Meet Our Team

Cody Baxter and Stephanie Severson, both physician assistants, of the fargo moorhead area in north dakota and minnesota are smiling for a Progress Weight Management company headshot together.

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.

Cody Baxter, physician assistant, of the fargo moorhead area in north dakota and minnesota is smiling for Progress weight loss headshot.

  • Co-Founder

    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.

Stephanie Severson, physician assistant, of the fargo moorhead area in north dakota and minnesota is smiling for Progress weight loss headshot.

  • Co-Founder

    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.

  • Dietitian

    Karla is a registered dietitian with expertise in Weight Management Level I and as a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.

    She firmly believes in the healing power of food and is dedicated to supporting people on their journey to better health. Karla guides clients through lifestyle and behavioral changes, providing personalized care and encouragement every step of the way.

    Beyond her expertise in nutrition and counseling, Karla has diverse interests and hobbies. As a certified yoga teacher and practitioner of yoga nidra (a type of meditation) and yin, she finds solace in promoting mindfulness and holistic well-being.

    Karla also cherishes her time spent with her family, especially when cooking together and enjoying meals. An avid nature enthusiast, she loves outdoor biking and relishes spending quality time with animals.

  • 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.

  • Patient Care & Business Outreach Coordinator

    She loves being a part of the small business community and helping businesses connect and collaborate. With a background in business development and project management she hopes to use those skills to build Progress into a thriving business that can reach as many patients as possible and help change lives.