MEET THE TEAM

At Next Phase Weight Loss, our team exists to empower every patient with the personalized support, expert guidance, and compassionate care needed to create real, lasting change.

We’re more than coaches—

we’re your partners, cheerleaders, and accountability team.

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.

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.

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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.

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