PHYSICIAN

Barbara Lucas, MD

Dr. Lucas has been a member of the Center For Discovery’s treatment team since 2001. Dr. Lucas serves as a pediatrician specializing in eating disorders and clinical genetics. Following a chief residency at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Dr. Lucas completed a fellowship in clinical genetics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She completed her undergraduate training at Brigham Young University, her medical school training at the University of Arkansas, and her residency at the University of California at Irvine, Long Beach Memorial and CHOC.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Montoya Whitfield, MA, AMFT

FACILITY MANAGER/NURSE ADMINISTRATOR

Carmen Retana

National Clinical and Operational Specialist and Program Director

Matt Hagins-Perry, MS, PSB, Body Positive Certified

Matt currently holds two positions with Center for Discovery; National Clinical and Operational Specialist and Program Director at the Lakewood adolescent residential facility. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of California, Merced, his Master of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University and is currently in his 4th year as a PhD student studying Clinical Psychology. Matt’s practicum and internships have been working with acute mental health and eating disorder populations.

Matt has had the pleasure of working with adolescents and adults for several years before joining the Discovery team as a counselor. Over the past five years with the organization, Matt has held a variety of roles. His principal ambition is to interface creative clinical techniques with a company-wide philosophy. Matt seeks to meet families and clients alike with overall positive regard and a therapeutic and charismatic attitude. His goal is to create a transformative treatment environment for Center for Discovery staff, clients and their loved ones. Matt was born and raised in Northern California and currently resides in Southern California.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Ziv Elgar

Ziv is a graduate of Antioch University Los Angeles, where she earned a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology. Ziv was trained in Crisis Management and the Trauma Resiliency Model. Ziv also holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on movement, nutrition, and wellness.  Ziv has experience working with a wide range of mental health disorders, as well as working in various socio-economic and culturally diverse communities. Ziv works to meet the clients and their families with empathy, variety of therapeutic approaches, and individualized client centered care.