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.

Kelley Radmacher, Assistant Clinical Director

I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Counseling from California State University, Northridge. I worked for many years as a clinician in both residential and day treatment programs for eating disorders before coming to Shoreline Center. This clinical experience, as well as a very personal relationship with recovery, has helped me realize that full recovery is possible and that an eating disorder need not stay with you for a lifetime. Shoreline is a warm, caring environment and a wonderful place to do the deep and sometimes difficult work it takes to recover. I am passionate about the work that I do and am deeply committed to my clients.

Rachel Coleman, Primary Therapist

I joined the eating disorder field to fulfill a deep passion to strengthen and support those fighting for a path to recovery. I am currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern and have a Master's degrees in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I focused on eating disorders during my studies, and previously worked at a substance abuse counseling center. I have struggled with disordered eating patterns myself, so I know how important the insight of professionals can be to recovery, especially if they have also experienced these obsessions. I believe that exploring one's self-identity and building one's self-worth is a crucial component to gaining the confidence and strength to live a full, healthy life. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Shoreline family and share the tools I have gained with those who have reached out for help and support.

Amber Allen, 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.

Renée Rising Sun Deyette, Primary Therapist

For the past ten years I have worked extensively with individuals and families recovering from mental illness, addictions and eating disorders as a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker and Chemical Dependency Counselor. I earned my Master of Social Work from University at Albany School of Social Welfare and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from State University of New York at Albany. Having recently relocated to California, I am excited and honored to be the newest addition to the Shoreline Treatment Team! I bring to the team specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Native American Medicine Wheel Recovery. I have a personal history with emotional eating and body image disturbance, and I have found healing through developing a loving, nurturing, spiritual connection with my body, mind and spirit. I am passionately dedicated to the healing of each and every one of my clients as I facilitate their journey of recovery and guide them toward discovering their unique place of inner peace, love, compassion and freedom.

Sarah Cohen, MA, Clinician

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.

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.

Jennifer Goertz, Office Administrator

As office administrator, I will help guide you through the process of starting treatment. I have witnessed the stress and fear that families can experience while seeking treatment or navigating insurance hurdles. I will do my utmost to help smooth the way so that you can concentrate on achieving recovery.

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.

Morenike (Mo) Banks, Recovery Coach

I enjoy working at Satori House because as I give support, and I am supported as well. I have also struggled with a food addiction that caused my family and friends much grief and anguish. I was unwilling to be truthful about my problems, but my mother would not give up and she directed me to a program that assisted me greatly. So I can truly empathize with our clients, as well as understand the importance of supporting and helping them as they achieve recovery.

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.

Francine Haag, Recovery Coach

After winning my personal fight with an eating disorder I realized that it happened to me for a reason: it'm my mission to provide help and support to those in recovery. There's nothing compared to the feeling of being free from an addiction/ addictive behaviors. The road is not easy, but it's so worth it. That's the message that I try to tell the clients. Working at Satori House and at Shoreline has been really amazing. It's so rewarding to be able to provide words of comfort and a helping hand to those struggling. I can't picture myself at any other career nowadays and a Psychology degree is soon to come.

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.

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.