About Us
Our Clinic
At Losin’ It with Sonya Jones, (finalist on Season 16 of NBC’s Reality TV Show, The Biggest Loser) we will work together to help you get healthy in body, mind and spirit. Our team is dedicated to helping you lose the weight and keep it off. We will coach you every step of the way.
Our Team
Rocky
Top Dog
While Rocky believes that ice cream, fried chicken, and cookies should be on the protocol, he is the highlight of every appointment.
Sonya Jones
Certified Ideal Protein Coach
Sonya Jones is an author, motivator, and speaker who lost 144 pounds as a finalist on Season 16 of NBC's The Biggest Loser. Sonya was the only female finalist in the show’s 16th season and lost the show by only .01%, which was the closest loss in the show’s history.
Before becoming a contestant on the show, Sonya admits that she struggled with self-worth and self- confidence. She had been overweight her entire life and was determined to make a change. Since the show Sonya has developed a passion for helping others attain their health and wellness goals. She inspires individuals and organizations to clarify and crush their health and wellness goals in order to live a life greater than they ever hoped, dreamed, or imagined.
Julie Tucker-Ponder
LCSW and Certified Addictions Coach
Julie Ponder will facilitate many of the emotional eating groups at Losin' It with Sonya Jones. Julie is the President of Psychiatric Associates of Central Illinois where she maintains a private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Counselor.
For over 20 years, Julie has counseled thousands of clients to improve their lives by helping them heal, resolve conflict, and no longer be burdened by their past.
She is also the Founder and Director of Pastures of Hope, a therapeutic equine and life coach practice. Here she specializes in helping people with their mind body and spirit, heal their relationships with food and other addictions.
Joni Paine
Certified Ideal Protein Coach
What is your Losin' It story?
When I first signed up for Losin' It with Sonya Jones, I was admittedly overwhelmed by my health issues and the prospect of losing weight. But through dedication and hard work, I was able to shed a staggering 70 pounds and resolve my health issues. Now, I'm thrilled to bring my experience and newfound skills to coaching, helping others achieve the same success I did.
What makes you a great coach?
My own weight loss journey has given me invaluable insights and expertise, allowing me to deliver targeted, effective guidance to all my clients. I'm confident that with my help, anyone can achieve their goals and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
What inspires you?
Every day, I'm inspired by the amazing transformations I see in my clients. Nothing beats the feeling of helping someone change their life for the better, and that's what drives me to be the best coach I can be.
Liz Heubner
Certified Ideal Protein Coach
What is your Losin' It story?
I met Sonya in 2011 when I joined the staff of Sherman Elementary School where she was the Physical Education teacher. We became good friends and prayer partners there, and I was fortunate enough to be part of a group of teachers from SES that attended Sonya's Biggest Loser finale in Los Angeles in 2015. Over these same years, my own weight would fluctuate often with the variety of "diet plans" I would try. Finally, in 2023, I decided to reach out to Sonya for help getting the weight off for good. From June 2023 to February 2024, I lost 60 pounds. The Ideal Protein Protocol improved my overall health and gave me renewed self-confidence! It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
What makes you a great coach?
Having lived the Ideal Protein Protocol with success (and some failures) gives me a lot of knowledge to share with clients. Because I have firsthand experience with all three phases of the program, I can help clients prepare for what each stage brings and share things that did (or did not) work for me. Because I am also a teacher, I understand the importance of positive reinforcement and constant communication when learning something new.
What inspires you?
Success inspires me! One of the things that makes Ideal Protein different from any other weight management system is that if you follow the rules ("eat the sheet") the weight will come off consistently and rather quickly. Seeing the number on the scale go down and experiencing a lot of non-scale victories are the things that encourage me to keep up this new lifestyle.
Sherry Struck
Certified Ideal Protein Coach
What's your Losin' It story?
I have successfully been losing weight with Ideal Protein since the Springfield clinic opened. While I have struggled with my weight in the past, I am now confident that I will reach my goal and maintain my progress with what I have learned from this program. Ideal Protein is the best way to lose weight healthily and easily, and I swear by the "Eat the Sheet" philosophy. The program is designed for success and empowerment, and I am proud to be a part of it.
What makes you a great coach? My passion for helping others is what sets me apart as a coach. Whether it's providing support to a child in need or offering encouragement to a friend, it brings me joy to help others succeed. With Ideal Protein, I have found a way to combine my passion with my expertise and help others achieve their weight loss goals.
What inspires you?
I am inspired and motivated by my faith, and I keep a collection of uplifting scriptures that remind me to trust in the Lord. One of my favorites is "Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you" (Psalm 84:12 NIV). This verse reminds me to stay confident and to always trust in the process, no matter what challenges may arise.
Patricia Ackley
Administrative Assistant
When I heard Sonya was looking for someone to help in the office at the Springfield Losin' It Clinic, I knew I wanted to be that person. Not only because I could offer over 20 years of office administration experience, but mostly because I knew that Sonya would be a joy to work with.
Sonya and I have attended the same church for many years. She has always been an inspiration to me, as she has been and continues to be for many others. I believe in the vision of this organization, and I'm proud to serve our clients alongside Sonya and the other coaches!
