Sophie is a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology in Dr. Thomas Joiner's laboratory at Florida State University, and joined the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center as a staff research associate in 2024. She is currently an APA predoctoral psychology intern. She previously completed her B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience and Anthropology from the University of San Diego in 2019 and her M.S. in Psychology from Drexel University in 2021. Sophie's research focuses on the intersection between eating disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms, underlying neurobiological mechanisms of eating disorders, and diagnosis and classification. In her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, going to the beach, and spending time with her cat.

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).

Travis Anderson is a Marital and Family Therapist trainee working in the Pediatric Clinic at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research. He is currently earning his Master’s Degree in Marital & Family Therapy at the University of San Diego. Travis earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis. After teaching through Americorp at St. Vincent De Paul’s Village for one year, Travis went to law school and obtained his law degree from the University of San Diego. Travis practiced law as a litigator and trial attorney for fifteen years before deciding to follow his rekindled passion for mental health. Travis loves spending time with his wife and three children, and also enjoys reading, hiking, and playing racquet sports.

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.

Current Professional Interests

• Etiology of and empirically supported treatments for eating disorders
• Treatment outcomes research, particularly with regard to adaptations of Family Based Treatment (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Treatment of atypical, complex, comorbid eating disorders
• Supervision, teaching and training

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.

Marisa is an Associate Admissions Clinician at the UC San Diego Eating Disorder Center. She graduated with her Bachelors degree in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and went on to earn her Masters degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University in San Diego. She has been working in the mental health field since 2014 at various settings including residential treatment centers, in home therapeutic behavioral services, and inpatient psychiatric care. She has clinical experience providing individual, family and group therapy, crisis intervention, and case management to individuals experiencing challenges with mental health and substance use. Most recently, she spent three years working in the Intake department at Aurora Behavioral Healthcare, where she solidified her passion for admissions work, assessing and serving as an advocate for adolescents and adults in crisis. At UCSD, Marisa continues to highlight patient’s resiliency as she works with them to navigate the initial steps to getting started with 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.

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.

Sanvi Beri is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who works in the adult PHP/IOP at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center. She has been working with the eating disorder population since 2017. Sanvi graduated with her BS in Psychology and a minor in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Colorado in 2018. She then moved 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 across various levels of care and treatment settings, caring for 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, as well as providing group therapy. Sanvi is the PTSD Track coordinator and is a therapist on the Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Track, providing individuals with specialized care targeting their substance use and trauma symptoms. Sanvi is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) and specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Sanvi also has specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE). 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, traveling, and live music.

Dr. Britt Bohrer is a clinical psychologist and Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Track Co-Coordinator in the Adult 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, specializing in eating disorder assessment and diagnosis. Britt completed both her pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorder Center. She 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 a COD Track Co-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.

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.

Alli Boyar is a practicum student therapist in the Pediatric Clinic at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at the San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. Alli earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development at Cornell University. She has since worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Center of Excellence in Eating and Weight Disorders at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and currently works with children and families at the UCSD Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and cooking.

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.

Emily is a therapist on the Medical Behavioral Unit (MBU) located at Rady Children’s Hospital. She has her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Previously, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. Emily completed her graduate school practicum traineeship gaining experience on the adult, adolescent, and pediatric programs within the UCSD Eating Disorders Center providing individual, group, and multi-family group therapy. She was hired on as a milieu therapist for the pediatric and adolescent programs upon completion of graduate school prior to transitioning to the MBU. Emily continues to work with children, adolescents, adults on the MBU providing individual, group, and family therapy for those struggling with feeding and eating disorders, among other psychiatric diagnoses. When she’s not at work, Emily enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and spending time with her family and dog.

Miki received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from University of California, San Diego. Combining her interests in cognitive neuropsychology with her experience in computer science, she is currently working as a research associate for the neuroimaging studies conducted at the UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Center. As a member of the research team, she assists in fMRI data analysis that examines the neurobiology of eating disorders. She is particularly interested in effects of long-term illness on brain functions and has previously worked for neuroimaging studies in HIV, substance abuse, and child development.

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.

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. 

