Anita Walker, CPA
Chief Financial Officer

Anita Walker has been a healthcare executive for more than 23 years. Her background is exclusively in the healthcare industry working in executive positions within hospitals and PHO organizations, and as an Administrator of single and multi-specialty group practices. Anita became the CFO at Eating Disorder Center of Denver in early 2008. She brings strong healthcare finance and operational background to the field of eating disorder treatment. Anita received her undergraduate degree in Finance/Business Management from Florida Southern College and completed a fifth year of Accounting required for the Florida CPA exam at Florida Southern College. She became a licensed CPA in 1994.

Joseph Christenson, MD
Medical Director

Dr. Christenson, in his role as medical director, leads the EDCD team in providing compassionate care for patients with eating disorders. He emphasizes the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, the essential element of EDCD’s CAMSA TM approach. Dr. Christenson brings with him almost thirty years' experience in psychiatric medicine. He is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, having served at military posts worldwide, including two combat tours, before completing his 28 year military career in Colorado Springs. Dr. Christenson graduated from Johns Hopkins University, went on to the F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, and completed his internship and residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, Colorado Psychiatric Society, Academy for Eating Disorders and past president of the Colorado Springs Psychiatric Society. He is board certified in both general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. Dr. Christenson fills much of his free time pursuing both physical and spiritual renewal in the glorious Colorado mountains.

J. Verne Singleton
Chief Executive Officer

As Chief Executive Officer at the Eating Disorder Center of Denver, Verne Singleton oversees all the company’s operations. He joined EDCD in 2008, bringing with him extensive knowledge that he gained over 30 years as a senior healthcare executive at several academic medical centers. Verne is currently on the Board of Directors for the Colorado chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), the premiere professional membership organization for individuals engaged in the financial management of healthcare organizations. He received his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Minnesota and his Master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

Pam Sjoerdsma, MA, LPC
Director of Clinical Operations and Human Resources

Pam Sjoerdsma joined EDC-Denver in 2007 as a family therapist. After five years helping patients and their families understand the eating disorder and move toward recovery, she now uses her clinical background, as well as 20 years of business experience, to manage the clinical operations and human resources for the center. Pam has a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Colorado - Denver, and she is a Licensed Professional Counselor. In her spare time, Pam enjoys reading, playing games, and being outdoors. One of Pam's favorite quotes is from John Ortberg's The Life You Always Wanted: "At every moment, we have the option to choose joy."

Tamara Pryor, PhD
Clinical Director

Dr. Tamara Pryor has been privileged to work in the field of eating disorders for the past 28 years.  She spent 16 years as an associate professor and director of the Eating Disorder Program at the University of Kansas - School of Medicine, four years as co-director of the PATH Eating Disorders Clinic, and three years at Wichita Psychiatric Consultants as the director of eating disorder services before coming to Eating Disorder Center of Denver.  Dr. Pryor conducts research and has published articles examining personality disorders, substance abuse, multi-impulsive behavior, sexual functioning, and cognitive rigidity in the eating disordered individual.  She has presented both nationally and internationally, and she co-authored a prevention curriculum and textbook.  Dr. Pryor is a member of the Eating Disorder Research Society, the Academy of Eating Disorders and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.  She has a Master's of Social Work from Wayne State University, a Master's of Art in rehabilitation counseling and psychology, as well as a PhD in psychology from Southern Illinois University.  She completed a one-year fellowship in child psychiatry and eating disorders at the University of Kansas - School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.

