Fax Referrals to 509-492-5624
Meet the providers who guide your care at Inclusa Health & Wellness. Every member of our team brings not only advanced training in obesity medicine but also real-life experience with weight loss.
Our expert physicians understand the importance of taking that first step and how transformative it can be with the right support by your side.
We take a whole-person approach to care. Our physicians begin by listening and working closely with you to co-create a plan tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and medical needs. It is the kind of compassionate, collaborative care we once needed ourselves and are now honored to offer you.
Your health journey is personal, and at Inclusa Health & Wellness, you will find a team that truly listens. Our physicians offer more than clinical care. We bring real-life experience, evidence-based strategies, and unwavering support to help you reach your weight loss goals.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at (509) 367-4209 or book your appointment online.
Dr. Stephanie Persondek brings personal insight, clinical expertise, and a deep commitment to every patient she serves. As the Founder and Medical Director of Inclusa Health & Wellness, she has built a flexible, evidence-based approach to medical weight loss that adapts to each patient rather than following a one-size-fits-all program.
Her care philosophy is grounded in compassion, personalization, and sustainable, long-term success.
For Dr. Persondek, helping others navigate weight loss is not just a clinical calling; it is a deeply personal mission.
“I’ve been there—right where you are. I know what it feels like to try everything and still feel stuck.” - Dr. Stephanie Persondek
Her own experience with weight struggles began in childhood and continued into young adulthood, marked by repeated diets, specialist visits, and the emotional toll of growing up with obesity. These early experiences shaped her understanding of how complex and deeply emotional the weight loss journey can be.
By the end of college, her weight had reached a point where it was affecting her health and her dreams. Then a turning point came as she prepared for a solo, three-month medical service trip to South America.
She realized she would not be able to fully engage in the physical demands of the experience unless her health changed, so she decided to make a change.
This was when she found her “why.” Not just why her past efforts had not worked, but also what would actually work for her. After years of trying rigid plans, she realized that lasting change had to come from a place of self-understanding, self-compassion, and long-term consistency.
She stopped trying to force what did not fit and instead focused on building sustainable habits rooted in her own lifestyle, values, and goals. With this renewed mindset, she lost 50 pounds.
During the trip, she swam with sharks and sea lions, climbed volcanoes, paraglided over the ocean, and rafted through the jungle. More than just incredible memories, these moments represented everything she once thought she could not do. They became living proof that lasting transformation was possible and worth the effort.
Now, nearly two decades later, Dr. Persondek continues to maintain her health goals and follow a balanced lifestyle. She credits her long-term success to finding joy in healthy food, movement, and community.
“Do what you love. Don’t force what’s unattainable. And don’t travel this journey alone.” - Dr. Stephanie Persondek
At Inclusa Health & Wellness, she leads a multidisciplinary team offering full-spectrum care across nutrition, behavior, medical management, and physical activity. Her goal is simple: to help patients find what works for them.
“Dr. Persondek has consistently exhibited remarkable knowledge and expertise in the field of weight management, offering comprehensive insights into the distinct advantages and disadvantages of various weight loss products. I strongly recommend her services to individuals seeking personalized weight loss recommendations.”
“Dr. Stephanie is the best! What a life-changing experience I have had under her care and guidance. I have lost almost 40 pounds, changed my A1c from very high to a normal range, and have way more energy and get to actually participate in my own life, instead of sitting around watching it go by! She and her staff are up to date on all proven, scientific aspects of weight loss and what really works without starving or gimmicks. If you are struggling, you need to call her today. I'm so glad I did!”
“Stephenie has helped me so much and has been so positive! If something stops working, she finds something that will! I could not have lost almost 80 lbs without her knowledge and dedication to her job!”
Dr. Margarita Mercado Medina brings more than two decades of medical experience and a personal dedication to women’s health and wellness to her role at Inclusa Health & Wellness. She is dual board-certified in Obesity Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Joining Inclusa Health & Wellness from the Seattle branch, Dr. Mercado combines clinical precision with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is committed to providing inclusive, accessible care to diverse communities.
Dr. Mercado specializes in the medical management of obesity and its related chronic conditions, with a special passion for supporting women through peri- and postmenopausal weight changes.
Dr. Mercado was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She spent 15 years practicing across academic medical centers in New York City. After many years on the Northeast Coast, Dr. Mercado relocated first to Denver, and then to Washington.
