Staff
Our Staff Makes The Difference |
| Rader Programs has assembled a multi-disciplinary team of experienced professionals, many of whom know first hand, the pain and anguish that an eating disorder can cause. |
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| Rader Programs Staff Biographies |
| Rader Programs uses an inter-disciplinary approach consisting of the following staff to address the multi-faceted nature of Eating Disorders including Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating: |
Administration: |
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Jonathan Rader, Ph.D. - Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rader received his doctorate from La Jolla University and has been treating eating disorders since 1985. His work on the relationship between sexual abuse and eating disorders has been documented in eating disorders journals and he has been interviewed as an expert on eating disorders by numerous magazines and news programs. |
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Jay Kapitz, C.P.A. - Chief Financial Officer Mr. Kapitz has been a Controller and Chief Financial Officer in the eating disorders field since 1985. He is also responsible for coordination of information and telecommunication services for Rader Programs. Jay is proud to have received his bachelor's degree from the University of California Los Angeles. |
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Daniel Rozdial, M.A., M.F.T - Clinical Director Daniel obtained his M.A in Counseling Psychology at National University and is currently a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Daniel has been a patient advocate for access to the most appropriate eating disorders treatment with nearly 15 years of experience in the health care industry. |
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| Kris Gonalez, RN - Director of Nursing |
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Christa Vera - Program Coordinator Christa Vera performs the very important role of Program Coordinator. Christa has extensive experience in healthcare administration with treatment facilities. She is instrumental in keeping the hospital in compliance and maintaining our policies. At the present time she is furthering her degree in health information administration. Christa not only brings a sense of security and reliability, she is warm and compassionate which is conveyed to staff and patients. |
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Medical Staff: |
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Nomi J. Fredrick, M.D. - Medical Director Dr. Fredrick is a graduate of the New York University School of Medicine. Nomi completed both her residency and fellowship in psychiatry at the University of California Los Angeles. She specializes in psychopharmacology. In addition to her work at Rader Programs, Dr. Fredrick does research in psychoneuro-endocrinology. View Dr. Nomi Fredrick's Resume |
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| Karina Shulman - M.D. - Psychiatrist |
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Ms. Kelly J. Hengler - Physician Assistant (PA) Ms. Kelly graduated the University of Southern California, Keck Medical School Physician Assistant Program in 1999 and is a licensed PA in the state of California. She focuses on patient-centered care and "meeting the patient where they are" in the health continuum. Ms. Hengler's post-graduate pursuits included completion of CA ADP (Alcohol and Drug Program) academic program requirements and additional 1,800 internship hours for Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Clinical experience includes intensities in Primary Care, Women's Health, and Internal Medicine with a focus on complex chronic care management through care-team models. |
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Assessment: |
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Robin Steiner, M.S., M.F.T. - Director of Intake and Assessment Robin conducts consultation sessions and counsels patients and their families towards treatment. She interfaces with counseling staff as well as business services to insure delivery of insurance information to prospective patients prior to admission. Robin attended SDSU/UCSD combined Graduate program where she received her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. Robin ran a private practice in Beverly Hills, where she specialized in treating eating disordered patients with emphasis on family dynamics. Involved with psychiatric care and the treatment of eating disorders for over 25 years, she went on to become Program Director and family therapist for H.O.P.E. Institute, a pioneer residential program in the field of eating disorder treatment. |
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Laurie Ramos - Admissions and Discharge Coordinator Laurie Ramos is a true Renaissance woman whose multiple passions and degrees have afforded her a diverse career as a counselor, life coach, resource specialist and child advocate. She received her MA MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) from Phillips Graduate Institute and a second MA as an education specialist from California State University Northridge. As the admissions & discharge coordinator at Pacific Shores Hospital, Laurie has extensive experience providing both intake and discharge assessments. Laurie is also a marriage and family therapist intern (M.F.T.i.) and co-facilitates numerous therapeutic groups. |
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Counselors: |
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Amy Ruffolo, M.S.W. - Individual Therapist Amy Ruffolo received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pittsburgh and has a certificate in Mental Health and Direct Practice. Amy brings both her personal and professional experience to Radar Programs. Amy has had 4 years of direct practice experience with eating disorders, mental health, dual diagnosis, and addiction treatment in different levels of care. Amy is passionate about working with patients so that they may become more aware of the connection between the mind and body as they work toward recovery. It’s amazing to see the limitless potential we have when allowing recovery into our lives. |
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Katie Richiger, M.F.T.i - Individual Therapist Katie Richtiger is a marriage and family therapist who graduated with her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. Katie has extensive experience and specializes in working with those who suffer from eating disorders. She has worked in several different levels of care including inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care. Using her personal experience with eating disorders and education, Katie relates to each patient on a personal level to help guide the patient through an individualized recovery path. |
