LOS ALAMITOS OUTPATIENT EATING DISORDER PROGRAM

Dr. Sheena Malik, M.D.

Dr. Malik is a board-certified family medicine physician at Center for Discovery. She completed residency training at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center and served as chief resident during her final year of training. Dr. Malik has published a number of scientific papers and has received awards for her clinical research. Believing that communication is a key part of medicine, Dr. Malik enjoys getting to know each patient and building long lasting relationships with them. She values advocating for her patients’ health.

Michael Louie, DO

Louie received his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences and went on to complete his psychiatry residency training at Loma Linda University.

Dr. Louie is well versed in treating adult, child and adolescent, and geriatric patients.  Dr. Louie has an understanding and ability to treat a range of disorders including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, and psychosis.

Dr. Louie’s therapeutic and empathic approach to treating clients, as well as his composed and caring demeanor, are just a some of the many reasons why he is a beloved and respected member of the Newport Beach treatment team.

Amanda Contreras, B.S.

Amanda earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science from California State University, Fullerton. Amanda is currently taking prerequisite courses and will be pursuing her Master’s of Science in Nutrition in the near future. Amanda has worked in areas of customer service, community health and clinical food service. She is excited to continue working in the realm of nutrition with an emphasis in health at every size and intuitive eating. Amanda enjoys spending her time with friends and family, roller skating and cooking in her spare time.

Luz Rivera Duarte, B.A, M.Ed.

Luz has been working at Center for Discovery (CFD) since 2018 in various roles. Currently, she is facility coordinator at the Los Alamitos eating disorder outpatient program. Luz started as a part-time counselor at a CFD eating disorder residential treatment center and then became a full-time counselor, working between two eating disorder residential treatment centers. She entered this field following her own mental health recovery and is determined to support other young people in their recoveries. Prior to working in healthcare, she worked as an English teacher with adolescents for four years and as a special education teacher for one year with third graders in Washington, D.C. When Luz is not at work, she loves to travel with her partner around the U.S. as well as video chat with her family on the East Coast.

Fatima Coley, Psy.D.

Fatima is passionate about her therapeutic work with patients. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in business administration from Loyola Marymount University in Westchester, CA, her master’s degree in psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles and her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her dissertation work focused on the lived experience and resiliency among African American adolescents who had experienced paternal incarceration. Fatima is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., dedicated to the mission of scholarship, sisterhood and service. A registered 1psychological assistant, she was trained in psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral theoretical orientations. With over seven years of experience in community mental health within the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Fatima has provided intensive field–based clinical services to severely mentally ill clients with dual diagnosis throughout South Los Angeles. Other previous roles include providing case management services to low-income Section 8 clients participating in an HUD–funded family self-sufficiency program at St. Joseph’s Center and providing intensive supportive services to homeless men and women at New Image Emergency Homeless Shelter, one of the only year–round shelters in Los Angeles. Fatima is a board member of a nonprofit agency that provides affordable transitional housing to formerly homeless men, women and children in South Los Angeles, In this role, Fatima coordinates community service and outreach events for homeless and low-income families. When she is not working, she dedicates her time to her son and family. 

Lisa Fowler

Lisa is a registered dietitian at Center for Discovery in the Orange County area. Born and raised in Southern California, Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science degree in nutritional sciences and dietetics from California State University, Los Angeles. During this time, Lisa also completed her dietetic internship, with experience in hospitals, schools, outpatient facilities and community nutrition programs. Previously, Lisa specialized in adult weight management and sports nutrition, with a focus on preventative health and wellness. She has experience in private consulting as well as group-facilitated sessions. Lisa is passionate about teaching others the importance of nourishing the body through food and being mindful of the importance of proper nutrition. She has always taken great interest in the eating disorder population, understanding that support for this population is vital. Lisa is looking forward to the opportunity to continue growing in her career in eating disorders and supporting others in their path to recovery. In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family at the beach and taking her 4-year old son to do fun activities. She also enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, going to live music events and spending time with friends.

Arturo Mendiola, Jr.

