STRUCTURE HOUSE - Key Persons
In addition to nutrition, Dr. White has a background in public health and scientific research. Ben is excited about translating research into practical knowledge that people can use to improve their overall health. He teaches a variety of classes, ranging from online nutrition resources to meal planning to controlling your food environment. He oversees the nutritional components of the program to ensure that participants are equipped with the necessary skills, resources, support, and knowledge to succeed after leaving Structure House. Restaurant outings, individual nutrition counseling, and workshops are also key parts of the program overseen by the nutrition team. The chefs and dietitians at Structure House work in tandem to provide participants with a menu that is appealing, balanced, satisfying and healthy.
Ben earned his Master's degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has experience in weight loss counseling, motivational interviewing, diabetes management, vegetarian diets, teaching, and scientific research. Dr. White joined Structure House in 2016 as a Registered Dietitian.
With a special focus on preventing injury and managing pain, I believe in helping an individual both feel and move better and honor and realize that "Every Body" is different. Pain is usually our first "Red Flag" and comes in many forms including low back pain, sciatica, hip pain, knee pain, shoulder and neck pain, foot pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, migraines, arthritis, as well as other orthopedic and body challenges. I use the Mindful principles taught in Pilates and applies these principles in a Unique Fashion. Knowing how to incorporate ways to assist an individual who has pain, injury, or is focusing on prevention requires Craft, Experience, and Knowledge.
Job Titles:
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- Assistant Fitness Director
Craig Baldwin is as ACE certified personal trainer. He is from Linwood Pennsylvania and earned a degree in Fitness Management from Lock Haven University. Prior to Structure House, Craig was an intern at RX Fitness in Newark, Delaware where he worked with a variety of clients helping them with weight management, increasing general strength, and improving balance. At Structure House Craig conducts fitness evaluations, teaches group exercise classes, designs at home fitness programs, and provides personal training. Craig takes a holistic approach when working with his clients and provides exercise recommendations based off each individuals own needs.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Clinical Psychologist
- Member of the Structure House Team
Dr. Katie Rickel graduated summa cum laude from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Florida. She completed an APA-accredited clinical internship in health psychology at Duke University Medical Center, with advanced training in behavioral and bariatric obesity treatment as well as the psychological management of chronic pain and illness. Dr. Rickel also has expertise in treating anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and specific phobias. Her research has been presented at various professional conferences and published in scientific journals. Dr. Rickel has also appeared on "The Dr. Oz Show" and has been quoted in several popular media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Health magazine, Yahoo! Health, Women's Health magazine, Weight Watchers magazine, and abcnews.com.
Dr. Lacy Frazer joined the Structure House team in February 2020. She worked as a Clinical Psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 21 years before transitioning into the private sector as a Life and Leadership Coach. Lacy's years of experience, combined with her skills as a Life Coach and teacher of personal empowerment, make her a great addition to the Structure House team.
Lacy earned her Masters Degree from Washington College, her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology, and coach training from the Raleigh Coaching Academy. Lacy teaches behavioral classes with a focus on personal empowerment, relationships, mindfulness, and the journey to the authentic self.
Gibbons, L.M., DeBraganza, N., Milsom, V.A., Murawski, M.E., Nackers, L.M., Rickel, K.A., Durning, P.E., & Perri, M. G. (2007). Do the benefits of weight-loss treatment outweigh the risks for elderly, obese women? Poster presented at the 28th annual meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Washington, D.C. (Published Abstract).
Nackers, L.M., Milsom, V.A., Gibbons, L.M., DeBraganza, N., Rickel, K.A., & Perri, M.G. (2007). Is it better to have lost and regained than to never have lost at all? The impact of weight regain on metabolic risk factors. Poster presented at the 28th annual meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Washington, D.C. (Published Abstract).
