Staff
Experience exceptional treatment in a warm home with the best clinical experts in the eating disorder field.
The Victorian’s caring staff members genuinely connect with each client through a healthy bond of respect and immediate understanding.
Every one of our professionals is well versed in guiding female clients on their path to healing by treating the whole person, not just the eating disorder or addiction. Through your initial assessment, our team better understands your complete life to capably address issues such as family, culture, and social experiences.
Meet the incredible clinical staff who help deliver premium care in a loving environment.
Michelle Smith, LVN
Program Director
"When women come to our treatment program... they have lost their feelings (good and bad). To see the light that comes on in their eyes as they leave the darkness of their disease is what keeps me going."
Michelle has a strong background in addiction, nutrition, anxiety disorders, depression, and psychiatric illness.
Michelle works closely with the women at The Victorian (as well as their families) during the treatment process to make sure that the woman will get the best possible chance at recovery that treatment can provide.
Kristine Emry, LCSW - Clinical Director
"It is amazing to be part of a journey of authenticity."
Kristine is a vivacious and creative individual who embodies The Victorian's mission of creating a personalized treatment experience for every woman to show her healthy ways to have self esteem and that a life without and ED can be better than she ever imagined possible.
After graduating magna cum laude with a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Kristine moved to California to become the clinical supervisor at a shelter for teens in Long Beach. Kristine then earned her LCSW and developed a program for severely emotionally disturbed youth. She expanded her knowledge and became certified in several modalities including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT), and Motivational Interviewing. Kristine was awarded LPS designation and UCLA’s certification for co-occurring disorders.
Kristine served as the Clinical Director of The Victorian's parent facility Sober Living by the Sea prior to becoming Clinical Director at The Victorian.
Katie Rose Wingert, BA Psychology, RRW
Case Manager and Treatment Coordinator for Patrice House
"My personal philosophy is to meet the client where they are, wherever that may be. My vocation is to provide a plan of action and to support the women though their process. My passion for the job comes from watching the women come to realize their limitless potential. It’s comparable to watching someone take a breath for the first time."
Katie has a BA in psychology, with an emphasis on addiction and eating disorders. Katie is a Registered Recovery Worker, and has previous experience working on a suicide prevention hotline, and at the forensic compound at Metro State Hospital. At Metro State Hospital, Katie specialized in treating schizophrenia, drug addiction, and personality disorders. From working with this complicated population Katie believes that everyone has the propensity for growth and change.
Andrea Brokaw, BA Psychology, BCN (Board Certified Neurofeedback)
Program Manager of Neurofeedback Health Services
"I am focused on helping my clients become aware of their thoughts so that they may control stress, reduce anxiety, improve concentration, improve relaxation, and much more."
While Andrea was earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Arizona, she worked as a research assistant who studied depression by using brainwave recordings, or EEGs. Andrea became driven to understand the workings of the brain and how it relates to a person’s psychological health.
Her quest soon led her to the field of neurofeedback and she earned her National Certification in Neurofeedback or BCIA. Andrea enjoys working with substance abuse clients to help them manage their addiction and related disorders. Neurofeedback allows the client to see and hear a representation of their individual brain function and effectively make changes over time. Andrea enjoys working with each client to guide the process of training the brain and the mind through neurofeedback techniques.
Jennifer DeVore, BA Psychology, MFTi
“It is truly amazing to witness an individual connect their experience with their emotions and begin a new journey with recovery”
While Jennifer was earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University (East Bay), she started working with autistic children. Jennifer found this work so rewarding that she continued working with the families of children with autism for eight years. Jennifer helped the families engage with one another through psycho education and parent training.
Jennifer's passion for working with families, individuals, and couples led her to Pepperdine University to pursue a degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Jennifer truly enjoys working with her clients to facilitate a safe and open environment for change and growth.
Dawn Narvaez, Registered Dietitian
“I love to share my gift of motivational teaching and meet each client where they are”
Dawn Narvaez, RD graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1995. She is a registered dietitian with more than 15 years of experience delivering highly successful and customized nutrition and exercise programs. Dawn continuously inspires clients to achieve their individual goals through motivational counseling, assessments, and effective educational programs. She strategically utilizes Medical Nutrition Therapy and behavior modifications techniques to counsel clients battling various eating disorders.
Dawn is a member of IAEDP, NEDA, BEDA, ADA, BHN and SCAN.
Becky Gordon, RN
Registered Nurse
"There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.” -Orison Swett MardenBecky is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelors degree in Nursing. She has clinical experience in a variety of nursing specialties including medical/surgical, psychiatric/mental health, neonatal/pediatric, and community health nursing. Becky's goal in working with people in recovery is to make them feel physically comfortable so that they can concentrate on the mental and emotional aspects of getting well. She enjoys being a part of the client’s pathway to health and strives to be a resource to any person who is need of care.
Warren R. Taff, MD, M.P.H – Consulting Physician
Dr. Taff works extensively both with chemically dependent and psychiatric patient populations. With specific expertise in medication management, he is on faculty at the University of Southern California for the psychiatric residents.
Warren is board certified and works as Medical Director for chemical dependency, eating disorders and psychiatric treatment programs with a vertically integrated delivery system and provides guidance to the treatment team in the delivery of their continuum of addiction treatment services.
Jerry Brown, MFT, Psy. D. - Therapist
"In sobriety, life gets better and better...don't quit before the miracle comes." - Jerry Brown
Jerry Brown has worked over 45 years in the counseling field, and over 34 years in the field of recovery.
Dr. Brown is a national speaker in the addiction field and specializes in dual diagnosis, family therapy and psychological testing. He authored Militant Parenting, A Survival Guide For Parents with Problem Kids.
Dr. Brown is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He has worked in our treatment network for over 17 years and is currently a clinical consultant for all of our programs. Dr. Brown also sees families and patients in his private practice.
Intake Coordinator
Jeff Reyes, B.S. (Behavioral Science)
"Today is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday, but each new day brings a chance for a breakthrough." - Jeff Reyes
It is very likely that Jeff will be the friendly voice at the other end of the line when you call our admissions team to ask questions about the treatment process. Jeff is patient and caring with the families he interacts with.
Jeff is a graduate from Loma Linda University and has worked in the Behavioral Health field for over 10 years. Jeff has experience working with adolescents and adults at every level of care from outpatient treatment through hospitalization.
Joi Prendeville, BASW, Psych Tech - Case Manager
"I thrive by being part of a team that nurtures the growth, maturity, self esteem, and independence of the women at the Victorian who suffer from eating disorders and alcohol or chemical dependency issues."Joi’s experience working with women in the field of drug and alcohol addiction, coupled with her own eating disorder recovery make her an asset to the Victorian Team. Joi has extensive 12 step program knowledge and a passion for passing that along to women who still suffer.
Susan Bailey, CAS – Case manager
"I have always been able to see the best in people, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing people in crisis turn their lives around and start to see the best in themselves."
Susie is a Certified Addiction Specialist dedicated to working with women in recovery. Her enthusiasm, empathy, and personal knowledge and understanding of the 12-Step Recovery Program make her an invaluable member of The Victorian team.
Robin Lamoure, CADAC, MA, ATR - Art Therapist
"I believe in the process of Art Therapy and its potential to help people grow, rehabilitate, and heal coming from the actual making of art and helping people understand their art as self expression."
Robin is the Art Therapist at The Victorian. Robin has a background in a variety of different specialties and is able to work with a diversified group of clients.
