Adolescent Clinic

Dr. Roxanne Rockwell is Associate Clinical Director of the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Center, Director of Adolescent Services, and Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego. A founding member of the Center since its inception in 2005, Dr. Rockwell has played a central role in shaping its nationally recognized adolescent treatment programs. With over two decades of experience in the evaluation, treatment, and research of eating disorders and obesity, she led the development of several innovative services, including the adolescent partial hospital (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs, the individual and multi-family Intensive Family Therapy (IFT) programs, and the parent mentorship and advisory initiatives. Dr. Rockwell has been certified in Family Based Treatment (FBT) since 2013 and provides advanced supervision and training in FBT to clinicians, faculty, and trainees. She is deeply committed to family centered, evidence-based care, and to expanding and refining treatment approaches for individuals who do not respond to standard interventions. In addition to her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Rockwell serves as a LEAD Fellow and Diversity Champion with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at UC San Diego.

Christin Conkle is a licensed marriage and family therapist who serves at a co-Program Manager at the UC San Diego Eating Disorder Clinic-Adolescent Program. Christin has been with UCSD since 2013. Holding an undergraduate degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development from San Diego State University. Received her Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. Christin is an approved AAMFT clinical supervisor candidate. Christin is the lead for the multifamily component of the program, Tuesday/Thursday Multifamily meals, and the Multifamily Saturday Program. Christin manages our Parent Advisory Commitment (PAC) program and works with our parents/cares who dedicate their time and energy to volunteer as mentors to the current parents/cares in the program. Christin has received intensive training in DBT and FBT. She has diverse background working with co-morbid diagnoses, at risk youth, behavioral management and crisis intervention. Christin is a certified yoga instructor and enjoys bringing mindfulness and yoga together to her patients. When not working she enjoys spending time with her family, two doxies and golden retriever!

Julie Melekian serves as the Co-Program Manager of the Adolescent Program at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorder Center. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Julie received both her Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees at the University of San Diego, where she also now teaches as an adjunct professor in their graduate program.

Julie has been working at the UCSD EDC since 2013 and has taken on various roles in the clinic including time spent on the adult and admissions teams. She has a diverse background working with adolescents and their families in a variety of settings, and her interests lie particularly in the areas of risk assessment, behavior modification, and contingency management. A Certified Kazdin Parent Management Trainer with intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for both adults and adolescents, Julie is passionate about helping families navigate the more distressing elements of treatment by infusing DBT and PMT skills into Family Based Therapy. Julie leads the Family DBT Skills group and Parent Training skills group for parents weekly and co-facilitates on going PMT and DBT training for EDC staff and trainees, ensuring patients receive the best evidence-based treatment while at UCSD.

When not in the clinic you will find Julie walking her dog on the beach, cheering her family on at their various activities or driving one of many weekly carpools.

Dr. Mary Ellen Trunko, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, was one of the founding members of the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center in 2005. Throughout the years and substantial growth of the organization, she has been a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for planning, developing, implementing and managing clinical services. As Medical Director of all adult, adolescent and pediatric treatment programs, Dr. Trunko leads the psychiatric/medical teams servicing PHP and IOP patients. She oversees all aspects of safety in the provision of care, performs comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management, coordinates primary care and other medical services, and supervises and teaches junior faculty, staff and trainees. Dr. Trunko has been involved with clinical trials at the EDC investigating medication treatments for anorexia and bulimia, and is recognized nationally for her publications on pharmacological interventions for eating disorders.

Dr. Trunko earned her MD degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. Following back-to-back residencies at UCSD in internal medicine and psychiatry, she became boarded in both specialties, an unusual combination that is highly relevant to the understanding and treatment of eating disorders.

