Meet The Team

Meet Our Providers

Dr. Jeffrey Gladden, MD, FACC

Battling fatigue, anxiety, and depression, he embarked on a transformative journey into unearthing answers to his own health challenges. Fueled by the question, “How good can I be?” Dr. Gladden transitioned from a conventional health care approach to championing peak human performance. Today, his life is a testament to this transformation, exemplifying boundless vitality through activities like running, surfing, mountain biking, and music. Dr. Gladden’s journey beckons us to embrace our ageless potential and embark on a path to Live Young for a Lifetime.

Dr. Jeffrey Gladden’s story is one of remarkable transformation and pioneering vision. With a background in interventional cardiology, he founded Gladden Longevity + Advanced Performance Center. Graduating from Temple University with Honors in Medicine, he delved into various cardiology domains, leaving an indelible mark on the field. Dr. Gladden holds the position of Director of Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, which he co-founded in 2004. Additionally, he plays pivotal roles at Scientia Cardio Access and Scientia Vascular as CEO, CMO, and board member. Despite these achievements, his personal and professional life encountered a pivotal shift in his mid-fifties.

Luke Sorrell, MD

From an early age, Luke Sorrell was drawn to the medical field, driven by a passion for science and a deep desire to help others. His journey began with a degree from Abilene Christian University, followed by medical school at The University of Texas at Houston, and an internal medicine residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Initially, Luke worked as a hospitalist before transitioning to primary care, believing it would be his long-term path.

While he valued the relationships he built with patients in primary care, Luke became frustrated with the reactive nature of traditional medicine. Late diagnoses of serious conditions, unchecked progression of pre-diabetes, and inadequate management of cardiovascular disease highlighted the need for a more proactive approach.

This realization led Luke to functional and longevity medicine, focusing on early detection, comprehensive interventions, and addressing root causes. Joining Dr. Gladden and Gladden Longevity felt like a perfect fit, aligning with his dedication to helping people “Live Young for a Lifetime.”

Luke lives in the Dallas – Fort Worth suburbs with his wife and two daughters. In his free time, he enjoys researching longevity medicine, exploring new restaurants with his wife, traveling, spending time with family, and participating in church fellowship.

Tammy Head

Tammy Head, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, FAAMFM

Tammy Head is a distinguished healthcare professional who blends extensive hands-on experience with a strong academic foundation. She began her career with a Nursing degree from Gulf Coast State College in 2016, excelling in various roles over six years in the ER, and honing her expertise in wound care and long-term acute care. Her educational journey culminated in 2022 with a Master’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington followed by d fellowship at A4M to begin her journey with functional medicine.

Tammy’s passion for healthcare was ignited in high school, inspired by the compelling stories shared by her family members who worked as ER nurses. This early interest only deepened during her college years as she encountered diverse challenges and rewards within the nursing field.

Central to Tammy’s approach is her belief in empowering patients through education and fostering independence. She prioritizes helping patients understand their options and potential outcomes, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with their individual lifestyles. This patient-centered philosophy sets her apart from traditional healthcare practices.

Beyond her professional life, Tammy is a dedicated mother of three who brings the same level of commitment to her family as she does to her career. Her alignment with Gladden Longevity’s mission was immediate and natural, as the clinic’s emphasis on youth, longevity, and patient-centric care resonates deeply with her holistic approach to health and wellness.

Meet Our Nutrition Team

Megan Lyons, CCN, BCHN, CHHC, CHN, MBA

Megan Lyons, founder and owner of The Lyons’ Share Wellness, has shared her game-changing approach to wellness with thousands through personalized health coaching, corporate and group wellness programs, and motivational speaking. She helps busy professionals manage work-life balance, health enthusiasts reach optimal levels, and those who’ve neglected their health feel better than ever.

With over 10 years in business, Megan has completed more than 12,000 hours of 1-to-1 nutrition consulting. Her expertise ranges from weight loss and emotional eating to managing thyroid dysfunction, reversing prediabetes, and complementing chronic disease therapies. Her deep training in Functional Medicine and integrative nutrition enables her to address root issues, not just symptoms.