She continues to work part-time as an OB GYN hospitalist across several facilities in the Seattle area, while also expanding her training in obesity medicine. Her interest in this field was fueled by her own personal experience with weight management.
Dr. Mercado’s interest in obesity medicine began with her own experience managing weight. This experience opened her eyes to how often patients are underserved, misunderstood, or stigmatized.
Motivated to better understand this complex condition, she took it upon herself to undergo advanced training in obesity medicine and nutrition science. That journey deepened her empathy and sharpened her expertise.
Her care philosophy is rooted in medical excellence, lifestyle integration, and the belief that weight loss should be sustainable and supportive, not stigmatized.
Whether she is managing complex metabolic issues or guiding women through the hormonal transitions of midlife, Dr. Mercado’s approach is always holistic, individualized, and grounded in evidence-based care.
During her career, Dr. Mercado has held academic appointments at Columbia University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the University of Colorado, and the University of Washington.
Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, walking her dog, traveling, cooking, and relaxing with documentaries about history and science.
“Dr. Mercado truly listened, sincerely empathized, and provided me with a thorough understanding of a great action plan to restore my body to a healthy state. She was professional, very knowledgeable, and relatable. I sincerely appreciate that her follow-through to implement my new health regimens was expedited as my appointment took place. I am very thankful and look forward to continuing in her care.”
“Dr. Mercado was so great - I've been trying to talk to my primary doc about a few ongoing things for YEARS and have just been blown off. Dr. Mercado listened and responded with a real treatment plan. She also gave me all the info I needed to decide between the options, and made herself available for follow-up.”
“This has been such a great experience! The virtual availability, the ease of communication via text, and the wonderful guidance and support I am receiving have been nothing short of amazing! Thank you for being such a positive step in my journey.”
“Dr. Mercado Medina listened to what I had to say and asked questions that helped me feel at ease. She was very positive and has given me hope to follow a positive weight loss journey.”
Dr. Rachael Ferraro is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She has more than 20 years of experience delivering compassionate, comprehensive care.
At Inclusa Health & Wellness, she brings a uniquely holistic approach that blends clinical expertise, preventive strategies, and a passion for long-term wellness.
Originally from South Florida, Dr. Ferraro’s path to medicine was grounded in a lifelong curiosity about the human body and a desire to serve others. Over the years, she has honed her expertise in both preventive medicine and the long-term management of chronic conditions, including obesity.
Her early career in Southern California gave her hands-on experience caring for general medicine patients and supporting individuals recovering from bariatric surgery. These experiences laid the groundwork for her interest in obesity medicine.
While working closely with patients navigating surgical weight loss and metabolic health challenges, Dr. Ferraro saw the transformative power of personalized, evidence-based care.
She recognized the power of combining internal medicine with targeted weight care to help patients reclaim their health and confidence. In 2024, she earned her board certification in Obesity Medicine, a milestone that reflects her years of dedication to helping patients achieve lasting change.
In 2019, Dr. Ferraro relocated to Idaho and embraced a new chapter. She transitioned from hospital-based medicine to outpatient care, where she could build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and guide them through every stage of their wellness journey.
In addition to her work in medical weight loss and internal medicine, Dr. Ferraro is an FAA-designated Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. She offers specialized evaluations for pilots and aviation professionals, a role inspired by her husband’s career as a commercial pilot.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Ferraro leads an active lifestyle. She is a certified Pilates Reformer instructor and brings her passion for movement and fitness into her clinical philosophy. Her belief in physical vitality, mental resilience, and personalized care shapes every interaction she has with her patients.
Dr. Ferraro is known for her thoughtful listening, integrative approach, and commitment to helping people make sustainable changes that align with their goals, values, and lifestyles.
“This is a wonderful place. They put you first, and they listen. I could not ask for anything more. The results are amazing. I reached my goal weight in 5 months. I am in awe of the service.”
“Choosing Inclusa has been a life-changing experience. I finally have an advocate for weight loss. There is no judgment, and I have seen success here like never before.”
“My wife and I came here to get help with our weight, and this was the best decision we ever made. We both lost over 50 lb, which is incredible. We tried everything and nothing worked. You definitely have to come here to get the help you need!”
“Started this program to lose weight due to knee problems. Lost 20 lbs so far. Knee pain is less. I'm very pleased with the progress program.”
Dr. Meghan Tierney brings both clinical expertise and personal insight to her role at Inclusa Health & Wellness. She is double board-certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and approaches weight care with the understanding that health is about far more than a number on the scale.
