ILWM Employee Biographies

Last Updated:  02/26/2008

E. Brooks Wilkins, MD

President and Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Wilkins, founder of ILWM, who earned his MD from UNC and completed his internship and residency there, is board-certified in Family Practice. On April 2, 2007 Dr. Wilkins was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the American Diabetic Association (ADA) and The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the Delivery of Quality Diabetic Care. On July 5, 2007, he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the American Heart Association (AHA), American Stroke Association (ASA) and NCQA for Delivery of Quality Cardiovascular and Stroke Care. In his 30 years as a physician, Dr. Wilkins has founded multiple practices and companies, including E. Brooks Wilkins Family Medicine, where he currently practices. His personal passion and commitment to addressing obesity drives the creation of the Institute.

Darlene Wilkins, RN, MEd

ILWM Principal and Practice Administrator, E. Brooks Wilkins Family Medicine

As part owner of ILWM and Practice Administrator for E. Brooks Wilkins Family Medicine, Mrs. Wilkins is responsible for a variety of organizational and operational duties. She received her Registered Nursing degree from the North Carolina Baptist School of Nursing (now a part of Wake Forest School of Medicine) and has practiced in the clinical setting for over 25 years. She earned her BS in Health Occupations Management and a MEd in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. As the practice administrator for E. Brooks Wilkins Family Medicine, she grew the private practice from one doctor and 3500 active patients to six doctors and 15,000 active patients in less than five years. She is widely recognized by patients of E. Brooks Wilkins Family Medicine and ILWM for her work with diabetic patients and serves as one of the Institute’s Health Advocates.

Marc Fusco

Vice President/Chief Technology Officer

Mr. Fusco brings a wealth of knowledge of health care technology and business operations to the team. In previous positions, he has worked as a management consultant to healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, and diet concerns. His expertise is in marketing, sales, technology and business development areas. He designed the technology platform on which the Institute bases its programs. Mr. Fusco was a PhD candidate at UNC and earned his BA and MA degrees from Arizona State University.

William Wilkins

Vice President

Mr. Wilkins’s expertise spans strategic planning, forecasting, marketing, sales, and business management with a specialization in consumer-driven healthcare and managed markets. His experience in the healthcare industry includes strategic consulting assignments with major pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and diagnostic companies. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the Institute and is a member of ILWM’s Board of Advisors. Mr. Wilkins is a graduate of North Carolina State University.

Kaitlin Kovary

Director of Operations

Ms. Kovary brings a high level of energy and entrepreneurial spirit to ILWM and is responsible for managing the integration of ILWM’s complex business and clinical operations. Her experience in leadership, nutrition, diet planning, fitness & management is helping to drive ILWM to the next level. Ms. Kovary attended NC State University, where she was a student athlete attending on a NCAA scholarship from the varsity gymnastics team. Ms. Kovary received a BS degree in Biological Sciences with a nutrition concentration, as well as a minor in NCSU’s well-respected Entrepreneurship program. While at NCSU, Kovary was the President of the Entrepreneurs Club. Prior to joining ILWM, Kovary worked as an analyst at the Blackstone Group, a leading financial services organization, where she was hired to conduct special projects and reported directly to the Senior Chairman.

Gail Orrin, MS, CSCS, ACSM Exercise Specialist

Director of Exercise and Fitness Services

Ms. Orrin is responsible for overseeing ILWM’s award-winning Exercise Physiology program. Ms. Orrin most recently worked as an exercise physiologist at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center and was Program Director of Duke Raleigh Hospital’s Wellness Center. Ms. Orrin previously worked for several years as the Program Director of the Del Sol Lifecare Center, a wellness center in El Paso, Texas, that focused on cardio, diabetes, and wellness for children and adults. Ms. Orrin comes to the Institute with years of experience in world-respected weight-loss and wellness programs, and will help to take the Institute to a higher level. She will shore up and improve the current operation by bringing her years of experience to bear on the exercise program and in the fitness center. In addition, her experience in residential programs will be key as ILWM rolls out its new residential weight loss program.

Rebecca Houseal, MS, RD, LDN

Dietitian

Ms. Houseal is a graduate of Meredith College with a Master of Science in Nutrition. She also holds a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Western Carolina University. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, North Carolina Dietetic Association, and the Raleigh District Dietetic Association. Prior to joining ILWM Ms. Houseal worked as a Nutritionist for the Wake County Department of Human Services.

