Center for Discovery Pleasanton is an outpatient eating disorder treatment center offering partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient therapy to patients of all genders and all ages. This San Francisco Bay area location opened in 2016 and the staff have many years of experience working with patients and their families who are struggling with an eating disorder. The treatment team also has extensive experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault and addiction counseling, which can be closely tied to eating disorders. The Pleasanton outpatient eating disorder provides art therapy and many different forms of expressive therapy. Treatment modalities we offer include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure & response prevention (ERP) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
In addition to receiving evidence-based therapies, patients all have the opportunity to put “joyful” back into movement through yoga and other activities. Discovery’s specialized binge eating disorder (BED) program, Path to Peace, is also offered at this location.
Insurances we accept include but are not limited to Aetna/Shaller Anderson/GHC/First Health/Auto/WorkersComp, Avante, Cigna/ Great West, Halcyon and MCCP (Medical Cost Containment Professionals, LLC). Please remember that the insurances we accept change frequently. Our insurance team will verify your coverage.
Conveniently located off the 580 freeway in the Bay Area with easy access to public transportation, the Pleasanton facility is surrounded by eight other Center for Discovery residential eating disorder and mental health facilities for all continuity of care needs. The central location of this facility makes for a quick beautiful scenic commute from surrounding cities, such as San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Dublin and Livermore.
CENTER FOR DISCOVERY
5075 Hopyard Road, Suite 120
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2797
PH 866.482.3876
M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm
PROGRAM FEATURES
Intensive Outpatient
Partial Hospitalization
All Genders
All Ages
MEET THE TEAM
Jamie Ascanio, AMFT
PRIMARY THERAPISTI 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!
Jaclyn Lee, AMFT
PRIMARY THERAPISTReceived 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.
Kellie Cheves, RDN
Registered Dietitian NutritionistKellie 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.
Heather Hohl
REGISTERED DIETITIANHeather 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.
Angelea Eaton
MILIEU MANAGER & COUNSELORI 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!
Geeta Kerawalla
PRIMARY THERAPISTGeeta 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.
Adrian Fuentes
DIET TECHNICIANAdrian 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.
Lynnetta Hawkins
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORNichole 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.
Adrian Fuentes
Milieu ManagerAdrian is milieu manager at Center for Discovery, Pleasanton. Holding a bachelor’s degree in nutritional science and applied nutrition from San José State University, Adrian formerly worked as a diet aide at the Athletics Department at Stanford University, providing athletes education and nutrition based on their individual needs. Adrian loves working at CFD and enjoys having a positive impact on others. Adrian enjoys helping people cope with whatever they are going through in life, providing them the care, comfort and education that may possibly change their life for the better. Working with caring staff and clients and being a part of this community is also great. In Adrian’s free time, they love to stay active playing their favorite sport, soccer.
Support Group
This location provides free in person eating disorder support groups on Thursdays 7:00PM. We also have a handful of free online support groups. Find out more about how to join our free support groups.
COVID-19 Update: Online telehealth is offered for intensive outpatient treatment as an option to patients living in California, Florida, New Jersey and Texas.
In-person intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization is also offered at this location. Residential treatment continues to be offered at our residential facilities for individuals in need of a higher level of care. Learn about all that we are doing to protect the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff.