Jennifer Torio-Hurley, MSW, LCSW - Therapist:

Jennifer is a warm, passionate, and engaging therapist. She has been with Dr. Kakaiya and Healthy Within since 2001 in a variety of positions. She facilitated the Day Program, ran groups for the Intensive Outpatient Program, ran the free ANAD groups for many years and has conducted didactics in various topics as they relate to recovery. Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Work with a very strong background in working with exercise addiction as it relates to eating disorders. Her strength lies in her breadth of knowledge, combining compassion with humor, demonstrates the ability to laugh at our own "stuff" and has incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Jenn is highly qualified in working with co-morbid conditions that co-occur with eating disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Addictions, Depression and Anxiety. Her experience also includes working with individuals afflicted by Schizophrenia and Perinatal Mood Disorders. She is seasoned with couples and family therapy and she is especially well-qualified to work with trauma and relationship issues. Her newest passion is bringing Neurofeedback to clients as an additional modality of treatment and to help clients train the most important organ of the body, the brain. Jennifer believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship so that patients have the courage to look within, dig deep, and live an authentic life. Her vision for her practice is to allow patients the loving space to heal from internal wounds, to feel unconditionally accepted and to develop the skills and motivation to live an extraordinary life. Jenn has a very busy practice at Healthy Within and she feels very honored to be able to serve and give back the strength that she has developed in her own recovery. Jenn has recently been awarded the position of a President for the San Diego Chapter of International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). She is also an active member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers), EEG Spectrum, and ISNR (International Society for Neurofeedback and Research)

Professional Alliances:

Jenn has recently been awarded the position of a Board Member for the San Diego Chapter of International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). She is also an active member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and Post Partum Health Alliance of San Diego.

Kourtney J. Klepfer, M.S.W, ACSW (#21743) - Program Director of Healthy Within’s Intensive Outpatient Program Director, Intake Coordinator & Therapist.

Kourtney brings both her personal and professional experience with eating disorders to those in need of support and healing. As a passionate clinician in the treatment of eating disorders, Kourtney has been active in the field for over six years. She has treated individuals and families in acute residential and outpatient settings providing individual and family therapy, support, guidance and case management. Kourtney also has vast experience working with groups and conducting a variety of groups including multi-family groups, process groups, body image group, aftercare groups and many more. She believes that while one can heal through their interpersonal strength and understanding they may also heal from the powerful stories and strength of others.

Kourtney feels that building a connection with her clients and meeting them where they are in their recovery process is an important aspect in the beginning parts of their treatment and healing. She also feels building upon one’s strengths and forming a strong support system that will promote long-term recovery is very important in sustaining one’s recovery. Kourtney’s approach focuses on helping the individual and/or family develop a better understanding of their self, how they relate to the world around them and what function their eating disorder serves in their life. She also focuses on helping the individual develop skills necessary to obtain 100% recovery and foster their inner growth.

Kourtney earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Saint Joseph’s College and her Master’s of Social Work degree from Indiana University. She initially joined Healthy Within’s team in 2007, and was the Program Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program and individual therapist from 2007 to 2009. She has presented seminars on the education, treatment and prevention of eating disorders at local conferences and schools. From 2009-2011 Kourtney worked as a Case Manager at a Residential Treatment Facility for eating disorders on the East Coast. She is licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Massachusetts. Kourtney is thrilled to be re-joining her team at Healthy Within! She is available to answer any questions you may have about your treatment, loved one, or programs provided at Healthy Within, and she is open to scheduling assessments as soon as possible for yourself or loved one.

Patty Schroeder Psy.D Reg. Psychological Assistant to Dr. Kakaiya, Program Therapist (PSB 35069):

Dr. Patty Schroeder is an individual and group therapist at Healthy Within. Her passion for helping women recover from eating disorders and poor body image led her to pursue a career in psychology. She  earned a Psy.D. degree in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in 2009, and the focus of her doctoral dissertation was media's impact on adolescent girls with eating disorders. She has been with the Healthy Within Foundation since 2002 facilitating the weekly ANAD support group.