Irina joined the Structure House staff as a Registered Nurse in February 2023. She conducts medical evaluations of participants to determine an appropriate exercise level and the need for medical follow-up. She also provides counseling for medical issues and helps to arrange further medical treatment that may be necessary. Irina graduated from Saint-Petersburg College of Medicine. Her previous experience is primarily in community health nursing, working for several years in a skilled nursing facility, vein clinics, and home health.
Job Titles:
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Personal Trainer
Joe Doss is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) known for his expertise in performance training. Joe's training philosophy prioritizes safety by addressing injuries and creating personalized programs tailored to individual goals and limitations. He specializes in weight loss management and improving overall health, offering a holistic approach to fitness. He has guided clients of all ages and abilities on their weight loss and fitness journeys, ensuring their satisfaction and success.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admissions
- Member of the Structure House Team
Starting at LaGrange College, Joelle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Brewton-Parker College while interning at TriCounty CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and creating her own independent study: Effective Communication with Children.
Joelle's professional journey started with the luxury Audi brand in Atlanta - from marketing, media, and branding - to partnerships, customer experiences, and events. After years of unbelievable experience, Joelle followed her heart back to the non-profit world with The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta. Prior to joining the Structure House team, Joelle spent years producing development events, serving as the President of the Employee Action Committee, became certified and trained for The Salvation Army's National Emergency Disaster Services, and was selected to serve on The Salvation Army's Social Justice Committee. Following her heart once more, Joelle took a leap of faith and relocated to North Carolina to join the Structure House Admissions team in 2021 and fully stepped into the role of Admissions Director in 2022.
It is a sincere honor to be the first impression of Structure House with our participants. Joelle's favorite part of her role is connecting with each individual - hearing their stories, speaking to their fears and pain points, sharing hope, calming the sense of overwhelm, and facilitating the life-changing experience of taking their first steps towards the rest of their lives through a stay at Structure House.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Structure House Team
- in 2019 As the Fitness Director
Katie Krasinski joined Structure House in 2019 as the Fitness Director. She oversees the day-to-day programming of the fitness center, conducts fitness evaluations, teaches lectures and exercise classes, and works with individuals to achieve a variety of health and fitness goals.
Katie's specialties include clinical populations, programming around injuries, functional movement, balance and stability programs, strength training, and creating movement and exercise programs for weight loss and management. She is Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC), which is the gold standard for strength and conditioning on both the professional and collegiate levels.
The Pennsylvania native holds a Master of Science from Lock Haven University with a specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Katie conducted her capstone research at Structure House which was titled "Individual appraisals of adverse childhood experiences: the influence of resiliency and coping strategies on weight loss management outcomes".
While Katie completed her Bachelors at Lock Haven, she was a professional intern at Structure House, Green Mountain at Fox Run in Vermont and the University of Maryland. While she was at Maryland, she focused on strength and conditioning with Olympic sports and was mentored by a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Structure House Team
Medardo has been with Structure House since 2007 and became facilities and Food Services Director in 2017 until transitioning to Chief Operating Officer in July 2022. He supervises the therapy, culinary, nutrition, and nursing staff and oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of Structure House. Medardo meets with participants and ensures the treatment experience exceeds their expectations. His compassion is equally matched with his commitment to quality of care for everyone he encounters.
Megan has a M.S in Exercise Physiology from the University of Tennessee. Megan worked at Duke Diet & Fitness Center, was the Fitness Director at Structure House (2010-2012) and helped run a variety of weight management programs (in person, clinical video telehealth, text messaging, and phone application) and policy for VA's National Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (MOVE!). Megan returned to Structure House during the Covid-19 pandemic and feels "back at home!" She is offering personal training on Wednesday and Friday, as her remaining days are spent with her two kids, ages 6 and 3.
Job Titles:
- IFTA Certified Personal Trainer
Nancy Sawaya is an IFTA Certified Personal Trainer, IFTA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and IFTA Certified Water Fitness Instructor. She has worked in the fitness industry since 1980 and joined the Structure House Fitness Department in 1995. Nancy has years of experience in personal training and teaching group fitness to all ages and fitness levels. Nancy oversaw the Active Older Adult Program at the Durham YMCA, where she recently celebrated 25 years of service. Nancy specializes in hip and knee replacement pre and post-op training, as she has first-hand experience rehabbing through three joint replacement surgeries.
