About the Cooper Center for Metabolism

Dr. Cooper is the Medical Director and Founder of the Cooper Center for Metabolism and Seattle Performance Medicine. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Sports Medicine. She focuses on disease prevention–in her twenty-five years in practice, she has never had a patient develop type 2 diabetes while under her care. She became fascinated with the science of metabolism more than fifteen years ago when she realized that the metabolic system influences a multitude of body processes which depend on its healthy function.

She does not subscribe to the typical ‘calories in, calories out’ explanations which fail to recognize the medical complexities of weight issues and overlook the enormous body of research related to neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate weight, appetite, and metabolism. Her book, The Metabolic Storm, details the scientific basis of her approach.

Dr. Cooper also founded the Diabesity Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective medical care for those suffering from diabesity. As Medical Director of DI, she provides educational outreach to both healthcare professionals and the general public. She is currently working on an educational series for healthcare providers through the Diabesity Institute and has written a companion manual, Science-Based Clinical Evaluation, and Treatment of Diabesity.

Daphne holds a master’s degree in Medical Science, is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and holds a PA license from Washington State. Before completing her PA studies, Daphne worked in emergency room departments in South Florida where she witnessed numerous patients face life-threatening diagnoses such as strokes and heart attacks due to uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. These experiences drew her to preventative medicine and piqued her interest in metabolic syndrome, a treatable condition at the root of these medical problems that is immensely widespread yet much too often left overlooked and unaddressed in our healthcare field. Daphne is also fluent in Spanish and, as a PA hopes to reach out further to the Latino community and other minorities at high risk for developing metabolic syndrome, obesity, and other preventable diseases.

Daphne provides individualized care to her patients suffering from metabolic dysfunction by helping them achieve their health goals and reduce their overall disease risks. She joined CCM in January 2022 and continues to expand her knowledge base under Dr. Cooper’s guidance. Her focus is on targeting prediabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and additional areas related to metabolic dysfunction and preventative medicine.

Kristen holds a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and is licensed in Washington State. Prior to graduate school, she completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, with an emphasis on chemistry and biological studies. Throughout her education and clinical training, she developed a passion for preventative medicine which led her to the Cooper Center for Metabolism.

She has undergone training from Dr. Cooper in the methodology to address metabolic dysfunction. She has developed a strong knowledge base and collaborates closely with Dr. Cooper to provide outstanding care to patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, obesity, or infertility. Kristen is dedicated to providing individualized patient care, preventing disease, and achieving long-term health goals.

Kristen also contributes to the Diabesity Institute’s research and healthcare provider training programs.

Alisha holds a master’s degree in nursing and a license as an advanced registered nurse practitioner from Washington State. Prior to joining CCM, she worked as a cardiology and sleep medicine specialist, working with such conditions as hypertension, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, stroke, and sleep apnea. She also has 13 years of experience as a critical care nurse, including post-operative care for open-heart surgery.

Alisha is passionate about the science of obesity and metabolism. In her master’s program, she wrote multiple papers on obesity in adolescence. She is very excited to bring her passion and dedication to improving the lives of her patients at CCM.

Kainoa holds a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and is a former faculty member at the University of Hawaii in the Health and Physical Education Department. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and Certified Personal Trainer from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). Kainoa performs aerobic and strength evaluation and individualized training consultation for our patients upon request from their provider, focusing on cardiovascular risk reduction and strength development. She also provides individual coaching for running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon events.

Jennifer is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from Cal Poly Pomona. She completed her dietetic internship at the VA hospital in San Diego. She also holds a Master of Science in Psychology. Jennifer provides patients with personalized nutrition recommendations using a non-diet approach. She is passionate about helping people improve their relationship with food and build sustainable habits.