Welchoff is a licensed psychologist who has been practicing in the Buffalo area since 1995. Since opening her practice, she has treated many children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, school and work adjustment, behavioral concerns, and life adjustment issues. Her specialties include the treatment of Eating Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and sports-related psychological concerns. From 2010 - 2018, Dr. Welchoff served as Executive Director of the Buffalo Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders. Instrumental in the opening of the program, she was involved in program development, comprehensive assessment and treatment planning, supervision and training of clinical staff, providing individual, group, and family therapy, and community support. With the opening of the Narins Eating Disorder Center, Dr.
Welchoff has brought with her twenty-five years of experience as well as patience, compassion, humor, and persistence in working with this tremendously diverse and incredibly rewarding group of people.. Barbra Lesh is a Board Certified psychiatrist who is licensed to practice medicine in New York and New Jersey. She earned her medical degree at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Here she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society for the highest academic performance. In addition, Dr.
Lesh received the AMWA Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Citation for graduating among the top five women in her medical school class. Dr Lesh completed her psychiatry training at Yale where she served as Chief of the psychiatric emergency room, Chief of the neuropsychiatric firm, and program wide Chief resident. Formerly the Medical Director of the Buffalo Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders, Dr. Lesh brings her enthusiasm and expertise to the Narins Eating Disorder Center. . Condino is Board Certified in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. She earned her medical degree from University at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and continued her training with a Fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (1993).
Condino treats children, adolescents, and adults. She heads the Oishei Children's Hospital Adolescent Medicine Clinic where she supervises the treatment of patients with eating disorders. She is also responsible for the medical care of those admitted for acute inpatient care of severe eating disorder symptoms. Beth is the first contact and friendly voice greeting callers who are seeking information about Narins EDC. Understanding how difficult this call can be for those struggling with Eating Disorders, Beth kindly and patiently takes people through the intake process and makes this often- intimidating process both welcoming and hopeful. On the administrative end, it's hard to imagine running an office in a more organized and efficient manner. Truly, Beth is the warm, helpful, and approachable face that keeps Narins EDC buzzing.
Britney Annis has her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University where she also played Division II volleyball. During her time at Palm Beach Atlantic, she interned in multiple medical settings serving medically fragile children and at-risk youth. Britney began her career as a Child Life Specialist providing grief work for children and families at Hospice Buffalo. Following this experience, she worked with people with developmental disabilities providing respite services to families and focusing on skill-building through activities in the community. During her career as a Social Worker, she has worked with children and adolescents and their families to provide treatment for a wide variety of disorders that can impact the family system.
Britney is passionate about her career and she is excited to bring her energy, bright personality, and nurturing spirit to Narins to help create connection, build courage, and instill resilience in those that she works with. Jessica Wojtkowiak, a Western New York native, graduated from the University of Buffalo's Master of Social Work Program. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Nutrition at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. While receiving her undergraduate degree, she served as a kitchen Intern at Buffalo Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders. Jessica brings many different job and internship experiences; working with adolescents in a school setting as well as with individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. A sports enthusiast, Jessica has coached lacrosse and interned in The University at Buffalo’s Athletics program. Jessica joined the Narins staff in 2018 and has played an important role in the establishment of our PHP Program in early 2019.
Mary Cullinane, a native of Hamburg, received her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, MD in 2005 and later earned her License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC). She began her career treating clients with substance use disorders, conducting group and individual therapy at a medication-assisted treatment program in Baltimore. She has since served as primary therapist both in private practice and at several outpatient programs, including Sister's Hospital STAR program, Buffalo Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders, and The Renfrew Center. Mary believes in an eclectic approach to counseling based on one's individual needs, and especially enjoys helping clients find their own motivators and examine the relationship between their thoughts and feelings.
Laura graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services with a minor in counseling from the University at Buffalo in 2018. She is currently earning her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University at Buffalo. Her goal is to specialize in Eating Disorder Treatment upon receiving her LMHC. Laura brings enthusiasm and compassion to Narins EDC. With her particular interest in Wellness interventions, Laura helps patients infuse personal self-care plans with creativity, humor, connection, physical and emotional well-being, and positivity in facing life's challenges. Natalie Robertello is a Registered Dietitian located in Buffalo, NY. She received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Oneonta and continued at University of Buffalo to complete her dietetic internship and Master's in Nutrition. Additionally, she is a Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Nutrition (CSSD).