Rose Reinhardt
Director of Business Development

Rose Reinhardt graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations and has an MBA and Masters Degree in Management from Regis University. Rose has worked in the healthcare her entire career, specifically in the field of strategic planning, development and marketing. Rose worked eight years for the Health ONE/HCA Hospital Corporation in the Denver Area as Director of Strategic Planning and Marketing for Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital and Spalding Hospital. Additionally, she led the Outreach department for the Health ONE Division overseeing the rural outreach program, bringing physicians, education and health care providers to a 5-state rural area. Other positions included marketing and development for post acute healthcare corporations living in Denver, Cheyenne and downtown Chicago. Rose was the Corporate Vice President of Marketing for Peak Medical Corporation where she lead the company in post-acute strategic planning across the country. At the Eating Disorder Center of Denver, Rose works with the Outreach team in development, education and expansion. As one of the nation’s foremost diagnostic and treatment centers, the Eating Disorder Center of Denver leads the way in providing treatment for patients with eating disorders. 

Trish O’Donnell, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Program Director

Trish values the experiential component in treatment for patients. She believes that positive change can take place when patients take action, whether it is in the creative process or by discovering new ways to be in the world. Trish has been a part of Eating Disorder Center of Denver’s mission to effectively treat eating disorders for more than six years, initially as the program art therapist and now as program director. Trish has been practicing art therapy for more than 20 years.  She has conducted workshops and presented papers both nationally and internationally. Trish holds a Bachelor of Arts in art and psychology from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s in art therapy from The George Washington University. She is a registered and board certified art therapist with the American Art Therapy Association and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado. 

Beth Martin, MSW, LCSW, LAC
Primary Clinician

Beth understands that the journey to recovery/discovery is both challenging and rewarding. In partnership with clients, she facilitates this journey with compassion and connection. She utilizes relational and somatic approaches to the healing process, while incorporating mindfulness and acceptance practices, dialectical behavioral skills, motivational enhancement techniques, and cognitive behavioral skills. Beth has an interest and specialized training in the treatment of addictions and trauma as they co-occur with eating disorders. Beth has worked for more than 18 years promoting and protecting women's health and human rights locally and globally. Her own journey has led to work in a variety of settings, including community mental health, crisis intervention, university women's resources, and international humanitarian aid and development prior to joining EDCD in 2008. She has experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence, as well as individuals struggling with eating disorders, trauma, addiction and mental illness. Beth received a Master's of Social Work from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine in 1999 and a Bachelor of Arts in Art, Culture and Society from Eugene Lang College at the New School University in New York, NY in 1992. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado and has completed EMDRIA approved basic training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

Casey Martin, MS, NCC
Utilization Management Clinician, Program Facilitator - BED Program

Casey enjoys his multifaceted role at EDCD. When he is not completing Utilization Review for the patients, he is facilitating the 10 week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for BED program. You can also find him assisting with meals, spending time in the milieu, or preparing research for proposals and publication. Casey places emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and developing a connection with each patient. His previous professional experience involved facilitating a bariatric support group in a hospital weight management center, providing crisis intervention as well as individual and group therapy for community mental health, and performing cognitive assessments at a rehabilitation hospital. For his master’s thesis, Casey researched emotional eating desires and body mass index (BMI) and their relationship with job insecurity and occupational stress in a hospital employee population. Casey received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina and a Master’s of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Central Washington University. Casey is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and pursuing his licensure in Colorado. 

Christina Bokenkamp Hruby, MA, LPC
Manager of Professional Outreach/ Outpatient Therapist

As a clinician, Christina believes that it is important to help an individual develop a greater sense of acceptance regarding their life experience and to provide the space that allows them to “move forward.” She also believes that in order to live a truly fulfilling life, one has to be willing to take risks and practice new behaviors. Christina has seven years of experience working with children/adolescents, adults and families in outpatient clinical settings. She has worked with a variety of psychiatric illnesses, including eating disorders, depression, chemical addictions and post-traumatic stress disorder. Christina has a keen interest for issues relating to women, such as sense of self, identity, eating disorders, relationships and family. Christina holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and criminal justice from Michigan State University and a master’s in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Dana Chorpenning, MA
Family Therapist

Dana’s role as a family therapist  is to make the client and their family feel safe and supported. She views herself as an equal partner of encouragement and unconditional positive regard as each client explores their therapeutic journey. Dana emphasizes the importance of healthy communication, setting consistent boundaries and the healing of past hurts as integral in treating the family system. Dana has worked primarily with adolescents, adults, couples and families with a focus on mood disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and relationship issues. Dana’s past experience includes adolescent residential treatment work; she served as a therapist in a faith based non-profit organization, and worked in a private practice setting. Dana has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado at Denver. Dana is an active volunteer with the Eating Disorder Foundation in Denver where she co-facilitates an eating disorder support group.

