Program Therapist

Lauren Barker, AMFT

Lauren Barker is an Associate Marital and Family Therapist, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UCLA and a Master of Science at California State University, Dominguez Hills in Marital and Family Therapy. Lauren completed her MFT training working with victims and families of domestic violence, as well as at-risk youth in both a residential and outpatient setting. Post-graduation, Lauren continued her therapeutic work at Center for Discovery South Bay Outpatient and Rancho Palos Verdes Residential Treatment Center for adults with eating disorders. With a client-centered, non-judgmental approach, Lauren works to foster empowerment and wellbeing to clients.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Sasha Millice, MS, RDN, LD

MILIEU MANAGER

Marlene Correa

Marlene Correa is Milieu Manager at Center for Discovery, Rancho Palos Verdes Residential Eating Disorder Program.  She attended Cal State Dominguez Hills and received her BA in Human Resource management. Marlene has begun her journey with Center for Discovery and has found much passion for working with adults with eating disorders. She has performed managerial duties in different establishments, which has broadened her understanding and capabilities in maintaining a suitable working environment. As Milieu Manager, Marlene’s primary objective is to support individuals in their recovery by facilitating a smooth flow of activity in the house.

PHYSICIAN

Sheena Malik, MD

Sheena Malik M.D. is a board certified Family Medicine Physician. She completed residency training at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center and served as chief resident during her final year of training. She has published scientific papers, and has been awarded for her clinical research. Dr. Malik believes that communication is a key part of medicine; she enjoys building long lasting relationships with each of her patients and getting to know them. Dr. Malik is an advocate for her patients’ health.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Emily Rotenberg, RDN

Emily Rotenberg earned her Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science at San Diego State University. Immediately after graduating she was accepted to University of Northern Colorado Distance Dietetic Internship with an emphasis in Nutrition Education and Counseling. After Emily completed her Distance Dietetic Internship, she passed her Commission on Dietetics Registration Board Exam, started her own private practice, and began working as a Clinical Dietitian. Shortly after, Emily was hired at Center for Discovery in Ranch Palos Verdes to joined the Treatment Team as a Dietitian. Emily uses a client centered counselling approach to meet her clients where they are at in their recovery journey. This allows her to create an empowering atmosphere to support them in their journey to heal their relationship with food. Outside of work, Emily loves to take bike rides on the beach strand, travel to learn about other cultures, doing art projects, and spending time with family and friends!

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Samantha Lauro, M.A.

Samantha is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Throughout her years gaining clinical experience and while earning a Master’s Degree at Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology, she’s worked with people from very diverse backgrounds. Samantha has found that establishing trust, exploring life goals, creating a plan, and providing tools to achieve client goals is the most effective therapeutic approach. In specific, during her graduate studies, she had the unique opportunity to serve children/adolescents and their families as a School Therapist. She felt this position was extremely rewarding and exhilarating. It allowed her to provide all clients with a comfortable, confidential, and non-judgmental therapeutic experience where their concerns, thoughts, and feelings can be explored and addressed. Therefore, working with a therapist does not have to be intimidating. Samantha strives to make sure her clients feel heard, empowered, and resilient. In conjunction, Samantha specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an effective, evidence-based treatment method for depression, anxiety, and other issues. She looks forward to hearing from you so that you may find peace and fulfillment for a better quality of life!