Stephon McQueen

Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor

While not working at ILWM, Stephon McQueen is the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Ravenscroft School. A four-year letterman and starter at defensive end for the UNC Tarheels, McQueen provides personal training as well as exercise orientations and gym coverage for the Institute. Stephon’s not-for-profit organization, New Beginnings, conducts leadership and football camps for underprivileged adolescents. For the past three summers his not-for-profit hosted camps with Antwan Harris (formerly of the Super Bowl champions, New England Patriots and ILWM trainer) and Alge Crumpler, Pro-Bowl tight-end for the Atlanta Falcons. Learn More.

Robb Funderburk

Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor

Before ILWM, Robb worked at Gold’s Gym as a Fitness Instructor where he taught group classes—the ones with funk and groove. He work has been featured in Muscle Media, Energy, and Muscle & Fitness Magazines. He has been involved in several joint business ventures with Scott Connelly (founder of Met-Rx) and his website was repeatedly sourced by Bill Phillips (author of the fitness book Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength) when he was editor in chief of Muscle Media magazine. He has placed high in several bodybuilding competitions including a third place in the Southern Colorado Natural Bodybuilding, Women’s Figure and Armed Forces Bodybuilding Championships. Last year Robb arranged the “Lift for the Cure” in Raleigh which successfully raised $40,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Our staff challenges you to find a more energetic trainer than Robb—anywhere!

Beth McDonnell, MS, RD, LDN

Dietitian

Before joining ILWM, Ms. McDonnell worked as a Pediatric Nutrition Specialist at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT. Her responsibilities at Yale included management of the pediatric nutrition program with a specialization in Pediatric Nephrology. Prior to her work at Yale, she was a dietetic technician at Danbury Hospital, Danbury, CT and at Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital in Wallingford, CT. Among McDonnell’s accomplishments are the development of the Pediatric Nutrition Training Curriculum for the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. Ms. McDonnell earned her MS from the University of Bridgeport and her BS from the University of New Hampshire. She is a Member of the American Dietetic Association and the North Carolina Dietetic Association and holds Certificates of Training in Adult Weight Management and in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management from the ADA.

Siobhan Sendelbach

Life Coach

Ms. Sendelbach, the Institute’s Director of Coaching and Member Relations, plays a vital role in the success of our members. Ms. Sendelbach is a certified Life Coach and works with members to achieve their goals. Ms. Sendelbach will help you to navigate through the tough times as you progress through the program; whether it’s a loss of motivation or the return of detrimental behaviors, she will work with you to surmount any obstacles and get back on the track to success. Ms. Sendelbach has a Psychology degree from the University of Essex, is a member of the Neuro-linguistics Association and the International Life Coaching Federation, and comes to ILWM from private practice.

Lyle Babcock

Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor

Mr. Babcock is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a BS degree in Biology. He was a former member of the NC State’s Varsity Swim Team, as well as an Olympic Trial and World Championship trial qualifier in swimming. He was awarded All-ACC academic honors and was a Caterpillar Scholar Athlete. Mr. Babcock received his Personal Training Certification by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Prior to joining ILWM, he trained at Lifestyle Family Fitness.

Erin McDougal

Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor

Ms. McDougal is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a BS degree in Zoology. She is a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and has been competing in Scottish Dancing for 17 years across the United States, Canada and Scotland. Ms. McDougal and was ranked second in the nation two times at the United States Inter-Regional Championship. Ms. McDougal received her Personal Training Certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Marla Wolf

Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor

Marla's passion is fitness, not only for physical health but mental and emotional well being as well. She pursued her certifications with the desire and goal of helping people improve their lives by improving their health and fitness levels. She focuses on getting to know the person to give them the best possible program to fit their lifestyle needs. Marla has been involved in athletics and exercise for the majority of her life. As a stay at home Mom she knows the struggles of having to juggle a schedule, making time for family and exercising. The increased energy, strength, balance and a feeling of well being has helped her deal with the day to day stress and craziness that goes along with her situation. Marla is certified through International Fitness trainers of America in Group Fitness and Mat Pilates.