Elizabeth Adler, MSW, LSW
Milieu Therapist

Liz is a strong advocate of client self-determination, empowering patients at EDCD to “own” their process of recovery. She uses a systemic and relational lens in her approach to therapy, maximizing on the benefits of impactful relationships in each client’s life. Liz incorporates experiential, solution-focused, and emotionally focused therapy models into her work with clients. Originally from New Orleans, Liz moved to Denver to enjoy all of the activities Colorado has to offer its residents. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Philosophy, with a concentration in Religious Studies from Louisiana State University. Liz has her Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver and a post graduate certification in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Denver Family Institute. Prior to EDCD, she worked in clinical settings including a school, transitional housing, support groups, and an outpatient mental health clinic. She enjoys focusing on eating disorders as a specialization and remains committed to the recovery process of her clients.

Felicia Greher, PhD
Outpatient Psychologist

Dr. Greher earned her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Emory University and went on to earn her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Texas after completing her pre-doctoral internship at the Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center. She began her specialization in the treatment of eating disorders in 2006 as a Milieu Therapist and Primary Therapist in the Eating Disorder Center of Denver’s Partial Hospitalization Program. She subsequently provided psychotherapy, training, and outreach and consultation on disordered eating attitudes and behaviors across the university campus in her role as Eating Disorder Coordinator and Clinical Coordinator at the University of Colorado-Boulder Counseling & Psychological Services. Dr. Greher returned to EDCD as a part-time outpatient psychologist in 2011. In addition to the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, Dr. Greher also specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. The foundation of her work with clients relies on the collaborative relationship they build together and the empowerment of her clients to be an active agent for change in their recovery process. She believes that long-term recovery is accomplished and sustained when clients mobilize their inherent strengths, authentically connect with themselves and others, and commit to transforming new insights and self-awareness into healthy behavior change. Dr. Greher is a licensed psychologist in Colorado, a member of the American Psychological Association, and the current Co-Chair of the Early Career Psychologist Committee of the Colorado Psychological Association. Outside of work, Dr. Greher enjoys traveling, photography, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Jessica Dale, PsyD
Primary Clinician

Jessica graduated from the University of Texas with a BA in government and sociology in 2005 and an MSW in 2007. After Texas, Dr. Dale moved to Colorado and graduated from the University of Denver with an MA in sport and performance psychology in 2008 and with a PsyD (Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) in 2012 specializing in sport and performance psychology and behavior therapy. In 2012, she completed a pre-doctoral internship at The Ohio State University in Counseling and Consultation Services with an emphasis in eating disorders and sport and performance psychology. Jessica is actively involved in the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) including a recent term on the Executive Board as the Student Representative as well as Division 47 – Exercise and Sport Psychology in the American Psychological Association (APA).

With patients, Dr. Dale uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to increase psychological flexibility (or relating to your thoughts differently) using techniques in three broad categories: mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based living. Specifically, Jessica appreciates that ACT purposely capitalizes on the commonality between patient and therapist and helps move the patient as well as the therapist forward in their respective lives.

