PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Rachel Dore, Psy.D

Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Dore received her undergraduate Psychology degree at Loyola University New Orleans. She completed 5 years of full-time residency training on the East Coast, where she earned both Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology, with a concentration in School Psychology, from the Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University. Dr. Dore is a dual- licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and California.

Dr. Dore’s previous professional activity includes distinguished clinical leadership, training, and program implementation at the Residential and Outpatient level of care. She has worked closely with leaders in the field to develop multidisciplinary treatment protocols that are consonant with the latest research and best practice standards.
Dr. Dore infuses her prowess in evidence-based practice into her clinical work. She is skilled in utilizing her clinical acumen to enhance motivation, provide psycho-education, and facilitate therapeutic learning opportunities to foster insight, self-efficacy, and transformation.

Assistant Program Director

Lexi Risner, LMFT

Lexi Risner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and has been treating clients at Discovery’s Newport Beach location since 2016.

Lexi obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Chapman University. Lexi has previous experience working as a Primary Therapist at the Residential level of care in Philadelphia. Lexi also has experience providing in-school counseling to elementary school children and their families.

Lexi was promoted to the distinquished position of Asisstant Program Director in 2019. Lexi has been recognized for her track-record of delivering high quality care from a Family Systems approach. Lexi is skilled in supporting clients and their loved-ones through exploratory exercises to uncover factors that fuel one’s Eating Disorder. Lexi takes a collaborative approach to treatment planning with insurance providers to certify more than adequate lengths of authorization, thus ensuring that clients benefit from treatment to the fullest. Lexi has been known to take fun and creative approaches to facilitating groups—in particular, her Body-Acceptance groups. When working with Lexi—whether you’re a client or a co-worker, you can expect to feel supported, inspired, and enjoy plenty of laughs.

Milieu Manager

Serynna Von Gogh, BA

Serynna attended California State University, Fullerton and earned a B.A in Psychology and in Women & Gender Studies.

Serynna joins the team with a strong background in Behavioral Health and a passion for helping others. Prior to CFD, Serynna was a Behavioral Health Case Manager in Arizona in the Birth-to-Five Program, specializing in providing clinical support to children with trauma under the age of 5. Over the years, Serynna has interned and volunteered with several nonprofits locally and globally. Her background includes providing support with various populations affected by homelessness, poverty, and human trafficking. In college, Serynna traveled internationally to Thailand as a volunteer teacher. During that time, she renovated a local school, assisted in childcare, implemented preventative measures against natural disasters, and cared for endangered animals.

Serynna is creative, enthusiastic, and a pleasure to be around! We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Newport Beach team. In her free time, she enjoys anything art related, volunteering, hiking, and traveling.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Raquel Katangian-Ayala, Psy.D

Dr. Raquel Katangian-Ayala is a Registered Psychological Assistant who obtained a PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Katangian-Ayala received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine in Psychology and her Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Dr. Katangian-Ayala entered the clinical field as an ABA therapist working with children who have been diagnosed with Autism and Developmental Disorders. She has experience in forensic, inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient settings. Diagnostically, she has worked with both adults and adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis, substance use, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, eating disorders, and personality disorders. She also has extensive training in psychological testing assessing intellect, personality, and learning disorders.

Dr. Katangian-Ayala implements evidence-based modalities when providing treatment. Her theoretical orientation encompasses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered, and Motivational Interviewing. She tailors each modality and treatment plan to best suit the need of each individual. She believes her ability to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and authenticity contribute to providing a safe environment towards a path of recovery.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Lisa McKinney, AMFT

Lisa is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who completed her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Chapman University in Orange, CA and her Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Concordia University in Irvine, CA.

Lisa’s professional experience includes working in residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. She is committed to helping her clients understand their core emotional issues, identify their strengths, and move forward in their recovery through growth, insight, and self-compassion. She works with clients through a Rogerian approach, empowering and motivating her clients to move forward with unconditional positive regard, while also utilizing evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral interventions. Lisa takes pride in and has a passion for individualizing each client’s treatment to best match their needs in order to help identify a realistic, happy, and fulfilling recovery.

Primary Therapist

Emily Rubenstein, AMFT

Emily Rubenstein is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Center for Discovery, having obtained her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University. A Massachusetts native, Emily completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Framingham State University.

Emily joins CFD with 5 years of experience working in residential treatment in different capacities. She has worked with adult men and women working toward treatment from co-occurring eating disorders and substance use disorders from a trauma-informed perspective. Emily has 2 years of experience in community mental health working with a diverse population of individuals, couples, and families on skill-building and emotional connection. She also has training in non-directive play therapy for the purpose of healing families through repairing attachment bonds.

Emily is passionate about the mind-body connection and helping guide clients on their recovery path using a holistic approach. She sees treatment through a person-centered, collaborative lens to help her clients voice their needs and set goals that feel attainable for where they are in their unique journey. Additionally, she utilizes narrative techniques to bring awareness to the importance of language in the way we perceive our past experiences, as well as how we continue to author our ongoing stories.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Jordyn Metchikoff, RD

Jordyn Metchikoff is a local to the Orange County area and completed her undergraduate degree in Food and Nutrition at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

After completing an internship rotation with Center for Discovery, Jordyn joined the team in September 2018 at Newport Beach. She is passionate about her work in this field and has a playful and fun approach with clients.