Stephanie Chavez is a Registered Dietitian at the UCSD Eating Disorders Clinic, where she has provided compassionate, evidence-based nutritional care since 2015. She earned her Bachelor's degree from San Diego State University, where she double majored in Nutrition and Psychology, laying the foundation for her integrated approach to eating disorder treatment. Her passion for this specialty began during her undergraduate years when she started working at eating disorder treatment centers as a dietetic assistant. After completing her dietetic internship at Cal Poly Pomona, she returned to the field in 2018 as a Registered Dietitian. Committed to serving diverse communities, she facilitates Spanish-language support groups for families, ensuring culturally responsive care for all patients. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and traveling.

Gayathri (Gaya) Chelvakumar, MD, MPH (she/her) is an attending physician in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Rady Children’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine. She received her medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency, adolescent medicine fellowship, and Master of Public Health degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Clinically she has expertise in providing care to adolescents and young adults, with a focus on youth who are particularly vulnerable to negative health outcomes including transgender and gender diverse youth, LGB youth, youth experiencing homelessness, and justice involved youth. As an educator, researcher, and advocate her focus is on promoting equitable, accessible, evidence-based care for all adolescents in partnership with the communities she serves. She has over a decade of experience providing inpatient and outpatient care to adolescents and young adults with eating disorders.

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Sheri is a Registered Dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, emotional eating, unhealthy relationships with food and exercise, and other disordered eating patterns. Sheri graduated from the University of Arizona where she earned her Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences, and Master’s in Applied Nutrition. She completed her clinical dietetic internship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX. She has experience at a variety of levels of care for eating disorder treatment ranging from RTC, PHP, IOP, OP, and in the virtual setting. When not working, Sheri is exploring local coffeeshops, and all outdoor activities in the dreamy SoCal weather.

Kelsey is a Licensed 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 works with TAY (transitional age youth population) and adult patients treating mood, anxiety and personality disorders. Kelsey serves as the Track Coordinator to the ARFID track at UCSD EDC and co-facilitates the Sport & Movement groups and family programming. Kelsey has experience utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR), 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.

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.

Dr. Kim Claudat is an Associate 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.

Ian Cohen is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist who joined the UCSD Eating Disorder Center in 2020. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Virginia and worked in the entertainment industry for five years before dedicating himself to a career that aligns with his passion for mental health and recovery, completing his Dietetic Internship at the University of Kentucky and Lexington Veteran Affairs Hospital. He is a contributor to UCSD EDC’s Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) track and has presented numerous seminars on the intersection of nutrition and substance usage.

Ian is also a musician, journalist and author whose first book, Feeling Neglected?, will be published by Atria Books in 2027.

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!

Dr. Jacquie Corvan is a Pediatric Psychologist on the Medical Behavioral Unit (MBU) at Rady Children's Hospital. She graduated from the School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology. Dr. Corvan completed her pre-doctoral internship at Central Washington University at the Student Medical and Counseling Clinic and her postdoctoral training on the MBU at Rady Children’s Hospital providing individual, family, and group therapy for eating disorder patients and pediatric patients. Her research interests include prevention and interventions for weight related conditions, family based interventions, and incorporating evidence based treatments within medical settings. Dr. Corvan is also very passionate about teaching and currently teaches graduate courses in Family and Child/Adolescent Counseling.

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 UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center since 2015 focusing on implementing DBT skills and knowledge as well as educating further about RO-DBT to both adolescents and their parents. When not at work, Cassandra is reading her book, doing craft hobbies, and hanging with her dog Jalapeno.

Andi is an admission clinician at the UC San Diego Eating Disorder Center. She graduated with her BA in Psychology from Arizona State University and went on to obtain her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. During her graduate studies she was awarded the Dean Merit Scholarship wherein her interests centered upon integration of positive psychology, strengths based clinical intervention, and trauma informed care. She previously interned at Center for Community Solutions of San Diego wherein she provided individual, couple, group and family therapy to survivors of sexual trauma and intimate partner violence. Her present clinical interests and specialized training include evidence-based trauma treatment, risk and trauma assessment, as well as the neurobiological underpinnings of eating disorders as it relates to treatment, assessment and research.

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.