J. Gerald Celebre, EdD, LP
Outpatient Psychologist

Dr. Gerald Celebre emphasizes empowerment in therapy and the healing nature of attachment and relationships. He has more than 20 years experience in the mental health field, providing clinical services to adolescents, adults, couples and families. His interest in eating disorders began during post-graduate training in family therapy, and Dr. Celebre went on to work in both outpatient and inpatient treatment at the Renfrew Center in Philadelphia. He sub-specializes in the field of trauma, working with law enforcement to help victims of violent crimes. He completed an externship in family therapy through the Child Guidance Clinic of Philadelphia. He is also trained as a Level II EMDR clinician and in critical incident stress debriefing. Dr. Celebre holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a doctoral degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Temple University. One of his favorite sayings comes from the famous football coach, Vince Lombardi: It's not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get back up.

Kate Bennett, PsyD
Primary Clinician

Dr. Bennett has a passion for helping individuals find freedom and experience empowerment within their own lives. She earned a BS in Kinesiology and Athletic Training from Indiana University. Dr. Bennett went on to earn her EdM in Counseling and Sport Psychology at Boston University. She then worked at Carmichael Training Systems as a cycling coach while racing her bike before returning to school. Specializing in the treatment of athletes and eating disorders while earning her PsyD at the University of the Rockies, she also completed her practicum work at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Counseling Center and her pre-doctoral internship at the Western Washington University Counseling Center. Dr. Bennett is a licensed psychologist in the state of Colorado and works as a Primary Therapist. She is an integrative therapist, working from a humanistic foundation and incorporating other therapies such as CBT, DBT and EDMR. When she is not working, Dr. Bennett loves to enjoy the Colorado sunshine with her husband. She enjoys riding her bike, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and attending sporting events. Dr. Bennett’s favorite quote is:  “To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.” Kierkegaard

Laura Peroutka, MA, ATR, LPC
Art Therapist

Laura sees the healing potential of art space to act as a “playground” for a new, more mindful way of being. Laura enjoys assisting individuals in using art to explore new possibilities and develop a visual language for emotional expression and regulation. She feels that through creative action, individuals learn to trust themselves to take risks, face challenges, identify choices, make decisions and “create without judgment.” Laura guides patients to reconnect with their self-awareness and authentic values in order to attain the internal strength needed for a lifetime of recovery. Laura has experience working with a variety of psychiatric, developmental and behavioral disorders, along with issues such as domestic violence, trauma and eating disorders. Her work experience also includes teaching art to groups of children and adolescents. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and art history from Bradley University and a master’s in art therapy counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, Colorado Art Therapy Association and is a registered Art Therapist. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Marissa Battaglia, PhD
Outpatient Psychologist

Dr. Battaglia believes that eating disorder recovery is a challenging, dynamic process in which guidance and support are key elements to overcome ones illness. She initiates therapy by collaborating with patients to identify their goals for recovery. She helps patients to increase their awareness and gain insight, while teaching adaptive coping strategies and ways to apply these skills to everyday life. Dr. Battaglia is educated in Cognitive Behavioral and Family based Maudsley treatments and specializes in treating eating disorders, severe anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. She has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and adult populations. She earned her Master of Science and her Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, Dr. Battaglia completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Eating Disorders program at The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Battaglia is a Licensed Psychologist in Colorado. Outside of work, Dr. Battaglia values the simple pleasures in life, enjoys traveling, and visits with family and friends.

Mary Williams, MA, LPC
Program Coordinator - Evening Intensive Outpatient Program

Mary Williams earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver. She has experience working with adults and adolescents affected by eating disorders and addictions and is working towards her LAC (Licensed Addictions Counselor). Mary integrates the elements of body-centered psychotherapy with DBT and ACT techniques, like mindfulness and emotional regulation, into her work. Due to her extensive training, Mary is able to tailor each treatment plan to meet the needs of her clients and to provide structure in therapeutic groups. Her favorite and most guiding quote is one shared with her by the Buddhist nun Pema Chodron: “Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.” 