Dr. Krista Barbour, PhD

Psychology Consultant

Dr. Krista Barbour is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in health psychology and works with ILWM in a consultative role. She teaches the smoking cessation, cognitive behavioral weight loss, and lifestyle modification classes for ILWM. She received both her BA and MA in Psychology from the University of North Carolina--Wilmington, and her PhD from the University of Southern California. Dr. Barbour’s experience includes a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. She is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Health Services Provider in the state of North Carolina and a Tobacco Treatment Specialist. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Society of Behavioral Medicine, Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology and the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence. Dr. Barbour has written many academic articles and textbook chapters, and has delivered numerous lectures at professional conferences. Dr. Barbour's area of expertise is in smoking cessation and cognitive behavioral weight loss and weight maintenance, which are perfect fits with the ILWM charter.

Antwan Harris

Fitness Consultant

Two-time Super Bowl champion Antwan Harris of the New England Patriots joins the ILWM staff in March as a Fitness Consultant. Mr. Harris assists ILWM with its new Accelerated Fitness and Conditioning Program. Designed for individuals looking to take their training to the next level, this unique program will incorporate training methods used in the National Football League (e.g., shock-based training) and promote weight loss and improved conditioning for ILWM members.

Harris was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2000 draft and played in the league for five seasons. While in the NFL, Harris took a lateral from Troy Brown following a blocked field goal and ran 49 yards for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game; this ended up being the winning touchdown, propelling the Pats into Super Bowl XXXVI. In Super Bowl XXXVI, Harris forced Rams wide receiver Ricky Proehl to fumble and the loose ball was recovered by the Patriots. New England capitalized on the turnover, scoring a touchdown five plays later. His first interception in the league came against Peyton Manning.

Harris, a Raleigh native, owns Zydeco Downtown, a Louisiana-style restaurant and jazz lounge located at 208 Wolfe Street in the City Market area of Downtown Raleigh. This establishment is 6,000 square feet of pure exciting entertainment in an opulent lounge setting, which provides a unique experience not found elsewhere in Downtown Raleigh.

Visit Antwan's NFL Player Profile Page.

Michelle Jacobs, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist

Dr. Jacobs graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Pharmacy with her Doctor of Pharmacy. Subsequently to working as a clinical pharmacist at Duke University Medical Center, she went on to complete a Clinical Ambulatory Care Specialty Residency in Greensboro, North Carolina. Upon completion of her residency, she served as Director of the Diabetes Care and Risk Reduction Program at the Open Door Clinic of Wake County, Clinical Assistant Professor at Campbell School of Pharmacy, Teaching Preceptor of students from both UNC and Campbell Schools of Pharmacy, and Residency Director of one of the first Clinical Community Pharmacy Residencies accredited by ASHP/APhA. Dr. Jacobs formed Optimal Therapeutic Alliance and provided comprehensive disease state management and education for over a dozen physician practices across the state of North Carolina. During this business venture, she qualified via examination as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) as well as a Board Certified Advanced Diabetes Manager (BC-ADM). Dr. Jacobs also works at AstraZeneca as a Regional Scientific Manager for the CNS Division of Medical Affairs. She has a special interest in the metabolic disorders of the psychiatry patient. Dr. Jacobs lives in Wendell, North Carolina with her husband and newborn daughter. She enjoys spending time with her family as well as playing with her two Dalmatians and baking. Dr. Jacobs can be reached at mjacobs@ilwm.com.

Teresa M. Edenfield, PhD

Dr. Edenfield works with ILWM in a consultative role by facilitating cognitive-behavioral weight loss and lifestyle management group sessions, psychometric testing, consulting with ILWM team members regarding program focus for the psychological aspects of the weight loss program. She also currently works as a Clinical Associate, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center. At Duke, she provides consultative support for the ENCORE and UPBEAT clinical trials, which are currently underway. She also has been a lead investigator for a large clinical trial evaluating the Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder. Her primary clinical and research interests are in the area of health promotion and health behavior change (e.g., exercise, smoking cessation, eating behaviors, medical adherence) with an overarching focus on treatment and prevention of medical and psychological illnesses. She has extensive knowledge of and clinical experience within the areas of end stage organ disease (Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal, Hepatic), overweight/obesity and associated health conditions (e.g., diabetes, eating disorders, bariatric surgery populations), chronic pain, and psychological considerations associated with chronic illness. She earned her PhD from the University of Maine, and a Master of Arts in Psychology. She received her BS from Florida State University, where she was a scholar athlete for the softball team.