The Residential Weight Loss Program of North Carolina at ILWM (The Institute of Lifestyle & Weight Management)

Meet Our Best-In-Class Clinical Team

E. Brooks Wilkins, MD
Co-Founder, 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.

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
Fitness Consultant

While not working at ILWM, Stephon McQueen is the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Ravenscroft School. McQueen was a four-year letterman and starter at defensive end for the UNC Tarheels. He played in two Gator Bowl Games and one Las Vegas Bowl Game. In high school he was a McDonald’s All-American (basketball) and three-time All-State (football) Award Recipient. Stephon’s not-for-profit organization, New Beginnings, conducts leadership and football camps for underprivileged adolescents.

Robb Funderburk
Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor

Before joining ILWM, Robb worked at Gold’s Gym as a Fitness Instructor where he taught group classes. He work has been featured in Muscle Media, Energy, and Muscle & Fitness Magazines. 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.

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 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.

Jennifer Schnitzer, PhD
Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Schnitzer is the in-house clinical psychologist at the Institute of Lifestyle & Weight Management, providing psychological services to ILWM’s patients. Dr. Schnitzer earned her B.A. from Georgetown University and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Pacific Graduate School in Palo Alto, California. She completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology at Dorothea Dix Hospital’s Forensic Evaluation Unit in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has worked with the severe and persistent mentally ill (SPMI) population in a variety of settings, including both state and federal psychiatric hospitals and prisons. Dr. Schnitzer has expertise in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of SPMI populations as well as personality disorders. She has a keen interest in weight management and behavior modification.

The Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management’s Management Team

Marc Fusco
Co-Founder and 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
Co-Founder and 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.

Schedule a One-on-One Consultation with Dr. Wilkins

Interested in Learning More About Us? Fill out the contact form below to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Wilkins, founder of ILWM.

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(919) 791-1112   •   3100 Duraleigh Rd. Suite 200   •   Raleigh, NC 27612
Hours of Operation   •   Monday - Friday (5:30am - 9:00pm)   •   Saturday (9:00am - 3:00pm)   •   Sunday (2:00pm - 5:00pm)