Arturo Mendiola, Jr is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Arturo graduated from Pepperdine University in 2020 with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy with Latinxs. Prior to joining the team, Arturo worked with at-risk youth and families in Orange County. Arturo is passionate about building meaningful connections with clients and empowering them to heal through a strengths-based perspective. In his spare time, Arturo enjoys singing, watching sunsets, doing Target runs, and baking.

Brittany Hitt, ACSW

Brittany is a registered associate clinical social worker. Brittany was born and raised in Southern California, where Brittany grew up surfing and cheerleading. Brittany graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Boise State University and completed her Master of Social Work degree at Loma Linda University. Brittany has experience in clinical as well as medical social work. Brittany has a passion for serving and empowering others to see all the unique and inspiring qualities that they bring to this world. Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, cat and reading. Brittany is thrilled to have found her home at the Center for Discovery, Los Alamitos.

Alyssa Gonzalez, BA

Alyssa is the UR Care Coordinator in our Eating Disorder Outpatient Department. She developed a passion for psychology in her undergrad and received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. Alyssa has a background in working with college students at her former University and worked as a school-based counselor in Placentia. She began working at Center for Discovery as a counselor at our Lakewood residential location in 2018. While working there she gained insight into the complexity of eating disorders and wanted to learn more. In 2019 she accepted a position to work in the UR department; advocating and ensuring utilization of benefits for our clients. She is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in clinical psychology at Azusa Pacific University and will graduate in May 2020.

Jamisyn Atlas

Jamisyn earned her Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy from Chapman University and started working with Center for Discovery’s eating disorder treatment program in 2022. Currently, she is supporting patients and their families at the outpatient facility in Los Alamitos. Previously, she has supported individuals at the LGBTQ+ Center Long Beach, Su Casa – Ending Domestic Violence Shelter and Frances Smith Center for Individual & Family Therapy. Jamisyn developed a passion for this field after undergoing her own journey in eating disorder recovery during her teenage years. She is now dedicated to aiding others in finding healing as they undergo their own recovery journeys. Jamisyn finds great fulfilment in connecting with young people and their families as they work to achieve their goals for recovery and obtain tremendous personal growth. When Jamisyn is not at work, she enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with her loved ones, especially her cat named Wanda.

Carolyn Pham

Carolyn is a diet tech here at Center for Discovery. She graduated with an associate’s degree in nutrition and dietetics at Orange Coast College. During her academic years in the nutrition and dietetics program, Carolyn found passion in wanting to support the community on improving their relationship with food as well as incorporating Health at Every Size ® (HAES ®) into their day-to-day life. Prior to working at the facility, Carolyn has worked in the food service industry, thus learning the importance of customer service and care. In her free time, Carolyn loves to hang out with her family and friends and go to live shows. But the majority of the time, she is busy giving all her attention to her dog.

Amanda Irrgang

Amanda has been working with Center for Discovery since 2022 as a registered dietitian. She works with patients in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for eating disorders. Amanda has a passion for dismantling diet culture and helping patients break free from disordered eating. She is aligned with Health at Every Size ®️ and endorses an Intuitive Eating approach to nutrition. Amanda obtained her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at Point Loma Nazarene University, CA and completed her dietetic internship through California State University Long Beach. Her previous role was in the field of mental health where she provided nutrition counseling to patients in various levels of care and gained her experience working with people with eating disorders (secondary to mental health). Amanda transitioned into her role at Center for Discovery as a result of her desire to work exclusively with eating disorders in a setting that aligned with her nutrition philosophy and values. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, including two little ones (Rhea and Edwin). Some of her favorite family activities include going on scenic walks and spending time at the beach.

Tiffany Nguyen

Tiffany has been working with Center for Discovery since July 2022 as an ED diet technician. She entered this field after studying nutrition for four years at California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo. Additionally with previous experience as a certified nursing assistant and as a medical assistant, she acquires a healthcare background which encourages her to pursue a career in helping others. With the knowledge and passion of educating and assisting others with nutrition, she has a goal of getting a master’s in dietetics and potentially becoming a registered dietitian in the future. When Tiffany is not at work, she enjoys reading books and spending time with her cat.