Megan hosts the popular podcast, Wellness Your Way, and authored the Amazon bestseller “Start Here: 7 Easy, Diet-Free Steps to Achieve Your Ultimate Health and Happiness.” She holds degrees from Harvard and Northwestern, and certifications in holistic and clinical nutrition. She’s currently pursuing a Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition. Megan lives in Dallas with her husband and dogs, and enjoys working out, cooking, reading, traveling, and cheering on the Dallas Mavericks.

Ashley Anderson, CNS, LDN

Ashley is a dedicated board-certified IFM functional medicine practitioner with over ten years of experience in functional medicine and twenty years in nutrition and fitness. Her wellness journey began in college as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Human Performance, Recreation, and Coaching from The University of Wisconsin Whitewater in 2003.

Her life took a significant turn in 2013 when her mother passed away from ALS, and Ashley began experiencing autoimmune symptoms. Conventional medicine offered limited guidance, prompting her to explore functional medicine. This approach improved her health, driving her to help others take control of their well-being.

Ashley pursued a master’s degree in human nutrition and functional medicine, opened a private practice in Madison, WI, and obtained certifications from the Institute for Functional Medicine and the American Nutrition Association. A mother of four, she understands the challenges of balancing health with a busy life. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition, set to complete in September 2024. Ashley lives in Madison, WI, with her family and enjoys gardening, reading, outdoor activities, and live music in her free time.

Kassady Backes, CNS

Kassady Backes (Kass) is a functional nutritionist and health coach who gets it. She’s been there: impossible fad diets, endless medications and supplements to cover up symptoms, and providers that don’t truly hear you.

Kass knows optimal health is cultivated through small, sustainable changes and by looking upstream to bring the body back into balance. She’s passionate about creating an empowering and shame-free space to meet clients where they’re at.

Kass has experience working 1 on 1 with clients as well as leading educational classes. She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist Candidate currently pursuing her Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. In addition, she has a Bachelor of Health Science, Biology Minor, and countless hours spent researching and advancing through education and change techniques.

Outside of work, Kass can typically be found walking around barefoot outside, listening to health podcasts, attempting ceramics, and planning her next travel destination. She is a Missouri native currently residing in San Diego, CA with her partner and cat.

Emily Baker, CNS

Emily Baker is a Functional Nutritionist, who has completed her Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon. Currently, she is pursuing her post-graduate certificate as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). Emily has also received training from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), which is considered the gold standard in Functional Medicine education.

Emily’s own experience with debilitating chronic health issues as a young teenager, coupled with the lack of answers she found conventionally, encouraged her to research and investigate what could be done from a nutrition and lifestyle perspective. Emily’s approach to restoring and optimizing the health of her clients involves understanding the root cause of chronic health conditions, including inflammatory conditions, hormone imbalance, and metabolic and gastrointestinal dysfunction, and addressing it with targeted nutrition therapies.

Emily currently resides in San Antonio, Texas, with her adorable four-year-old son. Her favorite activities include nutrition research, listening to podcasts, hiking, and practicing hot yoga.

Meet Our Director of Fitness

Zack Jenkins, MS, CPT

Zack Jenkins is an accomplished Fitness Director with a distinguished academic background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from East Carolina University and a Master of Science in Kinesiology, specializing in Biomechanics, from the University of Tennessee. As a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), Zack is deeply committed to helping individuals achieve their fitness goals through evidence-based training methods. His approach emphasizes both peak performance and long-term health, ensuring clients not only reach their objectives but maintain them sustainably.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Zack is dedicated to leading an active and fulfilling personal life. He cherishes spending time with his wife, Ashlynn, and their dog, Zoey, and values the moments shared with close friends. Zack remains actively involved in his community, whether he’s running, walking the scenic Katy Trail, or enjoying a round of golf. His passion for fitness and well-being extends into every aspect of his life, making him a well-rounded and inspiring leader in the field.

Mission, Vision, Philosophy

Mission: To unlock the ageless potential within each individual through cutting-edge solutions that optimize healthspan, elevate performance, and extend longevity for both our valued clients and us.

Vision: Our vision is to redefine the human experience; to empower individuals to unlock their ageless potential, enabling them to thrive vibrantly at every stage of life.

Philosophy: Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that the conventional understanding of aging as a linear process is flawed. Instead, we recognize aging as an exponential challenge, and maintain that our capacity to ask meaningful questions, without attachment to our answers, provides innovative solutions to Live Young for a Lifetime.