Staff

Rachel Levi, Founder and Executive Director, Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist

As a certified eating disorders treatment specialist and licensed family therapist, I know the challenges involved in helping people overcome eating disorders and body image problems. That is why I opened Shoreline Center for Eating Disorder Treatment in 1995. I felt that Shoreline, with its multidisciplinary staff of eating disorder specialists, some of whom have recovered from eating disorders themselves, could provide the key to successful treatment and recovery. I also wanted to offer a treatment plan that would include an extended-care residence option, allowing clients to slowly and safely transition back to the outside world while still receiving support and therapy.

This center grew out of my private practice and my developing awareness that (non-)hospital based programs that strived for excellent and compassionate treatment were few and far between. 15 years later, I can honestly say that the healing I've witnessed here is profound.

I maintain active involvement in many national and international eating disorder associations, including past sitting on the board of the Los Angeles Chapter for the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. I was most recently awarded my IAEDP Approved Supervisor Certification, which enables me to train more professionals on the complexities of eating disorder treatment.

Aleksandra Wirga, Psychiatrist & Medical Director

I am a board-certified psychiatrist who joined Shoreline in 2008, after five years in private practice in Long Beach. I graduated from medical school in Poland and trained at State University of New York as well as at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where I specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy and rational behavioral therapy. Since my medical school years, I have been interested in the mind-body connection and in treating a patient as a complete being, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual components. I am excited to be at Shoreline because it is unique in providing comprehensive care with professionalism, kindness and compassion. I know that healing may be difficult, but it’s also the most rewarding journey a person will ever take. The greatest pleasure for me is to see clients leave our program equipped with skills for life.

Liz Anderson

Info Coming Soon
 

Tina DePizzo, Registered Dietitian

Hi, I am Tina, the Registered Dietitian for Shoreline. I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Dietetics at Ohio State University before heading out to sunny California. Here in California I completed my dietetic internship, as well as my licensure as a Registered Dietitian. Since I moved to California, I have been fortunate to be part of the professional team at Shoreline. I have a passion for teaching individuals to normalize their relationship with food and body while implementing intuitive eating strategies to help reach those goals. I see the fear that has plagued many of our clients and the limits that fear has placed on their lives. I feel so fortunate to have a role in the healing process that goes on at Shoreline and to see client's ability to self nourish both their  body and soul.
 

Amber Allen MA, Primary Therapist

I wanted to be a part of the Shoreline Center because of my passion to help those suffering from eating disorders as well as to help clients re-gain a higher and stronger sense of well-being. I obtained my bachelors degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California Irvine and my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Graduate School in Pasadena, CA. I have worked previously at The Bella Vita eating disorder facility in Eagle Rock, CA and at Santa Anita Family Services community mental health center in Covina, CA. I am currently a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern with not only a commitment to eating disorders, but also in treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, and issues related to emotional/sexual abuse. I am honored and humbled to be able to work alongside fellow staff and with clients whom I believe are very brave to take on the path to healing and nurturance of self. My clinical background, coupled with my own personal path within recovery will hopefully provide a sense of comfort and peace of mind to those taking the first steps towards healthy living. Shoreline provides a safe and nurturing space to really become attuned to who you really are, as well as feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Sarah Cohen, MA, Primary Therapist

Joining the dedicated and dynamic Shoreline family is both an enormous honor and responsibility- one which allows me to work in alignment with my belief in lasting eating disorder recovery. My personal journey to discovering a true sense of self, separate from that of an eating disorder, guided me into the field of psychotherapy almost a decade ago. It has since become my personal and professional commitment to serve as a witness to others' experiences, and to provide compassion, support and tools to assist in each unique journey of self-discovery and healing. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Central Florida with a minor in Women's Studies, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Currently, I am working toward my LPCC licensure in the state of California. My recent clinical work has focused on treating complex trauma and associated disorders. I have worked as a school eating disorder counselor, facilitated on-campus support groups for college students, and I remain deeply committed to staying current in the research and treatment of eating disorders. I firmly believe that no path to recovery is the same, and I am grateful for the opportunity to become a fellow traveler on each participant's journey at Shoreline.

Brooke Denni, MA, Primary Therapist

Hi, my name is Brooke and it is exciting to be a part of the team at Shoreline. Seeking treatment for an eating disorder can be scary, but here at Shoreline it is evident that the therapists all genuinely care about each client’s recovery. I seek to bring hope to my clients from the first time I meet with them and throughout the treatment process. I support my clients through the ups and downs. I believe that the clients I work with have the capacity within themselves to get better—even when they don’t believe it themselves. I value the connection I have with my clients and support them as they gradually learn to let go of un-helpful behaviors. I have a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Bakersfield in English and Women’s Studies and a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. I am a registered MFT intern. I have experience treating eating disorders, depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse.

Sarah Lyndon, Recovery Coach

I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Florida. Working at Satori House has allowed me to assist others on their journey to recovery. I understand how difficult it can be to transition back into your life while going through recovery, and I am fortunate to be able to offer support and guidance to those in need. Shoreline provides an open and friendly environment to those struggling with an eating disorder, as well as fostering a loving and caring atmosphere that is essential to recovery. It is very fulfilling to be part of the process that leads people back into a life of happiness.

Vanessa Lord, Diet Tech

As a Diet Tech at Shoreline treatment center, I will guide you through the process of developing a normal relationship with food.  Awakening your own intuitive eater can be a difficult journey, but I am here to offer support along every step of the way. I have a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley, and I am a current Nutrition and Dietetics student at Cal State Long Beach. As a new addition to the dynamic and compassionate team at Shoreline, I feel honored to help others on the road to a healthy and happy life.

Tami Hans, Yoga Instructor

I have practiced yoga for the last 18 years and have been teaching since 1995.  Wellness to me is a combination of physical health, emotional balance and a spiritual connection to something outside of oneself. Stretch/meditation combines breathing, flexibility, strength and relaxation, which allows the body to quiet and respond in a more healthful way to physical and emotional stress. What I bring to Satori is my experience and hope. What I offer is my commitment to supporting you during this transitional journey. What I promise is that with willingness and conscious effort, you will blossom and discover your essence.

Sylvie Antar, Recovery Coach

I know that recovery from an eating disorder is one of the most difficult challenges a person will face, and I am gratified to be a part of this process. My own personal experience gives me a deeper understanding of this complex illness and I am committed and passionate about helping women find hope and freedom through recovery. I am currently working toward becoming an addiction counselor and look forward to offering even more assistance and support to our clients.

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Courtney Stammler, Nia Instructor

I balance my life between teaching English at California State University Long Beach, raising two children, teaching meditation, practicing reiki and pursuing my greatest passion -- teaching Nia. Nia is a holistic health fitness program that treats the whole being as one, meaning body, mind, and spirit. Nia keeps us centered in the present and offers us joy in every realm. Through Nia, the women at Shoreline learn to love their bodies just as they are.