She combines a whole-person medical approach with compassionate, patient-centered care and is committed to creating an inclusive, shame-free environment where patients feel heard, respected, and supported.
Dr. Tierney’s commitment to patient-centered care was shaped by personal experience. When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, she witnessed firsthand the impact of compassionate physicians and the importance of safe, inclusive medical environments.
Having lived with excess weight for much of her own life, Dr. Tierney understands what it feels like to sit in a doctor’s office and experience judgment rather than support. Those experiences shaped her unwavering commitment to providing shame-free, respectful care for every patient.
Her interest in obesity medicine emerged as patients increasingly sought her guidance after encountering stigma or dismissal elsewhere. At the same time, she was navigating her own weight journey and saw firsthand the significant gaps in how weight care is often delivered.
Motivated to do better for her patients and herself, she pursued advanced training in obesity medicine and became board-certified in 2024.
Now, nearly 100 pounds lighter and significantly stronger, Dr. Tierney brings both professional expertise and lived experience into every clinical conversation. Her approach is empathetic, evidence-based, and deeply personalized.
As a busy mother of two young children, Dr. Tierney understands the challenges of making lifestyle changes during life's most demanding stages. She specializes in creating realistic, adaptable care plans that account for work stress, family responsibilities, hormonal shifts, and the unpredictability of daily life.
With a background in family medicine, she takes a whole-person approach that considers overall health, life transitions, and long-term sustainability alongside weight management. Her goal is to help patients feel supported, understood, and empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Tierney enjoys traveling and reading, always seeking new perspectives that inform both her personal growth and her practice.
“I think Meghan is wonderful. I have only seen her twice, and I've given up sugary drinks and quit smoking. No one else has been able to do that. I’m very hopeful I will be losing weight in no time.”
“She was simply awesome. Very good for us. She was a fountain of information!”
“I felt like Meghan listened well, and thought through her answers, vs just giving me the same talk everyone gets. Options were clear, and it was obvious that whatever I chose was going to be fully supported.”
Dr. Elizabeth Hsu is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Obesity Medicine and is dedicated to helping patients navigate complex metabolic and hormonal conditions with clarity and care.
Dr. Hsu specializes in the comprehensive management of chronic conditions that affect weight, metabolism, and overall health, including diabetes and thyroid disease. Her approach emphasizes understanding the full clinical picture rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
With a deep understanding of the interplay between hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle, Dr. Hsu prioritizes identifying underlying contributors to metabolic dysfunction. She ensures that treatment strategies are tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.
Her clinical expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disorders, and obesity, with a focus on sustainable, evidence-based care that supports long-term health rather than short-term fixes.
Hannah Hirshfield brings a holistic, compassionate approach to her work at Inclusa Health & Wellness. As a licensed mental health counselor, she supports adolescents, adults, and families through person-centered, trauma-informed care that honors both emotional and physical well-being.
Hannah is known for building trusting relationships and creating safe, inclusive spaces where patients feel supported, understood, and respected throughout their healing journey.
Hannah’s work is grounded in the understanding that life experiences affect both the mind and the body. She recognizes that trauma is not only held in our thoughts but also experienced within the body. She takes a holistic approach to therapy, helping patients develop greater awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation.
Her clinical focus includes supporting adults through trauma recovery, stress, anxiety, and life transitions, using approaches that promote nervous system regulation and long-term emotional balance.
With a foundation in both mental health counseling and movement science, Hannah integrates body-based and mindfulness-informed practices alongside traditional talk therapy. Her approach may include yoga as a tool for body-based awareness, mindfulness practices, creative expression, and traditional talk therapy.
Hannah's therapeutic style is grounded in Adlerian theory, which emphasizes the importance of belonging, purpose, and encouragement in personal growth. She also integrates mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS) to meet each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Creative expression and mindfulness play a meaningful role in her work, as Hannah enjoys using art and reflective practices that encourage self-awareness, self-compassion, and authenticity. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and should honor the whole person and support genuine, lasting change.
Hannah is committed to continued professional growth. She is pursuing certification in Brainspotting, a therapeutic approach that supports trauma processing and deeper emotional integration. Hannah strives to create a supportive, grounded, and compassionate space where patients feel safe to explore, heal, and grow, both mind and body.
