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
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.
Jessica Maxwell
Operations Manager
Jessica, our Operations Manager, plays a crucial role in strategizing and improving operating systems and processes to ensure efficiency and productivity across all teams. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Colorado State University Global, she brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic planning, resource allocation, and team leadership. Jessica is passionate about driving operational excellence, implementing innovative solutions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within our organization.
Outside of her professional role, Jessica enjoys long-distance hiking in Appalachia, often starting her day with a sunrise hike and continuing well past sunset. She is on a personal mission to hike all the trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to achieve the prestigious status of a GSMNP 900-miler.
Jessica’s favorite part of working with the PHD team is witnessing the sustainable, life-changing transformations we help our clients achieve during their journey.
Twana Smith
Regional Manager
Twana serves as the Regional Manager at PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition, where she is dedicated to supporting our leaders in inspiring and guiding our community toward their health and wellness goals. With extensive experience in team management, Twana has led dynamic teams, fostered incredible growth, and even managed a full hospital network, helping to develop a sales team that achieved remarkable success.
Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and a master’s in Health Administration, which shape her holistic approach to leadership and client success.
Outside of work, Twana enjoys celebrating life’s special moments with family and friends, planning exciting events, and exploring creative projects. She is passionate about being part of the PHD team, where each day presents an opportunity to create a meaningful and positive impact in people’s lives.
Felicia Wallgren
Charlotte Team Leader
Originally from Sweden, Felicia relocated to Austin, TX, in 2012 and brought with her a lifelong passion for fitness and nutrition inspired by her parents. With over 20 years dedicated to weightlifting and studying nutrition, Felicia is pursuing her dream of competing in bodybuilding.
A summa cum laude graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in Business Management, Felicia brings a strong leadership background to her role as Team Lead at PHD. She is excited to combine her expertise in management with her enthusiasm for health and nutrition to make a positive impact on the lives of others while continuing to expand her own knowledge.
Alli Matthews
Greenville Team Leader
Alli has been an integral part of the PHD team for four years, starting her journey at our Asheville clinic before relocating to Greenville to lead the GVL team. As a certified health coach through the Kresser Institute and a certified personal trainer, Alli combines her expertise and passion for health and wellness to help clients achieve their goals through self-discipline and hard work.
Outside of work, Alli enjoys spending time with her golden retriever, Oakley, often exploring downtown Greenville on long walks. A talented singer, she served as a worship leader for 10 years and continues to find joy in music. Alli’s dedication to her craft and her clients makes her an invaluable member of the PHD family.
Brittany Herier
Human Resources Director
Brittany is the Director of HR at PHD Weight Loss, bringing her passion for health, wellness, and a healthy dose of fun to the team. Her journey began in her twenties, living and working in East Asia before immersing herself in the study of yoga and meditation in India, where she cultivated her deep appreciation for mindfulness and balance. These skills have been invaluable as she navigates the wild and wonderful adventure of raising three little ones.
A natural social butterfly, Brittany is inspired daily by the incredible health coaches she works alongside and the life-changing transformations of PHD clients. She believes staying healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of a busy, full life—it’s about making wellness fit seamlessly into your everyday routine.
When she’s not managing spreadsheets or the delightful chaos of family life, Brittany can be found on the yoga mat, chasing new adventures, or sharing a good laugh. Her energy and enthusiasm make every day at PHD vibrant and thriving!