Dr. Christine Pappas - Executive Clinical Director for La Ventana Eating Disorder Programs.   Dr. Pappas earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2003 and her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2005. She has over ten years experience in providing treatment for diverse populations utilizing a multidisciplinary theoretical lens. Her work includes counseling individuals, families, and couples recovering from drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, and life style transitions. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as group homes, public schools, and juvenile hall. She has a private practice in San Francisco treating people in recovery from Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and Obesity, as well as various mood disorders and abuse. Dr. Pappas also has experience working in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs (New Dawn Recovery), she works in conjunction with Association of Professionals Treating Eating Disorders in San Francisco, and has over six years experience working at Recovery Systems in Mill Valley. To broaden her scope of practice, Dr. Pappas is an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University in the Bay Area, where she teaches graduate level courses. Dr. Pappas possesses the passion to help support those in recovery and can relate to the profound grief that addiction may cause. For the past thirty years she has witnessed a loved one suffer from alcohol and drug addiction, as well as Anorexia and Bulimia. Dr. Pappas herself has learned to live with an autoimmune disease, culminating in the gift of developing a healthier relationship with food and her body. Dr. Pappas’s philosophy is that “food is medicine that refuels our body and mind in a balanced and healing manner”. With her extensive theoretical background, Dr. Pappas utilizes a family system and psychodynamic therapeutic modality while integrating cognitive behavioral, narrative, and experiential therapies in her practice. Given the psychological and physiological complexities of eating disorders, Dr. Pappas incorporates a comprehensive treatment team approach and feels that community connection and awareness is vital to a successful recovery.

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     Jean Erickson, MA. , Clinical  Director , Licensed Psychologist and Professional Counselor  (state of MN) - Jean earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For the past twenty years she has worked as a therapist both in the United States and abroad, helping people that suffer from dual disorders and addictions. Most recently Jean has provided individual and group therapy to clients with eating disorders, both on an outpatient basis at Pathways Family Counseling Center and on an in-patient basis at Rader Programs. In particular, Jean hopes to help families and friends that are supporting their loved ones in their recovery from an eating disorder, and understands firsthand the unique challenges they face.  

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  Heather Loeb, Licensed MFT , Assistant Clinical Director - received her Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Heather has experience working in intensive outpatient, inpatient and partial hospitalization settings. Among her areas of expertise are anxiety and eating disorders. Heather is an active, integrative therapist who works with her clients to promote empowerment and fulfillment. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences and maintains a private practice in Ventura, CA.

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  Mickie Schlimgen, Executive Director, Nurse - Mickie has been in the mental health profession for over 28 years with a wide variety of specialties that include Executive Director, Nursing Supervisor, Utilization Review specialist, Policy and Procedures Admistration, and overall operations for running mental health facilities. She brings all of this experience and dedication to La Ventana as the first line of communication with the community, employees, and future clients. Mickie’s heartfelt interest in clients’ rights provides her with the determination and resolve needed to head La Ventana's Executive Direcotor position.

 Dr. Michael Vivian, Medical Director - Dr. Michael Vivian is a board certified psychiatrist who attended UCLA for his undergraduate studies in psycho-biology before graduating from the UCLA School of Medicine. He then completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Francisco. He has been in private practice in Ventura, California since 1999, including having served as medical director of Pacific Shores Hospital (an inpatient and partial hospitalization level eating disorder facility) in Oxnard, California from 2000-2009. Throughout his time in Ventura he has also maintained an outpatient office, and La Ventana is excited to partner with him in the ongoing treatment of eating disorders.

