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.

Medical Providers

Cody Baxter, PA-C smiling man with light brown hair and a beard, wearing a light gray zip-up jacket, standing indoors with natural light.

Obesity Specialist

  • 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, PA-C with long dark brown hair, smiling, wearing a sleeveless gray top, standing indoors with a blurred white background.

Obesity Specialist

  • 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.

Chelsea Reich, PA-C, medical weight loss and obesity medicine provider in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Obesity Specialist

  • Chelsea 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.

    She 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.

Sarah Hansen, APRN, CNP, medical weight loss, pediatric obesity and obesity medicine provider in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Pediatric Obesity Specialist

  • 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.

Amanda Erickson, APRN, CNP medical weight loss, women's health and obesity medicine provider in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Women’s Health Specialist

  • 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.

Book Appointment
Nurse Practitioner, Payton Piatz, DNP blonde hair styled in loose waves, wearing a white blouse, smiling at the camera in a bright indoor setting.

Mental Health Specialist

  • Payton is a compassionate, encouraging provider who believes great care starts with listening. She meets patients where they are, without judgment, and creates a space where people feel supported and understood.

    With a background in both weight management and mental health, Payton takes a whole person approach, recognizing how closely physical health and emotional well being are connected.

    She enjoys working with all patients, with a special passion for supporting women who often struggle to prioritize their own health.

    Appointments with Payton feel caring, calm, and educational. Her goal is for you to leave feeling encouraged, informed, and more confident about your next steps.

    Payton chose this field to help change the stigma around obesity and make sure patients get the respectful, personalized care they deserve!

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Clinical Staff

Lacy Majerus, medical weight loss and obesity medicine nurse in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Lacy, LPN

Tonia Conner, RN in a navy blazer and white blouse, smiling in a professional studio setting with neutral background.

Tonia, RN

Alyssa with long blonde hair, blue eyes, smiling, wearing a black blazer over a white top, and a gold necklace, standing against a neutral background.

Alyssa, RN

Patient Care Coordinators

Alayna Gilsrud, medical weight loss and obesity medicine patient coordinator in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Alayna

Quinn E, medical weight loss and obesity medicine patient coordinator in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Quinn

Maddie, medical weight loss and obesity medicine patient coordinator in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Maddie

Maddie, medical weight loss and obesity medicine patient coordinator in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

ReNee

Administration Staff

Allie woman with long red hair smiling in a black blazer and white top

Allie
Care Operations Manager

Danielle Olson, MBA medical weight loss and obesity medicine nurse in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Danielle
Clinic Manager

Richelle Avers, medical weight loss and obesity billing coordinator provider in Fargo, ND at Progress Weight Management smiling for a headshot.

Richelle
Billing Specialist

A woman with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile, wearing a black sweater over a white collared shirt, standing indoors against a neutral background.

Teila
Marketing Director