Dr. Adler has been attending psychiatrist since 2019 at both the eating disorders partial hospital program and at Rady Children’s Hospital as a consulting psychiatrist on the medical behavioral unit (MBU). She is a graduate of Cornell University and New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Adler trained in psychiatry at George Washington University in Washington, DC and in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Cosmina Ciobanu M.D. is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Pediatric and Adolescent Eating Disorders Program at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCSD School of Medicine. She attended the University of Notre Dame on a full tennis scholarship and graduated Magna Cum Laude, double majoring in Science Preprofessional Studies and Anthropology. She completed medical school and her adult psychiatry residency at the University of California, San Diego. She received specialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she served as a chief fellow. She is double board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. She joined the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in October 2019 and has greatly enjoyed working in a team based setting treating children and adolescents with eating disorders and other comorbid conditions.

Venus Estepa-Morse, Registered Nurse welcomed the opportunity to work for the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research Program in December 2012. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and an Army Veteran. Her career as an RN includes sub-acute care, travel medicine and experience with adult, adolescent and pediatric eating disorder patients in a partial hospitalization setting. At UCSD, she is the Adolescent and Pediatric program charge nurse, attends to the medical needs of the patients and assisting the physicians to coordinate care throughout the patient’s treatment process. Venus enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Daphna Finn, M.D. is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who joined the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in the summer of 2021 following the completion of her medical and subspecialty training. She cares for patients in the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCSD School of Medicine. Dr. Finn has extensive training in the use of medications to treat pediatric mental health conditions as well as experience with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family-based treatment and motivational interviewing. She enjoys fostering openness, trust and curiosity with her patients and partnering with families to better understand their child and provide helpful treatment recommendations in challenging circumstances.

Dr. Finn completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, where she was a chief fellow and a clinical fellow of Harvard Medical School. She earned her medical degree and completed residency training at UC San Diego School of Medicine. She is double board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry.

Amanda Reddy, Registered Nurse joined the UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program in November 2019. She received a Master's Degree in Nursing from the University of San Diego in 2012. Her career as a nurse includes adult acute care experience at SHARP Memorial and pediatric acute care experience at Rady Children's Hospital, including caring for eating disorder patients on the Medical Behavioral Unit. At UCSD she attends to the medical needs of patients in the Adult, Adolescent and Pediatric Programs along with assisting the physicians to coordinate care throughout the patient’s treatment process. Amanda enjoys spending time outside and traveling with her family.

Estefania Rhodes, Registered Nurse joined the UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research in July 2024. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from National University in 2013. Her career as a nurse includes 10 years of pediatric acute care experience at Rady Children's Hospital working in the Medical Behavioral Unit primarily taking care of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with medical and psychiatric diagnoses.  Estefania is a certified bilingual nurse in English and Spanish. At UCSD Health she attends to the medical needs of patients in the Adult, Adolescent and Pediatric programs along with assisting the physicians to coordinate care throughout the patient’s treatment process. Estefania enjoys traveling with her family. 

Breanna Strong, Registered Nurse joined the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in November 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Anthropology from California State University, San Marcos. Her career as a nurse includes both inpatient and outpatient experience in Medical/Surgical Oncology and ambulatory care in Family Medicine. At UCSD, she attends to the medical needs of the patients in the Adolescent and Pediatric Programs along with assisting the physicians to coordinate care throughout the patient’s treatment process. She enjoys working on an interdisciplinary team of professionals and supports UCSD Health’s mission and vision to maintain a patient and family centered health outlook through teaching, research, and clinical excellence. Breanna spends her free time hiking, exploring new restaurants, and traveling with family and friends.

