REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONIST

Sarah Jackson, M.S., RDN.

Sarah Jackson is a Southern California native who graduated with her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from University of California, Riverside. Sarah developed an interest in mental health, but her passion for food and nutrition drove her to want to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). She decided to go back to school in 2012 and earned a second Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics. While completing her Dietetic Internship, she also enrolled in a graduate program where she completed her Master’s of Science in Applied Nutrition from Sage College in Albany NY. Sarah has started a private practice, worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics throughout California.  Sarah eventually settled in sunny Huntington Beach and found her home at Center for Discovery, Los Alamitos. Sarah is passionate about helping adults and adolescents build a better relationship with food, discover the liberating feeling of body acceptance and find a balanced approach to nutrition.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys networking, reading, riding bikes to the beach, spending time with family, traveling, testing out new recipes to add to her blog, and continuing to stay up-to-date with leading research in the field.

PSYCHIATRIST

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.

DIET TECH

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.

UTILIZATION REVIEW MANAGER- OUTPATIENT DIVISION

Joshua Lecker, BA

Joshua has a background in mental health, substance abuse, and eating disorder treatment. He has worked at all levels of care including detox, residential and outpatient. Joshua has worked as a treatment technician, case manager, and program manager. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in human development from Vanguard University and is currently obtaining his master’s degree at Hope International University for Clinical Counseling.

Joshua oversees all Utilization Review for both eating disorder and mental health outpatient facilities. He prides himself in his ability to advocate and ensure utilization of benefits to the fullest extent possible.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Katelynn Sasaki, MS, RDN

Katelynn worked in pediatric nutrition and inpatient clinical nutrition prior to finding a home as a dietitian at Center for Discovery. Born and raised in Southern California, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from California State University, Fullerton before pursuing a career in dietetics. Katelynn completed the dual Master of Science degree program in exercise physiology and nutritional sciences at San Diego State University before completing her dietetic internship and becoming a dietitian. Katelynn is passionate about supporting adolescents and adults as they foster an improved relationship with food through a Health at Every Size® (HAES)  and inclusive lens. Outside of work, Katelynn enjoys spending time with her family, trying new foods, art and continuing to grow in her own nutrition education.

FACILITY MANAGER

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.

MFT, PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Azadeh Azmoudeh

Since 2020, Azadeh (Azi) has been working with Center for Discovery as program director at the Los Alamitos location. Starting as an associate therapist, Azi spent 15 years working in the field, ascending the steps of success to get where she is now. She believes one of the most effective ways to help people with eating disorders is to help instill self-esteem in them while they are very young: “Through helping the youth by helping them increase their self-esteem, we can prevent any problem in their future.” At 17, Azi had one dream: to become a psychologist helping those in need. Azi is in the journey of recovery herself.

Psy. D.

Fatima Coley

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. 

Registered Dietitcian

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.

MA, AMFT

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.