Speakers / Topics

Star of TLC's BIG MEDICINE, Mary Jo Rapini, LPC
Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is featured on TLC's new series, Big Medicine which completed season one and two. She is also a contributing expert for Seventeen magazine (referenced twice in their 9/08 issue). She was quoted in an article about body image in First magazine (7/21/08) and is a frequent expert for relationship articles in the Houston Chronicle. Mary Jo has her own column in the Houston Chronicle beginning in Jan. 09. She is an intimacy and sex counselor, and a certified anger management therapist. A mom with two daughters, her passion is helping all girls become strong women. She is a popular speaker across the nation, with multiple repeat requests to serve as key-note speaker for national conferences. Her dynamic style is particularly engaging for those dealing with intimacy issues and relationship challenges, or those simply hanging on to unasked questions about sex in relationships. She was recently a major participant in a symposium for young girls dealing with body image and helping girls become strong women. As host of The Mary Jo Show on a local cable access channel, Rapini interviewed adolescents and works to empower them to live life to the fullest. She has appeared on many television programs including Montel, Fox Morning News and various Houston area shows to discuss topics such as holiday stress, prayer and healing, divorce and kids, children and traumatic experiences, and children and cancer. Rapini is the author of Is God Pink? Dying to Heal and co-author of Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever.
Visit Mary Jo at http://www.maryjorapini.com/

Star of TLC's BIG MEDICINE, Dr. Garth Davis
Dr. Garth Davis is a leader in the field of bariatric medicine. Most recently, Dr. Davis was again recognized as a Texas Monthly Super Doc and stars with his father, Dr. Robert Davis, on TLC's hit show, BIG MEDICINE. His recently published bestseller, The Expert's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery is available now at bookstores nationwide.
Dr. Davis graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Texas in Austin where he was the Student Government President. He was also recognized as the most outstanding student at UT. Dr. Davis went on to attend medical school at Baylor College of Medicine and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. In addition, he was inducted to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Davis completed his surgical residency at the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he was elected to the position of Chief Administrative Resident. While in Michigan, Dr. Davis underwent extensive training in general surgical disciplines, specializing in laparoscopic procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Davis is a recognized expert in initial bariatric procedures as well as revisional bariatric surgery, and is frequently asked to give lectures to both patient and physician audiences alike.
Both Dr. Garth Davis and his father, Dr. Robert Davis, head up The Davis Clinic, Texas' premier weight management clinic located in Houston, Texas. Information about The Davis Clinic may be found online at http:// www.thedavisclinic.com/

Connie Stapleton, Ph.D.
The Prevention of Weight Regain Following Surgery
Connie Stapleton, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and owner of Mind/Body Health Services in Augusta, GA. A native of Iowa, she received her doctorol degree from Texas A&M University in Counseling Psychology. She is an expert in recovery from addictions of all sorts. Her passion is the mental, physical and spiritual health of parents and families. She serves on the Mental Health Advisory Board for ObesityHelp.com and maintains certification as an Addiction Counselor. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia. She has worked for 18 years in the field of addiction and speaks publicly on the topic. She works with professional students at the Medical College of Georgia and has a private practice. Dr. Stapleton has been a featured expert for articles in OH, New Physician and Pregnancy magazines. Her 17-year professional history includes an ongoing private practice, teaching at the university level and conducting lectures and workshops. Her book, Eat it Up! The Complete Mind/Body Guide to a Full Life Following Weight Loss Surgery is available for purchase at the events. Future book topics include mind/body books related to weight loss, alcohol and drug addiction, parenting and the family. In her public speaking career she inspires others to implement the tools that lead to a full happy life. She is married to her husband and business partner of 25 years. They have three grown children who are their greatest joy.
Visit Dr. Stapleton's website at http://mindbodyhealthservices.com/

Annessa Chumbley, RD
Annessa Chumbley, RD, has been a dietitian for only four years, but they have been packed with experience and excitement! She graduated cum lade with a Bachelors of Science degree from Western Kentucky University, and completed the Indiana University Dietetic Internship in Indianapolis. She enjoys public speaking, and has given nutrition, wellness, and exercise presentations for corporations, wellness centers, fire departments, and Christian groups. She created and developed Bariatric cooking classes that grew into the establishment of Flourish, LLC.
Visit Flourish at:www.flourishyourlife.com

Dave Fouts, Bariatric Chef
Chef David Fouts received his Culinary Degree in 1994 from the Florida Culinary Institute in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida. Soon thereafter he was hired by the prestigious 5 Star Diamond Hotel "The Breakers" in Palm Beach, where he worked for several years. Other professional appointments include Director of Food Services at Hippocrates Health Institute which is one of the premier vegan/vegetarian resorts in South Florida; Executive Chef for Omni Hotels; and Personal Chef for a wonderful family in Naples, Florida. He currently is the creator of the Chef Dave Pilot program which is being hailed a success for Edmond School District.
Over the last several years, Chef Dave has written, contributed and advised on several editorial boards for publications throughout the country. Chef Dave is the exclusive chef for WLS Lifestyles magazine and Food Columnist for the Edmond Sun. Chef Dave's newest cook book "90 Ways to Ditch Your Diet" was released January 2009.
These days, you can find Chef Dave lecturing and performing cooking seminars across the country. He advises on food and product developing teams for companies such as Keebler, Uncle Ben's, Coke, PepsiCo and many others. In addition Chef Dave is on the advisory board for the Obesity Action Coalition as well as the Spokes person for the ACF Kids Obesity Initiative. He was recently featured on the front cover of WLS Lifestyles Magazine in their quarterly issue. Besides his national speaking engagements, Chef Dave is proud to say he is kept very busy in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he lives with his lovely wife and two children. He is actively involved in his new community and work, and enjoys leisure and travel time with his family.

Jeremy Gentles, Fitness Expert
Jeremy Gentles, MA, CSCS, is ObesityHelp's exercise physiologist. Jeremy studied Exercise Science at East Tennessee State University and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
In his presentation, Jeremy will arm you with the knowledge to safely participate in a self-guided exercise program to assist you in achieving long-term success after weight loss surgery. He'll offer solutions for overcoming a multitude of obstacles that can get in the way of enjoying a full, active life. By helping you understand the why's and how's of exercise, Jeremy will empower you to knock down those obstacles, allowing you to become healthier through exercise. Come explore the benefits of having a healthy focus and learn how to properly and safely implement a weight/resistance training program.
It's your journey....Train for it!

Bo McCoy, OH Motivational Ambassador
Meet and laugh with Bo McCoy, ObesityHelp's National Sales Director. Bo began his journey at 626 lbs. Now 5 years and 320 pounds lighter, he encourages others to do the research to make informed decisions and motivates those who have begun their journey, to stay with their support systems so they can be successful for the long term.
Catch the Motivation Fever from Bo as he gets you moving during each event with his infectious energy! Just try to sit still!