Staff

Dr. McConnell is a graduate of the Siena College and Albany Medical College program in Science, Humanities and Medicine.  He went on to pursue training in Family Medicine at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, FL.  He is board certified in Family Medicine, Sleep Medicine, and Obesity Medicine.  He is one of the original diplomates of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, certifying in the first year of the board's inception.  Dr. McConnell has also achieved the designation of Fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association, a distinction held by only 50 physicians nationwide.  In 2019 he was selected as Clinician of the Year of the Obesity Medicine Association.  He is passionate about increasing awareness of Obesity as a disease, and advocates for improved delivery of healthcare services for people with Obesity.

I have been practicing as a registered nurse since 1991 in various areas of healthcare, mainly working in the intensive care units specializing in cardiology and trauma. In 2015, I advanced my practice as a board-certified family nurse practitioner and have worked in acute care and family medicine for the last 7 years. I decided to pursue my doctoral degree in 2018 with a special focus on nutrition, diabetes, and weight loss. My family recently moved from Las Vegas Nevada and now we reside in Bradenton, Florida. My husband and I enjoy biking and boating, we have four children and three grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, yoga, and being a dog rescue advocate.

Vinola Rodrigues brings almost two decades of experience in health and wellness, specializing in behavior modification for sustainable weight loss. Immigrating from Zimbabwe with her young family, Vinola faced significant weight gain due to the stresses of adapting to a new country, which worsened her pre-existing weight issues. Joining a weight loss program in 2007, she successfully lost the weight, which sparked her passion for helping others achieve their wellness goals.

As a health consultant for Dr. Jeremy McDonnell, Vinola leverages her personal success and professional expertise to guide patients through their weight loss journeys, addressing both physical and psychological aspects. Recognized for her self-motivation and dynamic communication, Vinola excels in providing the tools and support needed for lasting success.

Outside of her professional work, Vinola values prayer and meditation to stay centered and treasures her close-knit community. With certifications as a Zumba Instructor and a diverse background, Vinola offers a holistic approach to health coaching, making her an invaluable asset to anyone seeking guidance on their wellness journey.

Meet Julia, a highly experienced and certified wellness coach with a passion for transforming lives. Julia has firsthand experience with the struggles of losing weight and finding inner confidence. Weight issues and countless fad diets were the foundation for her early childhood and continued throughout her early adulthood. When faced with a life altering crossroad, she knew that her health would be the key to unlocking the life she wanted and deserved. This was the pivotal moment when Julia understood that fad diets and one size fits all was not realistic for a lifestyle change. Her journey began at the helm of Weight Watchers, starting as a member attending weekly meetings. She would soon begin working as a coach 18 years ago and eventually received her certification through Dr. Sears. Julia firmly believes in the power of personalized wellness plans. In a world where 'one size fits all' solutions dominate, Julia stands out by creating customized strategies tailored to everyone she works with. Her commitment to understanding the unique needs of every client sets her apart, ensuring that every person receives a plan that truly resonates with their lifestyle, preferences, and goals. In addition to customization, Julia values empathy and compassion. Her approach involves coaching with a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face on their wellness journeys. Through genuine empathy, she creates a supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and motivated to make positive changes. Furthermore, Julia emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being. Recognizing that wellness extends beyond physical health, they focus on nurturing mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. By addressing the whole person, Julia guides her clients towards achieving sustainable, long-term wellness. With Julia as your wellness coach, you can expect a transformative experience tailored just for you. Embrace a personalized journey towards better health, guided by a seasoned professional who is dedicated to your success.