Dr. Wierenga is an Associate Professor and Clinical Neuropsychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego. She is an expert in the neurobiology of eating disorders, in particular related to the neural circuitry supporting cognition and behavior. She Co-Directs the Research Program at the UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program, where she conducts neuroimaging and neuropsychological research examining the brain basis of disordered eating, with an emphasis on cognitive control, reward processing, and interoception. She is also heavily involved in treatment development efforts for eating disorders guided by a neurobiological understanding of behavior, as well as treatment outcome studies. She is a CA licensed Clinical Psychologist and supervises clinical trainees in the Adolescent Program and conducts neuropsychological assessments in both the Adolescent and Adult Programs. She serves as faculty in the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology and the UCSD Clinical Psychology APA approved Internship and is actively involved in training graduate students, pre-doctoral clinical interns, and post-doctoral fellows. She has been funded by the National Eating Disorders Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dr. Anna Karam Jones is a staff psychologist at the UC San Diego Health’s (UCSDH) Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research (EDC). Dr. Karam Jones received her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. Her predoctoral clinical internship was comprised of rotations at Rady Children’s Hospital’s Medical Behavioral Unit (i.e., an inpatient unit for the medical stabilization of eating disorders) as well as the EDC, where she worked in both the adolescent and adult clinics. Dr. Karam Jones has received broad and comprehensive training in the evidence-based treatment of psychological disorders including eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders, with an emphasis in the areas of eating and weight-related disorders. Her research interests include examining predictors, moderators, and mediators/mechanisms of evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, as well as the best methods for dissemination and implementation of evidence-based treatments for eating disorders, with the ultimate goal to enhance and increase access to eating disorder care. Dr. Karam Jones is passionate about combining her research and clinical interests in the area of eating disorders, and she loves getting to do just that at UCSDH EDC!

Ana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience supporting adolescents and families through compassionate, culturally responsive care in both English and Spanish. At the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research (EDC), she facilitates multifamily therapy groups and leads the Spanish-speaking support group offered across all programs.

Ana earned both her Bachelor’s degree and Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. During her practicum training in 2021 at UCSD’s adolescent program, she received specialized training in evidence-based treatments, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Family-Based Therapy (FBT), which she incorporates into her work every day.

Her clinical interests include Parent Management Training (PMT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Ana is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where families can heal, grow, and thrive together. She brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach to her work, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of the individuals and families she serves.

Gaby Bagnara is a clinical psychologist at the UC San Diego Health’s Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research (EDC). Dr. Bagnara received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Boston College and graduated with her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Loma Linda University. Her predoctoral clinical internship was comprised of rotations throughout Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital in both inpatient and intensive outpatient settings across the lifespan. Her postdoctoral clinical training took place at the EDC in the adolescent program prior to transitioning into a full-time staff role. Dr. Bagnara has received extensive evidence-based training in acute care environments, with an emphasis on high-risk adolescents navigating suicidal ideation and self-harm. She is passionate about the delivery of skills-oriented and supportive behavioral-based interventions, mainly DBT and FBT, to youth and families with a high level of need. Her research interests include taking an implementation science-based approach to exploring barriers to help-seeking behaviors and access to care, particularly related to the influence of privilege, stigma, and shame. At the EDC, Dr. Bagnara is able to utilize this skillset to approach program development, patient retention, and integration of clinical care through the lens of what patients and families need in real time. This perspective serves to reduce barriers to access and increase likelihood of successful recovery outcomes for their teens. When not at work, you can find her scrolling through her camera roll of photos of her dog or convincing everyone to listen to only Taylor’s version.

Amaya brings over eight years of experience in behavioral health to her role as a Milieu Therapist at the UCSD Eating Disorders Clinic. She began her career working in group homes supporting individuals with dual diagnoses, where she built a strong foundation in trauma-informed and person-centered care. She then spent four years at Rady Children’s Hospital, gaining valuable experience in pediatric and adolescent mental health. At UCSD, Amaya works closely with patients and their families in the Eating Disorders Treatment Program, collaborating with the clinical team to provide compassionate, coordinated support throughout each patient’s recovery journey.

Gina Brunelli is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in the Adolescent Program. Gina earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and masters in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. She began her training in the Pediatric program before transitioning to specialize in adolescent treatment. She has experience and training supporting young patients through various eating disorders using evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Gina has a special focus on working with patients with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and has developed and leads specialized ARFID groups to provide targeted support for this population. Passionate about empowering teens and marginalized communities, she is dedicated to helping her patients return to a life worth living.

