Amy C. Brown, MA
Director of Operations and Human Resources

Amy Brown has worked in mental health field for over 18 years. More recently she worked as the Program Director for an in-patient eating disorder treatment center in California. During her 8 years there, Amy helped to open a new eating disorder treatment center, and created new treatment programs and groups. As a clinician, Amy enjoys helping others find their own inner strength and learning how to use their inner strength to move past and overcome their previous life history. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. When she is not working Amy enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

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 and current 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.

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.

Therese Ida, MS, RD
Clinical Nutrition Services Manager

Therese Ida is a registered dietitian at EDCD. She is especially interested in such research topics as the biological aspects of eating disorders, physical cues of hunger and satiety, and the restoration of normal eating styles without fear of food. Therese has 30 years of clinical nutrition experience in a variety of fields, including outpatient counseling, education, and high level acute clinical care. Her most recent experience includes 12 years in nutrition and metabolism research at the University of Colorado, a designated research center for the National Institute of Health (NIH). Therese graduated with degrees in Community Nutrition and Dietetics from Iowa State University. She also received a Master’s degree in Preventative Medicine from the University of Iowa.

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. 

Anne Khalifeh, PsyD
Program Coordinator - Evening Intensive Outpatient Program

Dr. Khalifeh believes in a collaborative, holistic working model. She approaches each client within the context of their greater life perspective, with a focus on each individual’s strengths and unique experiences. Dr. Khalifeh strives to support her clients in living more fully in the present moment and moving towards their core values. In her clinical practice, Dr. Khalifeh has treated adolescents and adults in outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient levels of care. She also has extensive training in neuropsychological assessment. Dr. Khalifeh recently completed a year-long APA-accredited internship at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she served on the eating disorder and substance abuse treatment teams. Dr. Khalifeh earned her Master of Arts and her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the APA-accredited program at the Rosemead School of Psychology, at Biola University. She is also a member of the American Psychological Association.

Beth Martin, MSW, LCSW
Primary Clinician

Beth Martin understands that the journey to recovery is both challenging and rewarding.  In partnership with patients, she facilitates this journey with compassion and connection. She utilizes a relational approach to the healing process, while incorporating mindfulness and acceptance practices, dialectical behavioral skills, and cognitive behavioral skills.  Beth has worked for more than 15 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. 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 in Colorado and is currently pursing her license in addiction counseling.

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, 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.

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.

Jolene Conway. MA
Admissions Assessment Clinician

Jolene believes in the role empowerment has in ones work towards recovery and wellness. Prior to joining the EDCD team, Jolene was an outpatient therapist with a community mental health center in Denver. Her professional background includes individual and group therapy with a variety of mental health symptoms; including addiction, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety and psychosis. Jolene focuses her work to collaboratively help her clients achieve their goals of building life skill, increased self-awareness, implementation of mindfulness and cognitive restructuring techniques. Jolene has her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Outside of her work role, she enjoys running, finding new trails for hiking and attending the many events/festivals that Colorado has to offer.

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.

Lori Chavez, MA
Admissions Clinician

Lori has a passion for helping those struggling with eating disorders forge their path through recovery to a life of healing and peace.  She knows first hand how difficult that struggle is, but also how rewarding life without an eating disorder can be.  Lori received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Arizona State University and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego.  Prior to moving to Colorado in July of 2009, Lori had been working as an Intake Coordinator and Therapist at Healthy Futures, an Intensive Outpatient Program in Scottsdale, Arizona.  She also has experience working as a Primary Therapist at an inpatient treatment center for eating disorders.  Lori is currently pursuing her clinical licensure (LPC) in the state of Colorado. 

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
Milieu Therapist

Mary Williams’ role as a milieu therapist involves assisting with patients’ day-to-day activities and facilitating various therapeutic groups. When working with her patients, Mary strives to incorporate the elements of body-centered psychotherapy with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques, like mindfulness and emotional regulation. After completing her Master’s degree in counseling psychology at the University of Denver, Mary continued her work on women’s issues in a small private practice, while also completing trainings about wilderness therapy, sometimes referred to as outdoor education or adventure-based therapy. Her favorite and most guiding quote is one 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
Primary Clinician

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.

