Our Expert Eating Disorder Staff

Group CEO

Chrissy Hall, LCSW

As Group CEO, Chrissy is responsible for the overall operations, executive leadership team, and delivery of clinical services at Aster Springs. She started her career over 25 years ago in the behavioral health care field as a direct care staff member. Her experience is primarily in clinical and business development executive leadership positions, serving residential treatment centers, freestanding acute care hospitals, outpatient centers, and military treatment programs. Her areas of expertise include overseeing quality and compliance for startups, clinical best practices, staff education, and program development. Chrissy is passionate about leading teams to provide the highest quality of care in safe, therapeutic environments. Chrissy received her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University, and she’s currently licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Chrissy is married and has two sons, ages 17 and 20. During her free time, Chrissy enjoys going to her son’s baseball games and traveling.

Executive Director - Richmond

Melanie Vann, MA

Melanie Vann obtained her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Regent University. She is a licensed mental health provider in the state of Virginia. Melanie started her career treating eating disorders becoming a skilled clinician in trauma-based therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and experiential therapies. Due to the complexity of eating disorders, Melanie furthered her education by becoming a certified equine-assisted therapist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). She also went on to become a certified life coach through AACC. Melanie has worked in various settings in the mental health field including business and program development, non-profits, podcasting, consulting, outreach, and education. She has held multiple positions including primary therapist, program director, clinical director, and executive director. Melanie’s therapeutic approach is client- and strengths-focused to support her philosophy that full recovery and freedom from an eating disorder is possible. Her passion is to foster hope in individuals so they can live confident, empowered, and authentic lives.

Executive Director - Nashville

Hillary Suhaila Bacon, DSW, LCSW

Hillary Suhaila Bacon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Murray State University in 2017, a Master’s degree in Social Work from Campbellsville University in 2019, and a Doctorate of Social Work degree at the University of Kentucky in 2023. Before working at Aster Springs, Hillary has experience in private practice, crisis mental health services, and substance use treatment. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and often utilizes dialectal behavioral therapy, acceptance, commitment therapy, and existentialism in therapeutic practice.

Hillary serves on the board of directors for Aubrey’s Song for Eating Disorders, a Kentucky-based non-profit that works to educate and bring awareness about eating disorders. Hillary has worked with the National Eating Disorders Association in fundraising and with the state legislature.

Hillary’s career goals include making Aster Springs the best eating disorder treatment available in the United States, obtaining her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) credential, and becoming certified in EMDR (C-EMDR).

Network Medical Director

Dr. Tom Scales

Dr. Tom Scales is the Network Medical Director for Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s Eating Disorder Network, which includes, Aster Springs. In his role, Dr. Scale provides psychiatric and medical care to Aster Springs clients. He did his undergraduate training at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, went to medical school at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and did his residency training in a combined Internal Medicine/Psychiatry program at Rush Presbyterian St Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, IL. He has done many presentations about eating disorders in the community and has made local media appearances discussing eating disorders. He was a radio show host in 2007 of a live web-based program entitled “Understanding Eating Disorders” on the website www.health.voiceamerica.com and featured professionals and lay people as guests in the eating disorder field.  Most importantly, he is a husband and proud father of two children. He is a diplomat in the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and in Addiction Medicine through the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

Psychiatrist - Richmond

Dr. Hart

Dr. Hart completed his undergraduate studies at William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He went to Medical School at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. Afterwards, he completed his residency training in Psychiatry at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is experienced working with adolescent and adult populations, and is experienced working with a wide variety of mental illnesses, particularly refractory anxiety and depression, and addiction.

Director of Nursing - Richmond

Lemettris Williams, RN

Lemettris is a graduate of Bryant and Stratton College where she received a degree in nursing. She’s always had a passion for helping others and knew at a young age that she wanted to be a nurse. Lemettris has over 20 years of healthcare experience. She’s spent the past four years of her career serving the eating disorder community.  She enjoys spending time with family and resides with her husband and two daughters in Chesterfield, VA.

