Equip helps families recover from eating disorders at home.

Since recovering from anorexia as a teenager, Kristina has been on a mission to ensure that all families have access to high quality treatment. Kristina co-founded and is an active board member of Project HEAL, an Ashoka Fellow, a Forbes 30 under 30 social entrepreneur, and a Facebook Community Leadership Fellow, and graduated from Harvard College with a bachelors degree in psychology in 2014. 

Erin is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and a former director at the leading UC San Diego Eating Disorder Center. She has 15+ years experience with adolescents and adults in inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings and opened the first pediatric ED program. She’s led dozens of national and international trainings in evidence-based ED treatment and is passionate about improving access to quality care.

Dr. Derenne, a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist specializes in eating disorder treatment. She is a Clinical Professor at Stanford and certified in FBT. Dr. Derenne graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and completed her residency and fellowship at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Katherine Hill, a board-certified pediatrician completed her undergraduate, MD degree, and pediatric residency at Stanford. Before Equip, she was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Adolescent Medicine at Stanford, caring for adolescents with eating disorders in the inpatient and outpatient settings. A former collegiate swimmer, her research has focused on ED’s in athletes.

Smita is a product leader with 16+ years of experience in building and scaling digital health products and teams. She recently served as Chief Product Officer at WithMe Health and SVP, Product at Evolent Health.

Prior to Equip, Brooke held roles in venture capital, corporate development, and investment banking - all with a focus on driving innovation and improved alignment within the healthcare system.  

Cara is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in eating disorders. She was awarded an Early Career Investigator Award from the Academy of Eating Disorders. Cara’s research is funded by the NIMH and published in top-tier journals. Before Equip, she was faculty at Stanford University.

Molly has clinical and operational experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including large health systems and hyper-growth startups. She is clinically trained as a therapist and provided therapy to clients with eating disorders. Molly has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and another in healthcare administration.

Owais has over a decade of experience in transforming organizations to be data driven. After 7 years in healthcare, he's motivated to leverage data and advanced analytics to improve lives and reduce the cost of care. In his free time he loves playing basketball competitively and adventures with his wife and daughter.

Elisa has 20+ years experience building and leading strategic human resources, people, and talent functions in rapidly growing and evolving organizations.  Her passion and expertise lies in inspiring diverse, people-first cultures and coaching organizational leaders to maximize their strengths and the strengths of their teams. She has an Ed.M from Boston University, has been an adjunct faculty member at Bentley University, and served on several non-profit Boards.

Dr. Tana Luo is a clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. She completed her predoctoral and postdoctoral training at the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center. Dr. Luo received specialized training in treating pediatric eating disorders and has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.

Amber is a clinical social worker who graduated from NYU. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, with diverse populations. Amber enjoys guiding families and individuals towards healing. 

Brittney is an LCSW with extensive experience treating eating disorders. She was a speaker for Weill Cornell/ New York Presbyterian and serves as a SIG co-chair for the Academy of Eating Disorders.

Lainy Clark is a Licensed Professional Counselor residing in the Texas area. She is passionate about empowering families to help their loved ones achieve recovery. 

Sara graduated from Chapman University in 2017 with her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and has provided treatment for those with eating disorders for the past three years. Sara is passionate about the treatment of eating disorders, the recovery process, and helping patients “build a life worth living” from a mindfulness-based foundation. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and her two kitties, Marco and Miska, yoga, getting out in nature, and letting loose at game nights with friends.

Renee is a licensed clinical social worker who graduated from Temple University. After helping her daughter and son through their anorexia and ARFID recovery journeys, Renee focused her professional practice on supporting families through their loved ones eating disorder recoveries.

Anna is a therapist in NY and NJ. She has over 20 years of social work experience working in a child residential setting, the field of adoption and with private clients. From her own, lived journey through an ED, her message to others is – don't go it alone. You deserve a team!

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I live in the Greater Los Angeles area, and I have been working with the Eating Disorder population for the past 8 years. Recently trained in EMDR. Happy to be with Equip!

Carly is a licensed psychologist and earned her doctorate in psychology from the University of Denver. She completed her predoctoral training at the University of San Diego and her postdoctoral training at UC San Diego. During her trainings, she received specialized training in treating eating disorders. Carly is committed to supporting families as they achieve recovery!

