Assistant Program Director

Julia Brochstein, LMFT

Julia is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with people who struggle with Eating Disorders at the Residential, Partial Hospitalization, and Intensive Outpatient levels of care. Prior to joining Center For Discovery, Julia worked with child, adolescent, and adult victims of trauma and family violence at a non-profit agency in the Bay Area. Julia was drawn to work with people who struggle with Eating Disorders by her passion for recovery. She brings this dedication to her work with clients and their families at Center For Discovery. Julia approaches the therapeutic relationship from a trauma-informed, Humanistic perspective, and strives to help clients explore their authentic selves and full potential. Julia obtained her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communications from the University of California at Davis, and her Masters degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. She is currently working on completing her professional certification in Eating and Weight Disorders at the University of California at Berkeley.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Jamie Ascanio, AMFT

I am currently a Primary Therapist OP. I have received my Bachelor’s degree at San Jose State University majoring in Psychology. I have also received my Master’s degree at San Jose State University in Clinical Psychology.  My previous employment included working with children between 4 – 16 years old with Autism through applied behavioral analysis (ABA). I also have experience providing school-based therapy services for elementary-aged children with prominent trauma, depression, and anxiety. As a therapist, I actively advocate for evidence-based practices in order to provide the most scientific and up to date treatment options available. My favorite aspect of working for Center For Discovery is the small size of clients we are able to offer services to. The small size allows us to provide the most individualized and focused treatment plan for each client possible. Some of my favorite things to do are going to the beach and taking adventurous hikes alongside California’s beautiful coast!

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Jaclyn Lee, AMFT

Received a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology From California Institute of Integral Studies. Previously was hired as a Primary Therapist at Casa Serena Eating Disorder Treatment Center. I love working at Center For Discovery for two main reasons. Firstly, I love working with our clients. I love getting an opportunity to help people in a time when they really need it, I love getting to show up for them, and help guide them to a place of more security and peace. Secondly, I love that we are a community here. We are a community as staff and a community as staff and clients put together. I love that. In my free time I love being with my kids, making art, and being outside as much as possible.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Karmen Fluker, AMFT

I received my B.A. in Psychology from UC Davis and M.A in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. Prior to working for Center for Discovery, I worked with youth who were impacted by the foster care system and struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges. I have also worked in a private practice with teens, families and couples as well as provided school based mental health counseling to children. I love seeing the bravery in the client’s here. Clients constantly challenge themselves to learn and grow, and I love seeing them go through the process of self-discovery. They are incredibly resilient! I love spending time with my husband, family, and dog, enjoying the outdoors and traveling as often as possible!

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Kaitlin Saulter, RD

I received my Undergraduate BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Maine, Dietetic Internship with Advent Health Orlando. Previously, I was a day camp counselor throughout high school; volunteer for Second Harvest food Bank (2019 in Orlando) and Eastern Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels (2017-2018); Catering Associate at St Joseph’s Hospital (2016 -2017); Dietitian at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and SunnyView Retirement community (2019-2020). I love the challenge of working with those with Eating Disorders, and the moments of reward that come with it. My coworkers are extremely team-oriented, they care so much about each and every patient, but also care about each other’s well being. The sense of community in our milieu makes me excited to travel to work each morning. I love my job and the people I am surrounded by! Outside of work I love exploring the outdoors: skiing, hiking, backpacking; I love to travel, whether domestically or abroad, and I especially love exploring new food options in the places that I travel!

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Kellie Cheves, RDN

Kellie Cheves is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about working in the field of eating disorders with experience working with adults, adolescents, and their families. Kellie received her Bachelor’s of Food’s and Nutrition at San Diego State University and earned Magna Cum Laude status upon graduation. After earning her degree, Kellie completed her Dietetic Internship at Golden Gate Dietetics in Napa CA. She enjoys working with clients and families to repair their relationship with food utilizing Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating principles. Through compassion, creativity, and patience she works with clients to achieve their individual recovery. In addition, Kellie works with clients to deconstruct myths in the health industry and increase client’s body acceptance.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Heather Hohl

Heather Hohl RDN received her Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Oklahoma where she also completed her Dietetic Internship. Her experience in long-term care and dialysis has given her the tools to develop individualized nutrition interventions specific to each client. Heather is an ambassador of the All Foods Fit philosophy and believes that through education, counseling, support and creativity that everyone can find their own path to recovery. She works with both adolescent and adult clients on setting and achieving their individual goals while focusing on the principles of intuitive eating.