Jordyn’s previous eating disorder experience includes IOP and PHP level of care. She has also worked on her college campus advocating for mental health outreach on campus. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and relaxing at the beach.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Stacey Rombough, RD

tacey Rombough joined the Center For Discovery team in January 2010 as a diet technition for the Whittier and Lakewood locations working with eating disorders. During this time she completed the ISSP Dietetic Internship through California State Long Beach, which furthered her education in nutrition while interning at Placentia Linda Hospital, College Hospital, and Newport-Mesa School District.
As a Registered Dietitian, Ms. Rombough hopes to further improve the health of the clients with eating disorders as well as assist them in incorporating the “All Foods Fit” motto into their daily lives.

Ms. Rombough attended California State University of Long Beach and graduated with a bachelors of Science degree in nutrition and Dietetics in May of 2011. She was on the President’s list (GPA 3.75-4.0) her last two years at Long Beach.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Rebecca Tran, BS

Rebecca Tran has been recognized for her sincere and whole-hearted approach in interacting with clients. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing and supportive treatment milieu.  She is dedicated to helping clients challenge themselves with meals, and enthusiastically supports clients through their journey to ultimately realize that allfoods fit!

Rebecca recently graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Food Administration with a concentration in Dietetics. She is continuing her education by pursuing her Master’s in Nutrition and completing a Dietetic Internship at Marywood University to become a Registered Dietitian. Rebecca enjoys cooking, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Kali Gilday, BS

Kali received her Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2016 from California State University, Long Beach, and intends on pursuing her RD license in the near future. She is currently pursuing her Lactation Consultant certification to become an IBCLC and has dreams of working in the NICU as an RD Lactation Consultant.

As the newest member to the Newport team, Kali’s positive attitude and infectious energy make her not only a fabulous co-worker but also a wonderful support to our clients. Kali is warm, eager to learn, and has team spirit! Kali is dedicated to supporting the dietary program in delivering quality care.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, gardening, and running. Kali has a passion for helping others build a healthy lifestyle and is thrilled to be a part of the Center For Discovery team.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Lisa Fowler, RD

Lisa Fowler is a Registered Dietitian who was born and raised in Southern California. Lisa earned Bachelor’s and Masters degrees in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics from California State University Los Angeles. Lisa has extensive training and experience in hospitals, schools, outpatient facilities and community nutrition programs.

Lisa joins the Newport team having specialized experience in adult weight management, sports nutrition, with a focus on preventative health and wellness. Lisa has experience in private consulting as well as group facilitated sessions. Lisa is enthusiastic about teaching others the importance of nourishing the body through food and proper nutrition. Lisa is passionate about working with the eating disorder population, understanding the vital role of dietary support in one’s 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.

Counselor

Amy Messiha, MA

Amy M. Messiha graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Argosy University in Nashville, Tennessee.  She obtained her Masters in Counseling from Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado.  She has experience working in a setting that offers psychiatric residential treatment services to children and adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral issues.  She also has experience working in a setting that offers residential treatment for young people with intellectual disabilities, problem sexual behaviors, emotional disturbance and co-occurring medical conditions, and extreme aggressive and defiant behaviors.

Amy runs Newport’s Saturday program and has been recognized for the creativity and passion she brings to every group. Amy tailors her groups to accommodate all learning styles. From Neuroscience to Whole-Hearted Living, Amy’s groups are fun, dynamic, and therapeutically rich.

She has been proudly serving in the U.S. Army since 2005.  In her free time she loves to spend time with family, friends and her two mini schnauzers – Rocky & Bella Rose.

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.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Suzanne Toro

Suzanne Toro is an Author, Yoga, Wellness & Food Alchemy Educator, Radio Broadcaster and Sound Therapist. Suzanne has 25 years of business, education, design, and wellness experience. She is skilled at empowering individuals and groups to transform their relationship with self and others. She is passionate about teaching her clients and listeners how to cultivate a way of life that will support balance, inner peace and success.

Suzanne’s wellness skills, education, and studies include: Ayurveda System, Yoga and Meditation with Dr. Deepak Chopra, MD and Dr. David Simon, MD, 22 years of Yoga studies Hatha, Iyenger and Asthanga, 26 years of self studies in the areas of Nutrition, Body Mechanics and Mind, Body & Spirit , and 28 years of Culinary practice, Food Alchemy, and global food studies. Suzanne has an extensive history of Indigenous studies in Hopi, Mayan, Andean, Tibetan, Hawaiian, Indian and Philippines.

UR Care Coordinator

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.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Julianna Bohigian, BA

Julianna grew up in the Central Valley and moved to Southern California for college. Throughout her lifetime, she has been closely knit to her Armenian heritage through involvement of many educational and cultural programs. Julianna graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2018 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Dietetics & Food Administration and Food Science. Since graduating college, she has lived in New York, Texas and California to gain experience in the fields that she loves. Julianna is currently looking to pursue a dietetic internship and become a Registered Dietitian in the near future. She also plans to get her Master’s degree in an emerging field of Nutrition/Dietetics. Julianna has a passion to help others achieve optimal health through lifestyle changes and goal-potential. She love having the opportunities to work on professional teams with like-minded individuals. In her free time, Julianna enjoys going to concerts & museums, running on the beach, trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends & family.