  Erica Ives, Licensed MFT. - Erica Ives received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1994 and has been practicing as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1997. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, women’s issues, and addiction. Her work as a therapist began with the treatment of adolescents who suffered from depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and self-mutilation predominately as a result of some form of trauma. Erica sought out extensive training in the area of trauma and its correlation with the development of eating disorders and various other addictions. Her many years of training continued along this path and developed into her current specialties, all of which are very closely connected. She has consistently been in private practice in Calabasas while simultaneously working closely with other professionals and clients in a multiple array of environments. Erica has worked as a Clinical Director, a CAMFT Certified Clinical Supervisor and consultant for several treatment centers, educated communities on prevention and treatment of eating disorders, and written numerous published articles on these topics. Erica passionately believes in life with freedom from an eating disorder and addiction. She views recovery as being unique to each and every individual and teaches the tools for one to achieve a life filled with balance, awareness, and well-being.

Mr. John (JD) Dowling, Licensed MFT received his master's degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in depth psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute in May of 2008. Mr. Dowling has extensive experience working with people recovering from eating disorders in an inpatient setting with Rader Program as well as in the IOP and PHP facility at La Ventana Treatment Centers. He is a board certified medical and clinical hypnotherapist, has worked as a substance abuse counselor in the Ventura County Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program for two years, providing individual, group, couples, and family therapy to those suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction.  He continues to emphasize working with individuals, couples and families in recovery from eating disorders and substance abuse in his private practice. He is currently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences and maintains a private practice in Ventura and Thousand Oaks, CA.

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  Dr. Laura Calnan, PSY 24626, is a psychotherapist currently treating adolescent and adult clients.  Dr. Laura specializes in treating depression, anxiety and addictive disorders.

Dr. Calnan holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Her training includes three years of post-doctoral training as part of the Insight Treatment Program clinical staff.  In this position Laura saw clients for individual, group, and family therapy for the treatment of various disorders including addiction, anxiety, mood, and co-occurring disorders such as personality, body image, and self-harming behavior.

Her doctoral internship and masters traineeship included three years with Brotman Hospital and Exodus Recovery in Los Angeles. In her practicum training, Laura provided both individual and group therapy for a diverse population of patients with acute diagnostic presentations including dual-diagnosis and severe mental illness. She has specifically been trained to understand the client from a biopsycosocial perspective, identifying developmental impingements, and addressing relational issues that propel a client to re-enact destructive experiences and childhood trauma in current relational dynamics.

Laura also has a comprehensive understanding of addiction and the recovery process. Her post-doctoral training has been with Insight Treatment Programs, a dual-diagnosis, intensive outpatient facility serving adolescents and their families. She has effectively treated such disorders as addiction, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, family conflict and self-esteem. She also has specific experience with self-harm behaviors and borderline personality traits.

Laura believes in emphasizing an inner process of healing; aiding others through acceptance, compassion and authenticity. She works from an integrated style, which includes psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, spiritual and existential modalities with the goal of helping the individual and family obtain healthier and more sustainable relationships with self and others.

