PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Emily Walkley, MA, LMFT, APCC

Emily Walkley is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has been working in the eating disorder field for over five years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from New York University, as well as two Master of Arts degrees from Pepperdine University (General Psychology and Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy). Emily began her training in the treatment of eating disorders working as a recovery coach in a residential facility for adolescent and adult women. Since then, she has held many positions in both residential and day treatment facilities working with a diverse population of men and women of all ages. Over the years, she has gained experience in treatment planning and client advocacy, as well as providing individual and group therapy to clients and families in all stages of the recovery process.

In addition to her training in family systems and cognitive behavioral modalities, Emily is truly a humanist at heart, placing a great deal of value on personal experience and working to aid clients in freeing themselves from limitations and understanding authentic life goals. She likes to take an integrative, solution-focused approach to therapy, building on clients’ unique strengths, circumstances, and resources to implement changes to reach preferred futures. Emily’s warm and humorous, yet straightforward, nature provides a safe space for clients to challenge their eating disorders and strengthen their healthy selves.

PROGRAM THERAPIST

Crystal St. John

Crystal St. John has worked within mental health with both adult and adolescents. She has focused her work in women’s issues for the past decade and has had specific experience in eating disorder treatment as well as body image issues, family and couples issues, mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, spirituality trauma, and PTSD.

In her work, Crystal incorporates evidence-based treatment modalities that include dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Restoration Therapy through the lens of a strengths-based approach. Crystal is also a licensed Body Positive facilitator and holds multiple certifications in personal training and active group wellness where she incorporates body kindness and positivity into her clinical work with those struggling with body image, exercise addiction, motivation, and other issues. She believes in the value of each person as their own and the power of healing from a mind, body, spirit perspective and individualizing treatment specific to the unique needs of each person seeking care.

On her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and most recently her new baby boy. She loves to be outside, traveling and adventures while sometimes staying home and using creative outlets through home DIY projects and design.

DIETETIC INTERN

Mariana Valdovinos

Mariana Valdovinos earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Foods & Nutrition from San Diego State University. Shortly after graduation, she was accepted to a dietetic internship through the University of Nevada Las Vegas with an emphasis in Clinical Nutrition. As a previous Diet Technician at Center for Discovery, Ms.Valdovinos has worked with adolescents and adults with eating disorders in the Residential, Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient levels of care. Ms.Valdovinos is excited to grow in the field of eating disorders with the Center for Discovery and aspires to be an impactful part of clients recovery. Mariana aspires to become a CEDRD and have her own private practice in the near future here in San Diego.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Theresa Carmichael, RD

Theresa Carmichael earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Foods & Nutrition from San Diego State University. Shortly after graduation, she was accepted to a dietetic internship through the University of Nevada Las Vegas with an emphasis in Clinical Nutrition. As a previous Diet Technician, Ms. Carmichael has been working with adolescents with eating disorders in a residential setting at Center for Discovery since 2014. She has found a passion for working with clients of all ages struggling with mental health and eating disorders. Ms. Carmichael is thrilled to continue her future with Center for Discovery as the Float RD, supporting upper management in training all of Discovery’s Outpatient Treatment Programs on the dietary program philosophies and protocols. Outside of work Ms. Carmichael enjoys staying active and continues to further her education, including becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Tiffany Mei Haug, MS, RD

Tiffany Mei Pecoraro (Haug), MS, RD is a Master’s level dietitian specialized in treating eating disorders. Tiffany completed her Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Northern Illinois University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems from The University of Southern Mississippi. Throughout her career and dietetic internship, Tiffany has worked at all levels of eating disorder care and has always had a passion of working with clients who struggle with eating disorders and supporting them in their journeys towards achieving greater food freedom, so that they can live their lives to the absolute fullest.

Tiffany’s nutritional philosophy is strongly rooted in Health At Every Size (HAES) and the intuitive eating model. Her expertise includes providing nutrition counseling and guidance to clients and supporting them in their journey towards a more intuitive, trusting relationship with food and their bodies. Tiffany has spoken at both state and national levels on topics related to eating disorders and helping clients to achieve greater peace and freedom in their relationships with food. Tiffany also serves as the Education Chair for the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) San Diego Chapter.

