Adult Clinic

Medical Team

Mary Ellen Trunko, MD

Medical Director

Clinical Professor, UCSD Department of Psychiatry

Mary Ellen Trunko, MD - photo

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.

Lisa Adler, MD

Lisa Adler, MD - photo

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).

Bryan Estepa, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Bryan Estepa, RN - photo

Bryan Estepa joined the UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program in March 2018. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Point Loma Nazarene University. His career as a nurse includes experience in short term rehabilitation, sub-acute, and ambulatory care. Bryan is the charge nurse for the Adult Program and attends to the medical needs of the patients along with assisting the physicians in coordinating care throughout the patient’s treatment stay. He 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. Bryan likes to spend his free time going on adventures and exploring new places with his son and wife.

Jennifer Maury, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Jennifer Maury, RN, BSN - photo

Jennifer is a Registered Nurse that joined the UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program in June 2022. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Texas in Arlington. Her career as a nurse includes adult acute care experience in the Emergency and Trauma Department at Scripps Memorial Hospital. At UCSD, she attends to the medical needs of the patients along with assisting the physicians to coordinate care throughout the patient’s treatment process. Jennifer enjoys spending her time volunteering for the various sports activities her children are involved in.

Shavon Moore, MD

Assistant Clinical Professor

Shavon Moore, MD - photo

Shavon Moore, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist who sees children and adolescents, and transitional age youth under special circumstances, while providing treatment for mood, anxiety and eating disorders. She works on an outpatient basis through the La Jolla Child and Teen program, where she serves as medical director. Diagnoses treated include depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, bipolar disorder, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder, behavioral issues that may arise from autism spectrum disorder, psychosis, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and avoidant restrictive food intake disorders.

She is part of UC San Diego Health's Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program, which uses an intensive and innovative, evidence-based approach that addresses each person's medical, psychological and psycho-educational health. The program also offers family counseling to help patients and their families with improved understanding, communication, and capacity for supporting each other.

Dr. Moore has prior experience working with youths involved in the child welfare system, juvenile justice system and with educated related mental health services.

As an assistant professor of psychiatry, she is involved in the training and education of medical students, residents and fellows at UC San Diego School of Medicine. She has special interests in sports psychiatry, cultural psychiatry, social determinants of health, cultural humility and implicit bias.

Dr. Moore completed her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine where she served as chief fellow after also completing her general psychiatry residency at UCSD. She earned her medical degree from University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, Nev. Dr. Moore is board certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
In her free time, she enjoys growing orchids, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and exploring all the neighborhoods of San Diego.

Amanda Reddy, RN, MSN, CPN

Registered Nurse

Amanda Reddy, RN, MSN, CPN - photo

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.

Danica Torres, RN

Registered Nurse

Danica Torres, RN - photo

Danica Torres, Registered Nurse joined the UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program in December 2010. Her career as a nurse includes acute care experience and experience with adults and adolescent eating disorder patients in residential, inpatient and partial hospitalization settings. At UCSD, she attends to the medical needs of the patients along with assisting the physicians to coordinate care throughout the patient’s treatment process.

Psychology Team

Leslie Anderson, PhD

Clinical Professor, Assistant Clinical Director & Training Director

Leslie Anderson, PhD - photo

Dr. Leslie Karwoski Anderson is Clinical Professor, Assistant Clinical Director, and Training Director at the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center. She has expertise in DBT, and is a DBT- Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™, and Trainer for Behavioral Tech. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Kansas, and completed her clinical internship at Duke University Medical Center. Before coming to UCSD, she held a clinical faculty appointment at the University of Washington, was a supervisor in Marsha Linehan's DBT training clinic, and was a staff psychologist at the DBT Center of Seattle. She currently oversees the training and clinical supervision of the UCSD EDC staff, and conducts individual, family and group therapy for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and EDNOS. Her research interests are in treatment development, evaluation, and outcomes, especially with regards to adaptations of DBT and FBT, and she has published many journal articles and two books in this area (including the Clinical Handbook of Complex and Atypical Eating Disorders). She frequently gives talks and workshops on DBT, eating disorders, suicidality, and related topics in the community and at national conferences. She is on the board of the Academy of Eating Disorders, and is the co-editor-in-chief of Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention.

