Divya Kakaiya, Ph.D., CEDS – Program Founder and Clinical Supervisor:

Dr. Kakaiya has been working with eating disorders since 1985 and is a true visionary in her field. She is a seasoned expert in the field of eating disorders, and has been presenting at national conferences for over 12 years. She is a national expert with cross cultural issues with eating disorders and a frequent cultural issues consultant to other eating disorder treatment programs. In San Diego she presents about 5 - 6 times a year to other Psychologists and Marriage and Family Therapists who want additional training with eating disorders. She has also published extensively on issues related to family dynamics, treating adolescents with eating disorders and issues related to South Asian Women. Additionally, she is on the editorial board of numerous eating disorder journals, and journals of cultural diversity. She has also been on the conference committees for the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) and the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Dr. Kakaiya conducts individual therapy, family therapy and couples therapy for the program as well as holds a private practice. Her additional areas of interest include eating disorder prevention. She is the main driving force behind the prevention activities that Healthy Within engages in. Additionally, she founded the Healthy Within Foundation in 2002 with the hopes of being able to conduct more aggressive prevention programs particularly in middle schools. She currently oversees approximately 20 volunteers for the Foundation, and an additional 6-10 undergraduate interns from UCSD. Majority of these interns are conducting research studies with eating disorders and Dr. Kakaiya is their direct supervisor at Healthy Within. Dr. Kakaiya has a multifaceted practice and outside of eating disorders her other areas of expertise are alcoholism, drug addictions, women’s issues, trauma, co-dependency and dysfunctional family dynamics. She is a very dynamic, warm, real, and engaging therapist who has brought about major changes in the ways family members relate with one another. She is very seasoned in family therapy and has treated some very challenging families with great success. She also supervises several Interns in San Diego and is a mentor to other psychologists who regularly consult with her regarding their difficult cases, especially pertaining to challenging families. She is also an approved supervisor for International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals. Dr Kakaiya recently appeared twice on the Tyra Banks Show as a expert on Eating Disorders. She is also on the Healthy Girls Healthy Lives Committee for the Girl Scouts of San Diego.

Kourtney J. Klepfer, M.S.W, ACSW (#21743) - Program Director & Therapist

Kourtney is an individual and group therapist for Healthy Within, bringing both her personal and professional experience with eating disorders to those in need of support and healing. Over the past two years, Kourtney has worked at an acute inpatient facility with women of all ages to overcome struggles with self-image as a result of eating disorders. As a former collegiate athlete, Kourtney is also committed to helping athletes maintain healthy nutrition and exercise regimens so they can achieve a maximum performance level in their sport. Kourtney's personal journey in overcoming an eating disorder has given her a special connection with her patients. Her passion is to help others form a strong support system that will promote long-term recovery and ensure a happy, healthy road to freedom. Kourtney's approach focuses on the principle of renewing the body, mind and soul with an individualized treatment plan that focuses on the immediate needs at hand. Her vision is to treat each client for their specific and unique needs while developing a trusted relationship that will foster inner growth, peace and love for one's self. She is passionately committed to the prevention of eating disorders and plans on conducting active prevention seminars in San Diego. She is also highly committed to maintaining the quality of our aftercare program. Kourtney earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Joseph's College in Indiana and received her Masters in Social Work from Indiana University in the spring of 2007. A Hoosier at heart, Kourtney is thrilled to join her new San Diego friends at Healthy Within.

Kate Eldean, MA, MFT Intern- Program Director and Therapist (#49924):

