Meet Our Team
Our Story
Progress is founded by two medical providers, Cody Baxter and Stephanie Severson, who have a passion for providing the best possible care for obesity and excess weight. Traditional medical education provides very little time or information about treating the disease of obesity. This can lead to inadequate treatment, poor guidance, and obesity bias — all of which can leave patients feeling frustrated and hopeless.
Progress Weight Management is our dream come to life. We can’t wait to accompany you on your weight management journey and offer the absolute best care necessary to succeed. We are honored for this opportunity and thank you for trusting us with your healthcare.
-
Co-Founder & Obesity Specialist
Cody is a physician assistant specializing in obesity medicine with a particular passion for addressing all factors directly or indirectly affecting a patient’s weight and health. He started his career as a primary care provider. This broad-based experience allows him to manage not just weight loss, but any other medical issues contributing to or affected by a patient’s weight.
Cody has advanced certification through the Obesity Medicine Association and avidly seeks to learn more about research and treatment developments in the field of obesity.
Beyond weight management, his treatment interests include diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol management, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and mental health.
-
Co-Founder & Obesity Specialist
Stephanie is a physician assistant specializing in obesity medicine and has a strong passion for improving the health and well-being of individuals struggling with weight management and health related issues.
She started her PA career in gastroenterology and hepatology and has a specialized interest in NAFLD (non-alcohol fatty liver disease). Prior to becoming a PA, she practiced as a registered dietitian. The importance of nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle have always been a passion of hers. She feels strongly that each person should be treated with a comprehensive & individualized approach as the treatment plan needs to align with each individuals’ lifestyle and goals.
Stephanie has advanced certification through the Obesity Medicine Association. She plans to continue pursuing additional training in all aspects of obesity medicine care to provide the most up to date and comprehensive treatment to all her patients.
-
Chief Marketing Officer
Her interests extend to the creative sphere, where she indulges in design, photography, and technology. Whether it's capturing moments through the lens, exploring new makeup trends, or unleashing her creative flair, she finds endless joy in the world of design and all things imaginative.
She is thrilled to be a part of Progress where her passion for weight management finds its perfect home. She considers meal planning and preparation as a key ingredient to success in weight management. Organizing and strategizing are second nature to her.
Beyond health and fitness, she cherishes quality time with her family. Her love for reading complements her commitment to lifelong learning.
-
Obesity Specialist
Chelsea Reich, PA-C, is passionate about helping patients address the root causes of chronic conditions like obesity.
After years of watching her patients struggle without lasting solutions, and then facing her own health challenges, she knew she needed to do more. That experience shifted her perspective and fueled her commitment to learning evidence-based approaches to long-term health.
At Progress Weight Management, Chelsea is proud to be part of a team that focuses on patient-centered, compassionate care. She loves being a steady support for her patients and cheering them on every step of the way.
Outside of clinic life, Chelsea finds joy in creativity, travel, nature, and quality time with people she loves. Her personal motto? Always choose kindness.
-
Obesity Specialist & Women’s Health
Amanda Erickson is a board-certified nurse practitioner with a specialized focus in obesity medicine and women’s health. With over 8 years of experience in women's health, Amanda is passionate about guiding women through every phase of life—focusing on preconception, fertility, postpartum care, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy.
Her approach combines evidence-based medicine with compassionate, individualized care to empower women in achieving their health goals and overall wellness.
Outside of the clinic, Amanda enjoys staying active, spending quality time with her family, attending sporting events, and relaxing with a good book.
-
Obesity Specialist & Pediatric Obesity
Sarah is a certified nurse practitioner specializing in obesity medicine. She started her career as a primary care provider which has allowed her to recognize and manage many different medical issues.
She feels strongly that each person should be treated with a comprehensive & individualized approach as the treatment plan needs to align with each individuals’ lifestyle and goals.
Sarah has advanced certification through the Obesity Medicine Association.
Beyond weight management, her treatment interests include all chronic diseases, PCOS, women’s health, and children.
Sarah feels she can connect with those struggling with obesity because she has personal experience with her own struggles with weight throughout her life. She is passionate to put a stop to weight bias.
-
Clinic Manager
Danielle Olson joined Progress Weight Management initially as a temporary team member but quickly fell in love with the supportive staff and the rewarding experience of helping individuals achieve their goals. This inspired her to become a permanent part of the PWM team.
With a passion for creating processes and building efficiencies, Danielle is excited about the endless possibilities for Progress Weight Management's future. She is eager to apply her MBA education and training to her role, working alongside such an amazing team.
Outside of work, Danielle is an avid traveler. She and her husband explore new destinations several times a year, with Portofino, Italy, and St. Kitts in the Caribbean being among her favorite places. Greece and Norway are next on their travel list.
Danielle believes in following her heart and passions, staying true to herself, and not allowing others to dictate who she is.
-
Nurse
Coming Soon!
-
Billing Specialist
Coming Soon!
-
Patient Care Coordinator
Alayna is a full-time student at NDSU working toward a master’s degree in nutrition science with a minor in psychology. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2027 and has her sights set on becoming a Registered Dietitian.
She is passionate about the impact of food on overall health and enjoys helping others better understand nutrition.
Alayna works as a Patient Care Coordinator. She handles scheduling, completes body composition scans, and supports patients through day-to-day communication.
Outside of work and school, she loves playing pickleball, hiking, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family. Fun fact: Alayna is a Leap Day baby!
-
Patient Care Coordinator
Quinn is a student at NDSU majoring in Nutrition Science with a minor in Psychology. She’s passionate about fitness and nutrition.
Quinn works as a Patient Care Coordinator. She supports patients with scheduling and day-to-day needs, and also assists with marketing and social media projects.
Originally from Wisconsin, Quinn brings a friendly, energetic vibe to the clinic—and yes, she still loves cheese!