Dr. Howis Y. Aros

Howis Y. Aros, MD is a board-certified Family Medicine physician licensed in five states, with a strong emphasis in preventive, hospital, geriatric, family, and obesity medicine. She brings to Luke 1.3.7. Weight Loss and Wellness Center, LLC extensive experience in integrative and preventive medicine, obesity medicine, hospital medicine, community medicine, and addiction medicine. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Aros graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education, followed by graduation from Webster University, earning a Master of Arts Degree in Education, and worked as a teacher and educational consultant for ten years before going to medical school.

She received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at Research Family Medicine Residency Program. After residency, Dr. Aros and her family relocated to Martinsville, VA where she started 4 Generations Family Medical and Wellness Center, PC, that became a successful and loved health home to her more than five thousand patients. Dr. Aros has struggled with obesity for more than forty years and now after losing nearly 150 pounds she has become a victor in the obesity battle. After falling victim to many weight loss myths and consulting with physicians that had little understanding of obesity management, Dr. Aros founded Luke 1.3.7. Weight Loss and Wellness Center, LLC which is a unique weight loss and holistic management system that focuses on the mind, body, and spirt and validates that everyone who enters battle will have weapons uniquely forged by his or her life and previous weight loss experiences. She will also provide safe, high-quality, physician-directed weight loss prescription medications and supplements ensuring that Luke 1.3.7. members remain safe from the frequently advertised poorly-formulated products that are ubiquitously on the market and advertised on social media.

Gerald Dennison-Smith, RN

Gerald Dennison-Smith is a Registered Nurse. He is a graduate of Pueblo Community College where he received an Associate Degree in Nursing. Gerald is a unique asset to the Luke 1.3.7. family because of his amazing culinary skills and insightful understanding of the relationship that most of us have with food and its connection with social gatherings, celebrations, and family bonding. Gerald’s dishes are influenced by traditional Navajo dishes, Latin culture, and Asian flavors. As he prepares meals, Gerald remains cognizant of health and wellness goals without sacrificing taste. Gerald is a valuable resource when you become frustrated with meal prepping the same “boring” foods and seek a healthy variety that will accommodate any dietary modifications you choose to incorporate in your weight loss journey. Gerald admits that weight management has been a struggle over the years, however, Gerald plans to apply the Luke 1.3.7. principles and strategies along with his medical background and Navajo heritage to produce a winning combination as he completes his weight loss journey.

Lorri Jones, RN, BSN

Lorri Jones is a baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurse with twelve years of experience specializing in the areas of emergency medicine and trauma. In addition to working in a Level I trauma center, she also serves as an Independent Clinical Consultant for several leading medical manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. Her multifaceted, fast-pace, high-stress career has led to a wealth of knowledge, opportunities, and excitement; but unfortunately, it has led to some unhealthy health habits. In 2011, she reached a weight of 202 pounds and was able to lose 50 pounds naturally with diet and exercise modifications. Like many of us during our weight loss journey, she regained the 50 pounds along with picking up another 25 pounds. Although she had no comorbidities, her BMI was greater than 35 and Lorri elected to undergo Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy to have a tool that she could use to prevent regaining syndrome and the development of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or heart disease. Lorri has now lost over 80 pounds and is focusing on eating to live vs living to eat and focuses on food for fuel resulting in increased energy to support her busy lifestyle.

Jennifer Tarter, RN, BSN, FNP

Jennifer Tarter is a Family Nurse Practioner. Jennifer is a graduate of King University and East Tennessee State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing. Jennifer has struggled with obesity since she was a teenager. Years of working night shift and the demands of continuing education created a vicious cycle of weight loss followed by weight gain, usually more than before. After a shoulder injury and two stress fractures, Jennifer had added 25 more pounds to her already overweight frame. With the additional weight gain and orthopedic problems, Jennifer fell into a depression and withdrew from friends and outside activities because she did not like the way she looked or felt. Now taking two blood pressure medications and diagnosed with pre-diabetes, she made the decision to have weight loss surgery and get her life back. Since undergoing Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, she has lost nearly 100 pounds. Jennifer is a testament to what can happen with hard work, a supportive culture, dietary changes, and the desire to improve your quality of life.