Director of Nursing - Nashville

Alexa Witcofsky

Alexa graduated from James Madison University with a degree in nursing. She quickly realized she loved working in the psychiatric field and with the eating disorder population. Alexa has worked in residential facilities, inpatient units, and partial programs. She is excited to bring her years of experience to Aster Springs and for the opportunity to help our clients heal and recover.

When she isn’t at work, you can find Alexa on the Jiu-Jitsu mats or snuggling with her two cats, Nephron and Nacho.

Clinical Director - Richmond

Leslie Forrest, LCSW

Leslie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Leslie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia. With eight years of experience working in the mental and behavioral health field, Leslie has experience working with mental health disorders such as depressive, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. She has extensive training in therapeutic interventions like Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. Leslie has spent the past two years working in substance use treatment working in individual therapy and crisis services to individuals experiencing Opioid Use Disorder.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Richmond

Denise Murray, MS, PMHNP-BC, CEDS

Denise Murray is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She obtained her undergraduate degrees in psychology and nursing and her graduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

Nurse Practitioner - Richmond

Kusum Bhetwal, NP

Kusum Bhetwal is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with clinical experience in primary, acute, and post-acute care. She earned her Master’s Degree in Science specializing in Family Medicine from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Bon Secours School of Nursing. Outside of work, Kusum enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She likes playing board games and watching movies with her seven-year-old daughter. Her favorite hobbies are traveling, hiking, reading books, and volunteering in the community at healthcare events.

Therapist - Richmond

Tracey Dickens, MSW

Tracey graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with her Master’s in Clinical Social Work and is currently receiving supervision to become a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. She has over four years of experience working with children and adults with various mental health diagnoses, including substance use disorders. Tracey has a passion for helping others navigate through life’s difficult moments and overcome barriers while utilizing a strength-based, person-centered approach. She believes that breaking down barriers in accessing mental health and addiction treatment is the first step in eliminating the stigma associated with treatment.

Therapist - Richmond

Sirena Pangelinan, MS, QMHP-C, QMHP-A/T

Sirena obtained her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and will soon receive supervision as a resident in counseling. Sirena has over seven years of experience working with a wide array of populations, age ranges, and various mental health diagnoses, including working with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations impacted by severe mental illness, trauma and attachment issues, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. Sirena’s passion lies with meeting people where they are within the difficulties of life and managing these challenges through a strength-based, present moment, client-centered approach. As a Gestalt and Person-Centered therapist, Sirena aims to increase personal awareness and freedom and manage life’s unfinished business within the moment to help people learn to thrive throughout their healing journey. Sirena is also continuing her education in pursuit of her PhD. in Counseling and Supervision through Capella University, as well as a current certificate program in substance abuse counseling.

Chef - Richmond

Joseph Wilson

Joe is a chef who has spent his entire culinary career within healthcare. He’s worked in adolescent residential care for eating disorders in Durham, NC, as well as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment for adolescents and adult clients in Richmond, VA. A graduate of the Art Institutes Culinary Program in Durham, NC, Joseph also served in the U.S. Navy.

His food philosophy regarding eating disorder treatment is to minimize anxiety surrounding food. This is achieved through food exposures in a guided, fun, less clinical environment where clients can learn fundamental knowledge regarding ingredients, cooking methods, history, and applications. A key component of treatment includes culinary groups where clients learn these skills and the ability to process their relationship with the healing nature of nutrition.

Director of Nutrition Services - Richmond

Emily Moorefield, RD

Emily is a registered dietician who obtained her undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from James Madison University. She went on to complete her dietetic internship at University of Virginia Health Systems. She’s currently working on her accreditation to be a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian (CED-RD). Prior to joining the Aster Springs team, Emily served as the Nutrition Manager at an eating disorder facility. Her career has included working at various levels of care for treating eating disorders to help clients improve their relationship with food. She’s also had the opportunity to raise awareness and provide education to the community on eating disorders through presentations and interdisciplinary panel discussions. Her counseling techniques integrate evidence-based nutrition science and motivational interviewing to aid her clients in reaching their full potential. Emily takes a therapeutic approach to nutrition and can connect with clients exceeding far beyond their relationship with food. She utilizes the Health at Every Size and All Foods Fit approaches.