Margaret “Marti” Edwards is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who works in the Adult Treatment Program at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders 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. Marti serves as the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Track Co-Coordinator and the Co-Occurring Disorders Track Co-Coordinator. 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, obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Marti provides individual, group, couples, and family therapy utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and has also been trained in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outside, and playing with her cat, Cassie.

Alexis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Rady Children Hospital’s Medical Behavioral Unit (MBU). Alexis is a local San Diegan and loves working at Rady Children’s Hospital to serve her home community. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UC San Diego, graduate training at University of San Diego, and practicum training at UCSD Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) outpatient clinic. Alexis has also had training at UCSD Internal Medicine in an integrated care setting, and has worked in private practice. Alexis has experience working with adults, families, adolescents and children with eating disorders and various other psychological and interpersonal needs in the outpatient, day treatment, and residential treatment settings. Alexis has a strong interest in working with individuals with eating disorders and mood disorders, and has specialized training in family based treatment for eating disorders and evidenced based treatments for binge eating disorder. When not at the MBU, Alexis likes to spend time with her family and go to the beautiful beaches in San Diego.

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.

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.

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.

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 therapy 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.

Dr. Frank is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany. He trained in psychosomatics at the Center for Behavioral Health Klinik Roseneck, Prien, Germany, and then received clinical and research training at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, and the University of California San Diego, USA. He holds an appointment as professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego. Dr. Frank has done extensive post-graduate work on the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders and has also received extensive certified training in cognitive behavioral and other psychotherapies. He is an expert consultant to local and national law firms. He has received multiple awards, including an NIH Minority Access to Research Career Program (NIMH) Mentor Recognition award and the Eating Disorder Foundation Greg Hueni Memorial Award for excellence in research. Dr. Frank’s work involves human neuroimaging and tasks that are based on animal research with the goal of identifying specific neurotransmitter receptor systems that are relevant for eating disorder behaviors. Dr. Frank has been funded through the National Institute of Mental Health and multiple private foundation grants for the past fifteen years. His overarching goal is to develop translational research designs that bridge clinical presentation with neuroscience to develop more effective treatments for eating disorders to develop preventative measures, improve recovery and prevent relapse.

Katie joined the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center as a staff research associate in 2023. Since graduating from Arizona State University in 2017 with her Bachelor of Science degree, she has worked in nutritional behavior research at UNC-Chapel Hill, and then as a therapeutic assistant and supervisor at Veritas Collaborative. Katie is passionate about her current role, where she can combine her interests and skills in both neuroimaging research and clinical treatment settings to support the center’s mission of improving the lives of our patients via evidence-based treatment. Outside of work, Katie enjoys crocheting, riding her bicycle, and exploring San Diego and beyond with her dog.

Adrianne Gault is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience supporting children and adolescents in acute medical and psychiatric settings. After completing her undergraduate education at Gonzaga University, she relocated to Southern California to earn her Master’s degree at the University of San Diego. Since 2017, Adrianne has trained and worked at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center and the Medical Behavioral Unit at Rady Children’s Hospital. In 2023, she returned to the Pediatric Program at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center to take on a leadership and supervisory role. Her clinical expertise includes treating complex presentations across higher levels of care, including eating disorders, ARFID, and OCD. She also leads annual trainings in ARFID and OCD, reflecting her passion for education, mentorship, and advancing clinician competence in these specialty areas. Outside of work, Adrianne enjoys cheering on the Padres with her husband, playing trivia with friends, spending time with her two cats and dog, and watching the sunset at the beach.

Dr. Neha Goel (she/her) is a postdoctoral fellow working in the Pediatric Clinic at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research (EDC). Dr. Goel graduated with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and American studies from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Goel completed her pediatric/adolescent clinical residency in 2024 at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and the EDC. She subsequently obtained her doctorate in counseling psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024. Dr. Goel has numerous years of experience delivering evidence-based treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies (MABT), trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), and interpersonal process therapy (IPT) for eating, mood, trauma, and anxiety disorders in adults, adolescents, and children. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Goel maintains an active research program focused on reducing eating disorder-related health disparities in marginalized racial/ethnic communities. In her free time, Dr. Goel enjoys traveling, watching true crime documentaries, and spending time with her pets.