Nancy is also a certified YMCA of the USA Cardio and Step Instructor.
She completed YogaFit Level 1 Instructor Training and Air-O-Bix Safety's 40-hour group fitness training program. She is also CPR/AED, First Aid, BBP, and Oxygen Administration Certified by the American Safety & Health Institute.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resource and Risk Management
A native of North Carolina, Pamela Bass joined Structure House in June 1998 as the assistant to the executive director and human resources generalist. Pam has served as human resources director at both Carolina House (another Acadia Healthcare facility) and Structure House, and she currently serves as the human resources director, the risk manager, and one of the participant services coordinators at Structure House full-time. She plans and implements human resources policies for staffing, compensation, benefits, new hire processing, employee relations, training, and health and safety. She also helps welcome new participants and sits at the front desk. We wouldn't know what to do without Pam!
Susan Taylor came to Structure House after over 12 years of experience in private practice in Ridgewood, NJ, specializing in holistic mind-body wellness, life transitions, eating psychology, and grief.
At Structure House, Susan is thrilled to be teaching the "What's Eating You?" class, focused on understanding and improving our complex relationship with food. She also provides ongoing individual Life Coaching and facilitates Support Groups. Her professional and personal life has shaped her heart-centered, compassionate approach to coaching. She began her career in the corporate world, later spending time as a teacher. When her son began suffering from an auto-immune condition, she immersed herself in functional nutrition and holistic health. After a major life transition, she pursued coaching full-time and established a private practice. Susan received her initial training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City. She is a Certified Health Coach by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention & Education at Villanova University College of Nursing. She is certified as an Eating Psychology Coach by the Institute for the Psychology of Eating.
Additionally, Susan is trained in Dr. McCubbery's Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT) and certified as an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach. She is also a Certified Mental Wellness Coach through Marietta College. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from St. Lawrence University and an M.B.A. from New York University.
Job Titles:
- Executive Chef
- Member of the Structure House Team
Thomas Robinette brings 18 years of professional cooking experience to his role as executive chef at Structure House. Previously, Thomas worked in the healthcare field for Aramark at Duke University Medical Center. He was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, and earned his culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University - South Carolina. In his role as executive chef at Structure House, Thomas enjoys talking to the participants, helping them understand the program, and teaching them how to portion meals after going home. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and gardening.
Tony Beaudry is a Veteran who served in the Air Force from 2010-2014. While he was on active duty, he received multiple certifications in health and fitness.
After Tony completed his service, he began his new career in the fitness industry. Fast-forward to the present day, Tony has more than 10 years of experience in the industry. He gained extensive experience working as a personal trainer, a fitness director, a multisite manager for senior living facilities, and a business owner before finally making his way to Structure House.
Tony's true passion is connecting with others and giving them the resources they need to live a healthy life. His favorite part about working at Structure House is watching the transformations that take place here. He is inspired every day by the participants and is genuinely committed to ensuring that everyone who comes to Structure House has a great experience.
Valerie is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. She received both her Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and Master's degree in Nutrition from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. Valerie enjoys helping people develop a deeper understanding of food so that they have lasting lifestyle changes beyond their stay at Structure House. She prides herself on helping participants break down complex nutritional issues into practical realistic goals. She believes balance and a healthy relationship with food is the key to developing a lifelong food plan that fuels the body while not depriving it. Valerie conducts individual nutrition sessions, teaches nutrition classes, facilitates grocery store tours and restaurant outings, and supports participants in the What's Eating You weekly series for Binge and Emotional Overeating. Valerie originally joined the Structure House team in 2011, took a three year hiatus to be with her young children, and rejoined the team in 2018.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Massage Therapist