Kate Eldean is an individual, couples, family and group therapist at the Carlsbad branch of Healthy Within. She brings with her a unique passion for girls and women of all ages which has awakened a desire to work more in developing her niche as an eating disorder specialist. Kate has worked in a wide variety of settings which has allowed her to cultivate her clinical skills and versatility in the areas of abuse and trauma recovery, addiction and dual-diagnosis, adult children of addicted parents, women’s issues, depression, anxiety, mood disorders and blended families or those going through divorce. Kate is significantly connected to her church community and does a wide-array of volunteer and community work. She has spearheaded and coordinated a women’s mentoring program called Tandem, which is a women mentoring women program at North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad. Kate will continue to pour her passion and vision into seeing women of all ages be restored, renewed and empowered to live out their God-given calling and potential. She also integrates Biblical principles into her work where appropriate and strives for a holistic model of soul care with a focused sensitivity to spirituality. Kate also conducts two groups, a 12-week cognitive behavioral therapy group called Renewing Your Mind, for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety and mood disorders. The Healing Path is a group for women to help them gain new insight into their redemptive process as well as to navigate through their past to deal with it in more constructive ways. Whether you have lost hope, have recently been betrayed or are dealing with deep wounds from your childhood, Kate’s engaging and integrated style of therapy will help guide you on the journey to more freedom and healing. In her spare time, Kate enjoys running, surfing, travel, embracing other cultures and cuisines and cross-cultural missionary work in Africa and abroad. Kate will be building and growing the Carlsbad branch of Healthy Within as the Program Director. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology with a Specialization in health and humanities from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles.

Jennifer Torio-Hurley, MSW, ASW 15043 - Therapist:

Jennifer has treated individuals with eating disorders at Healthy Within, at both the group and individual level since January 2001. She has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Health Science and completed a Masters in Social Work in August 2001. Jennifer is passionate about helping women and men, especially young athletes, decrease body image disturbances created by compulsive exercise patterns and practices. Additionally, Jennifer's masters research experience focused on the effects of the media on body image disturbance in college-aged women. She is a former ACE-Certified Personal Trainer who has worked on various health-promotion projects related to preventing diabetes and developing healthy exercise patterns for disease prevention. Overcoming her own body image difficulties, Jennifer uses her recovery to help others. She also works as a clinical social worker in a prenatal clinic providing pregnant women support to cope with psychosocial stressors such as domestic violence, depression, housing issues, and the like.

Danielle Beck-Ellsworth, M.A., MFT Intern (#54117)- Therapist and Prevention Specialist:

Danielle, a seasoned specialist in obesity and eating disorder prevention, is an individual, family, couples and group therapist at the Carlsbad and San Diego offices of Healthy Within. Danielle has completed her Masters in Marriage Family Therapy and is currently working on her PsyD at Alliant International University. She received her Bachelors of Science in Cognitive Science, Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. Prior to working at Healthy Within, Danielle worked for a year and a half with welfare recipients, consisting mainly of Hispanic mothers and their children. She facilitated the Anger Management, Parenting, Healthy Relationships and Family groups. For the past three years Danielle has been the backbone to the Healthy Within Foundation. She volunteered as a Girl Talk facilitator and is currently directing and training the facilitators of the program. She offers free talks to parents, Girl Scout troops, and other social groups on topics such as the dieting culture, influences of media, and healthy living. Danielle’s passion comes from knowing young women who have been severely affected by eating disorders. She is committed to preventing eating disorders from taking any more lives. In her free time, Danielle loves being at the ocean, walking, gardening, or taking yoga classes. Her grounded presence creates a calm, safe place for patients to feel comfortable. Danielle will be facilitating the family A.N.A.D. group at the Carlsbad office as well as the Binge Eating group and Girl Talk group. Metaphors, systems theory, family therapy, art, and sense of self work are all incorporated into Danielle’s successful treatment of patients.

Deborah Ogburn, MA - Expressive Arts Therapist:

Deborah Ogburn is a specialist in the use of the arts-visual arts, dance, music, writing and drama-as a catalyst for change. Having struggled with emotional eating, yo-yo dieting and negative body image for nearly 30 years, she is passionate about helping others use the arts to recognize and express the underlying emotion that triggers ED. Deborah studied at the Expressive Arts Institute of San Diego and completed her master's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy, Coaching and Consulting at European Graduate School in Switzerland. A member of Creative Change Associates, she facilitates expressive arts programs for organizations throughout San Diego County. She is a former board member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) and a juried member of the San Diego Artist's Guild. Deborah has a private practice in South Park (downtown San Diego).

