Birchcreek

Staff members are an important part of your visit to Birchcreek Health and Weight Loss Retreat, and are carefully chosen for their dedication to service as well as for their professional qualifications. Character and integrity are the hallmarks of the Birchcreek team.  Their goal is to ensure you have an unforgettable experience of trust and confidence as you pursue health and fitness during your stay at Birchcreek Health and Weight Loss Retreat.

Ron Odato, Director

Ron’s interest in fitness as a younger man in the 70′s led him from his boxing days in the military to winning competitions in racquetball and handball; he was also a downhill ski instructor with a love of all sports. His desire to stay in excellent physical condition in his 20′s and 30′s was eventually replaced by career choices which changed his health from active and fit to sedentary and overweight. Ron’s career experience spanned many varied and highly technical areas of expertise, from pharmaceutical design to aerospace research and development, the typical all-American corporate lifestyle. Weight gain, high blood pressure, lethargy and joint problems were the all too familiar byproducts.

After leaving the corporate world in 1988, Ron and his wife Julie moved to upstate New York. His physical condition continued to deteriorate, leading to medication to control his blood pressure. Not willing to accept a downward spiral of his health and a lifetime of medication, Ron began to research a natural remedy for reversal of his condition. Several years later, that research led him to a remarkable natural diet with miraculous benefits.

Now in his 60’s, Ron has regained the health, fitness and vitality of his 20′s. As the Director of Birchcreek Health and Weight Loss Retreat, Ron takes part in teaching others, through lectures and workshops, how the miraculous human body restores health and fitness to itself whenever the “Jump Start” program is applied. He is a constant source of caring, inspiration and knowledge to those who visit the retreat.

Julie Odato, Program Director
BS Education SUNY Stony Brook

Julie’s interest in the health field began 35 years ago when a friend talked her into taking a vegetarian cooking class. The teacher was a smart, fit mother whose family never got sick, never took medicine, never had cavities, and had boundless energy to boot. “All of this on a diet that, according to what I had always learned, was completely lacking in protein and proper nutrition”, she says. The memory of that family remained with Julie throughout her corporate career.

Losing her mother suddenly to cancer reignited Julie’s interest in health, alternative solutions to fitness and weight loss. She also developed a healthy mistrust of the traditional western approach to nutrition. Her quest for answers lead directly to the establishment of Birchcreek Health and Weight Loss Retreat.

“I’ve met so many people over the years who have lost excess body weight and kept it off, who have cured themselves of all types of health problems, and who have regained the energy and strength of their youth through the Birchcreek program. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with them as they achieve miracles. Their stories are inspiring and encouraging. Their stories can be yours. Come change your life!”

Sophia Ellis, Director of Operations

A Birchcreek alumni, Sophia has firsthand knowledge of losing weight, keeping it off, detoxing and changing your life. Hailing from the UK, Sophia is a professional Salsa Dance Instructor and performer.  Her personal experiences with the Birchcreek ‘Jump Start’ program make her an invaluable source of knowledge and inspiration to our guests.

Dr. Barbara Alyn, L.Mth. Ph.D. N.D.

Dr. Alyn is a Naturopathic doctor with a background in traditional Chinese medicine, herbalism, acupuncture and is a certified Amma therapist. Featured on numerous health-related media discussion groups, Dr. Alyn has been used as an informational resource in the widely expanding area of natural medicine.  Her distinct style translates into a guest’s ease and comfort during treatment. An empathetic practitioner in her field, Barbara shares her gift with compassion and professionalism. A gem and a credit to her profession, we are proud to have Barbara on staff.

Michael Odato, Fitness Consultant
Certified Personal Trainer

A former high school physical education teacher, Mike’s interests have always included health and fitness. A wrestler, boxing enthusiast and weight lifter, Mike shares his expertise in working with free weights, resistance training, cardio-fitness and strategies for continuing training at home.

Eddie Rivera
Walking, Hiking and Fitness Guide
CPR, Safety and First Aid Advisor and Trainer

Eddie is a hiking machine! For 8 years he has been leading Birchcreek clients out of their comfort zones and into the amazing hiking trails of New York’s Catskill Mountains, Santa Fe’s Sangre de Cristo 11,000 ft peaks, and into power walking on the beaches in Florida and Hilton Head Island.  As a National Safety Council Certified New York State Master Trainer, Eddie oversees CPR and first aid training of Birchcreek staff. A walking testimony to the Birchcreek Weight Loss Program, Eddie  lost 70 pounds in 6 months and has kept it off for 5 years.

Jeff Surgent, Fitness Consultant
Certified Personal Trainer

Jeff is a certified personal trainer, with seventeen years experience. Because of his additional training as a licensed teacher, Jeff brings his education experience to the table when working with Birchcreek clients.  His expertise is to educate the beginner or out of shape individual on the fundamentals of strength training and conditioning. Jeff’s well known attention to form creates a higher level of effectiveness for even seasoned athletes.When training a client , Jeff’s focus is on the individuals own strength to build confidence. ” I look forward to working with you, provide you with a workout that is tailored to your exact needs”.

Jon Smith, Fitness Consultant and Personal Trainer

Former owner of Fitness in Motion, a gym facility located in Arkville, NY, Jon has a passion for encouraging physical fitness in people, whether they are working out for the first time in years or are accomplished athletes.