The Dr. Sears Wellness Institute™
Our mission is to educate, equip and empower individuals and organizations with practical science-based training and resources to improve the health of others through the principles of Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition (L.E.A.N.).
Meet Our Team
William Sears, MD
Dr. Bill Sears has been practicing medicine for over 40 years. He received his medical degree from St. Louis University and medical training at Harvard University, the University of Toronto and the National Institute of Health. Dr. Sears has been a clinical professor at the University of South Carolina, University of Southern California School of Medicine and University of Irvine School of Medicine.
Dr. Sears is the author of 45 books including nutrition and wellness titles, including The T5 Wellness Plan, Prime-Time Health, The Family Nutrition Book, The Omega-3 Effect, The Inflammation Solution, The Healthy Pregnancy Book, The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood, L.E.A.N. Kids, among others. He has spoken at numerous scientific conferences all over the world and has successfully motivated others to make positive health behavior changes through practical applications of simple and science-based strategies. Dr. Sears has been featured on 20/20, Dateline, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The View, PBS, CNN, Dr. Phil, The Doctors, and Oprah.
James Sears, MD
Dr. Jim Sears is a major contributor to the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. He is a Board Certified Pediatrician who earned his medical degree at St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1996 and completed his pediatric residency at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, Tod Children’s Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio in 1999. During his residency, he received the honor of “emergency medicine resident of the year.”
Dr. Sears was previously co-host of the Emmy Award-winning informational talk show The Doctors. Arguably one the most recognized and trusted pediatricians in the U.S. and around the world , he is also the Children’s Health Specialist for AOL Health’s Medical Advisory Board and contributes regularly to AskDrSears.com. Besides his aforementioned role on The Doctors, Dr Sears’ expert advice was sought by Dr. Phil and the PBS series, Help Me Grow. He is co-author of The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood, Father’s First Steps – Twenty-Five Things Every New Father Should Know, The Baby Book, among others. Dr. Jim frequently travels the country speaking about the importance of good family nutrition.
Robert Hodgin
Robert (Bob) Hodgin is President/CEO of the Dr. Sears’ Wellness Institute. In addition to previous senior level management experience in a Fortune 500 company, he has been in significant roles from startups to company expansions. His experience includes unique and valuable experience in the wellness field where he has a deep understanding of health and wellness initiatives. He oversaw the development of major programs for some of the largest retailers in the country. These programs were geared towards educating shoppers on nutrition and healthy living practices and run by the Registered Dietitians on Bob’s team. He earned his Business Degree from San Diego State University.
Jennifer Wood
Jennifer Wood joined the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute in 2016 and is the Director of Operations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in Philosophy, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arizona and is a credentialed secondary education English teacher. Her background in education and business combined with her passion for health and wellness have equipped her to oversee the student experience, from prospect through graduation and beyond. She works closely with staff members across sales, marketing and education to offer students an exceptional educational experience and unparalleled support throughout.
Our World Class Educators
Moira Hanna, PhD, NBC-HWC
Moira is a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Master Certified Health Coach, with an active and thriving coaching practice since 2012. She has a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Clemson University. She has over 10 years of experience as a college-level Psychology professor and adviser. Moira has been an instructor with the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute since 2015 and teaches the Advanced Coach Training and Techniques Course. Her educational background includes graduate level course work in emotional intelligence, motivation, judgment and decision making, training, evaluation and goal setting, advanced social psychology, psychological tests and measurements, occupational health, individual difference, research design, and quantitative methods.
Dominique Hodgin, MA, NE, NBC-HWC
Dominique is a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Master Certified Health Coach. She has been actively coaching since 2008. Dominique has a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from University of Colorado, Denver, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of California, Riverside and a Nutrition Educator Certification from Bauman College Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts. Dominique is currently serving as the Executive Director of Education with Dr. Sears’ Wellness Institute where she oversees the Health Coach training and certification as well as works closely with Dr. Sears in the development of new courses and provides continual support to the instructors and coaches.
Rebecca Bishop, JD, NBC-HWC
Rebecca (Becky) Bishop is a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Master Certified Health Coach, with coaching experience since 2009. Becky received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas. She practiced law for over 15 years and is a certified mediator. Becky has been an instructor with the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute since 2013 and currently teaches the Advanced Coach Training and Techniques course. Becky has extensive experience as a Health Coach and was featured on the Great Day St. Louis television show the web-radio show, Conscious Manifesting. She was also featured in the holistic living magazine, The Rising, and on the health and wellness website, Livestrong.com.
Monica Mayen, MA
Monica Mayen is a Certified Health Coach and has been coaching since 2014. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Teaching Credential from Chapman University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Concordia University. She taught in the classroom for fifteen years and worked during that time with both adults and children. Monica is currently an instructor for the Core Health Coach Training and Certification Courses. In her coaching practice, she has worked in a variety of settings including both group and individual coaching, lectures, and also focused extensively with parents on Nutrition Deficit Disorder.
Amy Abell, NBC-HWC
Amy is a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Master Certified Health Coach, with an active and thriving coaching practice since 2014. Amy has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Loyola University and has extensive training in positive communication. She is also a Certified Facilitator for Prepare Enrich Assessments, an evidence-based relationship tool. Amy is an Instructor for the Advanced Coach Training and Techniques Course.
Kelly Abel
Kelly is a Certified Health Coach and has been actively coaching in-person and online since 2013. She studied teaching at California State University, Long Beach and taught dance for over 15 years. Kelly has been an instructor since 2016 and is currently an instructor for the Core Health Coach Training and Certification Courses.
Jean Alexander, MA
Jean Alexander is a Master Certified Health Coach with over 25 years of experience teaching, nationally and internationally. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Denison University, her Teaching Credential from The University of Sydney, and a Master of Arts in Education, Teaching and Learning with an emphasis on curriculum design from University of California, San Diego. Jean’s professional focus centers on unifying healthful mind, body and spirit practices. Jean has successfully coached both groups and individuals.
Our Staff
The Dr. Sears Wellness Institute is supported by dedicated team members who work behind the scenes to help the organization deliver the best educational experience and ongoing support for our students and Health Coaches located around the world.