Brittany Bohrer, PhD

Psychologist, Co-Occurring Disorders Track Coordinator

Brittany Bohrer - photo

Dr. Brittany Bohrer is a clinical psychologist and Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Track Coordinator in the Adult Treatment Program at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kansas and completed both her pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorder Center. Dr. Bohrer has training and experience providing treatment for eating, mood, anxiety, personality, and substance use disorders across varying levels of care. Dr. Bohrer has received specialty training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (DBT-SUD) and as the COD Track Coordinator, she coordinates a multidisciplinary team to provide evidence-based care to patients with co-occurring substance use and eating disorders. Dr. Bohrer’s research interests include the evaluation of evidence-based treatments for eating disorders and related psychopathology. Outside of work, Britt’s time is spent with her puppy and all things classic rock.

Kim Claudat, PhD

Assistant Clinical Professor, Director of Adult Services

Kim Claudat, PhD - photo

Dr. Kim Claudat is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Adult Services at UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. Dr. Claudat began her work at UC San Diego as a postdoctoral fellow. In addition to overseeing the adult program and providing clinical supervision, she provides individual, group, and family therapy. Her clinical and research interests focus on the connection between eating disorders and emotion regulation difficulties, particularly as this relates to commonly co-occurring disorders such as PTSD and Substance Use Disorders. She has received specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), DBT Prolonged Exposure for PTSD (DBT-PE), and DBT for Substance Use Disorders (DBT-SUD). Although her research and clinical work has mainly focused on eating pathology, she has experience providing evidence-based treatments to children, adolescents, adults, and their families, with a range of presenting psychiatric problems across various treatment settings.

Eva-Molly Petitto Dunbar, PhD

Sport and Exercise Track Coordinator

Eva-Molly Petitto Dunbar - photo

Dr. Eva-Molly Petitto Dunbar is a clinical psychologist and holds the position of Sport and Exercise Track Coordinator in the Adult Treatment Program at the UC San Diego Health (UCSDH) Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research (EDC). Dr. Dunbar received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Nutrition from the University of New Hampshire and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Health Psychology from the University of Rhode Island; there, with Advisor Dr. James Prochaska, she conducted research in the areas of health behavior change as well as eating disorders. She completed her predoctoral clinical internship at Potomac Behavioral Solutions (Arlington, VA), an outpatient integrated care setting, where she provided evidence-based treatment to a diverse high-risk population. Dr. Dunbar completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the UCSDH EDC in both the adolescent and adult clinics. She is experienced in assessment, group therapy, individual therapy, and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), including the adaptation of FBT for delivery in the home setting. She has expertise in evidence-based treatment of psychological disorders, including eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders across the lifespan and levels of care (home-based, inpatient, partial hospital/intensive outpatient, community settings). Dr. Dunbar has specialized training in comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), DBT Prolonged Exposure for PTSD (DBT-PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Enhanced CBT (CBT-E), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Radically Open (RO) DBT for individuals with difficulties related to emotional overcontrol. Her present research focuses on eating disorder treatment and novel prevention methods. She has co-founded two different university-based eating disorder prevention and support programs (at URI and UNH), and has worked on increasing eating disorder training, education, and treatment approaches to community-based primary care physicians and mental health providers. When she is not at work, Dr. Dunbar enjoys being outside in nature, mixed media art, and playing with her dog.

Lauren Gomez, LMFT

Therapist, IOP Coordinator, and Program Manager

Lauren Gomez, MS, MFTI - photo

Lauren Gomez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been working at UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Center since 2012. She received her Master's degree from San Francisco State University. Lauren is passionate about helping adult men and women with eating disorders. Lauren is the interium program manager and also coordinates the Intensive Outpatient Program to help patients reintegrate back into their live once they are ready to discharge from program. In addition to treating eating disorder disorders, Lauren also provides trauma treatment.

