PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Taylor Ford, LCSW

Taylor Ford is a licensed clinical social worker that specializes in mental health treatment. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Iowa and a Master of Social Work with a concentration in mental health from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Taylor’s previous experience providing inpatient, partial hospital, outpatient, and emergency psychiatry services in a hospital setting led her to discover her passion for working with individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Prior to relocating to the Atlanta area, Taylor was the Assistant Clinical Director for an emergency psychiatry unit at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Taylor is a Diplomate and Certified Cognitive Behavioral therapist through the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. She utilizes evidence-based treatment modalities to facilitate positive change. Taylor has a passion for mental health advocacy and teaching. In addition to her time at Center for Discovery, Taylor is also an Adjunct Instructor at The University of Iowa, teaching Motivational Interviewing and Interpersonal Skills Lab online.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Christine Engstrom, MS, RD, LD, CEDRD-S

Christine Engstrom is the Residential, Registered Dietitian, at the Dunwoody Center for Discovery in Dunwoody, Georgia and has been treating clients with eating disorders for over 30 years.  She is respected within the Greater Atlanta Eating Disorder area for her expertise in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Nutrition Counseling and Nutrition Therapy.

She is a member of IAEDP and holds the CEDRD-S credentialing and has served on the Board of Directors.  

Engstrom received her Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University and Graduate Degree from Northern Illinois University.  Prior to joining, Center for Discovery, Christine was the Dietitian at Veritas Collaborative Outpatient Clinic and Senior Dietitian at Emory University Hospital.  

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Nancie Ferdinand

Nancie Ferdinand is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. Prior to attending Mercer, she earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of West Georgia in Psychology. Nancie’s interest for counseling and empowering others began in college while taking a Psychology of early childhood and adolescent course. Nancie’s internship at a non-profit that provides clinical services for community members with limited resources would spark her passion for working with eating disorders.

Prior to coming to Center for Discovery, Nancie worked directly with adolescents, adults and families affected by eating disorders and other mental health issues in a variety of settings, such as non-profits, hospitals and private practice over the last 6+ years. Throughout her experience, she has grown to value a collaborative approach and the importance of connecting with clients, clients’ support systems, colleagues and other providers in the community. Nancie uses evidence-based treatment theories that focuses on individuals improving emotional regulation and developing coping skills that support interpersonal growth and development.

Aside from her interest in counseling, Nancie also enjoys traveling and being outdoors.

NURSE ADMINISTRATOR

Agnes Nichols, RN, BSN

Agnes “Sonya” Nichols, RN, BSN is the Nurse Administrator for the Center for
Discovery Adolescent Eating Disorder Residential Treatment Center in Atlanta,
Georgia. Sonya’s clinical experience spans from primary care clinics and Neonatal Intensive
Care Units. Sonya completed her nursing education from Southern Adventist University
in Tennessee. She began her nursing career in 2006 at Loma Linda University Medical
Center in California but called Atlanta her home. She is a member of the Christian
Medical Dental Association and spends a great deal of her time volunteering at a
refugee clinic in Clarkston, Georgia. Sonya is passionate about helping her clients to
live healthier lives, free from the grip of eating disorders. She believes in teamwork and
a collaborative approach in meeting the needs of her clients and their family.

Aside from her passion for excellence in nursing care, Sonya’s interests include outdoor
activities, cooking, and sewing. She is also an animal lover and has one cat and two
dogs.

FACILITY MANAGER

Dr. Saudia George, Ph.D., MHA, NSLS

Dr. Saudia George serves as the Facility Manager for the Center for Discovery Atlanta, Adolescent Eating Disorder Residential Treatment Center. Originally from Orlando FL, Dr. George received her bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics/Information Management from Florida A&M University and her master’s in Health Care Administration from Kaplan University. Dr. George comes with an extensive amount of knowledge in mental health services providing care for adults and adolescents struggling with Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Abuse, which have a higher comorbidity with eating disorders. With her interest and passion for mental health services for adolescents, she decided to pursue her doctoral degree in Health Services-Health Care Management from Walden University. Her dissertation focused on Guardians’ Perspective of Mental Health Services for Adolescents diagnosed with Pediatric Bipolar Disorder.

Dr. George has worked in mental/behavioral health for five years with a focus in healthcare compliance and educating higher learning professionals. She has a passion to develop, initiate, maintain, and review compliance programs and policies within pediatric mental health services. In addition to her time at the Center for Discovery, Dr. George in an online Adjunct Professor instructing Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Medical Assistance courses and serves her community volunteering with the American Cancer Society and Make a Wish Foundation.

PEDIATRICIAN

Dr. Neha Bhatt, MD

Neha Bhatt, MD. graduated from Emory University with BS of Biology and Minor in Psychology and medical school in Cambridge University in the UK. She completed pediatric residency in Chicago and ended her years as Chief Resident in her program. She moved back to Atlanta and worked as a general pediatrician before beginning her family. She returns back to focus on pediatric and adolescent medicine, Dr. Bhatt has joined the Center for Discovery to support the challenges of ED medicine.

PROGRAM THERAPIST

John Ward, MS, LAPC, NCC, CCMHC

John has worked with adolescents for the past 4 years addressing issues of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, grief, PTSD, Parent/Child relationships, and eating disorders. John has been with Center For Discover since October 2018 and is currently a Program Therapist.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Maryann Jacob

Dr. Maryann Jacob is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in the areas of child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Michigan, with a major in Bio-psychology. She then received a Master of Science at Wright State University in Physiology, and went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine at the American University of the Caribbean. She completed her residency in Psychiatry at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and her Child and Adolescent Fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Jacob is a consultation-liaison psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. She believes in a multidisciplinary treatment approach to address eating disorders and helps with identifying the psychiatric co-morbidities that can impact the disease. She works to de-stigmatize mental health issues, and partners with children and families during their journey to recovery.