake Norman, NC team. She coaches many of our national radio syndicators and travels frequently to our Carolina offices to support the ever growing clinics and teams.
Jayde Smith
Director of Human Resources
Jayde is one of our most senior certified PHD consultants. After graduating from the University of Florida, she completed a 2 year intensive fellowship with Dr. Lucas and has been working with Dr. Lucas for over 5 years. She is also a Certified Primal Health Coach. Jayde opened & managed the New Mexico office and led the Florida office in Ormond Beach. Helping people live longer, healthier lives is Jayde’s goal and she takes great pride in the services PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition offers. Jayde began her interest in health and wellness at the age of five as a competitive ballet dancer and gymnast. Winning many competitions over years of grueling training illustrated to her the difficulties of weight management. Her dedication and devotion to these sports demanded adherence to a way of life which taught her the importance of lifelong nutrition and the habits and behaviors that come with life change. This knowledge and first-hand experience propelled her advocacy for others dealing with the same struggles. Jayde is vested in helping others succeed in improving their health once and for all!