Lauren Gomez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Adult Program Manager at UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. She has been working at UCSDH EDC since 2012. She received her Master's degree from San Francisco State University. Lauren is passionate about helping individuals with eating disorders. Lauren is the 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.

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.

Alani started working at the EDC in 2025.  

Natalie Holland, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at the UCSD 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 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. She utilizes evidence-based treatment modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Family Based Treatment (FBT) and uses a multicultural lens when working with clients and families. 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, take naps and trying new coffee shops.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Anorexia nervosa has the highest rate of death of any psychiatric illness. We are now beginning to understand why people develop these disorders, and we are using this information to develop more effective treatment.

Walter H. Kaye, MD

Dr. Walter Kaye was recruited to the UC San Diego faculty from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he was research director of the eating disorder program, and where he received a NIMH senior scientist award.

Dr. Kaye’s current research is focused on exploring the relationship between brain and behavior using brain imaging and genetics, and developing and applying new treatments for anorexia and bulimia nervosa. He is the principal investigator for an international, multi-site collaboration on the genetics of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. He has an international reputation in the field of eating disorders and is the author of more than 300 articles and publications. He attended Ohio State Medical School, trained in neurology at the University of Southern California and trained in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Kaye was then a fellow and research physician at the National Institute of Mental Health for seven years where he conducted research on appetite regulation, behavior and treatment for disorders.

As Director of the University of California, San Diego Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program, Dr. Kaye and his clinical team are treating anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders with an innovative, intensive program that approaches the problem on multiple levels, including medical, psychological, psycho-educational and counseling of the family as key support group.

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.

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.

Maya Kumar, MD, FAAP, FRCPC earned her medical degree from the University of Alberta Medical School in Edmonton, Canada and completed fellowships in adolescent medicine at University of Toronto and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She is board-certified in general pediatrics and adolescent medicine. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP) and the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC). In addition to providing outpatient consultation for eating disorder patients, she cares for hospitalized eating disorder patients with severe medical complications at Rady Children's Hospital. From 2019 to 2023, she served as Chair of the Adolescent Nutrition Committee for the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. She is currently the leader of the Eating Disorders Special Interest Group and a member of the Eating Disorder Committee for the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine. Dr. Kumar has published guidelines on adolescent nutritional disorders and numerous other articles, and book chapters related to adolescent health issues including eating disorders, substance abuse, and reproductive health. In 2022, she published a book on Fad Diets in Adolescents. She frequently presents scholarly work at international conferences and has won several research awards. She is also a reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals. At UC San Diego School of Medicine, Dr. Kumar directs the adolescent medicine rotation for the Pediatric Residency Program. She is active in training medical students and residents in the care of adolescents using a biopsychosocial approach. In 2017, she was awarded the UCSD Whitehill Prize for excellence in clinical teaching. She is an active member of the San Diego County Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society for Adolescent Medicine, volunteering her time for community-based initiatives promoting pediatric and adolescent health. Dr. Kumar is enthusiastic and passionate about advocacy and community outreach and has been recognized with the following awards and recognitions : "Special Achievement Award" by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2017), "Doc of the Quarter" by the American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 3 (2018), "Early Career Physician of the Year" by the American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 3 (2021), and "Annual Chapter Recognition Award" by the Southern California Chapter of the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine (2022).

Vivian Lau is the Outreach Coordinator at UCSD Eating Disorders Center. She graduated from UC San Diego with her Bachelors in Human Biology in 2017. Prior to joining the Eating Disorders Center, she worked at UCSD Student Health in Health Promotion Services and worked on health education campaigns discussing nutrition, sleep, and stress for college students. She currently works in the Admissions and Outreach department and manages our social media, marketing, and outreach events.

Nicole Lee (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the Pediatric Clinic at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research. She earned her Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego and her Bachelor of Arts in French and Arabic from Portland State University. Nicole has lived and worked in Morocco and France, where her teaching experience deepened her understanding of cultural systems, family dynamics, and their influence on well-being. She integrates these perspectives into her clinical work with children and families. Nicole completed her practicum year at UCSD Eating Disorders Center in the Pediatric Program where she was trained in evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family-Based Treatment (FBT). Outside of work, Nicole enjoys reading, travelling, and collecting seashells at the beach.

