Meet The
Arizona Obesity Organization
Governing Board
We are a group of volunteer medical or related professionals with a desire to improve the state of obesity in Arizona.
Doug Maready, MD, DiplABIM, DiplABOM
President
Dr. Maready was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. He trained as an Internal Medicine physician, but his focus on health improvement led him to certify also in Obesity Medicine. He also trained in Lean Management in an effort to learn how to implement best practices. He has worked in the clinic setting as well as the hospital throughout his career. He started Maready Medical in 2017 and later joined his practice with Forte-Well Being--an integrative primary care and obesity practice. He enjoys all activities outdoors and spending time with his wife, three boys, and new baby girl. He is active in the Obesity Medicine Association and in his local medical community, and he is passionate about helping people improve their health.
Chantelle Lessard-Chaudoin DMSC, MPH, PA-C
Vice-President
Chantelle is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She received a B.S. in Health and Physical Education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, MPH in Community Health Education from California State University of Long Beach, focused on childhood obesity and global health, then worked abroad in Cambodia teaching public health to undergraduate students. She then returned and got an MMS in Physician Assistant Studies at Arcadia University, travelling to Nicaragua and South Africa for training in infectious disease and global health. She then obtained a DMSc at A.T Still University with a research focus on mental health among healthcare personnel. She has been practicing family medicine in Arizona since 2017 with a focus on preventive medicine and chronic care management. She also teaches, currently a professor at Franklin Pierce University's PA program. She is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director for Kinesio Concepts which creates and deploys CME such as AHA BLS for local health professionals and students. In her free time, Chantelle enjoys spending time with her husband Keith, son Atlas, and two yorkies Rose and Chloe.
Casey Hilde, PharmD
Secretary
Casey is a pharmacy leader in obesity medicine with a strong passion for patient care. He obtained his
Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Arizona and has been practicing in Arizona since 2018. He
currently oversees the integration of clinical pharmacists, pharmacist residents, and pharmacy
technicians into internal medicine clinics across Arizona and New Mexico. Casey understands the value of collaborative care in medicine, and realizes that it truly takes a village to improve health outcomes.
He is currently an Adjunct Professor and Preceptor for the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. He
has a strong desire to educate both clinicians and patients on evidence-based medicine and to improve
the health of his community. In his free time Casey enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two
dogs Phil and Charles Barkley.
Jennifer Meyfeldt, MD, DiplABIM, DiplABOM
Director at Large
Dr. Meyfeldt is a primary care physician, who is board certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She was born and raised in Germany, where she completed medical school before pursuing Internal Medicine residency at Lankenau Medical Center in the Philadelphia area. During residency she discovered her passion for caring for individuals with obesity and subsequently became a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. After 3 years of serving as core faculty in the Internal Medicine residency program at Creighton University Omaha and co-leading the primary care and rural tracks, she joined the University of Arizona, Phoenix in 2024. In her role as Associate Program Director and Continuity Clinic Director, she oversees the ambulatory training of all internal medicine residents. Her goal is to spark passion for obesity management in her residents and to equip them with the necessary insight into the chronic disease of obesity to provide comprehensive care for patients with obesity.
Dr. Karthik Reddy Donuur, MD
Director at Large
Dr. Donuur is a dedicated board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. He began his medical journey at Kakatiya Medical College in India, followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at Jersey City Medical Center in New Jersey. Currently serving as an Internal Medicine physician at Banner Health in an inpatient setting, Karthik has developed a strong interest in obesity medicine. This passion stems from his experience treating hospitalized patients, many of whom had underlying obesity. Recognizing the critical role weight management plays in overall health, he focuses on educating his patients about effective weight loss strategies, including innovative lifestyle approaches and cutting-edge anti-obesity medications. His goal is to empower individuals to achieve healthier lives through personalized care and evidence-based treatment options.
Dylan R. Valenzuela, M.A.
Director at Large
Dylan R. Valenzuela, M.A., is a passionate dietetic medicine specialist (dietitian) with dedication to combating obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles.
He graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors in physiology and kinesiology from Arizona State University. His original passion was orthopedic surgery but he had an opportunity to work in dietetics as a diabetic educator. This would turn out to be the career path that led into being a medical dietitian. By working with patients individually, one on one, he was able to create a difference in accountability to assisting the patients to take control of their health and wellness. In 2008, he established a health and wellness program with a primary care physician which resulted in treating patients with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and other obesity related issues. In 2022, he decided to open his own private practice (I CAN Wellness) to continue his passion to educate and counsel patients to improve their health, with a philosophy that would be maintainable and sustainable. His modus operandi (MO), I.C.A.N -I can COMMIT, I can be ACCOUNTABLE, I can begin the NEW me! He continues his research and uses evidence based knowledge which allows for a greater outcome to patients' health. He has been a part of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) since 2012 and is a Director at Large with the Arizona Obesity Organization, advocating for evidence-based approaches to address the obesity epidemic and promote wellness within communities across Arizona.
Mohan Ramalingam, MD
Director at Large
Dr. Ramalingam, is a fellowship-trained general and bariatric surgeon with specialized expertise in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques. He brings extensive international training, having completed his medical education at the National University of Singapore and surgical training in both the U.S. and Singapore.
His approach centers on recognizing that every patient is unique and every disease can present differently. He believes in a methodical and tailored approach, taking time to explain procedures and treatment options thoroughly. His philosophy emphasizes empowering patients to make informed decisions, understanding that surgery requires trust and confidence. He views this responsibility with the gravity it deserves, ensuring patients feel fully informed and supported throughout their surgical journey.
Originally from Singapore and now calling Phoenix home, Dr. Ramalingam, also known as “Doctor Mo,” enjoys an active lifestyle that includes recreational soccer, chess and golf. He appreciates diverse musical genres and cuisines and loves to travel with his fiancé and children.
Tina Alexander, RDN, CDCES
Director at Large
Tina is a private practice dietitian that specializes in diabetes, weight management, PCOS and other hormonal imbalances and mental health including depression, anxiety, PTSD and ADHD. She is the 2025 President of the Central AZ Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chair for the Arizona Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Nominating Committee Director for the weight management dietetics practice group and on the credentialing committee for the Certification Board of Diabetes Care and Education. She is passionate about integrating nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, proper hydration and stress management to assist individuals in achieving optimal health. Her passion roots from a family history of diabetes and heart disease, which has driven her to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, obtain her Certificate in Obesity and Weight Management, and become a Certified Trauma Specialist in Nutrition and Integrative Care. With her own struggles with weight due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), she is very compassionate and understanding of her client’s needs and struggles. She is also involved with multiple clinical trials on GLP1s for weight management and diabetes.
Chelsea Price, MS, RDN, LDN
Director at Large
Chelsea is a highly accomplished dietitian who specializes in obesity management and bariatric care with over 10 years of experience in the field. She currently works as a dietitian with Form Health, a virtual obesity medicine clinic. She previously worked as program manager for three different bariatric programs across Illinois and Arizona. She's passionate about patient-centered care and meeting the patient where they are, finding ways to make nutritious lifestyles meet their own. She's a leader in the field, holding elected positions at the national level with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Weight Management Practice Group, and at the state level with the Central Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the President-elect for 2026). She believes that patient-centered unbiased obesity care should be available for all who need it.
Addey Rascón, MS, BS
Director at Large
Addey is a nationally certified Community Health Education Specialist with over 16 years of experience across nonprofit, local, and state government sectors, as well as national public health organizations. Having grown up in rural Arizona and lived in diverse regions of the U.S., she brings a deep understanding of the challenges that food and healthcare deserts pose to community well-being.
In her current role as Program Manager for Community Engagement at Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Addey collaborates with researchers, faculty, and community stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs that reduce the burden of chronic diseases and promote equitable health outcomes. She also serves as a Public Health Consultant for the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) and the Alzheimer’s Association’s Data for Action Initiative, where she provides technical assistance and strategic messaging for the Healthy Brain Initiative and is a contributing author to the Alzheimer’s Data for Action Toolkit for State Health Departments.
She has also worked with the Healthy Brain Initiative Coalition, the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Diabetes Leadership Council, University of Arizona Cancer Center's Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, and multiple Community Advisory Boards. She is a Master Trainer for the National Diabetes Prevention Program and is nationally recognized for her leadership and publications in public health.
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