Therapists

Sanvi Beri, MA, APCC

Milieu Therapist

Sanvi Beri - photo

Sanvi Beri is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) who works in the adult PHP/IOP at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center. She has been working with the eating disorder population since 2017. Sanvi graduated with her BS in Psychology and minor in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Colorado in 2018. She then made the move from colorful Colorado to sunny San Diego and earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego in 2021. During her clinical training, Sanvi worked in various different levels of care and treatment settings with a wide range of individuals and diagnoses. Sanvi possesses clinical experience working with substance use disorders, feeding and eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and personality disorders. She began working at the UCSD EDC in May 2021 and works with individuals, couples, and families, while also providing group therapy. Sanvi is a therapist on the Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Track and coordinates the PTSD/Trauma track, providing individuals with specialized care targeting their substance use and trauma symptoms. Sanvi is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Sanvi also has specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Some of Sanvi's special areas of interest include the intersection of substance use disorders, eating disorders and trauma, and multicultural counseling. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach and with friends, exploring different San Diego neighborhoods, travelling, and live music.

Abbey Burns

Milieu Therapist

Rachel Chagnon - photo

Abbey (she/her) is a milieu therapist in the Adult Program at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research. After graduating her BSc in 2018 from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, she began a MSc in Community Health and Epidemiology with a specific focus on mental health. In 2021, Abbey began her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and moved to San Diego last year to complete it at Alliant International University. This year, Abbey will begin her final practicum placement working at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center to fulfill her goal of working with adults with eating disorders.

Abbey’s clinical experience includes providing individual therapy, crisis intervention, assessments, and long-term integrative treatment for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of mental health conditions. These conditions include eating, anxiety, mood, personality, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Abbey utilizes various evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). As for her research interests, Abbey is interested in the comorbidity between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In her free time, she enjoys going to spin classes, crocheting, and spending time outside with friends.

Rachel Chagnon, MA, LMFT

Therapist, TFAM Coordinator

Rachel Chagnon - photo

Rachel Chagnon is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works in the adult PHP/IOP at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center. She has been working with the eating disorder population since 2018. Rachel graduated with her BA in Psychology from Sonoma State University in 2016. She then moved back home to sunny San Diego and earned her MA in Marital and Family therapy from the University of San Diego in 2019. During her time at USD, Rachel completed her practicum at the UCSD CHEAR (Center for Health Eating and Activity Research) Clinic where she gained individual and family clinical experience working with patients of all ages with diagnoses of BED, BN, AN, and ARFID. Rachel found that during her practicum year she gained a passion for working with adult patients who have a diagnosis of an eating disorder, and their families, and started working in the adult program at the UCSD EDC in spring 2019. Rachel works with individuals, couples, and families at UCSD, and she runs the TFam (transitional family) programming for young adults at the UCSD EDC. TFam is a multi-family group for young adults and their families to learn psychoeducation and support techniques for young adults in higher levels of care for EDs. This includes lessons and experiential activities on neurobiology of eating disorders, DBT skills, dietary, meal support, and more. In addition to EDs, Rachel has experience working with mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and disorders of over-control. Rachel helps co-lead the Radically Open DBT (RO DBT) track in the adult program. Rachel is trained in CBT-E and FBT, and specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and is passionate in assisting patients in creating their life worth living.

Kelsey Ramos Christerson, LMFT

Milieu Therapist

Kelsey Ramos Christerson - photo

Kelsey is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works in the adult PHP/IOP at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center. Kelsey graduated with her BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University in 2013 and received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Kelsey has experience working with TAY (transitional age youth population) and adult patients treating mood, anxiety and personality disorders. Kelsey works with individuals, couples, and families at UCSD EDC with a variety of ED diagnoses and co-facilitates the Sport & Movement track and family programming. Kelsey has experience utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Based Treatment (FBT). Kelsey is a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist who utilizes a person-centered, strengths-based approach through a multicultural, trauma-informed lens. Kelsey is passionate about supporting multiethnic/mixed-identified adults who, along with racial trauma, have challenges in finding comfort and security in their racial/ethnic/cultural identity. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time outside in nature, hanging out with her family and cuddling with her dog, Wrigley.

Margaret “Marti” Edwards, MA

Milieu Therapist

Margaret “Marti” Edwards - photo

Margaret “Marti” Edwards is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who works in the Adult Treatment Program at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research. Marti received her BA in Psychology and BS in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona in 2019. She then moved to San Diego and received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego in 2021. Throughout her training, Marti has worked in PHP and IOP programs with a wide range of individuals and diagnoses, focusing on feeding and eating disorders, substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Marti has always had a passion for working with adults with eating disorders. She is a therapist on the Co-Occurring Disorder (COD) track to continue her work with those experiencing eating and substance use disorders. Marti provides individual, group, and family therapy utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and has also been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outside, and playing with her cat Cassie.