Michele Cooper, MSW
Milieu Therapist

Therapist Michele Cooper has a passion for working with people who are struggling with various types of eating disorders and body image issues. Using an emphasis on mindfulness and experiential therapy, she encourages and challenges people who are on the path to recovery to develop acceptance and compassion for themselves. Prior to joining EDCD, Michele worked at a community mental health center in Denver, Colo. where she helped people with various types of mental illnesses. She also has experience working with victims of domestic violence. Michele holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver.

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.

Pam Sjoerdsma, MA, LPC
Family Therapist

As part of her family focus, Pam strives to assist clients in reconnecting with family and friends in a healthy way as an early step toward change and recovery. Pam approaches her work with a deep respect and sense of caring. She understands that the path to healing is difficult, and she feels privileged to accompany clients on a piece of their journey. In her clinical practice, Pam has worked primarily with young adults, couples and families, with a focus on depression, anxiety, eating disorders and relationship issues. Pam has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado at Denver. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor.

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.

Rebecka Pearson, MA
Milieu Therapist

Rooted in a cognitive-behavioral approach, Rebecka is skilled in working with a wide range of clients and believes healing begins with connection. In therapeutic relationships, Rebecka strives to connect with her patients on a deep level in order to facilitate change. Prior to joining EDCD, Rebecka worked for a progressive outpatient clinic in Bozeman, MT specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression and trauma. Prior to moving west, Rebecka worked as a milieu counselor for The Renfrew Center in Philadelphia. Rebecka’s graduate level training includes an internship with Chester County Children Youth and Families counseling adopted and foster children struggling with attachment issues along with their families. While a graduate student, Rebecka volunteered at the local domestic violence center as well as the Women’s Center for West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Rebecka holds a Bachelor of Arts from West Chester University and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University in Pennsylvania. Additionally, Rebecka is trained in EMDR, and holds a graduate certificate in Addiction Studies from Montana State University. Outside of the office, Rebecka has a passion for animals and the outdoors and can often be found on long hikes with her Jack Russell Terrier, Penny.

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. 

Andrea Pruett
Chef

Andrea’s goals with eating disorder patients are to continually focus on the behavioral restructuring of ideas and thoughts about food through nutritional education and hands-on cooking groups. Prior to joining Eating Disorder Center of Denver team, Andrea was the executive chef and general manager of the High Street Grill in Oxford, Ohio, where she continued to refine her skills and love for the marriage of culture and cuisine. In providing the food services for Eating Disorder Center of Denver patients, she includes the preparation of fresh and healthy meals and snacks with an emphasis on sustainability and seasonality. Andrea has a bachelor’s in dietetics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she decided to pursue continuing education in culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I.

Janelle Hunt, MS
Registered Dietitian

Janelle helps each individual see food as nourishment and enjoyment. She encourages the expansion of food repertoire and the understanding of how to plan realistic meals. Janelle has worked with eating disorder patients for six years. She has also utilized her skills as a registered dietitian to work with patients with various nutritional concerns, including diabetes, coronary heart disease and weight management. She is passionate about her work and values the opportunity to help patients meet their goals of peace and living a balanced lifestyle. Janelle received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s in nutrition with an emphasis in exercise science from Colorado State University.

Therese Ida, MS, RD
Manager of Clinical Nutrition Services

Therese Ida is a registered dietitian at EDCD. She is especially interested in such research topics as the biological aspects of eating disorders, physical cues of hunger and satiety, and the restoration of normal eating styles without fear of food. Therese has 30 years of clinical nutrition experience in a variety of fields, including outpatient counseling, education, and high level acute clinical care. Her most recent experience includes 12 years in nutrition and metabolism research at the University of Colorado, a designated research center for the National Institute of Health (NIH). Therese graduated with degrees in Community Nutrition and Dietetics from Iowa State University. She also received a Master’s degree in Preventative Medicine from the University of Iowa.

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 and current 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.