Meet the Staff

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), “each year 300,000 adults in the U.S. will die from obesity related causes and as of 2004; the proportion of obese adults reached a staggering 32% of total population”.

Chuck Shaffer, M.D.

Dr. Shaffer has been in the medical field for over 30 years and 20 of those have been spent dedicated to emergency care. Although over the past decade he has become more and more interested in issues surrounding adult and childhood obesity. Dr. Shaffer’s understanding of this problem inspired him to develop a program for helping individuals overcome their eating disorders through education and counseling. He believes through discipline and dedication all patients can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Dr. Shaffer understands what it takes to become successful for each specific individual by providing a quality service in a comfortable environment.

Robert M. Dums, M.D.

Dr. Dums graduated from UNC–Chapel Hill in 1996 specializing in Family Medicine. After graduation he moved to Roanoke, VA where he completed his residency at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Dr. Dums adds a unique bonus to the patients at The Weigh Station due to his own Type 1 diabetes. Dr. Dums understands how important weight loss and sugar control are in a healthy living. He is a member of the (ADA) American Diabetes Association along with (AADP) American Academy of Family Practice.

Tricia Foley, MS, R.D.

Tricia Foley received her Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Western Carolina University in 2004 while also competing in their track and field team. After graduating, Tricia completed a 900 hour supervised internship and became a Registered Dietitian in 2005. She then moved to Christiansburg, VA where she received her Master’s degree from Virginia Tech in 2007 while working in the VT Athletic Department as an Assistant Sports Dietitian. Tricia has a background in Clinical and Renal nutrition that provides education and counseling for weight loss/management for all ages.

Javan Baldwin, BS, HFS

Javan is a Health & Fitness Specialist with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).  He is originally  from Missouri but has lived in the NRV for 9 years.  He has a BS in Exercise, Sports & Health Education with a concentration in Sports Medicine from Radford University.  He has worked with individuals of all ages and fitness levels from professional MMA fighters to a 93 year old “stay at home Mom.”  His sports medicine background combined with continued education allows him to design programs around peoples’ limitations and/or injuries.

Lindsey Huff, CMT

 Lindsey grew up in Floyd County and has lived in the New River Valley most of her life.  She decided to become a massage therapist because she wanted to help people while doing something she truly enjoyed.  She is a graduate of The Center for Massage & Natural Health located in Asheville, NC where she completed 600 hours of education in Swedish and Integrative massage, Human Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. She plans to broaden her knowledge to include Deep Tissue Massage.  She is a member of the ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals) is licensed in Virginia and nationally certified for massage and bodywork therapy.

Lindsey offers Swedish and Integrative massage tailored to individual needs.  She also provides stretching and self care advice for maintenance between sessions.

Fletcher, A., Menifield E. C. (2008). Obesity in America. The ABNF Journal. 19, 3, 83-88.