SOUTHPORT OUTPATIENT EATING DISORDER PROGRAM

Christine Sacane, LMSW

Christine is the Clinical Intake Coordinator at the Southport Adolescent PHP/IOP program. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and continued her education at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work, earning her Master of Social Work degree. She is a Licensed Master of Social Work.
Christine has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and family settings, utilizing a strengths-based and solution-focused approach in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, autism-spectrum disorder, and behavioral and emotional issues. She is passionate about the importance of family support systems in a client’s treatment, and also finds that warmth and connection with her clients is essential in establishing a safe environment where healing can occur. Christine believes in collaboratively working with clients to strengthen self-esteem, empowerment and interpersonal relationships as a path to healing.

A lifelong dancer of a variety of dance forms such as ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and group tribal-style bellydance has enabled Christine to deeply understand the positive effects dance and movement can have on mental health and body positivity and acceptance.

Alison Baldwin

Alison is an ordained Minister who has a background working with children and adults in individual and group settings. These are individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, and behavioral and emotional challenges. Alison also, has a background counseling and working with women and children (survivors) of Domestic Violence. Alison also does respite care in her home for children in the foster care system, and survivors of human trafficking. She has taken care of the elderly in their homes/hospitals. She serves with a heart of empathy for every individual.
Alison enjoys traveling, spending time with family, going to church and serving others. Alison is very passionate about helping others. Alison hopes that she has and will continue to make a difference in working with people with challenges and being able to support their journey to recovery. She also gained so much experience helping, taking care of and encouraging patients. Alison looks forward to helping others by creating. Alison is currently working towards her bachelor’s in theology, leading to her PhD. In Christian Counseling.

Madeline McKearney

Madeline is a registered dietitian who recently joined the Southport Center for Discovery team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Houston, where she had the opportunity to work at a Center for Discovery location in Katy, TX. During her time in Texas, Madeline fell in love with the inclusive community and dedication from staff exhibited at Center for Discovery. Upon obtaining her RD license, Madeline entered the world of clinical nutrition at an acute care facility, where she acted as an advocate for “Health at Every Size ® (HAES ®).” She is excited to be back at Center for Discovery and to begin helping clients work towards an All Foods Fit ™ mindset. In her free time, you can find Madeline just about anywhere with her nose in a book or tossing the ball for her labradoodle, Bailey.

Toni Brown (she/her/hers)

Toni has a passion for working with the children and adult population which is what bought her to Center for Discovery six years ago. She began her journey with Center for Discovery in one of our Connecticut eating disorder facilities as a counselor/on-call facility manager. Toni joined Southport Outpatient to further her career as an executive director. Toni will continue to pursue her education in business management to receive her degree. Her long-term goal is to work in operations so she can continue to assist patients towards their recovery.

As the executive director, Toni handles daily operations including administrative duties, research, clinical documentation and customer service. Toni continues to strive to keep the adolescents and staff safe while making the facility a place they can call home. In Toni’s free time, you can find her watching all of her favorite shows or playing her favorite card game Perpetual Commotion.

Katie Midlik, LMSW (she/her/hers)

Katie is a primary therapist at the Southport adolescent PHP/IOP program. Katie is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and received her Master of Social Work degree at Sacred Heart University. She is currently pursuing her path to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). After several years of working in career positions geared toward guiding, coaching and serving others, Katie followed her heart to concentrate on the field of mental health and wellness. Katie utilizes a variety of clinical techniques, therapeutic modalities and a holistic approach in order to assist and help guide individuals of all ages to achieve overall fulfillment in their lives and learn to process life’s challenges and obstacles. Katie believes in a mind and body connection, which has led her to achieve further education and training in trauma-focused therapies, like CPT.

Katie has worked with individuals, families and has held various groups when working within a residential setting at a psychiatric hospital. She has experience working with numerous diagnoses. Katie’s clinical interests include eating disorders/disordered eating, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, BPD and OCD. Other areas of passion for Katie include overall health and wellness, intuitive eating and practicing mindful movement while making peace with one’s physical body. Katie strives to help her patients find lasting healing, teach her patients realistic and valuable skills that can be used throughout one’s lifetime and reach their highest potential for personal development. Outside of work, Katie enjoys running, walking and hiking outdoors, lifting weights, practicing yoga and meditation, cooking, traveling and spending quality time with her pets, family and friends.

Emma Philbin, MS, RD, CDN

Emma is a registered dietitian. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s degree in health science, with a concentration in public health and a minor in health and wellness. After graduation, she then attended Hunter College in New York City and earned her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and completed her dietetic internship there as well. Upon obtaining her RD credential and license, Emma worked in pediatrics where she counseled mothers (pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding), infants, and children. Through her internship, Emma was able to work with individuals with eating disorders and found a passion for helping others work towards healing their relationship with food and full recovery. Emma is an advocate for both Intuitive Eating and Health and Every Size ®️️. She is a certified intuitive eating counselor that was “Trained & Certified by The Original Intuitive Eating Pros” ®️️. During her free time, you can find Emma reading a book, hiking, gardening, or playing with her cat, dogs, or chickens.

Alexandra Decker

Alexandra is a dietetic intern who recently joined the Southport Center for Discovery team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Long Island University – Post, where she also completed her dietetic internship. During her internship, Alexandra had the opportunity to work with a wide range of students and athletes on LIU – Post’s campus. Additionally, she was able to work with patients at an outpatient eating disorder facility. During her time on Long Island, Alexandra developed a strong passion for helping others improve their relationship with food and reach balance within their lives. She is currently eligible and studying to obtain her RD license. Alexandra is a strong advocate for Intuitive Eating as well as Health at Every Size ®️ and is extremely grateful and excited to be working at Center for Discovery – a company that strongly focuses on these topics. In her free time, you can find Alexandra watching Disney movies or taking her French Bulldog, Pearl, for a walk!

Julie Gulemi

Julie is a primary therapist at the Southport adolescent PHP/IOP program. Julie is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and received her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Southern California.