At Healthy Within Clinic, Dr. Schroeder conducts individual psychotherapy and group therapy. Her warm, kind, compassionate demeanor makes her a very approachable therapist. Her personal experiences in adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury make her a gifted, understanding, intuitive clinician. Her optimistic view on the world as she empowers others to seize the "moment" and break through the barriers we all experience are some of Dr. Schroeder's strongest assets. Dr. Schroeder has substantial clinical experience with adolescents. A treatment modality Dr. Schroeder resonates well with is working from a place of wellness and strength using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Schroeder is also trained in the Teen Wisdom Coaching Model for Teen girls and is an awesome Coach for Wellness with teens. She has an engaging, playful demeanor which makes her caoching style very approachable and she achieves great results with the teens she works with.

Dr. Schroeder is also an active volunteer and board member for Awakenings Health Institute, a non-profit organization specializing in post-acute exercise rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders. She is a San Diego native, and earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology at the University of Michigan.

Kate Henry, M.A., MFT Intern #65224 Program Therapist:

Kate is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern working under Dr. Kakaiya's license. She has just recently joined the vibrant team at Healthy Within. She is passionate about helping others reach their full human potential. Her warmth and talent for therapy makes her a clinician that one can feel safe with. Eating disorders are complex and multi-faceted issues that can be as diverse as the people and families they affect. Kate believes in treating each client as the unique individual they are while creating a strong, safe therapeutic relationship and utilizing her skills, tools, and experiences gained as a qualified psychotherapist. She is a passionate advocate for eating disorder prevention and run Full of Ourselves (FOO) groups at Healthy Within. She also runs the Teen Groups, facilitates the Family ANAD meeting with Dr. Schroeder and facilitates the free support group for Trauma Survivors who have eating disorders.

Her background includes training and experience in trauma, domestic violence, and sexual assault counseling. Specifically, she helps her clients explore how trauma and assault are so often intertwined with eating disorders, as ED can be misguided attempt at coping with overwhelming and painful feelings and past experiences. Kate is skilled in crisis and suicide counseling, Experiential therapy, CBT and trauma-based treatment, as well as previous experience gained working at an eating disorder treatment center in San Diego.

Kate received her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University, San Diego in 2009, and her Bachelors degree in Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Beyond her educational background, training, and experience, Kate has successfully maintained her own recovery and aims at helping others explore the origins, self-defeating thoughts, and internal conflicts that lie at the core of eating disorders and body-image issues.

Laura Swan, Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee:

Laura Swan is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee currently obtaining her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. Laura brings a genuine warmth and care to her practice as a therapist, as well as an overall holistic and integrated approach to psychotherapy and her classes. She is an experienced Registered Yoga Teacher who focuses on the therapeutic, spiritual, and healing aspects of yoga and movement. As a Reiki teacher and practitioner, she also uses energy medicine techniques and has an extensive background using both conventional and alternative healing modalities to treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and body image concerns. Laura has specialized in working with children, at-risk teens, and women, and leads workshops and trainings on the effectiveness of evidence based yoga techniques for the treatment of various women’s and children’s issues. As a yoga teacher and passionate women’s circle facilitator, Laura has guided women’s healing circles and yoga retreats throughout the U.S. and internationally. With a love and fascination for the world’s varied healing traditions, she received her B.A. in Comparative Religion from Boston University, where she integrated cultural anthropology and comparative religion, with an emphasis on Eastern philosophy and healing modalities. In psychotherapy and as a private yoga therapist, Laura combines this love of the world’s healing traditions with her training in psychology, nutrition, yoga, meditation, and Reiki to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to her clients and classes.

CONSULTANTS

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. In addition to Healthy Within, Deborah is on staff at Alvarado Parkway Institute for Behavioral Health in La Mesa and she has a private practice in South Park.

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.

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.