At Center for Eating Disorders we have a caring and experienced staff.
Medical Team:
- Mark Peterson, MD, Medical Director
Dr. Peterson is
board certified in Psychiatry, Board certified in Addiction Psychiatry, and certified in Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Peterson Graduated from Northwestern University Medical School and is a Member of the American Society of Addiction
Medicine Board.
- Dr. Gary Gesualdi, MD, Associate Medical Director
Dr. Gesualdi is a board certified Family Practice physician.
Dr. Gesualdi graduated from The Chicago Medical School. He is a member of the American Association Mental Retardation, and a member of Tennessee Association of Family Practice.
- Susan Kerr, Nurse Executive, BSN, UTC
A graduate of Erlanger School of Nursing, Susan has
20 years of successful progressive experience in inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment and psychiatric services.
- Darla Cavitt, RN (Utilization Review)
Darla is a Graduate of Erlanger Nursing School. She has
20 years experience in Utilization Review. Darla understands the nuances of managed care companies, and is successful in getting patient days authorized.
Dr. Peterson will provide the weekly psychiatric care of our Eating Disorder Patients, and Dr. Gary will do all history and physicals, and order all lab work.
Counselors/Therapists:
- Liz Cervio, LMFT, CSAT, SEP, Program Director, Eating Disorder Unit
Liz has served as Clinical Director for four programs over the past 17 years.
Liz holds an MS, Marriage and Family Therapy, from St. Thomas University and a BS, Social Psychology, from University of Minnesota Certified in Addictions Treatment. She is Certified in Sex Addiction Certified in Somatic Experience.
- Wendy Tauro Lombard, Mastered Registered Dietician
Wendy relocated from California to be our on-site Registered Dietician. Wendy is experienced in creating heart healthy menus to promote healthy eating.
Ms. Lombard holds a Masters of Public Health from Loma Linda University and a B.S. in Dietetics from Andrews University.
- Melissa Wilson, M.Ed., NCC, LPC/MHSP, Primary Therapist, Eating Disorder Unit
Melissa has 19 years of experience with dual diagnosis addictions. A Mastered level educator, and licensed professional counselor, Melissa embraces our holisitic approach to treatment and brings cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family therapy, life skills training, stress management and relaxation as part of her strength to the team.
- Karen Leonard
Karen holds a Master of Education in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University. Karen has experience and focus on eating disorders, mental health, achieving wellness, women's studies, addiction and family systems. She is a health and wellness advocate.
As a Center of Excellence, all our primary therapists are seasoned,
experienced, and hold masters in their field.