Yvonne Negron, L.Ac. -  Licensed Acupuncturist

Yvonne Negron graduated with honors in 1993 from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, in San Diego, California. In 1997, Yvonne completed a post graduate course at the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Medicine. Since then, she has continued to expand her knowledge by attending seminars, classes, and conferences in the fields of Oriental medicine, personal growth, holistic health, and eating disorders. She is licensed by the Medical Board of California and is a designated Diplomate through both the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics. As a licensed acupuncturist, Yvonne believes that well-being is achieved through a balance of mind, body, and spirit. Her San Diego private practice is dedicated to helping clients strengthen each of these areas. She integrates Chinese medicine, acupuncture, nutritional support, and warm, personalized insight, to enhance mental and emotional well-being for all of her clients. Yvonne's specialized clinical focuses include pain management, women's health, depression, anxiety and the treatment of eating disorders. She is a member of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP), and has treated eating disorders in private practice and as a member of an intensive outpatient program treatment team since 2005.

Portia Page -Fitness and Yoga Instructor:

Portia has been in the fitness industry for over 17 years. She teaches cell formats and styles of group exercise. She currently focuses on the mind/body arena because of its importance and relevance in today's busy and stress-laden world. She is a fully certified yoga and Pilates instructor. Portia travels throughout the US and abroad educating other instructors and participants about the importance of physical fitness.

Kelley O'Patry- Pilates Instructor:

For Kelley, the body is an instrument to communicate and create. She teaches that achieving harmony within oneself is not about perfection, but rather the exploration of new possibilities. A native of San Diego, California, Kelley exchanged sunny beaches for harsh winters when she was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania on a merit scholarship. Her alma mater is one of the first Universities to establish a pilates center, recognizing pilates as a vision for the future and the wisdom it holds for women's bodies and psychology. Kelley holds two pilates certifications and with specializations in the areas of pre and post natal women, pelvic dysfunction, pilates for golf application, body image concerns, and pilates instruction as a complimentary healing modality for eating disorder recovery. Kelley has worked with a very diverse clientèle, ranging from children to professional athletes. She has recently begun studying Healing Touch Therapy at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in La Jolla and hopes to begin integrating Healing Touch Therapy into the Body Language pilates practice. She is looking forward to studying the Alexander Technique this spring to enhance her practice and movement potential for that of herself and her clients. Kelley, recovered from anorexia herself, and has been an active member of the Healthy Within Foundation for the past 4 years.

Patty Schroeder, M.A. - Graduate Intern:

Patty's passion for helping women recover from eating disorders and poor body image led her to pursue a career in psychology. She is currently working toward a Psy.D. degree in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University, and the focus of her doctoral dissertation is Media's Impact on Adolescent Girls with Eating Disorders. Patty has co-facilitated the ANAD group at Healthy Within for the past 3 years. In addition, Patty is a volunteer with Healthy Within Foundation and has conducted numerous presentations for middle schools. Patty has substantial clinical experience with adolescents. She is a San Diego native, and earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology at the University of Michigan.

Yogesh Kakaiya, M.S. - Vice President Operations and Business Development:

As the co-owner of the program, Mr. Kakaiya brings with him a strong business background and a keen awareness of the essential needs of the eating disorder program. He is responsible for day to day operations management and is the director of Business Development. Mr. Kakaiya's specialty is marketing. He is an active member of the Healthy Within team and as the father of a teen girl and a very sensitive boy, and having been at eating disorder conferences for the last 12 years, he is acutely aware of the tyranny of the body obsessed society we live in. He trains regularly with the Foundation volunteers and is actively engaged in promoting the message of health within to all he comes in contact with. He is a member of Dads and Daughters Organization and believes in empowering women and girls in achieving their highest potential. He is actively involved in his daughter's life and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with her in July of 2005.

Sophia Rose B.A. Holistic Health Educator - Wellness Consultant:

Sophia has over 20 years of experience in the Health Education field. She has taught at various colleges, substance abuse prevention organizations and preventative health organizations such as the American Heart Association. She is presently an instructor at the Optimum Health Institute in San Diego, where she teaches over 25 different holistic health classes such as the body/mind connection, relaxation and stress management techniques, guided imagery for self healing, effective communications skills, emotional health and healing and gentle yoga. Sophia also teaches her own holistic health seminars at various locations in San Diego and provides individual wellness consultations. Through her presentations, seminars and consultations, Sophia helps you understand the interconnectedness of your body, emotions, mind and spirit and teaches you how to integrate all four parts of you into one balanced, healthy and harmonious whole.