Emily Caruthers - Clinical Director MFT, ATR is a licensed Marital and Family Therapist and clinical art therapist. She began working in the field 10 years ago and has specialized in the treatment of Eating Disorders since 2004. She completed a post graduate fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry after obtaining her M.A. from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Emily earned her BA in Religion, graduating with honors from Boston University. Emily has a breadth of clinical interests including, Neuropsychology, mindfulness/DBT, expressive arts, attachment theory, and behavioral healthcare policy. She wholeheartedly believes full recovery from an Eating Disorder is possible. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can begin to rediscover and reconnect with their non eating disordered selves. In addition to her clinical interests, Emily enjoys all things active and outdoorsy, including, biking, camping, and snowboarding and has recently discovered the joys of surfing after 11+ years living in California.
Deb Hammels, MFT—Deb Hammels is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Masters in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. She has worked in the field of eating disorders in a variety of treatment settings, including private practice, community counseling, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. She embraces the challenge of helping clients break free of the confines of their eating disorders and discover their true motivations, interests, and identities. Deb believes that helping clients create a healthy relationship with food ultimately allows them to establish healthy relationships with themselves, with others, and with life itself. Her passion for healthy living inspires her both professionally and personally. When she is not at work, she can be found on her bike, at the local farmers' markets, or deeply engrossed in a book.
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Jaclyn Petite, LAADC, MFTI- Jaclyn has been working in the field of substance abuse for over ten years in a variety of settings and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has experience in both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment with both adolescents and adults as well as significant mental health training in an inpatient hospital setting and outpatient domestic violence. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of St Thomas in Chemical Dependency Counseling with a minor in Behavioral Neuroscience. She went on to complete a Master of Arts degree from the University of San Francisco with an emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy.
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Megan Riley, M.A., MFT - Megan received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Francisco State University and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. Megan spent many years working with children and families in under-funded schools in San Francisco before beginning specialized training with eating disorders in 2008. She has worked in Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient levels of care. Educated and supervised as a Cognitive-Behavioral therapist, Megan employs many CBT techniques in her work, while also incorporating Client-Centered and Humanistic practices. In addition to her passion for creating loving and supportive therapeutic environments where clients can be thoughtful and introspective, Megan loves interior design, scrapbooking and the San Francisco Giants.
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Kristi Stevenson, M.A., MFTI - Kristi received her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, graduating with honors, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Kristi has worked with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings including school outreach, support groups, and outpatient treatment programs for substance abuse and anger management. Specific to eating disorders treatment, Kristi has experience as a case manager at an intensive outpatient eating disorders treatment center and facilitated support groups for the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). She has many clinical interests including, cognitive behavioral therapy, client centered therapy, existential theory, and mindfulness. She absolutely believes that recovery from an eating disorder is possible, leading to a life of freedom, purpose, and joy on the other side. Her intention is to create a non-judgmental and safe environment where clients can begin to access more of their authentic self, and start feeling comfortable in their own skin. In addition to her passion for her work, Kristi enjoys longboard surfing, learning to play golf, and spending time with her favorite golden retriever.
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Jenny Mayhew, LCSW – Jenny graduated with honors from Pepperdine University with a B.A. in Psychology, and then received her Masters in Clinical Social Work with an emphasis in Child, Adolescent and Family treatment from Boston University. Jenny worked with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings including EMQ Family Services and Palo Alto Medical Foundation. She was one of the first therapists to lead “Begin From Within” Eating Disorder Groups and Workshops through Jewish Family Services and began specializing in treating eating disorders when she started her private practice in 1997. Jenny’s philosophy is that people have an enormous capacity to grow and change in amazing ways. In the context of an honest, compassionate relationship, Jenny is skillful in helping clients move beyond their symptoms, empowering them to live life fully and abundantly.
Christi Paulson - MBA - Outreach Coordinator for Northern California. Christi comes to La Ventana with over fifteen years of outreach and sales experience in the healthcare and technology industry. She has been a nationally top ranked account manager with numerous awards such as the winner's circle trip and rookie of the year. She has worked as a medical marketing manager in the past and has developed website and on line presence to improve exposure and sales. Christi managed press releases as well as social media campaigns. She has a passion to help those suffering from eating disorders and has been personally exposed to the disease within her friendships and family. She earned her MBA from the University of Dallas and her BA in Business and Marketing from Cameron University in Oklahoma.
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.
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.
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Dr. Jennifer Zummarga , Medical Director - Dr. Zummarga practices Psychiatry in Mountain View, CA and has a private practice. . Dr. Zumarraga received her medical degree from University Of The East, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Zumarraga also works with the El Camino Hospital ASPIRE Program which is a group-based acute program whose primary goal is to help adolescents achieve emotional wellness and reduce risk for unhealthy behaviors. She joins La Ventana as medical director and staff psychiatrist.
Marcail Kujacznski, Program Manager. Marcail Kujacznski received her Masters degree in Child, Adolescent, and Family Mental Health from London Metropolitan University in 2009. She wrote her thesis on the effects of the media on disordered eating and body image, and has studied high school populations in different parts of the country. She has volunteered for NEDA and EDRC, both non-profit organizations that provide resources and support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders. She has since obtained a position with EDRC, where she has worked on community awareness and school outreach. She is passionate about helping others and making a difference!
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.
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