Min graduated from University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. In late May of 2016, she started working for UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program as a Community Health Program Representative. She is passionate about reaching out to the San Diego community, building relationships, and enjoying the great outdoors!

Tamara Maginot “Tammy” works at the Medical Behavioral Unit at Rady Children's Hospital/ UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research Program. Tammy has her Ph.D. in clinical psychology with an emphasis in pediatric health from the California School of Professional Psychology. Tammy completed her clinical internship at Sharp Healthcare in San Diego and completed her doctoral dissertation on the effect of weight on elementary school aged children’s social competence. Tammy’s clinical and research interests include working with children and adolescents managing chronic medical conditions, trauma-informed care, family-based treatment of obesity and eating disorders, and medical stabilization of eating disorders.

Dr. Makowski is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego. She earned her BSc in Psychology and PhD in Neuroscience from McGill University, and completed her postdoctoral training in UCSD’s Department of Radiology. Her research bridges multiple scales of neuroscience to better understand the development of adolescent psychiatric disorders. She has a vested interest in identifying neurobiologically-informed predictive markers of eating disorders (e.g., through integration of multimodal MRI, genetics, and temperament) to meaningfully improve treatments for patients. Dr. Makowski's research has been supported by the National Institutes of Mental Health, the Brain Behavior Foundation, the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, and by Canadian federal (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) and provincial (Fonds de Recherche du Quebec- Santé) funding mechanisms. Dr. Makowski is also an investigator within the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study Consortium. When she’s not wrangling big data, you can find her running along the coastline, dancing, or getting lost in a good book.

Megan is a research coordinator at the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Anthropology, and a certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015. Megan went on to earn her Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University in 2023. Prior to joining the EDC, she worked in various research labs at the University of Pittsburgh focusing on depression, autism spectrum, trauma, personality disorders, and eating disorders. Megan is passionate about eating disorder research and contributing to a better understanding of eating disorders and treatment. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family.

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.

Karlee McGlone is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Admissions Director at the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center. With expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), Karlee works closely with patients, families, and outpatient teams to work through the treatment-ambivalence inherent in eating disorders. She is a passionate advocate, helping everyone to have access to the evidence-based care they need and deserve. Karlee graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a B.A. in Psychology and earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She has clinical experience treating eating disorders in residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and private practice settings. Karlee is an active member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) and the outgoing Membership Chair for the San Diego chapter.

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. 

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.

Aam started working at the EDC in 2022. Her cooking experience ranges from our medical behavioral unit to the EDC. Aam enjoys working with the team and how cooking brings people together.  

Elizabeth joined the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in October 2024 as a milieu therapist. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University. Elizabeth has experience working for the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) and other outpatient settings. She works in our pediatric program to support the patients and their families on a day-to-day basis. In addition, Elizabeth provides assistance to the clinical staff with coordination of care throughout the patient’s treatment stay in the pediatric program. During her free time, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, trying new coffee shops and spending time with her friends and family.

Audrey joined the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center (EDC) as an undergraduate research assistant in 2019 and continued her time at the EDC as a research coordinator in 2020. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from UC San Diego in 2020. Audrey went on to earn a certificate in Crisis Intervention for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault from the Women's Resource Center of Oceanside in 2024 and is pursuing her Masters of Social Work degree at San Diego State University. Audrey is passionate about eating disorders and mental health research and treatment, particularly among marginalized and minority communities. Outside of work, you can find Audrey at South Mission Beach playing volleyball or at home playing video games and hanging out with her cat.

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.

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.

Dr. Shefali Rai completed her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary, where she used precision functional MRI to examine individualized brain network organization in both children and adults. Her research focused on advancing neuroimaging methods to better understand neurodevelopment. As a postdoctoral scholar in the BRIDGE Lab and the UCSD Eating Disorders Center, Dr. Rai aims to integrate multimodal metrics (MRI, genetics, behavioral data) to identify neurobiological markers that can inform early detection and precise interventions for youth. Outside of work, you can find Shefali baking, spending time outside with family, and swimming.

