Meet the Team
Domenica M. Rubino, MD is board certified in Obesity Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, and Internal Medicine. She has extensive experience in the care of the overweight patient as well as clinical research for the development of pharmaco-therapeutic agents in the management of obesity. She received training in both clinical and molecular biological researchat the National Institutes of Health during her endocrinology fellowship.
She has received several investigator awards and has written articles in several peer-reviewed publications (including Obesity, European Journal of Endocrinology, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Oncogene, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology).Dr. Rubino is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, Endocrine Society, Obesity Society, American Diabetes Association and the Obesity Action Coalition.
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She currently serves as a clinical expert on the treatment of obesity for several professional committees and has served as a representative to Congress and outside organizations for the Obesity Society. She often speaks as an advocate for the person struggling with obesity and has a strong interest in the psychological impact and societal stigma of this medical condition. She frequently lectures on the latest breakthroughs in weight management.
Estela Schnelle, MS RDN is a Board Certified Registered Dietitian with over 20 years experience, specialising in weight loss. She received her Masters degree in Nutrition from Texas Woman's University. Prior to running her private practice, she was formerly the Director of Clinical Nutrition at Georgetown University Hospital & Sibley Hospital. Estela focuses on individual lifestyle changes. She creates customised nutrition plans based on the needs and goals of her clients, which promote powerful and positive changes. Her goal as a dietitian & nutrition coach is to ensure her clients are achieving their results from both a physical and emotional standpoint. Nutrition is far more complicated than just the foods we eat. It can affect our mood, hormones, our metabolism, and sleep. *Estela has been featured in Shape Magazine, Cooking Light, The Children's Miracle Network, and The Huffington Post.
Michelle Vaughan, MBA is the Center’s Practice Administrator and is responsible for the business operations of the practice including staff administration and financial management. She holds an MBA from George Washington University and has spent most of her 30+ year career working for and in coordination with national health related organizations. She is committed to providing outstanding patient service as well as creating an environment that is inviting for all.