Renfrew Eating Disorder Program Nyc 2018
Being Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics designates specific knowledge, skills, and expertise for competency in sports dietetics practice. She has worked with active individuals and athletes in the Buffalo area to help them adequately fuel their bodies to perform their best in their sport and in life.
Nourishing your body includes figuring out what foods you truly enjoy, that taste good and make you feel great. Natalie believes it is important to find a healthy relationship with food through a balanced approach; “all foods have a place in your diet.' A registered dietitian with an advanced degree in nutrition from Columbia University, Sheila is a recognized expert in food and nutrition.
With more than 20 years of professional experience, Sheila makes it her job to keep current on the latest developments in the field. Most important, she knows how to separate the latest nutritional fad from sound evidence-based approaches to nutrition. Working collaboratively with her patients and other treatment team members, she provides support in devising and implementing a plan to make healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle. Although Sheila works with all nutrition problems, she specializes in treating those struggling with eating disorders. A popular speaker in the field, Sheila is highly sought after as a presenter, educator, and expert adviser to multiple media outlets. Finally, Sheila has been an integral part of establishing and nurturing standards of excellence in nutrition through her patient care, teaching and supervision of staff, community consultation, and her current role as supervising dietitian. Learn more at www.sheilsflavinrd.com..
Since joining the Eating Disorder Treatment world in 2016 at the tender age of 3 months, Joy has gained extensive experience and supported the recovery process of many. Her French name Joie de Vive translates to an exuberant 'Joy of Life', and she has certainly lived up to her name. From her role as eager receptionist, happily greeting everyone who walks in the door, to her favorite job of snuggling or playing with anyone in need, Joy brings her friendly, playful, loving personality to work each and every day. She loves to roll over, play dead, fetch endlessly, and offer a 'high five' upon request.
Many years ago I had the pleasure of visiting The Renfrew Center just outside of Philadelphia, PA. At first, I wasn’t sure if this was a gigantic private residence with it’s ancient stone farm house, stables, and quintessential barn. Definitely one of the more beautiful suburban locations for a treatment center I’ve seen. I had my tour of the grounds which look more like an upscale farm (in a good way), talked with the Executive Director about mental health under a giant oak tree, and got to know the program schedule as young women shuffled in and out of the various buildings. Below are more details on Renfrew with my Final Thoughts at the end.BackgroundThe Renfrew Center is headquartered in has been serving women with eating disorders and behavioral health issues since 1985. As one of the nation’s first residential eating disorder facility, with 16 locations throughout the country, Renfrew claims to have worked with more than 65,000 women since their founding.
The Renfrew Center has experienced it’s most significant growth in the last decade and a half have with the additional of programs across the country.ServicesThe Renfrew Center offers a full continuum of care that supports patients well beyond a residential stay. This comprehensive range of services available at most of their locations, includes day treatment, intensive outpatient and outpatient programs. CostResidential – $8050 per weekThey work with most insurers so a significant portion of services may be covered.ReviewsEmployees on multiple sites give Renfrew some for working conditions, diversity of the work force, and work-life balance.
Most notably were many comments on Renfew’s seeming focus on profit and not much focus on treatment. They also described poor, untrained supervisors that did little to organize chaotic situations.Clients on the other hand often report having a positive experience and feeling somewhat nurtured. There were dozens of reports from clients going back to Renfrew multiple times for support. This could be viewed as good or bad.The New York location stood out with many, many which highlights an ongoing theme among larger providers like Renfrew – when it comes down to actual effectiveness of a program, everything has to do with the clinicians at specific locations and very little to do with the corporate handlers up above.ContactHere is a form which is probably the best way to get ahold of them.Final ThoughtsOh how I wish programs like Renfrew could just slow down and focus more on quality. I’ve known too many therapists over the years who think poorly of Renfrew’s clinical integrity to feel comfortable referring clients that come to Fonthill.
That said, it doesn’t mean women struggling with an ED should avoid Renfrew. I think programs like this have a place in the menu of options, especially if you want treatment close to a major metro area like Philadelphia. Just make sure to make a decision on more than what the admissions folks at Renfrew tell you. Look up reviews, talk with outpatient eating disorder specialists (like in Washington, DC) or placement specialists (like Fonthill ) and do your homework. It’s expensive and takes a huge amount of time to go to Renfrew so don’t rush in.
Recent Posts.Categories.