PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Brittany Broughal, M.A., LMFT

Brittany was drawn to the field of mental health to inspire others to become catalysts for change in their own lives. After earning her Master’s Degree in marriage and family therapy from Fairfield University, Brittany became dually licensed in the state of New York and Connecticut. Her skill set is a culmination of having applied systemic analysis to the treatment of eating disorders within residential, partial hospital, intensive outpatient and outpatient settings. Brittany believes in taking a client-centered approach to treatment which is rooted in the philosophy that true wellness is about reconnecting with your authentic self. While in private practice, Brittany began to recognize that our relationship with food often mirrors our soul’s experience in life. This led to furthering her education at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, where she became certified as an Eating Psychology Coach. Brittany is also trained in EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Structural/Strategic Therapy.

Having worked in both clinical and supervisory capacities, Brittany aims for the personal evolution of each individual client and staff member. Brittany originally joined the Discovery family in 2014 as a counselor for the residential adult facility in Fairfield, CT. She later went on to serve as a program therapist for the adolescent residential facility in Southport as well as the outpatient program in Greenwich. She has experience providing individual, couple, family and group therapy within both private and non-profit organizations. In addition, Brittany has previously worked in a leadership role as an Assistant Clinical Director for an eating disorder outpatient program in New York. She particularly enjoys providing clinical supervision to help others develop their strengths around supporting their clients’ journey in recovery. Brittany was excited to return to the Center for Discovery team in early 2020 as the Program Director for the eating disorder outpatient program in Greenwich, CT.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Kelsey Riesbeck, RD, CD-N

Kelsey Riesbeck is a Registered Dietitian at Center for Discovery Greenwich. Kelsey earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from the University of Connecticut in 2018. She continued her education by completing her Dietetic Internship, obtaining experience in hospitals, schools, and outpatient facilities around Connecticut and Massachusetts. She passed the national registration exam that same year to become licensed to practice in CT.

Kelsey’s specialized treatment of eating disorders began as a Psych Tech in an inpatient facility where she learned to provide individual therapy and lead group sessions. Kelsey is passionate about teaching others the importance of good nutrition for the body as well as the mind. She truly practices the “all foods fit” motto in her daily life and is excited to share her love for food and nutrition with others throughout their recovery process. Kelsey is trained in culinary education will use this knowledge to help others become more comfortable in the kitchen and dining environment. She is looking forward to continuing her career in eating disorders and leading others in their path to recovery.

DIET TECH

Kristie Shannon, BS

Kristie is the facility coordinator for the Center for Discovery, Greenwich outpatient program. Prior to this role, she was a diet technician and counselor in the adolescent residential eating disorder facility. Kristie received her bachelor’s degree in health sciences with a focus in nutrition and a minor in psychology and is currently completing her master’s degree in human nutrition at the University of Bridgeport. Her goal is to become a certified nutrition specialist and to continue working with clients to help them overcome their eating disorders. Kristie is passionate about teaching others how to manage the allostatic load, in order to help people live the best life possible. She believes that food is medicine and that all foods fit in balance, variety and moderation.

PROGRAM THERAPIST

Danielle Deramo, PCA

Danielle joined the Center For Discovery team in 2016 as Program Therapist for the Greenwich PHP/IOP Program.

Danielle Deramo attended Mercy College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science. Danielle went on to follow her passion of becoming a mental health therapist and attended Pace University where she received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. During her time at Pace University, Danielle completed her internship at an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital and worked with clients in group settings that were struggling with depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, truancy, and/or oppositional behaviors. During this time Danielle truly realized this was her calling.

Danielle has always had a great interest in the treatment of eating disorders and strives to be a support to those that are struggling. After graduating, Danielle continued exploring her passions and other areas of focus in clinical practice. Danielle began learning about law enforcement and the military in respect to mental health and trauma and ways to best serve these populations. Danielle is certified in providing care to the military and their families. Danielle greatly enjoys empowering people of all walks of life to find the courage and strength to use their voice and advocate for themselves.

PROGRAM THERAPIST

Katrina Lippolt, LCSW

Katrina Lippolt received her Bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz in Psychology and Evolutionary Studies. Katrina continued her education at Adelphi University by gaining a master’s degree in social work. Katrina has previous experiencing working at a partial and outpatient mental health clinic. She has worked with both children and adults providing individual and group therapy. Katrina believes each person’s path to recovery is different and their treatment plan is based on the person needs. Within Center for Discovery Eating Disorder Program, Katrina has experience working as a Counselor III at the Young Adult Residential Eating Disorder Facility in Fairfield, CT and has recently joined the Greenwich PHP/IOP team as a Therapist.

ART THERAPIST

Elizabeth M. Madden M.A.A.T., LPC

Elizabeth has attained her Master’s in art therapy as well as being a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has accrued over ten years of experience in the field of expressive art therapy and psychotherapy. Working with children, adolescents, and adults as well as families who are challenged by trauma, loss, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and addiction. She has worked in both in and outpatient programs, schools, and community centers. Elizabeth has established her own private practice with offices in Newtown, Westport, and Greenwich. She has always had a passion for art and believes it can be used as a means of initiating and facilitating the process of healing through the expression of images and symbols. It is also a unique and effective approach for offering an alternative means of communication.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Allison Milch, RD, CDN

Allison Milch is a Registered Dietitian at Center for Discovery Greenwich. In 2018, Allison earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from Cornell University.  She continued to gain experience in the field while completing the Cornell University Dietetic Internship. Through this 10-month program, she completed rotations at an area agency on aging, as well as at a hospital and long-term care center. In 2019, she passed the national registration exam and obtained a license to practice in Connecticut.

During her dietetic internship, Allison realized her passion for counseling and developing trusting relationships with her clients. In her new role at Center for Discovery, she is excited to help improve her clients’ relationships with food and body through a weight-inclusive approach to health. In addition, Allison is looking forward to gaining invaluable experience in eating disorders and learning from an exceptional health care team at Greenwich.

CLINICAL INTAKE COORDINATOR

Kelly Akehurst, LPCA

Kelly Akehurst is a Clinical Intake Coordinator at Center For Discovery’s Greenwich Outpatient Program. Kelly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and obtained her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.

Kelly is passionate about helping clients with eating disorders and particularly enjoys working with clients around perfectionism, anxiety, depression, trauma and shame resilience. With a background in admissions and counseling, Kelly appreciates the life experiences and challenges that bring clients to make the brave decision to embark on their journey in treatment. She has experience working with youth and adults within outpatient, residential, and inpatient hospital settings. Kelly’s therapeutic approach is warm, non-judgmental, and empathic.

DIET TECH

Abigail Almonte

Abigail Almonte is a Dietetic Technician, Registered (D.T.R.) at Center for Discovery’s Greenwich Outpatient Program. Abigail earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics, Food, and Nutrition from City University of New York’s Lehman College in 2017. She has since expanded her experience and education through Lehman’s Dietetic Internship.

Abigail has gained experience working in a variety of healthcare and retail settings in New York and New Jersey; including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, non-profit organizations, and within an eating disorder treatment program. During her internship, Abigail realized her passion for teaching others about balance and the joy of food. Overtime, Abigail has grown comfortable working hands-on with clients and their families with menu planning, cooking and providing educational programs around our relationship with food and its impact on our physical and mental health.

Abigail is an active member of both the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as the Westchester Rockland Dietetic Association. Abigail is excited to support each client on their path to growth in her role as a Dietetic Technician for Center For Discovery.

Program Therapist

Sammi Farber, LMSW

Sammi Farber attended The Culinary Institute of America where she received her Bachelors degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. Through her experience in hospitality, Sammi discovered her strengths in problem solving and the joys of interacting with people. This rerouted her life path towards the field of mental health.