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   Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and life coach who has helped hundreds of people cope with lifelong addictions, including substance abuse, shopping, gambling, food, sex and love, co-dependency, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, single parenting and divorce. Sherry specializes in individuals, couples, family, and group therapy. In addition to her monthly gig as a guest expert on Dr. Drew Pinksy’s radio show, Sherry was also seen in action on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab 2 and its subsequent shows, Celebrity Rehab 3 and 4.   She also facilitated life coaching on their subsequent spin off Sober House. During filming of the series, which debuted in October 2008, Sherry used her trademark sensitivity and compassion to help troubled cast members as they transitioned into their new sober lives with psychotherapy and life coaching tips.  Sherry most recently appeared on CNN Headline News as a guest expert, as well as Inside Edition, where she spoke about Mackenzie Phillip’s who was on Celebrity Rehab 3.  In addition, she appeared on KTLA Channel 5 as an expert on eating disorders and Fox San Diego News, Better TV, WPIX New York, CNN Prime News, Issues with Jane Velez Mitchell on HLN, and E!News discussing Celebrity Rehab and Teen Mom on MTV. .  Sherry’s book, “The Law of Sobriety” from HCI Publications about recovery from addictions and alcoholism was published in September 2010.  Sherry has also been published in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Los Angeles Times Blog, New York Post, Hollywood Life,  Elle On-line, E! On-line, and the New York Daily News.  She has also been a guest with Martha Stewart, Jay Thomas, and Judith Regan on Sirius XM Radio.  With over fifteen years of experience as a clinician, Sherry has worked at some of the top rehabilitation centers around such as the famed Promises Treatment Center in Malibu.   Though she continues to work as a consultant for several of Malibu’s most high profile rehab facilities, Sherry currently dedicates most of her time to her private practice in Agoura, CA and her media career. Sherry is passionate about helping her clients with a supportive approach to help them resolve problems and change long-standing patterns. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Alison C. Camhi, M.A. Licensed MFT - Alison brings over 25 years of work in the field of recovey from eating disorders to addiction. She earned her Masters degree in Marital and Family therapy from Phillips graduate Institute in 1998 and a pupil Personnel Services Credential in 2003. Alison brings her passion to integrate spirituality, human development, psychology and art into her treatment of eating disorders, chemical dependency, sex addiction, trauma, mood disorders, and learning disabilities.  Her work has included individual, family, and groups in residential dual-diagnosis settings, community mental health out-patient settings, and school settings at every level of Los Angeles Unified School District.  She has appeared as a guest on several local radio programs. Alison also maintains a private practice in Agoura Hills.

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Sydnie Ridley, M.S., Licensed MFT - Sydnie , a marriage and family therapist, has worked in the field of eating disorders since 1991, using her experiences, both personally and professionally, to successfully treat clients to full recovery. Recovered from anorexia for over twenty years, Sydnie views eating disorders as “disorders of the self” in which eating and exercise behaviors are used as “adaptive” coping mechanisms. Believing that eating disorders are not only about food and weight, but are symptomatic of deeper, more complex issues, these “adaptive functions”  need to be explored and understood through an empathic relationship between the client and the therapist in order to facilitate complete recovery. Furthermore, throughout the therapeutic process, she believes it is essential to address any medical and/or nutritional issues by using a treatment team approach when appropriate. 

  Beth Tiras, M.A. , Licensed MFT - Beth obtained her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. She has been with La Ventana for several years helping clients who are suffering from eating disorders.  She has provided individual and family therapy to foster and adoptive children and adolescents, many who suffer numerous traumas, both in school and hope settings. Beth has provided therapy to adults with persistent and severe mental illnesses, including those with dual diagnosis. She also worked with adults and children with developmental disabilities in group homes and in the community.  Beth's passion is to help everyone realize their full potential and to help them empower themselves to fulfill that potential , no matter what their suitualtion might be.

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  Liz Teeple, M.A., Licensed M.F.T., Licensed Professional.  Liz earned her license in 1980 and has maintained an active private practice in Westlake Village ever since.  While treating the many issues human beings experience, her emphasis has always been in the realm of eating disorders ranging from anorexia to obesity.  At a most sensitive time in her life, Liz found herself to be severely bulimic.  She was newly married and beginning her graduate study in marriage and family therapy.  She made it her mission to recover and help others who suffer and struggle.  Liz has been in recovery for thirty years and has had much success in her work with eating disorder patients both in her private practice and various hospital settings.  She brings to La Ventana her many years of professional experience as well as her very personal understanding.  Liz has a gentle style; embodying much empathy and compassion.  Having found it necessary to involve her family in her own recovery, Liz is acutely aware of the inevitable effect an eating disorder has on family members, as well as the profound effect the family has on the patient.  She is very skilled in family and relationship therapy and considers family participation to be vital.

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Deborah Bayer, M.A., MFTI. - Deborah has more than 23 years experience in the field of substance abuse and recovery. She has post-graduate training in psychiatric disorders and addiction. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and mood disorders. Deborah also consults with and assists the family and friends of those in psychiatric crisis. Finally, as a parent of a daughter with an eating disorder, Deborah has a unique perspective on the dynamics of treatment both for the client and the family.

