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

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

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

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

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

Dr. 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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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.