Dr. Ana Ramirez is an Associate Clinical Professor and Director of Pediatric Services at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. She received her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in Clinical Psychology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the EDC. In addition to overseeing the pediatric program, Dr. Ramirez provides clinical supervision and individual, family, and group therapy. She has training in family-based treatment, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure response prevention. Her clinical experience includes treatment of eating disorders across the diagnostic spectrum and ages with a specialty focus on ARFID. Dr. Ramirez often participates in expert panels, provides trainings and workshops on the presentations of ARFID and its treatment for the community and at national conferences. Her research interests include eating disorder treatment development, evaluation, and outcomes, and the adaptation of available treatments for culturally diverse patient populations. Dr. Ramirez emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and is fully bilingual. Her passion is working to ensure that ethnic minorities have equal access to evidence-based treatments. Dr. Ramirez provides therapy to Spanish-speaking patients and their families.

Joshua Rauchwerger is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working in the Adult Program at the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2020, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. As soon as he graduated, he knew he had to pursue a career in counseling, so he began volunteering for the Institute on Aging’s Friendship Line, providing crisis and emotional support services for older adults and people with disabilities and mental health conditions. He also volunteered his time with the Trevor Project, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth nationwide on LGBTQ+ specific and non-specific issues. He then made the move to San Diego and received his Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego in 2024. Joshua completed his practicum traineeship at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in the Adolescent Program, where he gained experience and discovered his passion for working with individuals and families affected with eating disorders and comorbid mental health conditions. He transitioned to working in the Adult Program, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families, and offering extensive group therapy. Joshua is one of the therapists on the Co-Occurring Disorders Track, where he provides specialized, integrated care for individuals navigating substance use alongside their eating disorder recovery. He also supports with Family Programming, teaching young adults and their families about topics related to eating disorders, including skills application, strategies to support a loved one, psychoeducation, and nutrition and dietary information. Joshua also supports the Sports and Exercise Track, working closely with individuals recovering from eating disorders to help them rebuild a healthy relationship with movement and safely return to sports in a balanced, sustainable way. As a former competitive gymnast, he brings a deep understanding of athletic identity and performance pressure, which help to aid in the complexities of recovery for his patients who are athletes. He also leads Saturday Programming, creating and facilitating therapy groups focused on applying DBT skills, planning for the weekend, and supporting continued meal plan compliance. Joshua has experience in a range of evidence-based treatments, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Treatment (FBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). He brings a compassionate, collaborative, and person-centered approach to his work, meeting individuals and families where they are with empathy, insight, and respect. He utilizes a strengths-based framework, emphasizing each individual’s resilience and capacity for growth while fostering a supportive, validating, and empowering therapeutic environment. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, dancing, watching movies and TV shows, catching sunsets, and exploring new places around San Diego.

Ivan started working at the EDC in 2025. He has formed a self-driven career path within the culinary world as he began as a dishwasher and progressed through the ranks to become a Head Chef/Supervisor at a well-known restaurant. Ivan demonstrates an exceptional commitment and a comprehensive understanding of all facets of kitchen operations. He values the friendships with his coworkers and making the workplace a positive place.

Amanda Reddy, Registered Nurse joined the UC San Diego Health 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.

Kendal Reeder (she/her) is a predoctoral clinical psychology intern at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center and a doctoral candidate at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During her graduate training, Kendal worked as a clinician at the UCLA Psychology Clinic and at the Providence Saint John’s Child and Family Development Center in Santa Monica, CA. In these settings, she provided care to diverse youth, families, and young adults using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). In addition to providing clinical care, Kendal conducts research on clinical decision-making strategies that can promote the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based mental health care for youth and families. Outside of work, Kendal enjoys hiking and camping, browsing farmer’s markets, and spending quality time with her spouse and two cats.

