Instead, she provided women with weight loss help by letting them experience for themselves the power that eating well, moving our bodies and thinking positively offers in helping us reach fitness goals. But perhaps the most important concept that Thelma understood and fostered was freedom of choice - how the freedom to make choices based on what we want, and then accepting the responsibility for those choices, is at the core of success in achieving goals in any area, including weight management.

Thelma also realized the importance of advice and direction based on science, not fad, with a good deal of professional insight and judgement thrown into the mix. As a result, the program has always operated under the auspices of a highly professional team that includes registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, mental health professionals and physicians. Today, our staff also includes an expert in human metabolism and registered nurses/psychiatric nurse practitioners as well as professionals in the nurturing arts, including yoga and massage therapy.

Green Mountain operated as a summer program through its first years, but as its popularity grew by word of mouth and phenomenal publicity (Thelma's ideas drew the attention of national media, including the early Phil Donahue Show - the leader before Oprah took over!), the program evolved, became year round, and new quarters for it had to be found.

And now...Today, Green Mountain operates out of a former ski and corporate retreat on a hill overlooking Okemo Mountain and the Okemo Valley Golf Course (see weekly photos), premier winter and summer resort areas in Vermont. Set on 26 wooded acres, the lodge is a low key, relaxing retreat with informal classrooms, well-equipped physical activity rooms, a spacious dining room, and a comfortable living room. A cozy den doubles as an intimate setting for seminars and support groups during the day as well as an extra TV room at night. The feeling is one of relaxed camaraderie. Up to 35-40 women can be accommodated in single, double and triple rooms. Spacious and comfortable, the triples feature two-tiered sleeping lofts. The emphasis here is on informal living rather than pampering, although massage and other amenities are available. In this way, we can offer a more personalized experience that facilitates the development and planning of effective strategies for long-term success.