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.

  • Medical Provider

    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.

  • 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.

  • Registered Nurse

    Desire is a key part of the team, driven by her own journey that sparked a passion for helping others. Starting as a patient, she was wowed by Steph and Cody's patient-centered approach—not just about losing pounds but boosting mental well-being too.

    She's excited to meet new folks and cheer them on through their transformations. Off-duty, you'll find her nose buried in novels by Kristin Hannah or tending to her ever-growing plant posse. She's all about soaking up nature's beauty, whether hiking in national parks or plotting her next adventure.

    At Progress Weight Management, she's all about bringing her personal journey and zest for life to help others rock their wellness goals.

  • Project Manager & LPN

    Danielle Olson joined Progress Weight Management initially as a temporary team member but quickly fell in love with the supportive staff and the rewarding experience of helping individuals achieve their goals. This inspired her to become a permanent part of the PWM team.

    With a passion for creating processes and building efficiencies, Danielle is excited about the endless possibilities for Progress Weight Management's future. She is eager to apply her MBA education and training to her role, working alongside such an amazing team.

    Outside of work, Danielle is an avid traveler. She and her husband explore new destinations several times a year, with Portofino, Italy, and St. Kitts in the Caribbean being among her favorite places. Greece and Norway are next on their travel list.

    Danielle believes in following her heart and passions, staying true to herself, and not allowing others to dictate who she is.

  • 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.