Registered Dietician - Richmond

Stephanie Hayes, RD

Stephanie is a graduate from the University of Maryland where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. She then completed her Dietetic Internship and supervised practice at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she gained experience serving a variety of populations in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. It was through her own recovery from disordered eating and body dysmorphia that she became passionate about helping others heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Stephanie is an advocate for intuitive eating, Health at Every Size (HAES), and an all-foods-fit mindset. It’s her priority to meet clients where they are to support them in their walk toward recovery. In her time outside of work, she loves to spend time outdoors soaking up the sun and being surrounded by loved ones (including her two cats, Waffles and Biscuit).

Registered Dietitian - Richmond

Caroline Knight, RD

Caroline received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia. She then earned her Master of Science degree in Nutrition from Auburn University. After graduation, she completed her dietetic internship at the University of Houston with a focus on sports nutrition and disordered eating. She started her career as a sports dietitian in a Division I collegiate setting working with athletes, and then she transitioned into working with eating disorders and has worked at multiple levels of care since. Her approach is individualized, weight-inclusive, Health at Every Size aligned, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. She enjoys using a therapeutic approach, evidence-based nutrition science, and humor to help clients have a better understanding of how their bodies utilize nutrition and how to take the steps necessary to achieve recovery.

Registered Dietitian - Nashville

Resa Herndon, RD

Resa received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She then earned her Master’s in Exercise and Nutrition from Lipscomb University. After graduation, she completed her dietetic internship at Lipscomb University in sports nutrition. She started her career as a clinical dietitian at Ascension Saint Thomas Rehab Hospital. She became interested in eating disorders through working with female collegiate athletes and personal training clients who were dealing with disordered eating. Her career goals include making Aster Springs Nashville the best and most welcoming residential care facility possible. She hopes to gain her Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian (CEDRD) credential and eventually her CEDRD-S to support and educate other dietitians who wish to grow their knowledge of eating disorders. Outside work, you can find her playing guitar, hiking with her dog Akilah, and at the gym with her friends.

Regional HR Manager - Richmond

Ciera Johnson, MS

Ciera has always had a passion for helping people. She started her journey studying psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in 2016. She wanted to continue her passion for helping others by studying human behavior at work and received a Master of Science degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Radford University in 2018. Ciera enjoys making a difference in the workplace by always putting the employee first, and she is excited to join a team of passionate and hard-working individuals at Aster Springs.

Milieu Supervisor and Client Advocate - Richmond

Helen Bragg, QMHP A & C

Helen has a passion for uplifting and empowering clients that’s spanned over a sixteen-year career. Though her experience has been in several dynamic clinical settings from forensic mental health to therapeutic residential psych, Helen’s truest vocation is within eating disorder treatment. In the five years she’s worked with this population, she’s created a unique approach that is both dialectic and compassion focused. Ultimately, Helen’s vision for the work at Aster Springs is to provide the best and most informed healing for clients as they move towards recovery.

Therapist - Richmond

Via Cosby

Via Cosby graduated from Lesley University with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Drama Therapy. Via has experience working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and adjustment disorders, and adults and adolescents with eating disorders. She believes in the power of individualized treatment and the importance of community support and care. Through the use of Drama Therapy and other expressive arts modalities, Via hopes to empower clients to explore their mental health through a new lens, focusing on the ways that the arts can improve their lives and their understanding of themselves.