Weilynn Chang is a pre-doctoral clinical psychology intern at UC San Diego Health's Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. Weilynn is a clinical psychology Ph.D. candidate at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, and is a member of the Dysregulated Eating and Mood Team (DREAM Team Lab). Prior to her doctoral studies, Weilynn graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in Journalism (minor in Psychology). She then engaged in several years of post-baccalaureate clinical and research activities at outpatient, partial and residential treatment programs at Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, where she led numerous CBT, DBT and ACT-based groups for a wide range of patient populations. Weilynn obtained her M.S. in Psychology at IIT, and she received extensive clinical training in a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities and health psychology through completing practicum training programs at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. While at JBVAMC, Weilynn received specialized training in the assessment and treatment of PTSD using evidence-based protocols such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Weilynn has provided individual and group therapy (e.g., DBT Skills, CBT for Anxiety) to individuals with eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and borderline personality disorder, etc. In addition to her clinical experiences, Weilynn has also been engaged in research on topics related to transdiagnostic factors pertinent to OCD and eating disorders (e.g., emotion regulation), treatment mechanisms and outcomes, body image, appearance-related commentary, and self-compassion. Currently, Weilynn is also a graduate research assistant at Rush University Medical Center's Body Image and Eating Behaviors Lab. Outside of work, Weilynn enjoys concerts, taking in scenic water sights, furry friends, and trying out new restaurants and dance classes.

Cassandra Detgen is a licensed professional clinical counselor who serves as one of the primary program therapists as well as a clinical supervisor. She works with both families, individuals, and within the milieu in the adolescent program. Originally from the Midwest, she received a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from Miami University and a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University, then ventured out to San Diego to put her passion for eating disorders to use. Cassandra has been at the UCSD treatment program since 2015 focusing on implementing DBT skills and knowledge as well as educating further about RODBT to both adolescents and their parents. When not at work, Cassandra is reading her book, doing craft hobbies, and hanging with her dog Jalapeno.

William Grunewald (he/him) is a pre-doctoral psychology intern at the University of California San Diego Eating Disorders Center and a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at Auburn University. He graduated from the University of California San Diego with a BS in Psychology and obtained his MA in Psychology at San Diego State University. During graduate school, William got extensive training in treating eating disorders and related comorbidity such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and various neurodevelopmental disorders. He has utilized family based treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and DBT-based approaches. His research interests include identifying risk factors for disordered eating, body image disturbance, and suicidality, with a particular emphasis on these risk factors among vulnerable populations. He also studies the overlap between conformity to masculine norms and Muscle Dysmorphia. Outside of work, William can be found playing video games, enjoying the local food scene, and hanging out with loved ones.

Antionette Gutierrez (she/her) is a postdoctoral Fellow at UC San Diego Health’s Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research (EDC). Dr. Gutierrez earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University in Chicago, with an emphasis in children and adolescents. During her doctorate training, Dr. Gutierrez gained experience in both acute and outpatient settings, treating individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, self-injurious behaviors, eating disorders, suicidality, as well as providing couples and family therapy.

Continuing her work with underserved communities, she completed her predoctoral internship at Broughton Hospital, a state psychiatric facility in North Carolina. Her rotations included working with individuals across their lifespans, from adolescent to geriatric populations, with a strong focus on adolescent and deaf community units. She also completed a minor rotation with the adult forensic population, concentrating on capacity restoration. A significant portion of her clinical training has been dedicated to supporting adolescents impacted by chronic and complex trauma.

Dr. Gutierrez has been trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy. She prioritizes a relational and systems-based approach within a multicultural framework, integrating evidence-based treatments to support clients' healing journeys. She is passionate about collaborating with clients to explore strategies that foster empowerment and confidence. In her free time, Dr. Gutierrez enjoys hiking, reading, practicing yoga, and exploring nature throughout the city with her two dogs!

Alyssa Herwatt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the UC San Diego Health’s Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research (EDC). Alyssa received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Community Action and Social Change and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. As a former D1 athlete, Alyssa has a strong passion for working with adolescents with eating disorders who identify as athletes and engage in compulsive/compensatory movement. Prior to working at the EDC, Alyssa gained extensive training at Michigan Medicine working within a variety of psychiatric levels or care (inpatient, PHP, IOP, and outpatient), treating children and adolescents with various mental health diagnoses (anxiety, depression, OCD, ASD, ADHD), and utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities (DBT, FBT, ACT, CBT, and PMT). When not working, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family, cheering for Michigan football, and going to the beach.