Dr. Rhee is a Professor of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine, Vice Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Medical Director of the inpatient eating disorder unit at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego Medical Behavioral Unit and the UCSD Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR). She has special interest in childhood eating and weight related disorders and has multidisciplinary training in family-based behavioral therapy, parenting skills training (Incredible Years Program), motivational interviewing, epidemiology, and social psychology. She has been federally funded by NIH, USDA, and HRSA since 2009 to conduct research on the intersection of biology, cognition, and behavior and how this affects child development and health. She specifically conducts research on the behavioral, cognitive and biologic factors contributing to the development and management of childhood obesity. Her work focuses on identifying novel targets for obesity prevention and treatment including, parenting styles, parent feeding behaviors, child eating behaviors, executive functioning, gut peptides and the microbiome. Over the past several years, her work has expanded to include social determinants of health targets and food insecurity. Most recently, she became the Associate Director of the Master Clinician Program in the Center for Mentorship in Medicine, Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion and directs research activities to study the impact of these mentoring programs on physician and trainee well-being. Throughout her work, she strives to support junior faculty and trainees in their clinical and scholarly development, and create policies that promote equity and inclusion for underserved communities and underrepresented minorities.

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. 

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.

Michelle Rogers is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in the care and treatment of eating disorders. She earned her BS in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from UC San Diego in 2020 and completed her Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy at the University of San Diego in 2024. During her graduate training, Michelle completed her practicum at UC San Diego Health Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research in Pediatrics, where she discovered her passion for working with individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Michelle is experienced in a range of evidence-based treatments, including Family-Based Treatment (FBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach to her work, meeting clients and families where they are with both empathy and insight. Outside of her clinical work, Michelle enjoys traveling, reading, and playing with her two rambunctious English Shepherds. 

Katherine Denise “KD” Samonte is a Behavioral Health Psychiatric Professional I who has been working in the Adult Program at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research since November 2024. 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 both our therapy and diet teams. In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, and doing yoga or art projects.

Myra started working at the EDC in 2023 and is our dedicated lead cook. Myra’s passion for the kitchen started early, leading to develop popular menu items at her family restaurant before furthering her education at culinary school. Myra is growing her leadership and culinary expertise at EDC, which she values in her professional career development.

Stephanie Schmitt, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician who earned her medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois. She completed her residency training and chief residency in Pediatrics at University of San Diego/Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, California. She enjoys treating children, adolescents and adult patients alongside the incredible multidisciplinary team in the Medical Behavioral Unit.

Terry Schwartz is the Clinical Director of the UCSD Eating Disorders Programs. She has over 15 years of extensive experience in working with eating disorders, as well as providing Eating Disorders treatment trainings at multiple university and county facilities. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCSD Medical School. From 1997 through 2005, she served as Associate Medical Director at UCSD Outpatient Psychiatric Services, and Medical Director for the UCSD Co-Occurring Disorders Program. She continues to be actively involved in the training of psychiatry residents, psychology interns, and other trainees. From 1999-2004, she served as chairman of the San Diego County Mental Health “Psychopharmacology of Co-Occurring Disorders” Committee. She received her MD from the University of California, San Diego, in 1993, and completed her residency in psychiatry at UCSD.

She has been named by San Diego Magazine (voted by peers) as one of the Top Doctors in San Diego.

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 Brandeburg 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.

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.

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.

I am originally from Birmingham AL. I've lived in San Diego since 1991. I've been married for 29 years. I've been working in food service for 36 years with 34 of those years in the federal sector. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, grandkids and friends. I love to barbecue, bowl and watch action and horror movies. I've been employed with UCSD since 2022. I was hired as a food service manager working at the campus restaurants until I moved over to UC Health in 2024.

Dr. Titchen specializes in caring for preteens, teens, and young adults both inpatient at Rady Children's Hospital Medical Behavioral Unit (MBU) and outpatient in the UCSD/Rady Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine clinic, where she is director of the Adolescent Reproductive Medicine Clinic. She serves as faculty in the Department of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Dr. Titchen earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and music from Tufts University before earning her premedical certificate from Columbia University and her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, where she also completed her pediatrics residency. She completed an adolescent medicine fellowship at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx, N.Y. and is double board certified in general pediatrics and adolescent medicine. Dr. Titchen's research and advocacy interests include trauma-sensitive care and human trafficking, resilience in at-risk and marginalized youth, as well as female athlete triad and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Dr. Titchen serves on committees for the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. She is a Nexplanon hormonal implant trainer with Merck/Organon and a consultant to the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Danica oversees the nursing team as well as regulatory compliance across all programs at the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program. Danica joined the EDC in December 2010. In her time working at the EDC, Danica has seen the value of evidence-based treatment, compassionate care and is proud to be a long-standing member of the team.

