The Medical Weight Loss Team at Midwest Weight Control
At Midwest Weight Control, we understand that people become overweight for a variety of biological, cultural, and emotional reasons. Therefore, we put the expertise of an experienced, caring, and highly skilled medical weight loss team at your fingertips.
Kathy Bedford, M.A., Founder and President
Kathy Bedford has worked in medical weight management for 20 years and is the founder and president of Midwest Weight Control. Prior to establishing her own clinics, Kathy consulted with and trained over 200 independent medical weight management programs nationwide. Kathy is passionate about the work her clinics do and the positive impact weight loss has on people’s lives. “I believe that an excellent medical weight loss clinic will combine compassion, flexibility, medical expertise and excellent customer support, not just while a person is losing weight, but during the years to come afterwards. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong voyage. We’re here for you during and after the weight loss process.” In addition to her work at Midwest Weight Control, Kathy also runs two other businesses, cares for her family in Maple Grove, and is an artist.
Nancy Richardson, M.D., Medical Director
Dr. Nancy Richardson has 30 years of experience as a general practitioner. She is also a board certified bariatric physician (the medical specialty that treats obesity and its associated conditions) and has been practicing bariatric medicine for 10 years. Dr. Richardson and her medical team will determine the best diet composition and treatment approach for you and will medically monitor your progress throughout your program. As Medical Director at Midwest Weight Control, Dr. Nancy Richardson oversees the medical weight loss team and ensures that the medical care that is provided is state of the art.
Kathy Thompson, M.S., FNP-C
Kathy Thompson is a licensed and certified family nurse practitioner with a Masters of Science Nursing. Kathy has enjoyed a life long nursing career in helping people with behavior modification through effective teaching skills, demonstration of healthy lifestyle choices and motivational techniques. As an exercise specialist with the American College of Sports Medicine, she helps patients embark on a comprehensive, holistic and successful weight loss journey. Kathy says “It is so rewarding to be able to develop close, caring and therapeutic relationships with my patients and celebrate with them as they become healthier, have more energy and just feel better, inside and out!”
Patty Lucas-Hadaway, LPN, Program Director, Maple Grove
For 25 years, Patty’s career has focused on weight management. She was formerly the director of New Day Weight Management. Her core belief is that successful, long-term weight management incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach. Long-term success is significantly higher when weight loss and management programs include nutrition, fitness and behavior modification components. Patty works with her patients at Midwest Weight Control to set realistic goals. She encourages them to keep an open mind while learning new behaviors. She is passionate about weight management and preventative healthcare. Patty believes that a successful weight management program can be a life-changing event.
Natalie Spiczka, Program Director, St. Cloud
Natalie Spiczka has a background in business, marketing, and medical weight management. She has a long track record of building successful businesses and has learned that a key component in that success is customizing solutions to customer needs. Inspired by her own struggles and successes with weight management, she came on board as the Program Director for Midwest Weight Control in May of 2007. Natalie recognizes that each person has their own reasons for wanting to manage their weight and wants to ensure we understand those reasons. Natalie says, “When you make the decision to walk through our front door, I will be on the other side to take your hand and walk with you through your weight loss program to a happier and healthier you!”
Maureen Sandgren, M.S., R.D., L.D.: Dietitian and Lifestyle Coach
Maureen Sandgren is a registered and licensed dietitian with a Master of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. Maureen has experience providing nutrition education and counseling for people with a variety of needs including weight management, cardiac care, and eating disorders therapy. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and aims to solve your nutrition challenges. Maureen will work with you to set realistic goals, create an individualized plan, and make healthy lifestyle choices that lead to your desired results.
Diane Rhody, RD, LD, CPT.: Coach and Dietitian
Diane is a Licensed, Registered Dietitian and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer who specializes in the beginner exerciser, older adults and those with chronic illnesses and injuries. Diane did a large portion of her dietetic internship in Park Rapids at St. Joseph’s Area Health Services, a hospital that specializes in weight management and control.
Diane is certified in Adult Weight Management. She has helped her clients lose weight to achieve many personal goals, from improving their fitness to medical reasons to simply feeling great! Diane personalizes her counseling for each client, concentrating on their own strengths and capabilities, to reach their individual goals.
Erin Sorenson RD, LD, CDE: Dietitian
Erin received her B.S. degree in Dietetics and Food & Nutrition from Minnesota State University, Mankato and completed a one year internship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. After two years of specialized work in diabetes education and counseling, Erin became a Certified Diabetes Educator. In addition, she also has three years of experience working with medical weight management and loves working with people one-on-one and in group settings. Erin has a real passion for helping people succeed and improving their quality of life.