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Ilena Sussman, M.F.T.i. - Individual Therapist Ilena is a marriage and family therapist who is working to obtain her marriage family therapist license from the Board of Behavioral Sciences. She received her Master of Arts from Dominican University in San Rafael, CA. Ilena has been a member of Psi Chi (psychology honors society) since 2003. She has worked with dual diagnosis, addiction treatment, and intensive outpatient care in psychiatric denters in the community. Ilena enjoys working with all ages in individual, family, and couples counseling. |
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| Ronna Hoffman - Part-time Counselor April House - Part-time Counselor |
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Dietary: |
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Kayla Siracusa, R.D. - Dietitian Kayla is a Registered Dietitian who graduated with her Bachelors degree in Nutritional Sciences and Minor in Psychology from San Diego State University. She completed her accredited dietetic internship through Utah State University. Kayla has experience working with patients with an array of medical issues including Diabetes, Heart Disease,Renal Disease, Liver Disease,Celiac's Disease etc. She has worked in several different inpatient facilities. Kayla focuses on the intuitive eating principle and learning how to listen to hunger cues. Kayla provides nutritional education using a modified diabetic exchange system which helps the patients learn how to form balanced meals rather then focusing on calories alone. Using her personal struggle with eating disorders, Kayla is able to relate to each patient and help them in their recovery. |
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Exercise: |
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| Cindy Malecky, M.B.A. - Exercise Counselor Ms. Malecky is originally from Connecticut but has called Southern California her home since 1986. Cindy received her Bachelors in Science from Boston University and subsequently earned her Masters from the University of Phoenix. Malecky is a Certified Health Fitness Instructor from the American College of Sports Medicine with specialized training in Pilate’s for rehabilitation. She enjoys helping individuals achieve their fitness goals. |
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Kate Nash - Nia Technique Instructor Kate has been teaching Nia Technique classes for over 10 years. She is a Certified Nia Black Belt Instructor and owns her own Center for wholistic wellness in Ventura, Ca - Ventura Nia Center. Nia is a Body*Mind*Emotions*Spirit movement practice which fuses Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts together to create a fun, expressive and healing movement program for all ages and abilities. |
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| Andi Epstein - Yoga Instructor Stephanie Doherty - Yoga Instructor Mary Lincoln - Yoga Instructor Sheryl Ritchi - Yoga Instructor Patsy Geena Williams - Yoga Instructor |
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Outreach: |
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Melissa DeHart - Alumni Coordinator/M.H.W. Melissa DeHart, Alumni Coordinator, connects with our patients as soon as they enter our program and then ensures that she maintains that connection though treatment and even after treatment is completed. This position is very near and dear to her heart as she is a former Alum of Rader and considers herself a survivor after struggling many years with an Eating Disorder. Melissa truly understands this disease and is able to see the patient's point of view. She is also a public advocate, motivational speaker, and blogs for our website. Her goal is to inspire and offer those who suffer find hope. |
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Accounting: |
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 | Dannie Lee - Accounting Manager Ms. Lee has been an Accounts Payable, Contracts, and Vendor Manager since 1998. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, in English with a Minor in Business Administration in 1996. She is responsible for all payroll, vendor account and telecommunication coordination services for Rader Programs and provides direct support to the CEO and CFO. |
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Business Services: |
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Leah Lucchese - Director of Business Services Leah Lucchese has served as a patient advocate in the medical field for over a decade. With an expert understanding of Mental Health Laws, Medical Policies and Insurance Billing practices, she and her staff are here to handle the “business” of insurance so our patients can focus on the recovery process. |
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Nyssa Dunning - Accounting and Business Services Coordinator Ms. Dunning has worked for The Rader Programs for 8 years. Nyssa enjoys working on a variety of tasks throughout the program; including insurance and benefit verifications, coordinating marketing events and staff and working as a liaison for The Rader Programs and Pacific Shores Hospital. Nyssa has helped develop and implement the Community Outreach & Alumni Coordinator positions within the marketing department. |
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| Brenna Schulz - Account Representative John Guzman - Account Representative David Kirkland - Account Representative |
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Nursing: |
| Registered Nurses |
| Cristy Daria Jocelyn Duong Kristina Fordham Kristoffer Gonzalez Diana Miller Ivy Qualls Melinda Gonzalez Kelly Maher |
| Licensed Vocational Nurses |
| Isabelle Cassavettes Michella Gonzales Gina Malbas Gale Inciong Cindy Lubid Cynthia McLaurin Shirley Pirtle Sheena Raymundo Suzanne Woodruff Gloria Batarse Melissa Lugo |
| Mental Health Workers |
| Melissa DeHart Ivan Ramirez Angela Bustos |
| Certified Nursing Assistants |
| Jeanette Cervantes Brenda Bonilla Marytere Torres |
Medical Records: |
| Lori Salmons - Medical Records Consultant |
Plant Maintenance and Housekeeping: |
| Joseph Scaramuzzino - Environment of Care Coordinator Alejandra Rodriquez - Housekeeping Laura Lopez - Housekeeping |
Kitchen: |
| Dorothy James - Chef Ruben Reyes - Chef Mario Moreno - Kitchen Prep Chayanne Reyes - Kitchen Prep Shalana Tello - Cook Sam Almanza - Prep Cook Andrew Tempia - Prep Cook |