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. She holds a current certification with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

Alyssa joined the UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research in 2017 and currently serves as a Senior Admissions Clinician and Clinical Supervisor for the Adult Program. Alyssa earned her B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University and her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. During her undergraduate studies, Alyssa worked in a residential facility in San Francisco supporting children with emotional and behavioral challenges. While completing her graduate training, she interned at New Vistas Crisis Center in downtown San Diego, where she conducted behavioral health assessments and provided individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and case management services for adults in acute psychiatric distress. In her current role, Alyssa works closely with adults seeking treatment for eating disorders. She is well-versed in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and draws on these approaches when supporting patients as they navigate entering treatment. Alyssa completes phone screenings, collaborates with outpatient providers, and conducts comprehensive assessments prior to admission. She is passionate about helping individuals access evidenced based care and feels honored to support patients as they begin their journey to recovery.

Dr. Kate Ward is a licensed psychologist at Rady Children’s Hospital’s Medical Behavioral Unit (MBU). She completed her PhD in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. Kate completed her clinical internship at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT working with children, adolescents, and families with a wide variety of psychiatric needs. She then returned to San Diego to complete a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Rady Children’s Hospital’s Medical Behavioral Unit (MBU), where she confirmed her passion for inpatient eating disorders treatment. Kate has also had specialized training in many challenges that co-occur with eating and feeding disorders, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and developmental disorders.

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.

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.

Christina Wierenga, Ph.D., is a 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 and is the Director of the Research at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research, where she investigates cognitive, behavioral and brain mechanisms underlying symptom expression in eating disorders utilizing neuropsychological, neuroimaging and computational neuroscience approaches to guide development of neurobiologically-informed treatments. This has led to the co-development of Temperament Based Therapy with Support (TBT-S), an innovative, neurobiologically-informed treatment for anorexia nervosa. She also leads a measurement-based care program evaluating eating disorder treatment outcomes to advance clinical care. She has published numerous journal articles and two books, including the Handbook of the Neurobiology of Eating Disorders. She is a Fellow of Division 40 (Neuropsychology) of the American Psychological Association (APA) and is a Fellow of the Academy of Eating Disorders and Member of the Eating Disorders Research Society. She has received grants from multiple agencies including the National Institutes of Health, National Eating Disorders Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and has served in leadership roles across several international organizations, including the Academy of Eating Disorders. As a CA licensed clinical psychologist she has been working with adolescents and adults with eating disorders for over a decade. She also teaches and supervises graduate students, interns, and postdoctoral fellows and is Co-Director of the UCSD/VA Psychology Internship Training Program.

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!

Deverey started working at the EDC since 2019. Devery began cooking with the EDC as an experimental venture but found their calling in the kitchen. Valuing teamwork and a positive work environment above all, Devery values taking time to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and efficient operation. 

Brenna Yob is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in eating disorder treatment at UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. She has worked with the eating disorder population since 2022 across roles as a Milieu Therapist and Admissions Clinician, providing care to children, adolescents, and families navigating Anorexia Nervosa (restricting and binge/purge subtypes) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), often alongside co-occurring conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and phobias.

Brenna earned her BS  in Psychology from UC San Diego in 2020 and her MA in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego in 2023. She completed her graduate practicum at UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center, where she gained experience providing individual, family, and group therapy, and continued working at UCSD following graduation.

Her clinical work integrates evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), with careful attention to the medical and psychiatric complexities unique to eating disorders. Beyond direct clinical care, Brenna has contributed to research, teaching, and professional development within the field of eating disorders and systemic therapy. Her work includes co-leading seminars on the intersection of Anorexia Nervosa and OCD, presenting in multiple ARFID-focused trainings both virtually and in person, co-leading the first Intensive Family Therapy week for ARFID at UCSD, and co-teaching an upper-division course at UC San Diego.