  Rachel Sherwyn - MFTI - Rachel comes to La Ventana with a background in treating eating disorders , chemical dependency, and self harming behavior (SHB), .  Rachel is a speaker for RAINN (rape abuse incest national network) and helps rape survivors break the silence and reach out for help. She has worked with La Ventana in the past treating clients with eating disorders and working with the Alumni population.  Rachel has worked in the recovery field for the past nine years and received her BA in psychology from Arizona State University and received her masters degree in psychology and marriage and family therapy from Chapman University in Orange County.  She treats adolescents and adults in her private practice in Westlake Village.   She lives in Southern California .   

Vanessa May, R.D., Dietitian. - Vanessa May, R.D. is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association. She is also registered in Europe and Canada and has trained in South Africa. She specializes in disordered eating and has over twenty years of experience in the field. Vanessa worked for ten years in Santa Monica at Saint John's Hospital and Health Center. Thereafter at Creative Care in Malibu for 3 years managing eating disorders. Vanessa runs nutrition groups, sees client's individually for weekly consults and is part of the treatment team at La Ventana.

Shera Rozenfeld, R.D., Dietitian. - Shera Rozenfeld has been working in the eating disorder field as a nutrition therapist for 15 years. She specializes in the behavioral treatment of Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating and weight control. Shera studied at the University of Jerusalem in Israel. Shera was affiliated with the Wilkins Center in Greenwich CT for 10 years, one of the nation’s foremost outpatient centers for state of the art treatment of eating disorders under the direction of Dr. Diane Mickley, a world renowned specialist in eating disorders. In 2004, Shera moved her private practice to Woodland Hills, California where she treats patients with eating disorders as well as patients with various medical conditions. Shera is a member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). Shera speaks English, French, Hebrew, and Dutch.

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  Nicole Cruz , R.D.,  Dietitian -   is a Registered Dietitian who earned her Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from California State University, Northridge and completed her internship at various locations throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).  Nicole specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings providing nutrition therapy. She continues to work in private practice in Agoura Hills where she draws from both her personal and professional experience to provide clients with support, guidance, and education in order to achieve a healthy and balanced life free from struggles with food.

Lisette Fraser, Director of Community Relations. - Lisette has over 15 years of experience in marketing and business development. She has an extensive background in community relations and human service management, and is skilled in effective communication for the field of recovery. Lisette also brings a personal experience with the family dynamics surrounding addiction and has a passion for the education and awareness of this devastating disease.

Ashley Schlimgen, Administrative Assistant. - Ashley rejoins La Ventana from the substance abuse program were she was also an administrative assistant. While attending school for her licenses in vocational nursing, she worked part time for Channel Islands Social Services taking care of children with special needs. She enjoys helping people and helping them succeed in their recovery. Outside of work Ashley´s passion is playing volleyball; she has been playing competitively since she was 15.

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Leticia Unzueta - Accounts Receivable and Finance. Leticia joins La Ventana with over twenty years in the Medical billing field. She brings an abundant amount of experience in office administration operations as well as follow throuh with client payments and receivables.   

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 Krista Nicholas - Client Relations - Krista has over 10 years of experience in customer relations. She has a recreational interest in dirt bikes and massage therapy. She has a personal connection with the recovery field as several members of her family have struggled with substance abuse, chemical dependency, and eating disorders. 

Steve Zamarripa,  - Steve has worked in the Eating Disorder and Addiction field for the past four years. He has as a personal journey to help others with eating disorders. His mother was affected by the disease and left this world too young from complications of living years with an eating disorder. Steve wanted to work at a treatment center that was affordable with excellent treatment and long term care for recovery. He has found in La Ventana a way to give back to the world and help others live a long and healthy life. Steve was born and raised in Southern California and earned his BA from USC and his MBA from Columbia University.