 

Michael Maley, PhD
Outpatient Psychologist

Dr. Michael Maley believes in the healing power of relationships and strives to help himself and his clients become closer to authenticity and connection. He believes that healthy relationships are empowering, mutually empathic, growth fostering, and that they motivate us to strive for more connection in our lives. Dr. Maley uses storytelling, myths, and metaphors in his work with clients to help them access the power in imagery in their lives. He has specialized in the treatment of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors since 2005 in college and university counseling centers as well as eating disorder treatment facilities. Dr. Maley also specializes in group therapy and in the treatment of gender-based violence and sexual assault. He holds a Master’s Degree and a Doctoral Degree from the University of Denver. Dr. Maley is a licensed psychologist in the state of Colorado.

Nancie Ziemke, PhD, LP
Outpatient Psychologist

Working from a relational approach, Dr. Ziemke is a “fellow traveler” in her patients’ healing and recovery journey, by helping them move toward health through acceptance of self and “what is.” She works with individuals who struggle with all forms of eating disorders and also evaluates bariatric surgery candidates providing recommendations to optimize their goals or address problems with eating. Dr. Ziemke believes that co-existing problems, such as mood and anxiety disorders, chemical dependency, or trauma history, increases the complexity of recovery and healing; and are honored and addressed in the journey. She uses a bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective and a variety of therapeutic tools rooted in mindfulness, acceptance, sense of self, values, action and humor. Dr. Ziemke has more than 20 years of professional experience working with individuals, groups, families and couples in a variety of treatment settings. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s in counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of North Dakota, and a three-year professional training certificate in marriage and family therapy through North Dakota State University. She is a licensed psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association.

Pam Hurley, MSW, LCSW
Family Therapist

Pam facilitates empathic connections between family members, inviting them to respectfully “get real” with one another and experience the zest that often follows. She is dedicated to helping families increase their closeness, while also appreciating their differences. Pam has been a licensed clinical social worker for more than 20 years, applying these skills in settings that include private practice; a brain injury and multiple sclerosis recovery center; child/family protective services; hospice; a critical incident stress management team; the Red Cross; and equine-assisted therapy. Pam received her Bachelor‘s degree from Colorado State University and her Master’s degree from University of Denver. Pam’s hobbies include collecting historic Native American Art, piano composition, tennis, skiing, hiking, and visiting her two grown daughters. Her favorite movie is “A House at the End of the World,” a film that follows three very different individuals who struggle to create a family of their own.

Roberta Fogarty, MA
Milieu Therapist

Roberta earned her Masters of Arts in Art Therapy and Transpersonal Psychology at Naropa University. Additionally, she holds a background in fine arts which propels her belief that the recovery process, at its core, is a creative and transformative process. Individuals with eating disorders often suffer from feeling compartmentalized or split. Roberta believes recovery entails identifying one’s authentic identity and achieving inherent wholeness. Prior to working at the Eating Disorder Center of Denver, Roberta has worked with children, adolescents, and their families recovering from severe trauma histories in clinical settings including residential treatment centers, community outreach programs, and alternative schools. In addition to EDCD, Roberta works at an autism center specializing in early childhood intervention and applied behavioral analysis. Roberta loves to read non-fiction, particularly works relating to mental health care in America. Her favorite book is The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures by Anne Fadiman.

Shelby Hall, MA
Milieu Therapist

Shelby Hall believes the path to recovery is a journey, and as a therapist, she feels privileged to walk alongside patients who are on this path – all the while guiding them toward internal acceptance. She is passionate about helping patients explore their life experiences and move to a place of fulfillment and peace. Shelby also enjoys leading group therapy sessions, having seen the positive outcomes that patients realize after being part of such a “community.” Her previous experience includes both residential and outpatient care, specifically for those struggling with body image issues and the behaviors that often accompany these issues, such as eating disorders, drug and/or alcohol abuse, self-harming behaviors, post-traumatic stress, social alienation, depression and anxiety. Shelby received her Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, and her Master of Arts degree in counseling from Colorado Christian University.