Dr. Alyssa Chimiklis is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from The Graduate Center, City University of New York and completed her APA Accredited Pre-Doctoral Internship at MercyFirst. She completed her postdoctoral training at UC San Diego Health Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research with specialized training in treating adolescents with a range of eating disorders. Dr. Chimiklis has experience implementing evidence-based treatments including FBT and DBT across different levels of care. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time exploring California (as she is a former east-coaster).

Carise Rotach is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Minneapolis, MN. She began her work in eating disorders as a residential support staff in Minnesota where she became familiar with the unique struggles of eating disorders. Carise weaves in her experience as a relationship therapist and a family system therapist to treat eating disorders from a village perspective. She is particularly interested in the intersection of marginalized identities and eating disorders, and practices from an identity-affirming lens.

I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Chicago, and I have worked in community mental health, higher education, and private practice settings. Most recently, I served as a key member of a multidisciplinary assessment and treatment team for university students with eating disorders, advised a chapter of The Body Project, and ran a group focused on cultivating healthy self-image. I am passionate about challenging societal norms of beauty, take a health at every size approach, and am so excited to be part of the team at Equip!

Nicole Josephine Kline graduated with a Masters of Science in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi in 2021. She currently holds a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidacy in the state of Colorado. Nicole has continuing education in the realm of Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment Science. She is passionate about the arts and culture and enjoys attending plays and musicals. Nicole believes that we are highly influenced and shaped by our families, cultural traditions, and local communities.

Allissa is a Licensed Master Social Worker residing in the New York area. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Hunter College: Silberman School of Social Work and has over a decade of experience in delivering specialized supportive services to at-risk populations. Allissa is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families achieve their goals and thrive. In her free time, Allissa enjoys traveling, the natural world and spending time outdoors, animals, video games with friends, and writing.

Rachel Freeman is a licensed master of social work from The University of Georgia currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. In her career, she has served the following populations: substance abuse, refugees, incarcerated persons, and low-income children and families. Rachel is well versed in several therapy modalities such as DBT, CBT, REBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to name a few. Her passion is guiding people to live their most fulfilling lives, with special consideration for vulnerable and oppressed populations.

Katie Booth is a licensed master of social work who received her master's degree from the Silberman School of Social Work. She draws on her lived experience with an ED and 4+ years working in recovery spaces. She's passionate about building a collaborative relationship with families, welcoming the many facets of each person's identity, and working towards meaningful and lasting recovery.

Kristen Nichols is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She received extensive training in the treatment of eating disorders while working at the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center and Rady Children's Hospital Medical Behavioral Unit. She has experience working with pediatric, adolescent, and young adult populations. Kristen worked as the eating disorder consultant to Student Wellness at the University of San Diego. Kristen is passionate about helping families heal from the harmful impact of diet culture and disordered eating.

Cassidy Kahn is a licensed Social Worker with a Master’s from New York University and currently based in New York City. Cassidy also has her Master’s in Public Health from Indiana University. In her career, she has also worked with high level athletes as well as individuals with eating disorders, psychoses, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and trauma. Cassidy is trained in several therapy modalities such as CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. As a former Division 1 college athlete, one of Cassidy’s passions is working with athletes and eating disorders. She strives to provide the best care to any individual who asks for help, and believes no case is too difficult. In her free time, she can be found at Central Park playing ball with her goldendoodle.

Jenna is a caring and seasoned clinician with experience in all levels of eating disorder care, including outpatient and inpatient settings. Jenna has treated patients with a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges with non-judgmental compassion. She received her Master's degree at New York University and is passionate about supporting families in transitions of all kinds.

Lucy DeCosta is an associate licensed therapist, she received a Master in Social Work from the University of Edinburgh, and has 3 years of experience in therapeutic settings. About two of those years, are with eating disorders. She is passionate about working with youth and families, using empowerment and individualized lenses. Outside of work she loves to play outside with her friends and animals.

Mae is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has varied experience within the medical social work and mental health field. Mae is passionate about helping families and individuals in meeting their goals and overcoming challenges in whatever life stage they are in. In her free time Mae enjoys spending time with her family and cat.

Molly Swift is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, based in Sarasota, Florida. Her experience has centered around K-12 students, young adults, and their family members. Molly has extensive experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth and families of diverse backgrounds. She is also trained in treatment modalities which can be complementary to eating disorder treatment for common comorbid conditions.

Cara is a therapist in California with a Master's in Clinical Counseling from Alliant International University. Cara has a background in working with parents and families facing significant challenges.  Cara has extensive training in eating disorders as well as lived experience with ED that informs her compassionate approach to working with kids, teens, and young adults.  Cara originally cultivated her passion in working with young people as an English instructor at a local college.  Cara and her husband stay busy with their three teenage sons.