Natalie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center, where she specializes in the treatment of eating disorders in adolescents and their families. She brings experience working with individuals facing a range of co-occurring concerns, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Natalie began her clinical work in the adolescent program at UCSD EDC and has remained deeply committed to supporting adolescents and families through evidence-based care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2019 and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2022, both from the University of San Diego. Natalie is passionate about delivering high-quality care and continues to deepen her clinical expertise through ongoing learning. She incorporates evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT, and Family-Based Treatment (FBT) in her work. Natalie values the therapeutic relationship and feels privileged to grow alongside her clients through their shared work. She is grateful to contribute to the mission of UCSD EDC and to be part of a community dedicated to advancing treatment for eating disorders.

Jeannie Huynh is a licensed clinical social worker at the UC San Diego Health’s Eating Disorder Center of treatment and research (EDC). Jeannie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology from UC Irvine and received her Masters of Social Work from Boston College. She currently works with adolescents and families here at the EDC. Her previous experiences include working in community, school based and residential settings supporting adolescents, adults and their families with their mental health & eating disorder. On her free time she likes to spend it with her dog & family, taking care of her plants and trying new coffee shops.

Hala is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist at UCSD Eating Disorder Center with extensive experience in eating disorder treatments across the life span. Her experience includes working as a therapist for children, adolescents, adults and their families with various eating disorders and co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, and OCD. Hala began her experience in working with eating disorders at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center in the pediatric program. Prior to joining the adolescent program, Hala was a therapist at the Center for Discovery, a residential treatment facility for adults. Hala looks forward to working each day, with opportunities to gain new insights and learn from her patients through their work together. She utilizes evidence-based treatment modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent Management Training (PMT) Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Family Based Treatment (FBT) and strengths-based therapy to help her clients and families meet their goals. Hala loves working with families and leads the Parent Management Training and AN-R Psychoeducation groups weekly. Hala received her Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Shelbie is a graduate student at USD completing her Marriage and Family Therapy training at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center in the Adolescent Program. She earned her bachelor’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience and a minor in Counseling and Social Change from SDSU in 2024. While at SDSU, she gained research experience in the Translational Emotion and Neuroscience Development Lab and the Center for Research on Sexuality and Sexual Health, focusing on youth emotional development and sexual health disparities. Shelbie also served as Vice President of Psi Chi and co-founded Mending Minds, a campus mental health initiative. She is passionate about fostering inclusive, supportive spaces for youth and families. In her free time, Shelbie enjoys dancing, reading, and spending quality time with her husband, her puppy Junie, and her friends.

Clare is a Marital and Family Therapist Trainee in the Adolescent Program at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy at the University of San Diego. Originally from the Bay Area, Clare earned her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies in 2024 from Colorado State University, with a concentration in Prevention and Intervention Sciences. While at CSU, she served as a Peer Advisor for the HDFS department, supporting students throughout their academic and personal development. During her senior year, she interned at the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center, where she staffed the crisis hotline and led educational outreach to promote sexual assault awareness in local schools. These formative experiences deepened Clare’s passion for working with youth and families navigating complex challenges. In her clinical work, she is dedicated to fostering a safe, collaborative, and empowering environment for adolescents and their loved ones. In her free time, Clare enjoys listening to music, long walks outdoors, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.

Dr. Kendall Sharp is a postdoctoral fellow at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in the Adolescent Program. She earned her B.A. in Psychology at the University of North Texas and her Master of Public Health from Harvard University. Dr. Sharp earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in August 2024. Dr. Sharp completed her APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas rotating through Pediatric Eating Disorders Program, where she provided individual and group therapy in the inpatient and partial hospitalization programs. Additionally, Dr. Sharp completed rotations at Children’s Medical Center in the child abuse and gastroenterology clinics. During her doctoral training, Dr. Sharp lead weekly adult Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups and conducted long-term psychotherapy for adult clients. Her pre-doctoral research focused on eating disorders in sexual and gender minority youth. She has been trained in DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Dr. Sharp integrates evidence-based treatments while using a family systems and intersectionality lens for conceptualization. When not at work, Dr. Sharp enjoys reading, working on her embroidery skills, and spending time outside. Dr. Sharp is excited to spend more time at the beach during her time at UCSD EDCTR!