Tiffany spent the first 16 years of her life in Japan and is Fluent in Japanese. She has also lived in Thailand and the Philippines as well as 5 different US states within the past 10 years. Out of the many places, she has lived, San Diego is by far her favorite. Her favorite cuisines are Japanese and Thai food, and in her free time, she can usually be found exploring a new restaurant or checking out scenic hiking trails.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Holli Barnes

Holli Barnes earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Human Nutrition from Arizona State University. After completing her degree, she obtained her Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) credential and joined Center for Discovery as a Diet Technician. During her time at ASU, she volunteered for an organization called Young Life as a leader, mentoring high school aged girls. Holli also worked as a Microbiology Instructional Aide at ASU where she discovered her love for teaching and engaging students in science related content. She is excited about the opportunity to work with adolescents and adults in their eating disorder recovery. Currently, she is taking courses in order to become a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor, due to her passion for empowering mothers in their breastfeeding journey. Outside of work, Holli enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her loved ones.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Christine Capuano

Christine Capuano is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and currently nearing the completion of supervised clinical hours for her LPCC. She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Communication Studies at Chapman University. Initially passionate about forensic and criminal psychology, she participated in research on the testimonial accuracy of child witnesses. She received a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego and shifted focus from forensics to eating disorders once hired with Discovery. While attending USD, she helped create an assessment tool to screen for eating disorder relapse during pregnancy.

Christine has been part of the Discovery team since the opening of Del Mar’s Residential Treatment Center in November 2014, where she began working as a counselor. She completed her practicum traineeship at Del Mar RTC, during which she piloted a program on individual DBT skill training. She utilizes narrative, felt a sense, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients work toward repairing the brain-body connection that can become disrupted when struggling with an eating disorder. She plans to start EMDR training by summer 2019. Outside of work, she enjoys singing and playing the piano.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Jenna Sickmeier

Jenna Sickmeier earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Food and Nutrition Sciences at San Diego State University. Jenna joined Center for Discovery as a Diet Technician in 2017 and has experience working as a diet tech as well as a counselor in the adolescent and adult residential facilities. She is now the lead diet tech at Del Mar Outpatient. During her time at SDSU, she was the Professional Outreach Liaison for the Student Nutrition Organization and organized guest speakers within the field of dietetics to come and speak at the meeting. She also volunteered as a market leader for Produce Goods and has a passion for food recovery and making healthful foods available for everyone. Outside of work, Jenna enjoys surfing, painting, and cooking.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Jordan Carter

Jordan graduated from George Fox University with a Bachelor of Social Work with an emphasis in counseling and leadership. During her time at George Fox, Jordan provided counseling and support services to adolescents and older adults in the community while addressing different issues on the mezzo and micro levels. Jordan also worked in a residential treatment facility that specialized in treating adolescents with sexual offending behaviors, mental health issues, and a history of abuse. After graduating, Jordan worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters in Portland and provided support, training, and counseling to families, children, and mentors.

Jordan received her Master’s of Social Work degree, with a specialization in mental and physical health, from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Jordan’s graduate work focused on substance abuse counseling and therapy, gender studies, and research on gerontological issues.

Jordan has experience working with a myriad of mental health issue, including offending behaviors and disorders, difficult life transitions, and trauma-related issues. She has worked in eating disorder treatment for a number of years, beginning her work as a counselor at the residential level of care. Jordan held the primary therapist position at the Del Mar residential facility for 3 years before transitioning to the outpatient level of care.

FACILITY COORDINATOR

Sara Burris

Sara Burris has a passion for Health and Wellness which is what brought her to Center for Discovery. Sara began her journey with CFD in one of Connecticut’s ED Adolescent houses as a Diet Technician. She has recently joined the Outpatient Facility in New Haven to further her career as a Diet Tech and has also taken on the role of Facility Coordinator. Sara will be pursuing her education come Fall at the University of New Haven to receive her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.

As the Diet Tech and Facility Coordinator, Sara oversees clients as a support system to the dietitian, assists clients with meal planning and support during meal times. Her long-term goal is to become a Registered Dietitian and continue to assist clients in their recovery.

As the Facility Coordinator, Sara handles daily operations including administrative duties, research, clinical documentation, and customer service. Sara continues to strive to keep the adolescents and staff safe while keeping the facility a place they can call home.

DIET TECHNICIAN

McKenna Wheeler, DT

Hello, my name is McKenna Wheeler! I graduated in August 2018 from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with my Bachelors of Science in Applied Nutrition. I have a strong passion for helping others take back control of their health and wellbeing. In my spare time, you will find me hiking, running, reading medical/nutrition research articles, and hanging out with friends. My future goals consist of, working towards becoming a Registered Dietitian and later on becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator. I am currently a certified Diet Technician through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In the past, I have gotten the opportunity to work as a camp counselor, diet aid at a hospital, and as a Zumba instructor. I am always trying new things and my life’s motto is to make the most of every opportunity and take my passion along with me!