Hannah Tarnow is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with 5+ years of experience working with people with eating disorders as well as other co-occurring disorders. She received her degree from Capella University and strives to honor the uniqueness that each individual client brings to therapy by individualizing and structuring sessions to fit their personal goals. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys traveling and spending time with her three fur babies.

Tiffany is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Orlando, Florida. She has worked with  with children and adolescents throughout most of her career, including those living with eating disorders. She is passionate about supporting and empowering children, adolescents, and their families towards their goals of improved overall well-being. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her family.

Danielle Shlomo (she/her) is a licensed social worker in New York State and obtained a masters degree in social work from Hunter college in NYC. Danielle previously worked as a Treatment Care Coordinator at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital's Behavioral Health Center treating kids, adolescents, adults and their families/ caregivers, struggling with a variety of different psychiatric diagnoses in an inpatient setting. Danielle specifically trained and worked on NewYork Presbyterian Hospital's inpatient center for individuals with eating disorders, where she treated adolescents and adults struggling with disordered eating. Danielle is experienced in utilizing supportive therapy, CBT, DBT, and ACT approaches in individual and group settings, as well as family mediation, crisis intervention, and in connecting individuals and families to available community resources.

Hannah Bishop is a licensed professional counselor with 5+ years of experience. Hannah is a certified trauma professional and utilizes EMDR and Brainspotting as modalities. As a recovered professional, Hannah understands the world of eating disorders both personally and professionally. She is passionate about helping clients and families reach their full potential.

Shannon Walding is a passionate therapist, with experience in both residential and outpatient eating disorder treatment. Shannon has provided care to families from all backgrounds, and is dedicated to making eating disorder treatment accessible and more effective for everyone in need. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and soaking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Vera Papp is a LCSW with 10+ years of experience working with individuals with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders. Vera received her graduate degree from Fordham University and is passionate about helping all folx who struggle with EDs.  In her spare time, Vera enjoys spending time with her family, including 2 young daughters and her English Bulldog, James Bond.

Lauren Strain is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has many years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with eating disorders including children, teens and adults. She has worked in many settings providing eating disorder treatment including outpatient, IOP, PHP and residential. Lauren is also a certified yoga teacher and believes the mind body connection, loving and accepting oneself, and joyful activity/movement are important in ED recovery. Lauren also has lived experience with an eating disorder and has been in recovery now for over 25 years. Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as running, practicing yoga, baking, reading, kayaking, trying new foods/restaurants and playing with her two Boxers, Rylee and Dozer.

Vivi Parrilla-Koester is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Vivi obtained her undergraduate degree from Tulane University and her Master's degree at the University of Southern California. Vivi has extensive experience treating adolescents and their families in a wide range of settings including residential treatment, inpatient treatment, school settings, and outpatient group practice. Vivi has received training in DBT and and is certified in brainspotting. Vivi is passionate about providing support to individuals and families while they are working towards recovery. Vivi enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, being outside, and reading.

Samantha Paz is a Licensed Master Social Worker who began working with Veterans with EDs in 2021. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of CA, Los Angeles in 2014, and her Master of Social Work from Azusa Pacific University in 2020. She has extensive experience working with various age groups and populations, and is dedicated to specifically helping those directly and indirectly impacted by ED and co-occuring disorders.

Meredith Bergman (she/her) is a licensed master of social work and a therapist at EQUIP. Meredith has experience delivering individual, group, and family therapy for eating disorders, and has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Meredith studied at Columbia University School of Social Work while completing her clinical internship at New York State Psychiatric Institute / Columbia Center for Eating Disorders. Meredith's practice is strengths-based and collaborative, and rooted in trauma-informed and Health At Every Size approaches. Meredith knows that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible, and is passionate about empowering families to support their loved ones through the process.

Sasha is a Licensed Social Worker with an MSW from Loyola University Chicago. Before grad school, Sasha received their BA in Politics and Gender Studies at Oberlin College and worked in the domestic violence field. In addition to 80+ hours of training in domestic violence and sexual assault crisis response, Sasha has experience working with college and graduate students around a variety of issues. They are particularly passionate about working with LGBTQ+ youth and families. In their free time, Sasha enjoys reading, puzzling, playing board games, going to the beach, and ice skating.