Claire Sproul is a Marriage and Family Therapist working with families and individuals in the adolescent eating disorder program. Claire graduated from the University of San Diego with her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy. You will see Claire around the clinic on groups, meals, and on the multi-family Saturday program. In her free time, you can find Claire at home listening to Taylor Swift with a book and her cats.

Hanah Weldon is a Postdoctoral Fellow at UC San Diego Health’s Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research (EDC). Dr. Weldon earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Arizona State University in 2020 and completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) in 2025. During her predoctoral clinical internship, she gained extensive experience across inpatient and outpatient acute settings, working with adults and adolescents facing serious mental illness, suicidality, substance use disorders, and eating pathology. Dr. Weldon is trained in evidence-based treatments, including CBT, DBT, and ACT, and is committed to providing compassionate, skills-based interventions for individuals with eating disorders.

Her research interests focuses on exploring strategies for fostering hope engagement, and disclosure in eating disorder treatment, specifically examining through examining psychological and systemic barriers to lasting recovery. In addition to her work in eating disorders, she is also passionate about increasing awareness of effective implementation of evidence-based treatments within brief inpatient psychiatric settings. Outside of her professional work, Hanah enjoys reading, traveling, and attending concerts.

Emily “Whipp” Whipple has been a milieu therapist in the Adolescent Program at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research since 2010. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. She brings valuable experience from working with eating disorder patients across residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care. At UCSD, she supports adolescent patients through mealtimes and group therapy, while actively collaborating with the clinical team to manage the therapeutic environment and coordinate comprehensive care throughout each patient’s treatment.

Georgianna earned her Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Food Science and joined the Eating Disorders Center in March 2023. She works alongside the registered dietitians in the adolescent program and has become passionate about helping patients in their recovery process. When she is not at work she enjoys any outdoor activity and spending time with friends and family.

Mackenzie Bowman is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics who joined the UCSD EDC team as Clinical Nutrition Manager in May 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics with a minor in Psychology from the University of Delaware before completing her dietetic internship through Aramark. Mackenzie earned her Master’s Degree in Applied Nutrition and Physical Activity at Virginia Tech where she completed research on probiotic intake among student-athletes and its impact on gut health. She has experience at a variety of levels of care for eating disorder treatment, including inpatient, PHP, IOP, and OP. Mackenzie also has experience working in with collegiate athletics and received training as a Female Athlete Body Project facilitator. As an East Coast native, Mackenzie enjoys exploring Southern California in her free time. Her hobbies include yoga, reading, and trying new recipes.

Markayla Stroubakis is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who joined the EDC after working in inpatient pediatrics and management. She received her B.S. in Nutrition from UC Berkeley and completed her dietetic internship with UC San Diego. She is a native San Diegan and has a passion for working with adolescents and their families.

Samantha Warsh is Registered Dietitian with the adolescent and pediatric programs. Samantha is originally from Michigan and earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Michigan State University and completed her dietetic internship at Wayne State University in Detroit. Samantha has a diverse background in clinical and community nutrition, with previous work experience at a hospital, dialysis clinic and community outreach program. Samantha was interested in working with eating disorders early in her career and gained experience with this population during her education and internship. Samantha has always enjoyed working with children and teens and was excited to join the team at UCSD in 2016. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys traveling and exploring all things San Diego with her husband and dog.

Jordyn is a Registered Dietitian who joined the UCSD Eating Disorder Center after working with both adolescents and adults at an inpatient level of care at Penn Medicine’s Eating Disorder Unit in New Jersey. She is originally from the east coast and graduated with her Masters of Nutritional Sciences from Rutgers University. She has also been a Certified Personal Trainer for 7 years, and loves working with adolescents and their families on their return to movement and sport. After hours, she works in outpatient counseling with disordered eating, eating disorders, and sports nutrition. In her free time Jordyn enjoys exploring all that San Diego has to offer with her dog!