“I think Meghan is wonderful. I have only seen her twice, and I've given up sugary drinks and quit smoking. No one else has been able to do that. I’m very hopeful I will be losing weight in no time.”
“She was simply awesome. Very good for us. She was a fountain of information!”
“I felt like Meghan listened well, and thought through her answers, vs just giving me the same talk everyone gets. Options were clear, and it was obvious that whatever I chose was going to be fully supported.”
Dr. Laxmi Naik brings a uniquely integrative perspective to her work at Inclusa Health & Wellness. She is a board-certified obesity medicine physician and a certified holistic and functional medicine practitioner, dedicated to helping patients understand and address the underlying causes of their health concerns.
Dr. Naik supports patients through both evidence-based medicine and whole-person care. She is recognized for her thoughtful, collaborative approach and for treating patients with respect, curiosity, and compassion.
Dr. Naik’s approach centers on identifying and addressing root causes rather than simply managing symptoms. She considers how physical health, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and environmental factors intersect and creates personalized care plans that support long-term health and resilience.
Dr. Naik takes a holistic approach that honors the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of health. Her clinical focus includes weight management, preventive care, longevity, and regenerative and restorative approaches to health.
Dr. Naik’s medical background spans emergency medicine, urgent care, and leadership roles within large healthcare organizations. This breadth of experience allows her to bridge conventional and integrative medicine, supporting patients with a balanced, informed perspective.
She brings a wide clinical lens to her work at Inclusa Health & Wellness, offering care that is grounded in medical rigor while remaining open to holistic, patient-centered approaches.
Dr. Naik is passionate about the environment, with a particular interest in soil awareness and climate change. She is actively involved in multiple non-profit organizations, including physician burnout support organizations, Doctors Without Borders, Conscious Planet, and the Isha Foundation.
Dr. Chrissie Ott is a quadruple board-certified physician who brings extensive experience in primary care, hospital medicine, obesity medicine, and integrative medicine to her work at Inclusa Health & Wellness. She supports patients across all life stages with care that is both clinically grounded and deeply compassionate.
Dr. Ott brings a thoughtful, practical approach to care, combining clinical expertise with a clear understanding of how health decisions play out in everyday life. She approaches care with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to helping patients feel informed, empowered, and supported as they navigate their health.
Having faced weight-related health concerns within her own life and family, Dr. Ott brings both professional expertise and personal insight into every clinical relationship. This perspective shapes her commitment to compassionate, stigma-free care and to helping patients better understand their bodies and available options.
Dr. Ott’s work is grounded in integrative medicine, with a strong focus on nutrition and thoughtful, evidence-informed supplementation as part of a whole-person approach to care. She is also deeply passionate about patient advocacy and education, and is known for helping patients feel more confident navigating the healthcare system.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Ott coaches and advocates for healthcare professionals. She also regularly speaks on wellbeing, burnout recovery, and building a purposeful practice. She is the founder of Joy Point Solutions and the host of the podcast Solving For Joy, where she explores healing, wholeness, and sustainable approaches to healthcare and life.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Ott enjoys meditation, cooking, camping, writing, traveling, and spending time with her wife, daughter, dogs, and close friends.
Marissa DeJong brings a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to her role at Inclusa Health & Wellness. She supports patients through injury recovery, chronic pain, neurological conditions, and pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation with care that is both clinically grounded and deeply personal.
Marissa is known for building strong therapeutic relationships and creating a supportive environment where patients feel encouraged, understood, and actively involved in their recovery.
She is fluent in Spanish and is committed to providing accessible, inclusive care to diverse communities.
Marissa’s primary clinical background is in general orthopedics, working with patients before and after surgery, treating acute injuries, and helping them manage chronic pain.
She also has experience working with neurological conditions and enjoys helping patients improve mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
Marissa is passionate about improving the quality of life and helping each patient reach their fullest potential. She takes a personalized, functional approach to care, addressing not only the site of injury but also movement patterns, daily activities, and long-term wellness.
In recent years, Marissa has developed a strong passion for prenatal and postpartum care through her own motherhood journey. She enjoys helping women feel stronger, more confident, and better supported throughout pregnancy and after birth.
Outside of the clinic, Marissa enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, being involved in her church community, and staying active through walking, running, hiking, and camping. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and sharing meaningful time with family and friends.
We strive to meet ADA standards to ensure everyone can access our care and services with ease and dignity.
23403 E Mission Ave #231
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Phone: (509) 367-4209
Fax: (509) 492-5624