After attending Fordham University and graduating with a Masters Degree in Social Work, Sammi went on to follow her passion for supporting the eating disorder population through her role as a Recovery Coach in an outpatient meal support setting. Sammi remains an active advocate for raising awareness around the need for eating disorder treatment in communities. She is a reoccurring speaker for Delta Phi Epsilon during ANAD week on multiple campuses on the east coast as well as an active member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Sammi is currently working towards her goal of becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.

Aiming to help her clients achieve freedom from their eating disorders, Sammi takes an empowering, collaborative, and humanized approach to help her clients reconnect with their authentic soul-self. Sammi wholeheartedly believes that in order to live a fuller life, one cannot focus on what they wish to restrict about themselves; but rather, all they have to gain in this world. She implements this belief into her work with her clients.

Program Director

Angela Florio, LCSW

Angela Florio earned her Bachelor‘s of Arts in Trauma and Violence Studies from New York University, and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University.  Angela has worked primarily with survivors of trauma in a variety of settings, including the criminal justice system, an AIDS clinic, and a home for women who have been trafficked.  Angela was drawn to work with individuals struggling with eating disorders as she found that most of her clients, regardless of background, were attempting to repair a disconnect between mind and body.  She began working with Center For Discovery in 2017 and is excited to continue assisting clients to heal and develop safe relationships with their bodies, hearts, and minds.  Angela is trained in EMDR and is working towards full certification as an EMDR therapist.

MILIEU MANAGER

Brittany Franko, MBA

Brittany has worked for the Center for Discovery as a counselor and diet technician. She later transitioned into the role of facility manager. Prior to these roles, Brittany worked as a personal trainer where she watched countless clients struggle with unhealthy relationships with food and exercise. Growing up in the world of athletics, Brittany developed a love for movement early on. This passion was the driving force that led Brittany to obtain her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. Later, in 2015, Brittany graduated with her Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven. Brittany’s combined knowledge, developed through life experiences and education, led her to realize that the process of lifestyle change occurs through learning, pushing beyond our comforts and learning to love oneself. These experiences helped her develop a holistic approach to mind/body wellness and she became an Embody dance instructor. In 2018, Brittany began working at a PHP/IOP program in New York as a recovery coach and Embody instructor. In this position, Brittany brought Embody to her clients as a way to challenge their rigidity around movement and to heal their relationship with their bodies. Brittany believes that a positive self-image develops in response to our body’s experience of joyful movement. Brittany is also trained in level 1 Reiki and is certified as an eating psychology coach.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Melanie Daniel, MS

Melanie Daniel is a Dietetic Technician at Center for Discovery’s Greenwich Outpatient Program. Melanie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Nutrition Science with a concentration in Dietetics from Montclair State University. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Community Nutrition and Public Health from Saint Elizabeth University, where she also completed her Dietetic internship. In addition, Melanie is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

It was during her Master’s coursework, that Melanie became passionate about intuitive eating and the non-diet “health at every size (HAES)” approach. Through her education and experiences in nutrition, Melanie found her calling for helping others to develop and sustain a positive relationship with food. Melanie is working towards becoming a Registered Dietitian and hopes to become a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. 

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Madeline Ziff, RDN, CDN

Madeline Ziff is a Registered Dietitian at Center for Discovery’s Greenwich program. Madeline studied Nutritional Science at the University of Connecticut and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 2018. She returned to UCONN a year later to complete her Dietetic Internship, where she gained experience in a wide variety of both clinical and community settings throughout the state. Upon completion of her internship, she passed the national registration exam and became licensed to practice in Connecticut.

Madeline was first introduced to the field of eating disorders when working as a Diet Tech in an inpatient facility, where she learned how important it was for clients to have individualized care in a safe and supportive environment. She gained exposure to many different areas of clinical practice throughout her internship, but always found herself coming back to her desire to help others in healing their relationships with food. Having been a Registered Yoga Teacher since the age of 17, Madeline recognizes the importance of acting from a place of self-compassion and learning to listen to one’s body without judgement. Madeline’s goal at the Center for Discovery is to help her clients in building a healthy and trusting relationship with food and their body, which will serve as a foundation to a happy and fulfilling life