Our Team
MEDICAL
MEDICAL DIRECTOR and Founder
Philip Ovadia, MD
TAKE MY QUIZ TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE METABOLICALLY HEALTHY.
Dr. Philip Ovadia is the Medical Director and Founder of Ovadia Heart Health, where he is committed to revolutionizing heart disease prevention and treatment through dietary and lifestyle modifications.
After facing his own health challenges as an overweight child and adult—even as a cardiac surgeon—Dr. Ovadia transformed his health by questioning conventional dietary advice and embracing a low-carbohydrate, animal-based diet. This personal journey shed 100 pounds and inspired his mission to educate others on achieving optimal metabolic health without reliance on medication.
Dr. Ovadia grew up in New York and holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University and Jefferson Medical College. His extensive medical training includes a General Surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship at Tufts – New England Medical School. He practiced cardiothoracic surgery in multiple states before founding Ovadia Cardiothoracic Surgery in 2020 and subsequently launching Ovadia Heart Health.
He is the author of the successful book Stay Off My Operating Table, which has sold more than 45,000 copies, guiding readers to better metabolic health through diet and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Ovadia resides in Florida with his wife and two daughters, continuing to share his expertise and personal story to inspire healthier lives. Read more.
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NURSE PRACTITIONER
Lisa Simmons
Lisa Simmons, NP, has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, bringing a deep focus on proactive health measures. She emphasizes lifestyle changes and nutrition for improved metabolic health, drawing on her professional expertise and personal health journey.
Lisa's initial role will involve reviewing lab work to elucidate key health indicators like insulin resistance and cholesterol levels. Her approach demystifies complex data and empowers patients to make informed, sustainable lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, Lisa’s expertise in women’s hormone health offers targeted support for a demographic often overlooked in traditional healthcare.
Outside work, she enjoys exploring the benefits of a low-carb diet and engaging in weightlifting to maintain her own health.
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HEALTH COACH
Krisna Hanks
Krisna Hanks has a lifetime of experience in the health, fitness, dance, and wellness industries.
Highlights include thirty plus years as a professional dancer in USA and Europe.
Krisna received her MS in Kinesiology from Indiana University and MBA from University of San Francisco. Krisna is a constant student and holds certifications in Iyengar Yoga, Classical Pilates, Senior Fitness, Worksite Wellness and Health Coaching. She holds the highest level of accreditation through the Nutrition Network as a Low-Carb/Ketogenic Coach Practitioner™ and co-owner of Square 1 Wellness.
In a nutshell, a good ole Midwestern gal who speaks Dutch and is passionate about Metabolic Health.
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HEALTH COACH
Jen Cleveland
Jen Cleveland is a Registered Dietitian with more than 30 years of experience working with clients with diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and a host of many other diseases related to poor metabolic health.
She has a BS in Nutrition as well as a Master’s Degree in Medical Science from Indiana University School of Medicine. She is truly passionate about “letting food be thy medicine”, and believes in going “against the grain” with a low carb approach that will keep you satisfied, reduce cravings and improve your metabolic health.
She resides in Indiana with her husband of 31 years. She has 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren and loves spending time with all of her family, traveling (especially to beaches), gardening, spending time outdoors, and eating good “whole real food.”
OPERATIONS
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CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Brian Keith
Brian Keith leads the operations team including hiring staff, planning marketing, and doing everything needed to support Dr. Ovadia and the medical team in our mission of preventing heart attacks.
When not in the office, Brian hunts the wind in his '22 MacGregor.
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DiRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Renée Trask
Renée Trask does all the background work to produce our webinars, live events, employee wellness. She brings organization to the excitement of our fast growing company and makes sure everything gets done.
Outside of work Renée loves raising her kids in the farmland of Pennsylvania.
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Practice Manager
Cherish Thompson
Cherish Thompson, our Practice Manager, is the operational heartbeat of our practice. Responsible for everything from membership enrollment to daily operations and scheduling, she ensures that each member receives the exceptional service they expect.
When not orchestrating the many facets of Ovadia Heart Health, Cherish is a passionate motorcycle enthusiast and a self-proclaimed grill master.
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Metabolic Health CoOrdinator
Abigail Zells
Abigail Zells serves as the essential link between patients and their health journeys.
With over a decade of experience in healthcare, Abigail expertly guides patients by connecting them with the right resources, whether it be coaches or direct care with Dr. Ovadia. Her role encompasses patient management, coordinating care, and ensuring each member receives personalized attention.