Christina Felonis, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Christina Felonis - photo

Dr. Christina Felonis is a postdoctoral fellow at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in the Adult Program. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theater from Bates College and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center and at Rady Children’s Hospital in the primary care mental health integration rotation. Dr. Felonis has treated eating disorders and their comorbidities including mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma related disorders. She has utilized cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness- and acceptance-based approaches and is certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD and Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD. Her research focuses on the ways in which negative and positive affect maintain eating pathology and can be more effectively intervened on. Her doctoral dissertation created machine learning models that predicted loss of control eating and compensatory behavior episodes during treatment using daily life experiences like changes in affect. Outside of work, she can be found at the beach with her two dogs, going to concerts, and traveling.

Dana Jacobs, APCC

Milieu Therapist

Dana Jacobs - photo

Dana is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and a milieu therapist in the Adult Program at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research. Dana received her Associate Degree in Psychology before completing her BS in Psychology with a Minor in Forensic Psychology at Western Oregon University. In 2019 Dana moved back to California and received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego in 2021. Throughout her training Dana was able to focus on working with a wide variety of diagnosis primarily utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) at the outpatient level prior to starting working at UCSD Eating Disorder Clinic in 2022. As an ex collegiate athlete Dana has always had an interest working with athletes and at UCSD Dana is a part of the Sports and Exercise Track to work with those navigating eating disorders and the world of competitive athletics. Dana provides individual, group and family therapy utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In her free time you can find Dana outside, at the beach or park or wandering the neighborhoods of San Diego, wherever the sun is. In the less than sunny months Dana enjoys reading, listening to music, and watching Movies with friends.

Kelsey Johnson

Milieu Therapist

Kelsey Johnson - photo

Kelsey (she/her) has worked as a therapist at the Eating Disorders Center (EDC) since 2019. She received her Masters in Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2018, and has worked in the social service field since 2011 within a variety of settings, including intensive treatment foster care, residential foster care for pregnant and parenting adolescents, and high school counseling. At the EDC, Kelsey works with individuals, families, and couples with a variety of ED diagnoses, and additionally co-facilitates the Perfectionism group, Anxiety group, Intro to Radically Open DBT skills class, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID. Kelsey has received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Family-Based Treatment, Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID. Additionally, she created and facilitates the patient-initiated Social Justice group, a space in which patients can learn about and discuss topics such as anti-fat bias, diet culture, and weight stigma, and to incorporate those perspectives into their work in recovery. In her spare time, she loves watching any and all reality TV, frequenting favorite and new coffee shops, traveling the country to visit long-distance friends, spending time with her family in Los Angeles, seeing live theatre and comedy, and petting any dog that crosses her path.

Angeline Krueger

Milieu Therapist

Angeline Krueger - photo

Angeline began working at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center as a volunteer research assistant in 2016 while pursuing her bachelors of science in psychology from the University of California, San Diego. When she graduated in 2017, she began working full time as a research coordinator on various projects that aligned with her interests in neuroimaging and treatment development within the eating disorder population, including fMRI studies investigating emotion regulation, interoceptive processes, and incentive/reward-based learning. Throughout her time on the research team, Angeline was able to contribute to the publication of various journal articles and attend/present original research from the UCSD Eating Disorders Center at various conferences. In addition to interest in the neurocircuitry, neurobiology, etiology and maintenance factors of eating disorders, Angeline also developed interest in clinical and research assessment processes. Angeline has gained years of invaluable skills and knowledge in the assessment and diagnosis of eating disorders and other comorbid psychiatric conditions. Ultimately, through her work in the clinic, Angeline became passionate about pursuing more of a clinical role and decided to apply for a clinical master’s degree. While in graduate school, Angeline gained clinical skills in various therapeutic modalities, including DBT, CBT, MI, and ACT, as well as gain practice in case management. Angeline was able to work in various setting with diverse populations. After graduating with her MSW in 2023 from San Diego State University, Angeline began working on the adult team as a milieu therapist. Given her interests in emotion dysregulation, Angeline enjoys using DBT as an evidence-based treatment modality for eating disorders. Angeline continues to grow her clinical skills and loves to use her research background in the implementation of her clinical practice. Outside of the clinic, Angeline enjoys watching movies, hanging out with her dog and cat, and completing various art and DIY projects.