Heather specializes in nutrition therapy for eating disorders and disordered eating. She is an ambassador of the All Foods Fit philosophy and believes that through education, counseling, support and creativity that everyone can find their own path to recovery. She works with both adolescent and adult clients on setting and achieving their individual goals while focusing on the principles of intuitive eating.

MILIEU MANAGER & COUNSELOR

Angelea Eaton

I received my undergraduate degree in Political Science at Sonoma State University. I am currently working towards receiving my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy to become a licensed therapist. Prior to working at Center For Discovery, I managed a ranch in Pleasanton and worked as an Equestrian Guide in Bodega Bay. I volunteered with Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department in 2016, worked as a Sexual Assault Advocate at Sonoma State (2017-2019), and was a Peer Advocate at Foothill High School here in Pleasanton. My favorite aspect of working for Center For Discovery is watching clients progress and put in endless work to overcome their disorder. Being in any sort of treatment facility takes courage and resilience. I admire their bravery, their resilience, and their work ethic towards recovery. My number one goal is to create a welcoming environment for all clients that are in our program, giving them space to be who they are and allowing them to take up space within our facility. Outside of work, I love outdoor activities, spending time along the coast of California, creating art, riding horses, and spending quality time with supportive, positive people!

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Geeta Kerawalla

Geeta received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from CSUEB and her PPSC from SFSU. Before coming to Center For Discovery, Geeta worked as a Therapist at Casa Serena Eating Disorder Treatment Center, Behavioral Health Specialist at MDUSD Alliance Program, Parenting Program Director and Behaviorist for TBS at Family Stress Center. I have extensive experience working with at-risk youth and their families in a variety of settings.  “I have always enjoyed working with a team and supporting clients in a milieu. I find great value in learning together and using each other’s experiences to shape our own. Being a witness to our clients’ recovery journeys is a profound and beautiful experience. I am an avid reader and documentary watcher. Being amongst trees and music bring me joy. I am a forever learner. I spend most of my free time with my husband and children who are my greatest teachers.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Adrian Fuentes

Adrian received his Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science/Applied Nutrition from San José State University. Prior to Adrian joining Center For Discovery, he was a Diet Aide/Lead at the Stanford Athletics Department at Stanford University specializing in providing athletes education and nutrition based on individual needs. “I love working at Center For Discovery because I know I will be having a positive impact and helping people cope with whatever they may be going through in life. I know I can do my best in providing them the care, comfort, and education that may possibly change their life for the better. Also being a part of this community of caring staff and clients makes it all so great.  Outside of work, I love sports. In my free time, I love to stay active and play my favorite sport – soccer.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lynnetta Hawkins

Nichole Hawkins is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Prior to joining Center for Discovery, she worked with severely mentally ill and suicidal clients in crisis settings for 7 years.  She has worked with clients in 24-hour services (crisis), intensive outpatient treatment, as well as a busy 24-hour crisis stabilization unit — this was a locked unit in which she administered the first 24-hours of 72 hour psychiatric hold. Throughout her career she attained leadership roles within multidisciplinary teams.

Nichole is excited to work with clients and their families at Center for Discovery in Pleasanton, California. Driven by an intense passion for behavioral health, she is inspired by working closely with clients and their families in a high-level care setting. Nichole is committed to providing the empathetic and compassionate care necessary to motivate, and guide positive life changes.

Nichole graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2008, and was awarded her Master’s Degree in Counseling in 2012 from the University of Phoenix.