Regional Director of Clinical Partnerships, Mid-Atlantic

Claire Coker

Claire joined the Odyssey Eating Disorder Network with over nine years of experience in direct client care, community outreach, and youth programming. She discovered her passion of working within the eating disorder field while completing her Master of Divinity from Wesley Theology Seminary in Washington, DC. Claire brings her expertise in Public Theology, specializing in how theological beliefs inform embodiment. Most recently, she supported the launch of a new residential program for those recovering from eating disorders through curriculum development, direct client care, operations, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Claire is excited to support Odyssey’s Eating Disorder Network through community building and feels deeply aligned with Odyssey’s values of integrity and accountability. Through partnering with clinicians, Claire hopes to make finding quality care easier for those seeking healing.

National Director of Eating Disorder Admissions

Alycia Aldieri, LPC

As the National Director of Eating Disorder Admissions, Alycia works with the Eating Disorder Clinical Partnership Team to provide a responsive, compassionate, and streamlined process for admission into treatment. Her professional experiences include working with both adults and adolescents with co-occurring disorders, primarily in a residential setting. She’s a graduate of Benedictine University’s Master of Science of Clinical Psychology program. She also received her bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from East Carolina University, where she received classical vocal training. Alycia’s therapeutic and professional approach derives from her therapeutic work, spiritual beliefs, and 12-step principles. She strongly values providing the highest level of integrity, compassion, and ethics when helping families and individuals affected by eating disorders and addiction. She believes living a life of recovery is worth the fight and holds hope that recovery is achievable to anyone willing. Alycia finds peace in being of service to others, and her goal is to ensure a smooth admission process for each client and their loved ones.

Alumni Relations Manager

Stefan Glamp

Stefan leads Odyssey’s efforts in developing the alumni communities at each of their facilities. Stefan’s approach sustains treatment effectiveness by providing timely, systematic, and supportive engagement for all clients who have completed treatment. With extensive experience developing and directing robust alumni communities in the addiction and mental health fields, he focuses on engaging people within their specific recovery journeys and developing community partnerships with a belief that long-term recovery is an attainable life goal.

Alumni Coordinator

Courtney Boyington

Courtney graduated with her bachelor’s in history from the University of Montevallo in 2008. She continued her education to achieve her master’s in secondary education in 2010. She began working in direct care with women and teens with eating disorders in 2021 and has experienced much personal and professional growth.

Courtney’s passion has always been to help others. Speaking words of affirmation and encouragement is her second language. Courtney shares much of her own story of recovery in an effort to give strength and hope to others.As the Alumni Coordinator, she creates and cultivates a community for the clients of Aster Springs to assist them in their daily lives after residential treatment.

Milieu Supervisor - Nashville

Gianella Toledo

Gia graduated from Boston University with a double major in neuroscience and psychology. Since then, she has worked in the behavioral health field as a case manager for families and children and as support staff in residential programs for adults. Gia prioritizes client care and strongly believes in the importance of supportive relationships in healing. Gia enjoys hiking and spending time with her cat Kiwi in her free time.

Therapist - Richmond

Chiara Shelton, MSW

Chiara obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Capella University and currently receives supervision as supervisee in social work to become Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over 3 years of specialized experience assessing, diagnosing, and treating adults experiencing serious mental illnesses, behavioral disorders, substance use disorders, and emotional dysregulation. She relies heavily on evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and dialectical behavior theory. Her universal goal with each client is to establish a safe trusting space that allows them to embrace vulnerability, transparency, & transformation. Her approach is person-centered and always geared to align with the client’s best interests. Chiara’s passion is to continue destigmatizing mental health by encouraging individuals to engage in therapy when faced with overwhelming adversity.

Family Nurse Practitioner - Richmond

Ogochukwu Obiekwe, FNP-C

Ogochukwu Obiekwe is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Ogochukwu obtained her associate degree in nursing from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, a bachelor’s in nursing from VCU, and her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from The Catholic University of America. After a couple of years of practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Urgent care and family practice, Ogochukwu completed her Post-master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Liberty University. Ogochukwu has extensive nursing experience including but not limited to a background in Cardiology, medical-surgical, geriatric nursing, neurology, and women’s health. She believes in caring for both the physical and emotional well-being of her patients and every patient encounter is an opportunity to help her patients alter their lives through promoting better health practices and being there for them in their times of need.