Sage Lachman

Pre-Doctoral Psychology Intern

Sage Lachman - photo

Sage Lachman (she/her) is a pre-doctoral psychology intern at the University of California San Diego Eating Disorders Center and a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at Duke University and Duke Center for Eating Disorders. She graduated from Pitzer College in Claremont, CA with a BA in Psychology and worked as a research coordinator at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in the pediatric intensive care unit. During graduate school, Sage got extensive training in working with neurodivergent and gender-expansive adolescents and young adults, and has treated eating disorders and their common comorbidities including mood, anxiety, gender dysphoria, ADHD, ASD, sensory processing disorder, chronic pain, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma related disorders. She has utilized family based treatment (FBT) and DBT-informed, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness- and acceptance-based approaches. Sage's research interests include the adaptation evidence-based treatments for eating disorders within neurodivergent and gender-expansive populations. Outside of work, Sage can be found at the beach with her dog, playing drums, going to shows, and spending time in nature.

Gabby Pero, PsyD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Gabby Pero - photo

Gabby (she/her) is a clinical postdoctoral fellow at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in the Adult Program. Gabby received her PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in San Diego, CA. She also received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from CSPP, as well as her B.A. in Psychology with a music minor from Pepperdine University. Gabby completed her predoctoral internship at UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services within their eating disorder emphasis position. Gabby has experience utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and has worked with a variety of eating disorder presentations in the adult population across levels of care, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. She has also worked with a wide range of possible co-occurring diagnoses over the course of her training, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar I and II, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. Gabby’s clinical interests include working with LGBTQIA+ identified individuals, gender-affirming care, body neutrality/acceptance, and the Health At Every Size approach. On her days off, Gabby enjoys going to concerts, trying new recipes, spending time at the beach, and playing with her cat Basil.

Melody Pezeshkian

Milieu Therapist

Melody Pezeshkian - photo

Melody Pezeshkian is a practicum student at the Adult program in the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research. After graduating her BS in 2020 from UCSB, she began her PhD at Alliant University. At her last practicum placement, the Center for Applied Biobehavioral Sciences (CABS) she implemented Biofeedback for a variety of patients in a health-psychology setting, working with patients with anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, GI disorders, PTSD, and eating disorders. Melody is excited to focus solely on helping patients with eating disorders for her final practicum placement.

At CABS she received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In addition, she completed a Motivational Interviewing (MI) training while working on a clinical trial at University of California, San Francisco. Melody is also highly interested in pursuing research and is completing her dissertation on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and decision-making. She is interested in better understanding the intersection of OCD and eating disorders in her research. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, writing, working on music, and playing chess.

Jacy Purkiss, PsyD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Jacy Purkiss - photo

Dr. Jacy Purkiss is a postdoctoral fellow at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in the Adult Program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2018. Dr. Purkiss completed her PsyD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University in San Diego. During her predoctoral clinical internship, Dr. Purkiss worked at the inpatient and intensive outpatient levels of care treating mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders with an emphasis in treating co-morbid posttraumatic stress. She has extensive training in evidence-based treatments of eating disorders and their comorbidities including mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, posttraumatic stress, and suicidality. Dr. Purkiss has been trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Dr. Purkiss focuses her clinical work on integrating and tailoring evidence-based treatments to meet the people she works with where they are at and attain their life worth living goals. Her research interests include treating body image distress within a socio-culturally responsive framework, mindfulness-based interventions, and positive psychology. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, meditation, and spending time outside in nature.

Katherine Denise “KD” Samonte

Psych Tech

Katherine Denise “KD” Samonte - photo

Katherine Denise “KD” Samonte is a Behavioral Health Psychiatric Professional I who works in the Adult Program at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center. KD received her BA in Psychology with a Minor in Social Work from San Diego State University in 2021. She is currently in graduate school to receive her MS in Marriage and Family Therapy. Throughout her training, KD has worked in PHP and IOP programs with a wide range of individuals and diagnoses, focusing on OCD, anxiety disorders, and depression. She has experience utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). KD provides support for our therapy and dietary teams. In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, and doing yoga or art projects.