Stephanie Jordan, MSW, LCSW
Outpatient Therapist

Stephanie is committed to supporting her clients through the active process of recovery and believes each individual can access their strength and skills through empowerment and awareness. Stephanie has been with Eating Disorder Center of Denver since its inception in 2001. She has more than 15 years of experience treating adults, adolescents, couples and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Stephanie specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, mood disorders and trauma using an empowerment-based cognitive behavioral approach. Prior to joining Eating Disorder Center of Denver, she worked in the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) unit at the Veteran's Administration of Puget Sound and as an adolescent therapist for an alternative high school in Denver. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree from Evergreen State College and a master’s degree from the University of Washington. She has been a featured speaker at several regional eating disorder conferences and is a licensed clinical social worker.

Susan M. Woodmansee, MS, OTR, TEP, CAC I
Psychodramatist

Through her work as a psychodramatist and experiential therapist, Susan offers a safe stage wherein patients can practice being in the present and learn to accept themselves. Susan has been a therapist in behavioral health for more than 40 years. She has specialized in occupational therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and psychodrama in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma and chemical dependency. Susan believes that psychodrama creates an opportunity to examine present and past roles, express unspoken feelings and develop the spontaneity necessary to create a healthy life. She has presented many workshops on the use of humor and play in healing, team building and mindfulness-based stress reduction, and DBT skills training. Susan holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychiatric occupational therapy from Colorado State University. She recently completed intensive training in dialectical behavior therapy. She is trained in EMDR and therapeutic touch, is a certified addictions counselor, and is a nationally certified trainer, educator and practitioner of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy.

Tamara Pryor, PhD
Clinical Director

Dr. Tamara Pryor has been privileged to work in the field of eating disorders for the past 28 years.  She spent 16 years as an associate professor and director of the Eating Disorder Program at the University of Kansas - School of Medicine, four years as co-director of the PATH Eating Disorders Clinic, and three years at Wichita Psychiatric Consultants as the director of eating disorder services before coming to Eating Disorder Center of Denver.  Dr. Pryor conducts research and has published articles examining personality disorders, substance abuse, multi-impulsive behavior, sexual functioning, and cognitive rigidity in the eating disordered individual.  She has presented both nationally and internationally, and she co-authored a prevention curriculum and textbook.  Dr. Pryor is a member of the Eating Disorder Research Society, the Academy of Eating Disorders and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.  She has a Master's of Social Work from Wayne State University, a Master's of Art in rehabilitation counseling and psychology, as well as a PhD in psychology from Southern Illinois University.  She completed a one-year fellowship in child psychiatry and eating disorders at the University of Kansas - School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.

Tracy Goldenberg, MA, R-DMT, MA
Dance/Movement Therapist

Tracy Goldenberg is a somatic psychotherapist and a registered dance/movement therapist, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, body image issues, wellness, motivation, and self-actualization. Her approach to therapy focuses on the innate healing power of movement, the creative process, and relationship. This fascination began after studying yoga and discovering not only the alleviation of chronic physical pain, but the additional benefits of a calm mind and increased body awareness. Tracy’s professional background includes research studies on stress, meditation, sensory processing, nonverbal communication, as well as organizational high-performance and diffusion of innovation. Her findings have been presented at national and international symposia including the annual conference of the American Dance Therapy Association. Tracy also currently serves as adjunct faculty at Naropa University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Webster University and a Master of Arts in somatic counseling psychology with a concentration in dance/movement therapy from Naropa University.

Trish O’Donnell, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Program Director

Trish values the experiential component in treatment for patients. She believes that positive change can take place when patients take action, whether it is in the creative process or by discovering new ways to be in the world. Trish has been a part of Eating Disorder Center of Denver’s mission to effectively treat eating disorders for more than six years, initially as the program art therapist and now as program director. Trish has been practicing art therapy for more than 20 years.  She has conducted workshops and presented papers both nationally and internationally. Trish holds a Bachelor of Arts in art and psychology from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s in art therapy from The George Washington University. She is a registered and board certified art therapist with the American Art Therapy Association and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado. 

