MEET THE TEAM
At Next Phase Weight Loss, our team exists to empower every patient with...
Personalized
Support
Expert
Guidance
Compassionate
Care
Each member of our staff is trained in the 3P Protocol and committed to helping you feel seen, supported, and successful—every step of the way.
Because this isn’t just about weight loss.
It’s about helping you step confidently into the next phase of your life—with freedom, energy, and renewed confidence.
Our Core Values
Compassion First
We meet every patient with empathy, respect, and understanding—because real change starts with feeling heard and supported.
Personalization Over Protocols
No two bodies—or journeys—are the same. We tailor every plan to fit each individual’s unique needs, goals, and lifestyle.
Root Cause Healing
We don’t chase symptoms. We identify and address the physical, physiological, and psychological root causes of weight gain.
Integrity Always
We operate with honesty, transparency, and the highest ethical standards—in our recommendations, our relationships, and our results.
Empowerment Through Education
We believe informed patients make the most powerful changes. That’s why we teach as we guide, giving you tools that last a lifetime.
Whole Person Wellness
True transformation isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about gaining confidence, energy, and control over your health and life.
Sustainable Success
We focus on long-term outcomes, not quick fixes. Our goal is to help you keep the weight off and thrive in your next phase of life.
Our Core Values
Compassion First
We meet every patient with empathy, respect, and understanding—because real change starts with feeling heard and supported.
Personalization Over Protocols
No two bodies—or journeys—are the same. We tailor every plan to fit each individual’s unique needs, goals, and lifestyle.
Root Cause Healing
We don’t chase symptoms. We identify and address the physical, physiological, and psychological root causes of weight gain.
Integrity Always
We operate with honesty, transparency, and the highest ethical standards—in our recommendations, our relationships, and our results.
Empowerment Through Education
We believe informed patients make the most powerful changes. That’s why we teach as we guide, giving you tools that last a lifetime.
Whole Person Wellness
True transformation isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about gaining confidence, energy, and control over your health and life.
Sustainable Success
We focus on long-term outcomes, not quick fixes. Our goal is to help you keep the weight off and thrive in your next phase of life.
Dr. Pragati Gusmano
Clinical Director
Dr. Gusmano is a licensed naturopathic physician. She received her doctoral degree from Bastyr University and holds a master’s degree in communications from the University of Central Florida. She has over a decade of experience supporting patients and guiding them to make real and lasting lifestyle changes that promote optimal health. She believes that change is possible at any age and that health is for everyone, not just a select few. Through evidence-based interventions and patient centered care, she aims to empower and educate patients, allowing them to lay the foundation for their own success.
Dr. Gusmano is an expert in naturopathic medicine, diet and nutrition therapy and lifestyle medicine. Her clinical interests include integrative and functional medicine, optimizing nutrition at all states of life, evidence based therapeutic lifestyle change, pediatrics, and mind-body medicine. In her free time, you’ll find her outside connecting with nature, taking long bike rides, gardening, spending time with her two children, and cooking plant-based meals.
Michelle Herbst
Director of Patient Experience & Program Success
Michelle Herbst plays a vital leadership role at Next Phase Weight Loss, where she focuses on ensuring every patient has the support, resources, and personalized care they need to succeed—whether they're just getting started or maintaining their transformation.
With over 15 years of experience in natural health, operations, and wellness-based marketing, Michelle brings a unique blend of clinical insight and compassionate care to the patient journey. She helps design the systems that keep our virtual clinic running smoothly—making sure our onboarding, coaching, and ongoing support feel clear, approachable, and empowering at every stage.
Michelle is especially passionate about helping patients feel confident, heard, and cared for as they navigate their path to better health. She works behind the scenes to make sure our tools, programs, and support systems deliver more than just results—they deliver hope, freedom, and a renewed sense of possibility.
When she’s not supporting patient success, Michelle loves staying active on the soccer field or volleyball court, getting creative at the pottery wheel, and volunteering to help rescue animals find their forever homes.
Lacey Kreutzberger
Next Phase Certified Coach
Lacey Kreutzberger is a passionate Registered Nurse and certified online fitness and nutrition coach who helps others feel their best—inside and out. With professional roots in both healthcare and the beauty industry, she brings a unique, relationship-centered approach to wellness.
Lacey began her career with 10 years as a licensed cosmetologist, where she developed a commitment to making clients feel heard, understood, and confident in their own skin. This foundation in personal connection continues to shape her work as a coach and nurse—meeting people where they are, building trust, and guiding them toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Virginia Western Community College—home to the #3 RN program in Virginia—and was awarded the Spirit of Nursing Award for her compassion and leadership. Within just six months of starting her nursing career, she was nominated for the DAISY Award, a national honor recognizing extraordinary nurses. Lacey now works as a Gastroenterology RN, with prior experience in critical care, combining her clinical knowledge and passion for preventative health with a warm, patient-centered approach.
As a certified fitness and nutrition coach, Lacey supports clients through sustainable lifestyle changes—helping them gain strength, confidence, and lasting results. She believes true health means feeling good physically, mentally, and emotionally—and she’s passionate about helping others feel their best.
Outside of work, Lacey enjoys a full and active life. She loves spending time with her husband and daughter, hiking, weightlifting, reading, and traveling with friends. Whether she’s exploring the outdoors or diving into a good book, she values growth, connection, and living life with purpose.
Zoe DeGeorge
Social Media & Content Creator
Zoe DeGeorge has been part of the team for over 10 years, combining her passion for wellness and nutrition with her love of creating meaningful content. In her role, she focuses on sharing recipes, tips, motivational content and education that help people live healthier, more balanced lives — mentally and physically.
Zoe believes that nutrition is powerful and healing, and she loves helping others discover how to feel their best from the inside out.
Outside of work, Zoe is also a Nationally Board-Certified Health Coach and lives in Boston. She is always experimenting with new recipes or exploring ways to make healthy living fun and approachable.
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