Bailey Smith, MA

Milieu Therapist

Bailey Smith - photo

Bailey is pursuing a Doctoral (Psy.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). Bailey has extensive experience working with a range of populations and is passionate about working with those struggling with Eating Disorders. Beyond UCSD, Bailey is the Clinic Coordinator at the Center for Applied Psychology, the Senior Editorial Assistant for the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, and a Psychological Associate at the Forensic Assessment Institute of Southern California. Bailey is working on her dissertation investigating restorative justice and its potential for long-term healing following sexual assault. Bailey received a Bachelor’s (B.S.) degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Gender-Based Violence from Tulane University. Bailey’s most recent clinical experience includes being a clinician at Monima Wellness Center where she served clients with extensive trauma histories and substance use disorders. She has worked on multiple crisis hotlines, supporting survivors through forensic exams as a medical advocate, and working with unhoused survivors of human trafficking. Bailey is passionate about providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed treatment regardless of the setting.

Sydney Taylor, APCC

Milieu Therapist

Sydney Taylor - photo

Sydney Taylor (she/her) is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and a milieu therapist in the adult PHP/IOP program at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center. She graduated with her BS in Psychology from Villanova University in 2018, after which she worked on a research team at Temple University studying the impacts of community involvement on mental health. In 2020, Sydney moved back home to California and began her Master’s in Counseling program at the University of San Diego, during which time she completed her practicum and internship at South Bay Guidance Wellness Recovery Center in Chula Vista. In 2022, Sydney earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from USD and began working at the UCSD Eating Disorder Clinic, pursuing a longtime passion for working with adults with eating disorders.

Sydney’s clinical experience includes providing individual and group therapy to adults with a wide range of mental health concerns, including eating, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. She is trained in multiple therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and approaches therapy with an evidence-based and strengths-focused lens. Sydney’s research interests include the presentation of eating disorders within athlete and LGBTQIA+ populations. When not in the clinic, you can find Sydney rock climbing, making art, or curled up on the couch with a book and her cat, Bandit.

Dietary Team

Breana Janke, RD

Registered Dietitian, Director of Nutrition Services

Breana Janke, RD - photo

Breana Janke is a Registered Dietitian who has been working for UCSD EDC since 2012. Breana earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Foods and Nutrition from San Diego State University. Shortly after completing her undergraduate work, Breana was accepted into a dietetic internship program where she completed one year of supervised practice experience and subsequently earned her credential as a Registered Dietitian. Throughout her time at UCSD EDC, she has received experience working in all different areas of the clinic including the adult and adolescent programs, the intensive family treatment program, transitional aged youth, clinical nutrition management, and food service management. Breana has extensive experience providing nutrition treatment for all types of eating disorder diagnoses and truly values being able to provide individualized care to her patients. In April 2021, Breana received the opportunity to take a new role at the EDC and officially accepted the position as Director of Nutrition Services. Breana is very excited for this opportunity and the contributions she can make to the nutrition department, patient care experience, and EDC as a whole. In her free time Breana enjoys spending time outdoors enjoying nature, traveling to new places with her husband, and exploring new restaurants in the city.

Krissy Lines, MS, RD, CSSD, CPT

Registered Dietitian

Krissy Lines - photo

Krissy Lines is a Registered Dietitian with the PHP/IOP adult program, a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and co-leads the adult sport and movement groups.

She first discovered her love of the medical field from working as an Emergency Medical Technician in San Diego, CA. This career led her through kinesiology, nutrition, and counseling coursework. She earned both her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees in human nutrition from Texas State University and continued with her Dietetic Internship throughout Central Texas. Krissy has additional experience with nutrition research, including published manuscripts on the home food environment of young children. She is most passionate about helping patients return to their sport and build a positive relationship with movement.

Within her nutrition counseling, Krissy utilizes up-to-date peer-reviewed research to apply medical nutrition therapies for her patients. Further, she incorporates intuitive eating practices, individualized goal setting, and hands-on meal exposure techniques. Krissy is a proud advocate of the LGBTQIA and Health At Every Size (HAES) communities.

As a local San Diegan, Krissy loves spending her time at the beach. She also enjoys sports, hugging animals, traveling with her family, playing music, and painting!