Kirstin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. She obtained her master's in counseling from San Francisco State University.  She has over 15 years of experience working with adolescents, families and adults with a variety of mental health conditions.  Kirstin has been a passionate advocate for access to quality mental health care and is excited to join Equip to help families and clients in their recovery journey!

Margarita is a Marriage and Family therapist, they have a Masters in Counseling Psychology from National University and are currently working on a doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of the Pacific. They have experience working with a wide range of individuals with diverse background and needs. They are passionate about making therapy and treatment accessible to everyone in need. In their free time they enjoy spending time with their family and participating in their hobbies such as gardening.

Raith is a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate with an M.S. from the University of North Texas. They have experience working with human trafficking survivors, domestic violence survivors, refugees, additions, abortion, and general population. They are trained to wok with individuals in crisis and provide a safe and comforting environment to heal and grow in. They are especially passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks. Raith spends most of their free time reading, walking their dog, and spending time with friends.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Education from Mississippi University for Women and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. MaKalia has experience with providing therapy to individuals/families suffering with eating disorders, body image, substance abuse, and other co-occurring disorders. She also provides psycho education and facilitate groups throughout different levels of care.

Pepper Snider is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with 15+ years of eating disorder experience in patient care and advocacy. She received her degree from Antioch University New England. Pepper has lived experience and is passionate that everyone can fully recover. She loves to play cribbage, crochet, whale watch and visit Newfoundland.

Maddie is a licensed clinical social worker based in Chicago, IL. She earned her masters degree from the University of Chicago, where she received comprehensive clinical training in treating trauma in children and families. She has experience working in community mental health, private practice, and college mental health settings; serving individuals and families of all ages. Prior to working at Equip, Maddie served as a point person for assessing and treating eating disorders at a college wellness center, where she also facilitated a self-image group and led prevention efforts to reduce the occurrence of eating disorders on campus. Maddie practices from a HAES-informed, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive multicultural lens. In her spare time, Maddie loves spending time with her family, snuggling with her rescue dog, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Samantha Wright is an LGPC and received her Masters from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Samantha has been working with eating disorders since 2019 and is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. Samantha is the co-founder and co-owner of an eating disorder private practice in the DMV. Samantha practices from a framework aligned with HAES and anti-diet.

Analee Phang is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with 5+ years of experience working with adolescents & adults in underserved communities. She received her Master's degree from San Diego State University in Counseling, and is passionate about improving BIPOC people's overall well-being and life satisfaction through holistic care. In her spare time, she enjoys sketching & painting and spending time with her family.

Jade Sustacek is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology. She has worked in a wide range of settings including residential, PHP/IOP, outpatient and correctional settings. She has 5+ years of experience treating a variety of mental health struggles, including eating disorders. She is passionate about working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds to provide the support and care that each person deserves. She enjoys spending time in nature, especially when her pup Rebel gets to tag along.

Abbey Canaday is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Milwaukee, WI. In her work, Abbey aims to empower and support families and individuals toward living authentic, fulfilled lives. Abbey believes there is so much freedom on the other side of disordered eating. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Oklahoma. She gained experience with eating disorders in residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings for children, teens, and adults of all backgrounds. Abbey enjoys crafting, traveling, and meeting client's pets over Zoom.

As a Queer, Disabled, Neurodivergent, Gender Nonconforming Black person, AMJ places special emphasis on helping marginalized folx find and (re)create joy in a world that denies us joy. AMJ's training & experience with multiple therapeutic approaches (Motivational Interviewing, CBT, TF-CBT, Brainspotting, Psychological First Aid, Harm Reduction) enables them to focus on meeting people’s needs, particularly in healing from trauma. A tarot/oracle & bone reader, level 2 reiki practitioner, rootworker, & ordained priest of Obatalá, AMJ especially loves helping folx find connections between therapy, care work, & their ancestral spiritual healing practices.

Caitlin Bowen is a Resident in Counseling with 8 plus years of working with children, teens and young adults. Caitlin received 2 undergraduate degrees from East Carolina University and her Masters degree from Longwood University.  Caitlin has lived experience with eating disorders and is very passionate about helping individuals and families into recovery.  In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys exercising (lifting), reading and spending time with her partner and cats.

A graduate of Walden University, Jamil received his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He has experience working with both adolescents and adults with eating disorders with his time at The Renfrew Center.  He is passionate about helping others rediscover their inner strength that ED has taken away while also changing the outlook on how ED is viewed.  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and is also a  sports & video game enthusiast.