Leaders in Obesity Medicine

Meet our talented team

Courtney Younglove, MD, FOMA, FACOG, DABOM

Dr. Younglove understands your battle with obesity. She began her struggles with excess weight in adolescence. Prior to getting her degree in Obesity Medicine, she gained and lost the same forty pounds at least twenty times. She is also a busy single mother of three boys and understands how tempting it is to forego healthy foods in order to get something on the table between school, work, and obligations. She brings her own personal life experience into the exam room along with her medical knowledge. Dr. Younglove has a passion for living a healthy life and believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life of wellness: physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Dr. Younglove is board-certified in both Obesity Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology. She recently earned her fellowship in the Obesity Medicine Association – a designation earned by only 70 people so far! She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Kansas in 1997 and her Doctor of Medicine from The University of Kansas School of Medicine four years later. She has practiced medicine in the greater Kansas City area for over 18 years and has practiced Obesity Medicine since 2015. During the course of her career, Dr. Younglove has received many awards, including being named one of the “Best Doctors in America” for five years, as featured in the Kansas City Business Journal.

Maribeth Orr, D.O., FACOFP, DABOM

Dr.Orr is the medical director of our adolescent program. Dr. Orr is incredibly passionate about treating families and empowering people of all ages to gain control over their health. As part of her health journey, in addition to becoming board-certified in Obesity Medicine, Dr. Orr has thrown herself into the world of triathlons and weight-lifting and competes all over the country. She was recently named the women’s overall champion at the Kill Creek Triathalon in Olathe!

Dr. Orr earned undergraduate degrees in kinesiology and nutrition from Kansas State University, received her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in 2002 from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, and completed her family practice residency at Baptist-Lutheran Medical Center. Prior to joining Heartland Weight Loss, Dr. Orr practiced primary care in Eudora, Kansas. She and her husband live in Linwood, Kansas with their four children and a whole host of pets. When she isn’t practicing medicine or winning triathlons, Dr. Orr enjoys traveling and reading.

Maren Ozier, APRN, FNP-C

Maren obtained her undergraduate degree in Life Science and Gerontology at Kansas State University, then completed her accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Research College of Nursing. She earned a Masters degree in Nursing at The University of Missouri-Kansas City and became a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Maren is currently one of only a handful of Nurse Practitioners in the state of Kansas to hold a certification of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine. Maren is passionate about empowering and educating patients and understands the impact that mental health can have on physical health and wellness. She has experience working with patients of all ages, including during pre-conception and pregnancy. Maren and her husband live in Overland Park with their two cats, Zola and Nori. When not in clinic she enjoys traveling to new cities, reading, doing yoga, and attempting home improvement projects.

Alex Lee, DNP, FNP-BC

Alex began her nursing career in the neonatal intensive care unit and the operating room. She returned to school to obtain her doctorate in clinical nursing and during her training, developed a passion for chronic disease prevention and treatment as well as mental health. She wrote her doctoral dissertation about the association between poor wound healing in patients with diabetes and depression. Alex and her husband, Ryan, live in Overland Park, Kansas with their dog, Scout and they just welcomed their first baby girl in May of this year! When Alex isn’t working or snuggling with her daughter, she enjoys gardening and all kinds of exercise.

Liza Blanc, Nutritionist, Nutrition Coach, Kinesiologist

Liza Blanc earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with an emphasis in eating disorders & Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Kansas State University. Liza has devoted her life to helping people create healthy and sustainable lifestyle changes while focusing on the person as a whole. Liza has 5 children, and 3 adorable grandchildren. Her family members keep her busy with school, sports, and church activities.

Lexi Howell, CNA

Lexi earned her CNA from Neosho County Community College. She started working as a CNA in 2018 at a nursing home and enjoys helping and caring for people. In her free time she likes to go RZR riding, camping, and spending time with her family.

Lauren Gaskey, Receptionist

Lauren recently earned her associate’s degree from JCCC and is excited to enter the workforce in a field that means something to her personally. Like so many of us, Lauren has struggled with excess weight since childhood. She understands the emotional struggles that our patients experience when they come through our front doors. When Lauren isn’t flashing her big smile at our patients (behind her mask, of course), you will probably find her outdoors somewhere – fishing, kayaking, camping – or hanging out with her boyfriend, his daughter, and her cat, Winifred.

Kimberly Stover, Receptionist

Kimberly has many years of experience working within the medical office field and has decided to continue her education by becoming a Certified Administrative Professional, CPA, through JCCC. She is excited to be working within a specialty that means a lot to her. Since adolescence, Kimberly has struggled with her weight. So, she understands the challenges patients have when it comes to their health and weight loss journey. During her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and their two children having game nights, hiking, camping, or spending time outdoors. Kimberly also enjoys photography, writing, and Zumba dancing.

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