Health Advisory Committee

Donald Kushner, MD

Doctor of Internal Medicine

Dr. Kushner has been in practice in the Pittsburgh area for more than 17 years. He received his bachelors degree from Brandeis University and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in medicine. He completed his residency at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh. Specializing in Internal Medicine, Dr. Kushner is certified as a Diplomate with the American Board of Internal Medicine. In addition, he has been a clinical instructor for the University of Pittsburgh. He was chairman of the Clinical Research Committee and past president of Preferred Primary Care Physicians (PPCP) and is presently on the medical staff at St. Clair Hospital.

 

Robin Kushner

Vice-President and Program Manager

Robin completed her BA degree in economics at Brandeis University. She has extensive experience through working with large consumer-oriented businesses and the conceptualization and management of her own entertainment planning company. She also has experience in marketing and consumer satisfaction.

 

Alice Valoski, MS, RD

Registered Dietician

Alice Valoski has worked at the University of Pittsburgh for more than 25 years. She has experience in group facilitation and individual counseling, as well as intervention design, delivery, and adherence. She began her career at the University of Pittsburgh in the School of Medicine, working in pediatric weight management. Later, she joined the Department of Epidemiology as a consultant to the Trials of Hypertension Prevention Study, and then became the Lead Nutritionist at the University of Pittsburgh for the Women’s Health Initiative, a large multi-center trial. She also has been a nutritionist with the Wellness of Elders through Lifestyle and Learning and the Slow Adverse Vascular Effects studies.

 

Kimberly Baumann, RD, LDN

Registered Dietician

Kimberly is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist in the state of Pennsylvania. She graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Clinical Dietetics from the University of Pittsburgh with honors. During her time at The University of Pittsburgh, she held a position in research which focused on aspects of weight loss. She has had previous experience working in acute and long term care settings. While employed at St. Clair Hospital, she has had the opportunity to perform outpatient nutrition counseling as well as conduct a community weight loss program. Soon she will begin a new position helping people set and accomplish personal health goals.

 

Susan J. Atkinson, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist and Peak Performance Coach

As a Peak Performance Coach, Certified Self Management Coach, Peoplemap™ Trainer and keynote speaker, Susan Atkinson works with individuals, small businesses, and self employed professionals to promote increased professional and personal effectiveness. She empowers her clients to achieve tangible results, as well as greater life satisfaction and greater resilience in a changing world.

Susan is a licensed psychologist with more than 25 years in the human services field and has operated her own business for the past 20 years. She obtained a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982 and received Coaches training through the Institute for Life Coaching Training. She has specialized training in Peak Performance coaching through EMDRIA (EMDR International Association).

 

Laura Cordero RD, LDN

Registered Dietician

A Registered Dietitian for more than 10 years, Laura Cordero holds a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from Michigan State University and completed her Dietetic internship through Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. Her experience includes Nutritionist/Personal Trainer at a fitness center, Clinical Dietitian
specializing in diet education for different diseases, Dietitian Specialist in Kidney Disease, and
Private Nutrition Consultant for individuals and corporate wellness groups.

Justine Moore

Master Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutritionist

Nationally Certified Master Personal Trainer (ACE) and Fitness Nutritionist Justine Moore has been training clients for more than 20 years. With her vast experience in various movement modalities and physical therapies, her clients range from fitness models to cancer patients. Her Exercise Specialist Certifications include training for seniors, diabetes and fibromyalgia patients, pregnant women and
framework correction.

 

Adele B. Lynn

Owner, The Adele Lynn Leadership Group

Adele Lynn has served as the founder and owner of The Adele Lynn Leadership Group, an international consulting and training firm with offices in North America, Latin America, and Europe. The author of six books published in 10 languages (with books and materials sold on four continents), Ms. Lynn’s work on emotional intelligence is known worldwide. Her newest book on emotional intelligence has appeared as a cover story in Harvard Management Update. She has also written The Emotional Intelligence Activity Book, which has consistently been a best seller in training and development publications.

 

Char Kinder

Lead Facilitator and Behavioral Coach

Char Kinder is the Lead Facilitator for the Wise-About-Weight and Continuing Support classes, and she is also our Behavior Coach. In addition, Ms. Kinder also owns her own consulting and coaching business – Discovery Works.

Ms. Kinder has been a personal behavior and life coach for more than 10 years. She has helped more than 200 clients develop specific skills and abilities to make significant changes and improvements in their lives. By blending together her business and consulting experience, medical training, and coaching skills, Ms. Kinder helps her clients implement the behaviors needed to make long-lasting lifestyle changes.

Kinder recently completed her studies in the nursing field to enhance her understanding of the mind/body connection and the physical and psychological aspects of well-being. She has created a holistic coaching program that helps an individual implement complete and lasting change. As a professional facilitator, Ms. Kinder creates a classroom environment that is safe, fun, and rich in learning.

Joseph S. Weiss, Ph.D.

Cognitive Dynamic Therapy Associates

Joseph S. Weiss, Ph. D. is a licensed psychologist working in the practice of Cognitive Dynamic Therapy Associates, Inc in Oakland. He is a member of the adjunct medical staff at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.

Dr. Weiss earned his Ph.D. in Psychology of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He works with people to enhance their performance by guiding the development of their inherent mental and imagery capabilities. He has training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming™ and Design Human Engineering™ methods developed from Ericksonian hypnosis and other models of human change.