Who We Are
Embrace You Weight & Wellness was founded by Dr. Sylvia Gonsahn-Bollie, a sought-after obesity expert, speaker, and author dedicated to transforming weight and wellness care. Her personal and professional journey—from a primary care physician to an integrative obesity specialist—was fueled by both her own health transformation and a commitment to addressing the systemic gaps in obesity care, particularly for Black women and underserved communities.
In 2020, while serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched Embrace You Weight & Wellness Telehealth, Coaching & Consulting to provide evidence-based, personalized solutions for weight and metabolic health. Her book, Embrace You: Your Guide to Transforming Weight Loss Misconceptions Into Lifelong Wellness, was recognized by Healthline.com as the Best Weight Loss Book of 2022.
Since then, Embrace You has evolved beyond individual coaching to a community-based organization, focused on outreach, education, and consulting. In 2022, Embrace You became a BPHN Outreach and Education Partner, expanding its impact through public health initiatives and community-based programming.
Meet the Team
Embrace You Weight & Wellness has grown into a team of several fabulous individuals who have helped make Embrace You what it is today. Allow me to introduce you to them!
Meet the Team
Embrace You Weight & Wellness has grown into a team of several fabulous individuals who have helped make Embrace You what it is today. Allow me to introduce you to them!
Dr. Sylvia Gonsahn-Bollie, MD, ABOM, FOMA
Founder, CEO & Lead Physician
Dr. Sylvia's mission is to transform healthcare from "one size fits all" to innovative, integrative, individualized solutions for people & organizations.
In addition to leading Embrace You, Dr. Sylvia is a bestselling author, contributing writer, obesity consultant, nonprofit co-founder, mom, wife, runner, creative cook, lover of God and all people. She is the visionary and medical mind behind Embrace You Weight & Wellness and oversees its operations.
To learn more about Dr. Sylvia, her mission, and endeavors, check out her website here.
Coach Gail Downing, BSN, NBC-HWC
Health Coach, Nutritionist, Chef, Health Educator
As a trained nutrition specialist & chef with over 3 decades of experience, Gail enjoys making healthy food delicious. She's here to help you embrace tasty, healthy food you enjoy eating.
Coach Crystal Duke
Certified Fitness Specialist & Health Coach
"It's never too early or too late for change," is Crystal's motto. She has over 20 years experience in health care. A lifelong "mover", she admits she doesn't always "feel like" exercising. Crystal's here to help you embrace movement that works for you.
Cecelia Harker
Lead Administrator
Cecelia has been with Embrace You since it started in 2020. She's your go-to help with administrative & technical support. "Never fear, Cecelia's here to help!"
It sounds corny, but it's true! You'll see!
Jasmine Jeffress
Creative Director, Social Media Strategist
Jasmine combines technology with creativity and empathy. She's multi-talented and uses her skills to help Embrace You's values shine on social media, print, and much more.
Woman Owned, Woman Focused
While Embrace You is Woman Focused, we love everyone. Embrace You welcomes & embraces you, regardless of:
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Race
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Ethnicity
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National Origin
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Sexual Orientation
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Gender Identity
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Immigration Status
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Religion
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Neurodiversity
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Disability
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ANYTHING! - Embrace You, Boo!