Program Director

Christina Weiss, LMFT, MPHC

Christina has enthusiastically spent the better part of the past 15 years in the Mental Health field including leading Clinical Outreach departments at several well-known Eating Disorder programs and has experience working as a licensed psychotherapist at all levels of care in eating disorder and addiction treatment. Her focus has been primarily in the eating disorder field working closely with and studying under some of the pioneers in eating disorder treatment. She currently sits on the board of Eating Disorder Support Services (EDRS), a Bay Area nonprofit organization and has been instrumental in launching several IAEDP chapters on the West Coast and the first NEDA Walk Los Angeles.

Christina received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Business from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Masters in public health communication from Annenberg at USC where she developed several research projects looking at the impact of media on eating disorders in the adolescent population. She received her Masters of Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Spiritual Depth, at Antioch University, which included studying Attachment theory abroad at Tavistock Institute in London. She is trained in Somatic Experiencing which offers the opportunity to engage, complete, and resolve, in a slow and supported way, automatic and unresolved responses of anxiety, rage or trauma and relax into a growing sense of calm and safety.

Together with her clients, Christina creates a safe space to explore issues where they feel stuck. From somatic mindfulness and client-centered perspective, she helps them uncover attachment patterns and other difficulties often at the root of suffering. She facilitates the nurturing of internal strengths within the individual to cultivate healing, self-acceptance, and growth. She is encouraged by the latest research in neuroscience on attachment, trauma and eating disorders and enjoys staying abreast of all the latest developments. Being recovered herself, Christina has a passion for helping those towards their path to recovery.

Program Therapist

Alix Braun, AMFT

Alix Braun is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Alix earned her undergraduate degree from Mount St. Mary’s University in Psychology with an emphasis in children and adolescents. Alix received a Master’s of Science at California State University Dominguez Hills in Marriage and Family Therapy. Alix got her start working with children and adolescents in a school setting. Subsequently she began working with the eating disorder population at Center for Discovery Rancho Palos Verdes. She worked at that residential location for 15 months until she received her Associates License. Alix then worked as a Program Therapist at Rosewood Santa Monica, treating adults and adolescents with eating disorders. Alix has supported a family member through the recovery process for eating disorders and is motivated and committed to helping all her clients regain a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Alix is so excited to be back working at Center for Discovery.

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.

Primary Therapist

Alicia Knight, AMFT

Alicia Knight is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Alicia received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico, where she double majored in Psychology and Family studies. Alicia has a background in crisis work and has worked with youth from different age groups and backgrounds in multiple settings. Alicia got her start working with youth and families in the foster care system. She then moved on to work at UCSD Eating Disorder Center’s adolescent partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program, where she is specialized in working with athletes returning to sport. Alicia Is excited to join Center for Discovery’s South Bay Team and looks forward to continuing to support client’s working towards recovery

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Nikki Ferguson, RD

Nikki Ferguson earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science from California State University, Los Angeles. Immediately after graduating Cum Laude she was accepted to Nutrition Ink dietetic internship program with an emphasis in medical nutrition therapy completing rotations at Center for Discovery, Riverside Community Hospital, and Irvine Unified School District. As an intern with Center for Discovery Nikki found her passion working with adolescents and adults with eating disorders in both partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient settings at Center for Discovery. After completing her internship and becoming a licensed Registered Dietitian in both the US and Canada, Nikki officially joined the Center for Discovery team to support clients in meeting their nutritional needs and guiding them on their path to recovery through a nonjudgmental, empathetic, client-centered approach. Outside of work she enjoys being outdoors and furthering her education.

Dietary Technician

Danielle Nava, BS

Danielle earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science & Community Nutrition Certificate from California State University, Los Angeles.  She has experience in promoting healthier communities by providing nutrition education to college students, children, and families.  These experiences including being president of the Student Dietetic Association and a Nationally Certified Peer Health Educator with the Student Health Advisory Committee as part of the mental health sub-committee at California State University, Los Angeles.  Additionally, she completed a year-long internship at an Early Head Start program sparking her interest in community nutrition and education.  With years of experience in foodservice, and preparing medically tailored meals through her volunteer services at Project Angel Food, she enjoys cooking and sharing the joy of healing through food.  She is currently pursuing graduate programs to obtain her Master of Science in Nutritional Science to become a Registered Dietitian.

FACILITY COORDINATOR

Ryan Scanlon, BS

Ryan holds a B.S. in Psychology from Fordham University in Bronx, NY. He has worked in several capacities in the mental health and social service industries, including adult and adolescent residential treatment, outpatient intake, and youth community center counseling. He has been working with Center for Discovery since December 2017. Ryan’s goal is to transform how mental health is viewed and accessed in the U.S. He is currently pursuing an M.B.A., specializing in Healthcare Administration, at California State University Long Beach.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Austin Bou