Corrie Van Horne, RD
Registered Dietitian

Corrie serves as one of the dietitians at EDCD and has great passion for teaching patients how to have healthy relationships with food and eating. She holds a degree in Dietetics from Kansas State University and has spent the past six years working in many facets of the nutrition world including foodservice management, diabetes care, corporate wellness and sports nutrition. Corrie is passionate about nutrition and health and loves encouraging others to find their own enthusiasm for healthy eating and lifestyle. In her time outside of EDCD Corrie enjoys skating as a jammer for the Denver Roller Dolls and spending time in the great Colorado outdoors hiking, cycling, snowboarding and running.

Deanna Murphy
Chef

Deanna’s ambitions as executive chef at EDCD include helping patients view food through a more therapeutic perspective. She believes it is important to demonstrate a healthy relationship with food based upon its nutritive value and works to incorporate these ideals into the dishes she prepares. In addition to meal preparation, Deanna also teaches weekly cooking groups, providing patients with a hands-on opportunity to work one on one with food. Prior to joining the team at EDC Denver, Deanna’s extensive restaurant experience has spanned the past nine years, working in various eateries on the East Coast. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University in Denver and in her time away from work enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

Zach Kerkow-Provo
Dietary Technician

Zach, has a strong passion for food and a strong passion to help others. He is currently attending school at Johnson & Wales University Denver, where he is studying for his Bachelors of Science in Nutrition. Along with working on his Bachelors, he has completed his certification to be a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Zach strongly believes that eating a balanced diet and exercising can improve one’s happiness and overall perspective on life. He finds working at EDCD a great fit for him. Zach’s favorite quote is “Those who dare to fail, succeed”.

Amy Laurent, MD
Attending Psychiatrist

Dr. Amy Laurent believes that a strong doctor-patient relationship is critical to healing. She promotes a mutually respectful relationship with patients, one where treatment decisions are made jointly between patient and doctor whenever possible. This way, not only are the patients’ best interests kept in mind, but the patients themselves are part of the decision-making process. In addition, Dr. Laurent believes that open discussion and thorough evaluation help determine accurate diagnoses and any role medications might play in a patient’s treatment. The doctor works to provide support and education that assists patients in gaining the insight and tools to manage their symptoms and ultimately their lives. Dr. Laurent obtained her undergraduate education at Loyola University Chicago and her medical school training at Michigan State University. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to joining the EDCD team, she had her own private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Joseph Christenson, MD
Medical Director

Dr. Christenson, in his role as medical director, leads the EDCD team in providing compassionate care for patients with eating disorders. He emphasizes the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, the essential element of EDCD’s CAMSA TM approach. Dr. Christenson brings with him almost thirty years' experience in psychiatric medicine. He is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, having served at military posts worldwide, including two combat tours, before completing his 28 year military career in Colorado Springs. Dr. Christenson graduated from Johns Hopkins University, went on to the F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, and completed his internship and residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, Colorado Psychiatric Society, Academy for Eating Disorders and past president of the Colorado Springs Psychiatric Society. He is board certified in both general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. Dr. Christenson fills much of his free time pursuing both physical and spiritual renewal in the glorious Colorado mountains.

MIchael Rollin, MD
Attending Psychiatrist

Dr. Rollin is psychiatrist for both adults and children, and he particularly enjoys working as part of an interdisciplinary team at EDCD. As a physician he has come to learn that there is more than one reason for every individual's personal challenges and triumphs, and he values an open-minded and inclusive approach to evaluation and treatment of patients and families. After undergraduate training at Stanford and medical school at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, he continued to complete his psychiatry residency and fellowship at the University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado as well. Dr. Rollin is active in research in the neuroscience of eating disorders, with a particular interest in the phenomenology and neurophysiology of body image distortion. Dr. Rollin is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Colorado Psychiatric Society, and Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society. Dr. Rollin enjoys spending time with his growing family and is an avid musician and music enthusiast.