Sacramento Staff

Tony Paulson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Specializing in treating eating disorders, Dr. Paulson's intensive approach to treating anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders utilizes a combination of education, cognitive therapy, and experiential exercises. He has written and lectured extensively on the topic of eating disorders. He has recently authored a book Why She Feels Fat: Understanding Your Loved One's Eating Disorder and How You Can Help. Email Tony

Jennifer Lombardi, MFT
Director of Program Development
Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, Jennifer Lombardi has extensive training and lectures on the topics of eating disorders, body image, and self esteem. Jennifer utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, experiential, and family systems theories in her work. Email Jennifer

Eric Tepper, MD
Medical Director, Day Treatment Program
Dr. Tepper completed his internship and residency at Methodist Hospital and Mercy Family Health Center in Sacramento, CA. He received his Doctorate in Medicine in 1993 from MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Tepper has been working in private family practice since 2003 and has extensive experience and education working with patients who are struggling with eating disorders. He became a SEDOP Board Member in 2002, and has since played an active role in developing outreach and education programs. In 2005, he joined the SEDOP team as Medical Director, providing guidance and oversight on clinical programs.

Lisa Petersen, Ph.D.
Program Director
Lisa Petersen is a Licensed Psychologist, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. She has significant experience working with women's issues, as well as anxiety and depressive disorders. Lisa has worked with individuals, groups, couples, and families in the mental health field since 1992. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, experiential, and family systems theories in her work.

Jesse Pitrone, MFT
Program Director
Jesse Pitrone is a Marriage and Family Therapist and has been working in the field of eating disorders since 2000. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for people struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. Jesse has taught college courses in the Human Services field, and provides assessment services with SEDOP. Clinical specialties include eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, and mood disorders.

Laurie Snodgrass, MFT
Clinical Supervisor
Laurie Snodgrass is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She has significant experience and training in the treatment of eating disorders as well as anxiety and depressive disorders. She employs cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and creative arts approaches.

Sheila Naab, RD
Director of Nutritional Services
Sheila Naab is a Registered Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist and has been working in the field of eating disorders since 1995. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient programs for people struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and compulsive exercise. Her goal is to educate clients about the role of proper nutrition and exercise in overall health and to help them develop strategies to overcome their disordered eating and exercise habits.

Lisa Otero, MSW
Lisa Otero received a Master's Degree in Social Work and has specialized training in the area of disordered eating. Lisa has comprehensive experience in treating compulsive and addictive behaviors, women's issues, and self-esteem issues. She has an extensive history in providing therapeutic support to families, couples, and individuals in crisis. She utilizes psychodynamic, family systems, cognitive-behavioral and object-relations theories in her work.

Mark Gibson, ACSW
Mark Gibson is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the field of mental health since 1995. He has experience working with disordered eating in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. Mark utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, experiential, and family systems theories in his work.

Kelly Girard
Kelly Girard is s Registered Nurse and Certified Massage Therapist for the Day Treatment Program. Kelly consults with personal physicians and Dr. Tepper to help monitor client's health status. Her goal here is to educate clients about preventing complications of eating disorders and providing a calm and creative environment in which to heal.

Kristine Suchan, MFTI
Kristine is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern who works effectively with clients who experience anxiety and depression and who struggle with poor body image and self- concept. She utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and family systems theories in her therapy.

Jacqueline Paulson, Financial and Human Resources Coordinator
Jacqueline has been working in the human resources field for several years and has been with Summit since 1999. She coordinates the insurance benefits, billing, accounts receivable and financial arrangements. She meets with clients to review their insurance and financial arrangements. She also oversees the human resources for Summit.

Peach Friedman, MFA
Peach Friedman is SEDOP's Education & Outreach Coordinator, as well as the Pilates and strength training teacher in the Day Treatment program. She has a background in eating disorders outreach and fitness, and lectures extensively on both subjects. Peach’s first book, "Diary of an Exercise Addict," is forthcoming in January 2009. In addition, Peach is a spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association, and a Personal Fitness Trainer specializing in health & wellness for women.

Katie Polsky, Ph.D.
Dr. Polsky has extensive experience in Eating Disorder treatment, research, and outreach since 1997. She has worked in both outpatient and residential treatment programs for both males and females who have eating disorders. Dr. Polsky has advanced training in issues related to gender and sexual orientation (LGBTQ), identity development and trauma. Her experience includes working with individuals, couples, groups, and families. She uses an integrative approach to treatment drawing heavily from psychodynamic, feminist, and interpersonal theories as well as cognitive behavioral.

Shannon Buri, Administrative Assistant
Shannon has been working in the administrative field for several years. She grew up in Santa Cruz and is new to the Sacramento area. She has a passion for her work, and enjoys being a part of the Summit staff.